Lyrics
Intro (x2)
There is a race that I must run
There are Victories to be won
Give me power every Hour
Chorus (x2)
There's a race that I must run
There are victories to be won
Give me power, every hour, to be true
Spoken
"Everybody has a race ...
let us start our race...
Keep on running
123...
"
Call and Response
Call: There is a race
Response
There's a race that I must run
There are victories to be won
Give me power, every hour, to be true
Bridge
There is a race you must run
There are victories you must win
Ask for power every hour to be true
I know there is a race you must run
There are victories to be won
Pray for power every hour
Call and Response (Repeat)
Call: There is a race
Response
There's a race that I must run
There are victories to be won
Give me power, every hour, to be true
Call and Response (Repeat)
Call: I know There is a race
Response
There's a race that I must run
There are victories to be won
Give me power, every hour, to be true
Outro
To the left To the right
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“There Is a Race I Must Run” by Jabu Hlongwane and ZimPraise is a call-and-response song about perseverance in the Christian life. The central lines, “There’s a race that I must run, there are victories to be won, give me power, every hour, to be true,” present faith as a course that needs daily strength rather than a single moment of effort.
The recording shifts between the singer’s own prayer and a leader addressing the congregation, changing the wording to “there is a race you must run” and “ask for power every hour.” A spoken section invites everyone to start their race and keep running, which gives the song the feel of a group exhortation.
The imagery is close to Hebrews 12:1, which speaks of running with endurance the race set before believers, and to 2 Timothy 4:7. The request for power every hour also recalls Philippians 4:13. The song is simple and repeated, and its message is that victory comes through dependence on God and faithfulness each day.
Related Scripture
- Hebrews 12:1 Running with endurance the race set before us
- 2 Timothy 4:7 Finishing the race and keeping the faith
- Philippians 4:13 Strength through Christ