Five Petra Songs That Taught Me the Truth
- Five Petra Songs That Taught Me the Truth
- Five Whiteheart Songs That Taught Me the Truth
- Five More Whiteheart Songs That Taught Me the Truth
- Five More Petra Songs that Taught Me the Truth
To be perfectly clear up front – this is not a joke. This is not some sarcastic, ironic, wink-at-the-audience type of article. This is real. I am sure there are many out there that either do not know who Petra was or many that do know and wish they did not. For any number of reasons, though Petra was one of the most popular and well-loved rock bands in the Christian music scene, there is a level of indifference, or worse, disdain directed towards them and towards that entire era of “Christian rock.” Someday, I hope to further explore the peculiar myopia of the Christian music world. In no other genre of music are the historical roots ignored like Christian music. It is as if any artist, band, or song that did not come out in the past few years does not even exist. However, as I said, that is an article for another day.1 Today, I do want to shine a light on a band that paved the way for so many others. A band that sold millions of records, won dozens of Dove and Grammy Awards, and most importantly, gave kids like me some absolutely great music to listen to. Music that was not only cool but that imparted great truth to a young, impressionable mind. So here are five, of the many, truths in Petra songs that spoke to me in my youth and helped me see God, the church, and spirituality in a much clearer way. I have included a Spotify playlist with the Five songs at the end of the article.
Petra taught me to be more outwardly focused.
Song: “Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows”
Album: More Power to Ya (1982)
Scriptural Support: Matthew 25:35-48, John 13:34-35, Luke 6:27-36.
Key Lyric:
Out on the doorstep lay the masses in decay
Ignore them long enough, maybe they'll go away
When you have so much you think, you have so much to lose
You think you have no lack, when you're really destitute
This album came out when I was four years old, so it took me some time to discover it and truly appreciate what I was hearing. This song in particular worked slowly on me. I responded immediately to the opening of the song – with an organ churning out “Showers of Blessing” and then transitioning to the acoustic guitar melody. When the truth behind the song finally broke through for me, it was a lightning bolt type moment. So many times our churches are insulated things. We build walls in so many ways to keep out the ugliness and messiness of the world. As believers, we are no different. This song challenges me every time I hear it. It pushes and prods me to reach out more, to care more, and to love more.
Petra taught me that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life.
Song: “Stand In the Gap”
Album: On Fire (1988)
Scriptural Support: 1 Chronicles 16:11, James 5:16, Ezekiel 22:30, 2 Corinthians 1:11, 1 Timothy 2:1.
Key lyric:
Stand in the gap
Coming boldly to His throne of grace
Stand in the gap
He will hear you when you seek His face
Too often, prayer can feel like a last resort. When someone we love is hurting, we look for any numbers of ways to help. We exhaust ourselves trying to “fix” the problem, usually to poor result. Scripture makes it clear that we should seek the face of God first and often. While this was a truth taught to me at home and in church, this song brought the truth home in a way I had not understood before. Our lives are a battlefield and when one of us is wounded, our job is to stand in the gap, defending and upholding them with our powerful and effective prayers.
Petra taught me that my eyes are closed to the suffering in the world.
Song: “Hollow Eyes”
Album: Beat the System (1984)
Scriptural Support: Matthew 25:35-48, Psalm 9:9; 10:14; 12:5, 7; 34:18; 37:18-19.
Key Lyric:
The least of these is hungry.
The least of these is sick.
The least of these needs clothing.
The least of these needs drink.
The least of these knows sorrow.
The least of these knows grief.
The least of these has suffered pain, and Jesus is His name.
I am not sure how old I was when I first heard this song. I do remember being very young. I also remember a long drive from the interior of Panama, back to our home in Panama City, when I listened to this song. This might have been around the same time I first heard it, or it could have been a short time later. I was one of those kids that would latch on to new music like it was essential to my continued existence. I soaked it in completely. I have a distinct memory of hearing this song at night while on the road. I remember hearing the haunting words and melody. I remember being shaken by it, down to my very bones. All at once, this song widened my perspective of the world, showed me the truth of worldwide suffering, and made it perfectly clear that to ignore all of it, was to ignore Jesus Himself.
