Hillsong Worship - Open Heaven Lyrics

Open Heaven

Open Heaven Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Open Heaven" is a prominent worship song by Hillsong Worship, released as part of their album "Open Heaven / River Wild" on October 15, 2015. The song serves as a passionate invocation, expressing a deep collective and personal desire for a powerful move of God's Spirit. It speaks to the tangible experience of God's presence, longing for signs and wonders that originate from a divine outpouring. The lyrics paint a picture of the Spirit being poured out generously, affecting both the old and the young, signifying a widespread spiritual awakening and renewal.

The core of the song is a fervent prayer and declaration calling for the Holy Spirit to descend and work within believers. The imagery of the Holy Spirit as "rain falling like a flood" suggests an overwhelming abundance and refreshing presence that breaks through praise and deepens the understanding and experience of God's love. This echoes biblical themes of God's Spirit being poured out like life-giving water, bringing spiritual cleansing and renewal. Following this, the song invokes the Holy Spirit as "fire burning within my soul," representing purification, passion, and divine presence that ignites the heart as the worshipper calls on the name of Jesus.

The lyrics further explore the spiritual experience through "dreams and visions of the Son" and "revelations of Your love," which are depicted as occurring while standing in God's presence and looking towards heaven. This speaks to a heightened spiritual perception and understanding that comes through intimacy with God. These themes resonate with biblical accounts of God revealing Himself and His purposes through visions and dreams, particularly associated with the outpouring of the Spirit. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the earnest appeal for the rain and fire of the Spirit.

A significant part of the song is the extended bridge and breakdown section, which transitions from corporate declaration to a more personal expression of surrender. The plea for the Holy Spirit to "burn like a fire, all consuming, consume me" signifies a profound desire for spiritual transformation and purification, allowing God's presence to permeate every part of the being. This leads into a posture of complete surrender to God's glory, recognizing His presence as the ultimate goal. The imagery shifts again to "living water, river wild in me" and "open heaven, crashing over me," portraying the Spirit as an unstoppable, life-giving force that fully immerses and restores the believer in God's glory and mercy. This language powerfully conveys the overwhelming and transformative nature of encountering God's presence when heaven is perceived as open. The song's journey moves from initial invocation to a complete surrender, culminating in the experience of being restored and consumed by God's glory.