All the poor and powerless
And all the lost and lonely
All the thieves will come confess
And know that You are holy
Will know that You are holy
And all will sing out
Hallelujah
And we will cry out
Hallelujah
And all the hearts that are content
And all who feel unworthy
And all who hurt with nothing left
Will know that You are holy
And all will sing out
Hallelujah
And we will cry out
Hallelujah
[x2]
Shout it
Go on and scream it from the mountains
Go on and tell it to the masses
That He is God
[x5]
We will sing out
Hallelujah
And we will cry out
Hallelujah
We will sing out
Hallelujah
Shout it
Go on and scream it from the mountains
Go on and tell it to the masses
That He is God
All The Poor And Powerless
All The Poor And Powerless Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on March 23, 2015, "All The Poor And Powerless" by Shane & Shane emerged as a powerful anthem of worship, finding its origin deeply rooted in their characteristic approach to songwriting, which often flows directly from their devotional lives and preaching through Scripture. The song captures a core truth: that the invitation to encounter God's presence and power is extended to *everyone*, regardless of earthly status, strength, or perceived capability. It speaks to the beautiful paradox of the gospel, where God's glory is most vividly displayed not through human might or privilege, but often through weakness and humility. Analyzing the song reveals a masterful blending of simple, accessible language with profound theological depth. Musically, it builds with an increasing sense of awe and reverence, creating a space for corporate worship where voices can rise in unison, acknowledging the overwhelming nature of God. The core message is an urgent yet tender call for those who feel lacking – poor in spirit, weak, without influence – to come forward and witness or participate in the magnificent display of God's authority and splendor. This resonates profoundly with passages like 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, which highlights how God chooses the weak and despised things of the world to shame the strong, so that no one can boast before Him. The song emphasizes lifting hands and hearts in worship, a universal posture of surrender and adoration seen throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 134:2), inviting participants to actively engage with the divine. It speaks to God's power that not only created the cosmos (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1) but also works in the lives of individuals, making them strong when they are weak, a truth beautifully articulated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul learns that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. The song serves as a musical echo of Jesus' own words in the Beatitudes, particularly the blessing upon the poor in spirit in Matthew 5:3, suggesting that recognizing our spiritual poverty is the first step towards receiving the kingdom of heaven. By focusing on God's power and calling *all* to witness and respond, the song redirects attention away from human limitation and firmly onto divine sufficiency, encouraging a posture of faith and dependence. It's a worship piece designed to elevate God alone, fostering a communal sense of awe at the one who welcomes the humble and fills the hungry with good things, as Mary proclaimed in Luke 1:52-53. The composition successfully facilitates a collective expression of wonder at a God so vast and glorious, yet so intimately involved and welcoming to those who come to Him just as they are, echoing the open invitation found in John 6:37, where Jesus promises He will never cast out those who come to Him.