Petra taught me that God is my Rock.
Song: “You Are My Rock”
Album: This Means War (1987)
Scriptural Support: Psalm 18:1-6, Psalm 31
Key Lyric:
You are my rock, my fortress, my shield
You are my rock, let Your strength be revealed
My rock, my comfort, my peace
My salvation, my refuge, my God
You are my Rock
While this album came out when I was 9 or 10 years old, I truly hit my music obsession stride around my early teens. This Means War! was a landmark moment. It hit me at a time when I was struggling with assurance of my faith. With the gentle wisdom and patience of my parents and albums like this, I was able to nail things down in a permanent way. This song in particular was a huge help. There were times, in my head, when things felt out of control. My spirit felt like it was being tossed and turned, this way and that, with fear and doubt. This song became an anchor point, a rallying cry to me. When I felt surrounded by the darkness, God’s inescapable light would break through. I was never standing alone.
Petra taught me that God has conquered death forever.
Song: “Grave Robber”
Album: Not of This World (1983)
Scriptural Support: Hebrews 9:27, John 4:14, 1 Peter 1:24, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:26, 51-55, Revelation 7:17
Key Lyric:
Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize
When the grave robber comes
And death finally dies
This is a song that has encouraged me for the majority of my life. For one, it is full of Scripture, with verses and passages woven in and out of the lyrics. It is a bold and full statement of faith that our God is stronger than death. He is the grave robber and the killer of death. Secondly, the song itself is upbeat; building to a powerful bridge and final restatement of the chorus. The band chose to make the song triumphant and victorious, instead of contemplative and reserved. The melody and style do much in imparting the true power behind the lyrics. Our hearts might still ache for those who have gone before, but we are promised a reunion of joy where we will witness death being swallowed by the giver of life.
I could probably write about another dozen songs by Petra that spoke to me just as powerfully. I could talk about Godpleaser or Adonai. I could go on and on about Creed, He Came, He Saw, He Conquered, or Hey World. I could spend hours discussing the songs, the words, and the integral role music has played in my life. I won’t. This is enough for now. I am eternally grateful for the way God has used music to teach me, mold me, and help me see Him more clearly. Petra was a big part of that.
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For what it’s worth, my favorite era of Petra music was from around 1987 until 1993. That run, with This Means War, On Fire, The Rock Cries Out, Beyond Belief, Unseen Power, and Wake-Up Call is the most consistent in the band’s discography.
I just came across this post this morning while trying to find biblical references for Run for the Prize and Second Wind. I’m gonna ramble so be patient” Petra releases occasionally provided scriptural references for the tracks on some of thier albums but unfortunately not More Power to Ya. Anyway, I’m an endurance athlete (at 50) and I want to have some Under Armour gear lithod with some fitting Petra track names along worth thier corresponding scriptural references so I can wear them while out for runs and still tell people about Jesus! I just want to also share that I pretty much listen to Petra on a daily basis to this very day…but I’m also a not of a softy and live my Praise music outside of Petra” Kari Jobe, Tasha Layton, Verses, Elevation Worship and War Acres…you gotta toss in some Beckah Shae while we’re at it! Anyhow, great article, thank you!
I, too, am thankful for Petra (and for my boys for “introducing” them to me, in a sense). I rank ” Grave Robber” up there as one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard – and I have heard a lot of songs down through my seven decades. Other personal favorites – among many I could mention – include “Road to Zion,” “Fool’s Gold,” “The Coloring Song,” and “Why Should the Father Bother?” And that from a guy who grew up listening to Southern Gospel and loves it passionately!
