(chorus 1)
when you praise, when you praise,
there should be a fire in your heart.
hands up raised, when you praise,
consuming every part because you know
the GOD we serve will make
his presence known, when you praise,
when you praise.
(2x)
when we think of how wonderful
and merciful and kind
our GOD has been to us.
then we know every glory hallelujah
he deserves, when we praise
(back to chorus 1)
praise will bind, confuse
and break the enemy.
and cause his hands to be still.
so we raise our hands in total victory
we know we triumph in his will.
(woman sings chorus 1)
when we praise, when we praise,
there should be a fire in your heart.
hands up raised when you praise,
consuming every part because you know
(chorus)the GOD we serve will make his presence known.
oh, when we praise, when we praise, when we praise.
(fred sings chorus 1)
let us praise, let us praise
with fire in our heart
hands up raised let us praise
consuming every part because you know
the GOD we serve will make his presence known.
(choir w/fred)
when we praise, when we praise, when we praise
when we praise, when we praise
there is none like you
when you praise, when we praise, when we praise
when we praise, when we praise
our GOD is an awesome GOD yeah
when we praise, when we praise, when we praise
when we praise, when we praise
bless the lord on my soul
(repeat 1x)
you can put your hands together in here tonight if you want to
(continue to "living word")
When You Praise
When You Praise Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Fred Hammond's "When You Praise" is a powerful declaration centered on the act of worship and its transformative effects. Released in the context of a live recording, as suggested by the video release date around April 6, 2015, the song captures the energy and communal spirit often found in Gospel and praise and worship settings. The central theme is the fervent, wholehearted nature of true praise, emphasizing that it should emanate from a deep, passionate "fire in your heart," involving the entire being ("consuming every part") and outward expression ("hands up raised").
The lyrics strongly assert the purpose and outcome of this sincere worship: God's presence is made manifest "when you praise." The song links this active praise to remembering God's inherent goodness, His mercy and kindness. This reflection naturally leads to the conclusion that He is utterly deserving of "every glory hallelujah." It frames praise not just as a duty, but as a grateful and necessary response to who God is and what He has done.
Beyond acknowledging God's worthiness, "When You Praise" highlights the spiritual power inherent in worship. The song teaches that praise has the capability to directly confront and overcome spiritual opposition, stating that it "will bind, confuse and break the enemy," ultimately causing his resistance to cease ("cause his hands to be still"). This perspective presents praise as a weapon, leading believers to raise their hands "in total victory," grounded in the assurance of triumph within God's will. The structure, including parts sung by different voices like a woman, Fred Hammond himself, and a choir, reinforces the idea of collective, unified worship and declaration.
The song culminates in a series of powerful, affirming statements about God's nature and worthiness that are proclaimed within the act of praise – declaring there is "none like you," that God is "an awesome GOD," and echoing the scriptural call to "bless the lord oh my soul." These repetitive declarations build an atmosphere of heightened devotion and faith. The mention of putting hands together and a potential transition into "Living Word" suggests the song is often part of a dynamic, unfolding worship experience, encouraging active participation from listeners and reinforcing the message that praise is a vibrant, engaging expression of faith with tangible spiritual effects.
