Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah

Hymn Information

First Line: Praise God with the sound of the trumpet
Author: J. Jefferson Cleveland, 1937-1986
Tune Name: CLEVELAND
Composer: J. Jefferson Cleveland, 1937-1986
Topic: Music and Singing · Occasional Services: Dedication of Holy Living · Praise of God · Elements of Worship: Praise and Adoration

Copyright Information

Text Copyright

Tune Copyright

Reprint/Projection Information

Words and Music: Permitted with a license from CCLI.com or from OneLicense.net. If you do not own one of these licenses, please contact the copyright holder for permission.

Scripture References

Psalm 150

Further Reflections on Scripture References

Often called the “musician’s psalm,” the text reverberates with the call of the psalmist for everyone and everything (especially instruments!) to “Praise the Lord!” Stanzas 1-3 are lifted from Psalm 150, while stanza 4 picks up the sentiment that echoes across all the psalms: because of God’s unfailing love, everything is “alright.”

Sing! A New Creation

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Sometimes the soul of the Christian needs to cry out exuberantly with joy, thanks, and adoration, even without identifying the reasons for such praise and adoration. Moreover, Christians who gather corporately find it fitting to do so as the grateful body of Christ. The Confessions of the church recognize this natural expression. Belgic Confession, Article 1 sees God as the “overflowing source of all good,” and such a realization deserves an “Alleluia!” Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 1, Question and Answer 2 is a reminder that living in the joy of our comfort involves a spirit of thanks for his deliverance. In the same spirit, Our World Belongs to God, paragraph 2 exclaims, “God is King: Let the earth be glad! Christ is victor: his rule has begun! The Spirit is at work: creation is renewed!” and then as a natural response cries: “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!”

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Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah

Additional Prayers

Lord of all creation,

tune the instruments of our lives and choreograph the dance of your church

so that, through word and deed,

your people may persistently proclaim your glory, majesty, love, and goodness,

until everything that breathes sings “Hallelujah!”

We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

— Psalms for All Seasons (http://www.psalmsforallseasons.org)

563

Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah

Tune Information

Name: CLEVELAND
Key: D Major
Meter: irregular

Recordings

563

Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah

Hymn Story/Background

Psalm 100 brings to a close a collection of psalms that celebrate the LORD's righteous rule over all creation (Psalms 93, 95-99). Like the others, it was composed to be sung by the Levites at a high religious festival that annually celebrated the LORD's kingship over the entire world (perhaps the Feast of Tabernacles). Psalm 100 is the Hebrew equivalent of a cheerleader's shout–a strong call to worship the LORD with joyful song: the LORD is the one true God who made us to be "the sheep of his pasture," and God's love and faithfulness never fail.

— Bert Polman

Author and Composer Information

Jefferson Cleveland (b. 1937; d. 1986) is often called “the king of gospel.” He taught himself piano using a mock-up keyboard whittled into his windowsill. Influenced by jazz, R&B, and the gospel, he led the way in fusing the contemporary pop ballad sound with hymns. Cleveland directed choirs, played, sang, composed, and recorded extensively. He traveled throughout North America, Europe, and Africa, and was highly respected for his writing and teaching as well as for his arrangements.

— Sing! A New Creation