Well said. Would love to read that future article on myopia in music. I listened to the Beyond Belief album for several days last week. In my humble opinion, the opening riff on the song Beyond Belief is among the best 60 seconds of music ever recorded, and I’ll never be convinced otherwise!
I am working on it Tim. It will take some time to put it together.
Did it come to fruition? I’d love to read it
It will be a multi-part series that we will start publishing early in 2018. Stay tuned.
I trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior in February of 1991. The Christian music I was introduced to at first was tepid. Then, I was referred to a local Christian bookstore that had an upstairs music department.
It was there I first discovered Petra, Whiteheart, Shout, Tamplin, Code of Ethics (for my synth pop fix), Scott Blackwell, and many others.
As I was raised on classic rock radio, I was astonished at the lack of music history in Christian music. Chronological snobbery turned me off to mainstream pop music in the late 80s. The belief that newer is better was already rejected in my head before I became a believer.
I began searching online for CCM’s history and was surprised how the movement’s forebears were buried in the sands of time.
I look forward to reading the series!
Michael – the series is out now! Go here to read Part One: http://ramblingeveron.com/2018/01/10/the-forgotten-history-of-christian-rock-part-one/
Couldn’t agree more. Petra’s influence on generation after generation is powerful. As a lay youth director in the 80’s, Petra was integral in helping me teach that there was GOOD rock n roll that teens could enjoy that didn’t include the moral decay of the mainstream bands of the day. Petra opened a door to the rest of Christian music most of my kids got really excited about. It is also forgotten that Petra was one of the first, if not the first, band in Christian rock to do a dedicated praise album (Petra Praise 1 & Petra Praise 2). For me, Beyond Belief is the best Christian rock album ever made!
Good point about their impact on praise and worship genre. I totally agree with Phill that too few people take the history of Christian rock seriously
I have included Grave Robber on my playlist for my FUNeral!
For Me It Was *Godpleaser*
Love everyone’s input. Petra is and will forever be a huge part of my live. Many of their songs still touch and teach me something new when i hear it. In my opinion, as far as “classic rock” goes, Not of This World is thier best record. The lyrics, music arraignments are just second to none. Thank you.
I started listening to Petra when I went to summer bible camp in 1983. a friend there at camp had a walkman cassette player and had the Petra album Not of this World and he let me listen to it. I loved it so much that when I went home from camp. I started looking for Petra Music. My favorite Petra song is and always has been since 1983 was Godpleaser. I always shed a tear whenever I hear that song to this day. knowing I could and still can do more for God in my Life.
We played “I Just Wanna Be His Disciple” at my husband’s funeral.” I can’t wait to see Him. Just wanna hear Him say, Welcome faithful servant, enter in to joy today.” We always loved Petra’s messages.
Thanks for all the comments and memories. Keep ’em coming!
Without Petra I don’t think I would be a christian. A friend ordered Beyond Belief for me. Before that moment, I didn’t know any christian music accept Bach and some other classical composers. So that was cool. Over the years I bought every album, and boy, there are more than only five truths to learn from them! We played “Godpleaser” (the live version beats everything, even the system) at our wedding as a statement to live by.
I LOVE Petra and have for years. The Means War! is my favorite Rock album of all time. Joel.gray@sim.org
Petra is and has been a major part of my Christian walk almost as long as I have been a Christian. Got started with More Power to To Ya in 1983 and have never been w/o their influence since…..
This means war was my first tape, and Beyond Belief my first CD. For me, the songs that resonate the most were the following:
Fool’s Gold “I’d rather be a fool in the eyes of man than a fool in the eyes of God.”
It is Finished. “The work had been done, redemption had been won”. It ties in to my favorite passage-Phil. 2.
He came, He saw, He conquered. Such a simple declaration of who God is.
All the King’s Horses. The song is one of my favorite passages. A song of hope. Meant so much to me after my dad died in 1989.
The three songs back to back on Beyond Belief: Creed, Beyond Belief, Love.
