Generation Hymn StoriesSample

Holy, Holy, Holy (Our Song Shall Rise to Thee)

In 1996, a Christian men’s movement called “Promise Keepers” did an event at the Los Angeles Colosseum. Over two days, over 100,000 men gathered, and I was one of them. There were times of teaching and times spent in worship. In a moment I’ll never forget, we all sang this great hymn acapella. I looked around, seeing the banners representing all the different churches in attendance. I joined in as men representing many denominations and ethnicities reverently and passionately sang, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.” As you might imagine, the sight and sound of it created a glorious, heavenly experience.

Because of this moment and others like it, whenever I sing this particular hymn, which is probably my favorite, I always think, “Surely we will sing this one in Heaven.” The only difference will be, on the lyric that says, “casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,” we will sing, “casting down our golden crowns….”

Songs that direct our thoughts toward heaven are powerful because living this life with a focus on the next can bring us so many wonderful blessings. When we are living for heaven, we become less petty, less materialistic, less worried about what people think, less anxious, and more focused on God Himself. As you read these scripture verses, allow heaven's beauty, glory, and hope to come fully into view. Bring these wonderful blessings into your life today.

– Tommy Walker