Phil Wickham - Praise The Lord Lyrics

Phil Wickham - Praise The Lord (Official Audio)

Praise The Lord Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Phil Wickham's song "Praise The Lord," released in August 2023, is a powerful anthem of worship that calls the listener to actively engage in glorifying God. The song begins with an invocation to the soul itself, urging it to awaken and sing in response to the Savior's work. This initial call sets a tone of spiritual awakening and directs the focus outward, away from self and towards the divine actions performed on behalf of the believer. The simple yet profound statement, "All that I am, sing hallelujah," establishes the theme of total dedication in worship from the outset.

The narrative of the song quickly moves to describe the transformative impact of God's grace. The lyrics speak of eternal freedom and change, defining one's life entirely by this grace. The commitment to praise is reiterated, extending to every aspect of existence – each step, every breath. This highlights a comprehensive form of worship, not limited to specific times or places but integrated into the very fabric of life, driven by the realization of being set free and fundamentally altered by divine favor.

The chorus serves as the central declaration, expressing a wholehearted resolve to praise the Lord with every part of one's being. It emphasizes that this commitment persists regardless of external circumstances, specifically mentioning navigating through "shadow" and "storm." This speaks to a faith that is resilient and unwavering, maintaining its focus on praise even amidst difficulty and trial. The repetition reinforces the deep-seated desire to magnify God above all else, regardless of the challenges faced.

The song then introduces themes of spiritual warfare and the power available to believers. Referencing faith as a shield and the Word as a sword points to defensive and offensive aspects of Christian life as described in scripture. The declaration that the intensity of the battle only fuels louder praise demonstrates a defiant joy rooted in God's power. The mention of the Spirit that raised Christ from the grave dwelling within the believer directly connects personal praise to the ultimate demonstration of God's power, signifying that the source of resurrection life is active and empowering worship.

The bridge provides a testimony of God's specific interventions and acts of deliverance. It speaks of a steadfast commitment to continuously sing of what God has done, particularly highlighting being heard in times of need and being placed on secure ground after being rescued from the grip of the enemy. This section grounds the call to praise in the tangible, historical, and personal experiences of God's faithfulness and salvation. It reinforces that the impetus for continuous worship is the remembrance and declaration of His saving actions.

The final return to the chorus broadens the scope, becoming a corporate declaration of praise. The repeated command for everything within to praise the Lord underscores the comprehensive nature of this call. The addition of "For ever and ever and ever, amen!" and "He is worthy, He is worthy" solidifies the eternal perspective of worship and the inherent value and deservingness of God to receive all honor and glory. The song culminates in this resounding affirmation of God's worthiness, inviting a unified response of endless praise.