I must be older than most of you. I start with the incredible opposing two octave guitar run in “Walking in the Light” from the first album to Jeckle and Hyde. God Gave Rock and Roll to You, More Power to Ya, Grave Robber, Judas Kiss, Dance, Who’s on the Lord’s Side, to Midnight Oil. Such memories, encouragement, and discipleship in my life from Petra. (Could add Degarmo and Key, Randy Stonehill, and others.)
Chuck, we have a series of articles planned for early 2018 that will cover a lot of those bands.
I actually memorized a lot of verses pig the bible and the general flow of thought of many a passage sure entirely to the wording of Petra songs.
I too love that era of music.
The other main band in whose albums/songs I found comforting and teaching words was Mad At The World.
I’m thankful to my mother who back in the mid 80’s spent a long time in the Christian bookstores listening to tapes in headphones to find music she thought I would enjoy with strong messages rooted in scripture. It wasn’t to her taste but she realized how important music was to me. One of the first albums she bought me was Petra’s more power to ya and I was hooked. All Over Me has stood with me through the years. I found more and more artists that inspired me. I’ve recently been introducing my 6&7 year olds to it as well. I haven’t found as many new artists that I like. I feel like a lot just focus on feel good stuff and work on emotions instead of real messages. A lot could just be any old pop group if someone didn’t know better, rarely mentioning God or scripture.
Thanks for the comment, Carrie! I’ve also introduced Petra (and a few other classic Christian rock bands) to my boys. They love that music.
I needed this article tonight. I love Christian music, rock especially. I was 15 when I became a believer. I listened to Amy Grant and Michael W Smith, but when I heard Petra, Captured In Time and Space, I was hooked. Greg X Volz was awesome. What I didn’t realize at first was I bought Beat the System and something was different, John Schlitt was the new lead vocalist and it was even better. I searched and have all the Petra albums from the beginning to Farewell. I know there are a few more here and there after but More Power to Ya through Jekell and Hyde are more or less what I enjoy. Most influential album to me was This Means War. I was 18 and went to DC 88 a youth conference on evangelism in Wa DC. First heard DC Talk there too. But This Means War was one of my favorite all time concerts in my life. My faith has wandered at times but it is usually through Christian music that God pulls me up and gets me on track. My kids hate it then I play my funky 80’s Christian music but oh well. I don’t have anyone in my life I know of who really likes Petra, so thank you, all of you for sharing your memories. I asked God the other day to give me a passion like I had when I was 18. God always provides, always is faithful, always is the same yesterday, today, and forever! I’ll leave this last, It Is Finished, and First Love, are the two most powerful songs for me.
Thank you so much for the comment!
Petra songs have taught me so much truth through my life. I’m 33 and have been listening to them since I was 10. They speak so much truth when it is so needed. Some of my favorites
– Over the horizon
– Praying man
– Ancient of days
– Right place
– What’s in a name
– Marks of the cross
– Creed
These songs continue to uplift me and keep me on track. I’m struggling with surrender and trials in my life right now. Holding onto the truth that God is in control and Jesus Christ conquered all on the cross is keeping me going. I’ve never listened to some of the songs you listed but I wrote them all down and I’m going to look up all of the scriptures listed. Thank you !
I began listening to Petra recently and since then I haven’t played any other music other than Petra. Their songs are so convicting and deep rooted in the Word. God bless Bob Hartman.
Thanks for your article Phill! I started listening to Petra in the 90s in my high school years. Now years later, having surrendered myself wholly to the Lord I’m drawn back to Petra because of the power of the Scripture in their lyrics and of course their awesome music. I’m serious though, there’s not many bands out there that proclaim a biblical, scripture filled, gospel message of worship and encouragement to live for Jesus!
“Mountains and Valleys,” from their first album, has helped me many times. Love the song. I remember hearing them play it (live) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in their really early days as a group. Have loved, and continue to love, their music.