The Perrys - Prior to a Prayer Lyrics
Lyrics
Absent was joy, absent was peace
There was so little hope in sight
Wandering around
With only questions as my companion
Until the Spirit within me cried
And prior to a prayer
The tears just kept falling
Clothed in darkness
On the edge of despair
The Savior nowhere in sight
And nothing seemed right
But that was all just prior to a prayer
David in fear, Job in distress
Oh, how they wondered
Does God really care
Peter in prison
Not knowing friends were humbly kneeling
They had no hope just prior to a prayer
And prior to a prayer
The tears just kept falling
Clothed in darkness
On the edge of despair
The Savior nowhere in sight
And nothing seemed right
But that was all just prior to a prayer
But when Jesus came
When I finally saw Him
No more burdens, not one little care
It had been different
So different just moments ago
Faith was fading just prior to a prayer
A prayer
Video
Prior to a Prayer
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 2009 on the album *Almost Morning*, "Prior to a Prayer" by The Perrys delves into the profound transformation that occurs when one turns to God in their deepest moments of need. The song beautifully articulates a universal human experience: the feeling of being lost, overwhelmed, and seemingly without hope, only to find solace and deliverance through the power of prayer. The narrative unfolds with vivid imagery of despair, where joy and peace are absent, leaving only questions as companions and a profound sense of being clothed in darkness. This is a state familiar to many, echoing the psalmist’s lament in Psalm 42:11: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so troubled within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." The lyrics skillfully paint a picture of utter desolation, a place where the Savior feels distant and nothing seems to align, a stark reality that many face before seeking divine intervention.
The song wisely draws upon biblical figures who endured immense suffering, highlighting their own struggles with doubt and despair before finding God's grace. David, who penned many psalms expressing his anguish, and Job, who questioned God’s justice amidst his trials, serve as poignant examples. Peter’s imprisonment, detailed in Acts 12, further illustrates this point; he was unaware that his friends were fervently praying for his release, emphasizing the hidden power and efficacy of prayer even when we feel utterly alone. These biblical allusions reinforce the song's central message: that even the most faithful can experience profound hardship and questioning, and that their breakthrough often comes not from their own strength, but from engaging with God. This resonates with the Apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which speak of God as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
The turning point in "Prior to a Prayer" arrives with the powerful realization of Jesus’ presence. The lyrics shift from the darkness of despair to the light of salvation, where burdens are lifted and cares vanish. This transition is not gradual but instantaneous, a testament to the immediate comfort and peace found in a genuine encounter with Christ. The song implies that the faith which was fading just moments before is revitalized and strengthened by this divine intervention. This mirrors the experience described in Mark 9:24, where the father of the demon-possessed boy cries out, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" It’s a powerful reminder that faith is not always unwavering, but that God meets us in our moments of doubt and strengthens our resolve. The message of "Prior to a Prayer" is ultimately one of hope and encouragement, assuring listeners that no matter how dire their circumstances may seem, turning to God in prayer can bring about a miraculous change, transforming darkness into light and despair into unwavering faith. This profound truth is woven throughout Scripture, from the promises of Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," to the direct invitation in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Perrys, through this song, offer a poignant and inspiring reflection on the transformative power of prayer, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, hope and salvation are just a prayer away.