People hurting, people broken
Beaten down and feeling hopeless
Wonder if it’s gonna always be this way
Who will speak up for the captive
Show some love and heal a past that
Binds the wounds we think will never go away
But what if we could be a people on our knees
As one before the King
'Cause we believe
All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
Prison walls start shaking
At the sound of praising
Nothing stays the same
Oh, when we pray
Oh, when we pray, oh
I see revival rising
I see hope on the horizon
As a generation stepping out in faith
Because we will be a people on our knees
As one before the King
Coz we believe
All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
Prison walls start shaking
At the sound of praising
Nothing stays the same
Oh, when we pray
Oh, when we pray, oh
Let Your kingdom come, Lord
Let Your will be done
All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
Prison walls start shaking
At the sound of praising
Nothing stays the same
Oh, when we pray, oh
When we pray, oh
In Jesus name (when we pray)
In Jesus name (when we pray)
When we pray, oh
When we pray
When We Pray
When We Pray Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Tauren Wells' song "When We Pray," released on October 20, 2017, presents a powerful message centered on the transformative impact of collective prayer. The opening verses paint a picture of widespread human suffering, depicting individuals who are hurting, broken, beaten down, and feeling hopeless. It acknowledges the pain of those held captive and the deep wounds that seem resistant to healing, highlighting the common struggles faced in the world.
The song then introduces a pivotal question, suggesting a potential solution to this human condition: the possibility of God's people uniting in prayer. The lyrics propose that gathering together "on our knees as one before the King" initiates a fundamental shift. This collective posture of humility and belief in God's power is presented as the key to unlocking change.
The core message is powerfully articulated in the chorus, asserting that "All the world starts changing when the church starts praying." This line encapsulates the central theme – that prayer is not a passive activity but a dynamic force capable of altering circumstances. The song describes tangible effects of prayer, using vivid imagery: "Strongholds start to break" and "Prison walls start shaking at the sound of praising." These phrases suggest that prayer can dismantle oppressive forces, overcome spiritual and physical barriers, and bring about liberation, implying that nothing remains static in the face of fervent prayer.
Further emphasizing the forward movement inspired by prayer, the song expresses a vision of "revival rising" and "hope on the horizon." This is linked to a generation stepping out in faith, indicating that the act of prayer empowers believers to live out their faith actively. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the certainty of prayer's effectiveness, reiterating the message that prayer leads to breaking strongholds and shaking prison walls.
The bridge of the song adds a layer of theological depth by invoking phrases from the Lord's Prayer: "Let Your kingdom come, Lord, let Your will be done." This connects personal and corporate prayer to a broader desire for God's reign and purposes to be established on earth. It suggests that prayer aligns human will with divine will, facilitating the manifestation of God's kingdom. The concluding lines, "In Jesus name," underscore the basis of this powerful prayer, rooting its authority and efficacy in the name and work of Jesus Christ. The song ultimately serves as a call to action, encouraging believers to embrace the power of prayer as the means to bring about significant change in the world and in their lives.
