Yesterday morning before church I was scanning through Facebook and I saw the video of the priest singing a rendition of the song Hallelujah at a wedding he had just performed. I had the chorus stuck in my head and sang it on the way to church. I arrived at the service and when my brother-in-law got up to preach. I was surprised when he started sharing the same song, Hallelujah.
His message centered on the mercy of God and how even in our most terrible times we can sing Hallelujah. He gave some background information on the original song and read a part of an article written in Rolling Stones magazine about the song and what Hallelujah meant.
The message really touched my heart. It made me think about how no matter what state we find ourselves in, or how bad things get, we can sing Hallelujah because it is true, the Lord deserves our highest praise at all times. His worthiness is not based on our condition. He is worthy and we worship Him for who He is – not for how good we are.
So, this morning I woke up with the song on my mind. I started praying and what came out was my own verses to this beautiful song. It is my prayer this morning.
Hallelujah—the Mercy of God
Based on Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah
Verses re-written by Rachael Kathleen Hartman
You know my story very well
You love me and You’ll always tell
Me just how much I really mean to You
I’m thankful for the times that we
Have when it’s just You and me
And all I can say is Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Every day when I wake up from sleep
My soul and mind You keep in peace
As I’m on my knees surrendering it all to Ya
I read Your Word and meditate
When my soul is in stalemate
And I come back to a place of Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
There are days I make mistakes
I lose my mind, throw out the breaks
It’s like I forget I ever belonged to Ya
The cravings are too hard to tame, so
I give in and drown in shame
And I can’t even whisper Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
And when my life is going to hell
My nerves are shot and nothing’s well
I shake and cry as I come back to Ya
Repenting, I do my part
You’re the answer to my breaking heart
And mercy’s new and then there’s Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Will these cycles ever end?
I want to be faithful, never bend,
But I’m broken and I know I need You
You’re my Savior and my King
My righteousness, You forever reign
And my heart can’t help but sing a Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Rachael Kathleen Hartman 