Michael W. Smith - Let It Rain - Open the Flood Gates of Heaven Lyrics
Lyrics
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven
Let it rain, let it rain
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad
Let the distance shores rejoice
Clouds and thick darkness surround him
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne
A fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side
His lightning lights up the world
The earth sees and trembles
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord
Before the Lord of all the earth
The Heavens proclaim His righteousness
And all peoples will see His Glory
Open the floodgates of Heaven
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven
Let it rain, let it rain
We want to see Your Glory, God!
Do you want to see His Glory?
Lift your voices, lift your hands!
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven
(Repeat)
Video
Michael W Smith - Let it Rain
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith's "Let It Rain - Open the Flood Gates of Heaven," released on March 23, 2009, stands as a powerful anthem that transcends a simple worship song, acting as both a fervent prayer and a profound declaration of God's sovereignty. The song's essence is a passionate plea for a divine outpouring, mirroring the spiritual hunger for God's manifest presence and renewal in a world often parched for hope and truth. It captures the universal longing of faith for a deeper encounter with the Creator, inviting an overwhelming wave of His Spirit, His glory, and His justice to sweep across the earth.
The narrative of "Let It Rain" unfolds with an immediate and repeated cry, "Let it rain, let it rain. Open the floodgates of Heaven." This isn't merely a request for meteorological relief; it's a deep spiritual yearning, an appeal to the very source of life and blessing. The imagery of "rain" frequently symbolizes spiritual refreshing, revival, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. Prophets like Hosea (Hosea 6:3) speak of God coming to us like the rain, and Joel (Joel 2:23-29) prophesies a time when God will "pour out [His] Spirit on all people." The "floodgates of Heaven" invoke a sense of abundant, unrestrained giving, reminiscent of God’s covenant promise in Malachi 3:10, where He promises to "open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." This opening section establishes a posture of expectant surrender, inviting an overwhelming divine presence to permeate every aspect of life.
The song then shifts dramatically from earnest entreaty to a majestic declaration of God's character and dominion, drawing heavily from Old Testament descriptions of His power. The lines proclaiming "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad" directly echo Psalm 97:1, setting a tone of joy and awe in the face of divine authority. The subsequent verses paint a vivid, awe-inspiring picture of God's majesty: "Clouds and thick darkness surround him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne." This echoes Psalm 97:2, affirming God's unfathomable nature and the unshakeable principles upon which His kingdom is built. The song continues to portray God's awesome power with imagery of fire, lightning, and trembling earth, stating, "A fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side; His lightning lights up the world; The earth sees and trembles." These are powerful allusions to passages like Psalm 97:3-4 and Nahum 1:5-6, showcasing a God who is not only loving but also profoundly powerful and righteous, a consuming fire against evil. The profound imagery culminates with "The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth," a direct quote from Psalm 97:5, underscoring His supreme authority over all creation. The bridge connecting His reign to His revelation is clearly stated: "The Heavens proclaim His righteousness; And all peoples will see His Glory," fulfilling the promise found in Psalm 97:6. This entire segment serves as a powerful reminder of *who* is being invited, establishing the unassailable might and inherent goodness of the One whose floodgates are sought.
Returning to the initial plea, the repetition of "Open the floodgates of Heaven, Let it rain, let it rain" is now imbued with deeper meaning. It's no longer just a general request, but a specific yearning for the manifestation of the majestic God just described. The "rain" becomes synonymous with His glory, His righteousness, and the transformative power of His Spirit. The song then moves into a communal affirmation and call to worship: "We want to see Your Glory, God! Do you want to see His Glory? Lift your voices, lift your hands!" This segment transforms the song from a personal prayer into a corporate act of worship, an invitation for all believers to actively engage in desiring and receiving God's presence. It encourages a physical and vocal response, echoing biblical admonitions to praise and worship God with all of one's being, like in Psalm 134:2, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord." The "rain" desired is the overwhelming, undeniable evidence of God's presence and work among His people, a fulfillment of prophecies where God's glory covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). Michael W. Smith masterfully crafts a composition that is both an earnest supplication and a triumphant declaration, guiding the heart from humble request to active adoration, making "Let It Rain" an enduring call for spiritual outpouring and a powerful testament to God's reign.