"A Thousand Hallelujahs" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Brooke Ligertwood. It was released as the lead single from her first live album, Seven (2022), on 14 January 2022.[1] Brooke Ligertwood co-wrote the song with Phil Wickham and Scott Ligertwood.[2] The single was produced by Brooke Ligertwood and Jason Ingram.[3]
My husband and I went down to our friend, Phil Wickham, who lives just about an hour down the road from us. And we were writing in the church that Phil goes to, which is like this old little church hall in Southern California. We were sitting in the church hall with the keyboards and the guitars, and there's just this beautiful, empty hall, and kind of started talking about all the generations of people who had worshiped in this church. We were just were so inspired by the generational nature of the Church of Jesus. And we started talking about the thousands of hallelujahs that had been sung in that room.
Reviewing for 365 Days of Inspiring Media, Jonathan Andre gave a positive review of the song, saying "A passionate declaration of our allegiance to Christ, it's a perfect representation of a 'modern hymn', a worship song for the church that has become a joy to listen to (and sing along with)."[8] Gerod Bass of Worship Musician magazine wrote in his review: "Congregationally friendly and vertically focused, this tune will be sung in churches all over the world and your church should definitely add this one to your Sunday setlist."[9] Timothy Yap of JubileeCast described the song as having "a congregational affinity", concluding that "Featuring a memorable chorus with a melody that invites you to worship, "A Thousand Hallelujahs" ranks high up there with Hillsong's classics such as "What a Beautiful Name" and "Who You Say I Am.""[10]
On 14 January 2022, Brooke Ligertwood released the live performance video of "A Thousand Hallelujahs" via YouTube.[14] The live performance video was recorded on 11 November 2021, at The Belonging Co, a church in Nashville, Tennessee.[15] Ligertwood published the lyric video of the song via YouTube on 20 January 2022.[16] The official acoustic performance video of the song was availed on 28 January 2022, through YouTube.[17]
Think for a moment about the anthem of heaven. Can you imagine how quickly we will rise, how loud we will cheer or how our breath will catch at the sight of Jesus? Will it be loud, or will the presence of the King of Kings have us so moved that it will be our collective silence that fills the space? If we take a knee, it will be because our legs cannot bear the weight of our trembling bodies.
As I ventured into the quagmire of social media today, I became aware of the dangers lurking in the shadows. I fasted from social media through December and am now more sensitive to what is still present on my feeds. I don't search for the bad news. I stumble upon it because conflict, chaos and confrontation reign online. So, with each click, or swipe, I hold my breath. My heart quickens, and I remain on high alert. Not like the lioness crouched down in the bushes waiting for her prey, she is fearless; my vigilance is more akin to the wee antelope who suddenly hears the grass rustle nearby and looks up frozen with fright.
So imagine my delight today when I read a series of posts from a lovely friend, one after another, offering thanks. She gave an anthem of praise. She wrote thank yous to nurses, mental health professionals, teachers, and pastors for all they do to keep us safe, healthy, and informed.
An anthem of praise. A melody of adoration. Brooke Ligertwood's A Thousand Hallelujahs is an anthem of praise. A song of devotion. Our heart's cry of gratefulness. We have eternity to sing it. A thousand hallelujah's to magnify his name, give honour and praise because He reigns.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since you were called to peace as members of one body. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, d0 it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:14-19 NIV
If you feel the burden of the here and now, lift your eyes above your circumstances. Join the chorus of A Thousand Hallelujahs. A song of worship we will sing into eternity. An anthem of praise our hearts long to sing.
Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. A Thousand Hallelujahs was written by Brooke Ligertwood and featured on the A Thousand Hallelujahs album.
The lyrics of the song declare that there is not sufficient time enough to praise God for everything He has done for us so far, but eternity gives us the chance to try. There is no other who deserves glory and praise like God does. His love for us is wider than words can express, and we will raise well over a thousand hallelujahs to Him in time.
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