Raise a Hallelujah

written by Deborah Oakley

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I heard the song “Raise a Hallelujah” by Bethel Music for the first time not long ago.  One of the lines struck a chord in me that has been resonating ever since:

I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody

Music is MUCH more than simple entertainment to me.  Several years ago, I was introduced to the concept of praying and singing the Bible back to God.  My first introduction to this method of prayer was at a Onething conference at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, back in 2004. 

(If you’ve never experienced this, check out the 24/7 Webstream of the Prayer Room at IHOP.) 

Musicians play, people read the Bible and pray it back to God, the musicians turn those prayers into songs …  It changed both music and prayer for me forever. 

It wasn’t long after that I found I’d lost interest in secular music.  It’s not that I think all secular music is bad.  It just isn’t … enough.  The music I listen to now is always a conversation between God and me, and the music helps me to engage more than just my mind in those talks.

You can always know what’s on my mind.  Just listen to the lyrics of what I’m listening to.  Often, when there’s something in particular I’m thinking about or struggling with or rejoicing over, I find a song that reflects those things, and I listen to it and sing it over and over as I work through my issue/pain/praise/whatever.

I’m rather amused that a song gave me the language to express what my songs do for me.  I thought maybe you’d like to take a look at some favorite pieces in my arsenal.  Feel free to strap them on and wield them as needed.

Raise a Hallelujah – Bethel Music

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Sing a little louder (In the presence of my enemies)
Sing a little louder (Louder than the unbelief)
Sing a little louder (My weapon is a melody)
Sing a little louder (Heaven comes to fight for me)
Sing a little louder (In the presence of my enemies)
Sing a little louder (Louder than the unbelief)
Sing a little louder (My weapon is a melody)
Sing a little louder (Heaven comes to fight for me)
Sing a little louder!

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Click here if you’d like to see Deborah’s bio.

Next Series Post:  Take Me Away