Heritage Singers - God Keeps A Candle Lyrics
Lyrics
There's a mother somewhere kneeling
She is pouring out her heart by her bedside, interceding for her loved ones in the dark
Though the shadows grow and grow, she won't stop praying cause she knows
God keeps a candle burning in the window for every lost soul in the night
It can be beacon for those who are seekin' for a little touch of His power and might
Children gone astray can surely find their way back home when they see the light
God keeps a candle burning in the window for every lost soul in the night
Fellow traveler, don't be weary if you're far away from home
Though you walk uncertain valleys you are never on your own
Though you've wandered from God's will there's a light on Calvary's hill.
God keeps a candle burning in the window for every lost soul in the night
It can be beacon for those who are seekin' for a little touch of His power and might
Children gone astray can surely find their way back home when they see the light
God keeps a candle burning in the window for every lost soul in the night
Video
God Keeps a Candle
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on June 12, 2008, as part of their album *Forgiven*, Heritage Singers' "God Keeps A Candle" emerges as a profound and comforting declaration of divine love and persistent hope. This song isn't merely a musical piece; it's a spiritual anchor, narrating a timeless story of intercession, redemption, and the unwavering grace of God, particularly for those who have strayed from the path. Its message resonates deeply within the Christian faith, echoing fundamental biblical truths about prayer, forgiveness, and God's readiness to welcome His children home.
The song opens with a poignant image: "There's a mother somewhere kneeling, she is pouring out her heart by her bedside, interceding for her loved ones in the dark." This scene immediately establishes a powerful theme of persistent prayer, reminiscent of many scriptural examples. It brings to mind Hannah's earnest pleas for a child in 1 Samuel 1:10, or the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, whom Jesus commended for her unwavering resolve. This mother’s steadfastness, praying even as "shadows grow and grow," embodies the faith that knows prayer is not an act of desperation but a confident communication with a God who hears. Her conviction stems from a profound understanding that despite the visible darkness, a greater light persists, actively working on behalf of her beloved. Her intercession stands as a testament to the power of a mother’s love and a believer's faith, trusting God's timing and His ultimate plan.
The core message crystallizes in the chorus: "God keeps a candle burning in the window for every lost soul in the night." This central metaphor beautifully encapsulates God’s ceaseless vigil and boundless love. The candle in the window is not just a symbol of hope but an active invitation, a beacon of welcome for those navigating the spiritual wilderness. It evokes the narrative of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, where the father eagerly awaits his son’s return, watching from afar. The "candle" represents God’s patient, unwavering readiness to forgive and restore. For those "seekin' for a little touch of His power and might," this light signifies not just comfort but transformative strength. It is a reminder that Jesus declared Himself "the light of the world" (John 8:12), guiding those who follow Him out of darkness. The promise that "children gone astray can surely find their way back home when they see the light" reassures that no one is beyond redemption, and God's grace is always sufficient to guide them back to His embrace.
The second verse extends this message of comfort to a broader audience: "Fellow traveler, don't be weary if you're far away from home." This addresses anyone feeling disconnected, lost, or wandering through "uncertain valleys." It’s an assurance grounded in biblical promises of God’s companionship, such as found in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." The song declares that even when one feels most alone, they are "never on your own," emphasizing God's omnipresence and His commitment to His creation. Crucially, it highlights that even "though you've wandered from God's will, there's a light on Calvary's hill." This line is perhaps the most potent theological statement in the song, directing all hope and salvation to the cross of Christ. Calvary represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice (John 3:16, Romans 5:8), where forgiveness was secured for all who believe. The light emanating from Calvary is the guiding truth of redemption, forever drawing all people back to God.
"God Keeps A Candle" is ultimately a powerful anthem of encouragement and spiritual certainty. It beautifully intertwines the themes of tenacious prayer, God’s vigilant love, and the salvific light of Christ. It encourages those who pray for wayward loved ones to never lose faith, knowing that God is actively working. Simultaneously, it offers profound solace to those who feel distant from God, reminding them that a path back home is always illuminated by His grace, readily available through the sacrifice on Calvary. The steadfastness implied by "God *keeps* a candle burning" speaks to an eternal, unchanging promise—a constant, unwavering invitation for every soul to find refuge and restoration in His divine presence. This profound message offers both challenge and comfort, calling for perseverance in faith while affirming the boundless, unfailing love of God for all His children, perpetually lighting the way home.