I was sitting at the bedside of a friend on this day a few years ago.
His family had met and decided to turn off the machines keeping him alive. I accepted their invitation to be at the bedside for the final hours. As we waited, prayed, and let him know it was okay to stop fighting and embrace God’s presence, someone turned on music, and we listened to several of his favorite songs.
The beauty and simplicity of the songs that were played during the final hour of his life stayed with me. While he had enjoyed complex melodies and lyrically dense music, the songs that ushered him into the presence of God were simple and beautiful.
Pat Barrett released a song that would have fit right into that worship time. The song is called “Praise the Lord Forever.” In an article posted by The Christian Beat, Barrett stated, “I wanted a song that feels like Sunday Morning – and this one means so much to me. It’s been filling my heart with worship in the most simple and beautiful way.”
RELATED CONTENT: Pat Barrett Sets Psalm 103 to Music on ‘Praise The Lord Forever’
The song begins with lyrics pulled straight from Psalm 103:1-4. “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.”
Singing “Praise the Lord Forever” feels like singing God’s Word right back to Him. Beautiful and straightforward lyrics point us back to the purpose of worship - to declare the wonders and worthiness of God in a new season and to a new generation!
The chorus offers a simple invitation to begin the practice that will be part of our eternal life with God in the new heavens and the new earth. Beginning now, Barrett invites listeners to praise God and bless His name forever, echoing the invitation of Psalm 150, where we read, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!”
RELATED CONTENT: Album Spotlight: Pat Barrett, ‘Shelter’
In the second verse, Barrett helps believers see their current reality in light of larger theological truths, such as the Resurrection of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, citizenship in heaven, and adoption into God’s family. While large volumes have been filled with hundreds of pages exploring these realities, Barrett simply and succinctly invites readers to praise God in light of what He has done in our hearts.
The song shifts from a Biblical and theological focus to an authentic, raw focus when Barrett acknowledges the life situations of many people today. He sings about broken hearts, seasons in the valley, and small faith. Barrett’s lyrics in the bridge of “Praise the Lord Forever” provide empathy and hope to the listener.
“I pray peace and love surround you from the God who understands
As the family all around you lifts your arms up when you can't.”
This understanding of humanity’s struggle makes Barrett's observation all the more profound. Barrett reminds listeners that God sees and knows what it’s like to struggle as a human. Isaiah 53 prophesied the knowledge Jesus would have of the human experience. “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.” Later in Hebrews 4, we are reminded that Jesus has faced every temptation and obstacle we have; all of which He overcame! “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”
While learning about this song, I stumbled upon a video posted on Pat Barrett’s Facebook page. It was recorded in a studio, capturing Barrett listening to the music as it was being produced. Speaking to someone off camera, Barrett was taking the song in when he remarked, “I’m proud to be part of a faith like that.”
At first, the comment seemed odd. But, as I’ve listened to “Praise the Lord Forever,” meditated on its lyrics, and considered its abundant Scriptural foundation, I echo Pat Barrett’s remarks. I, too, am proud to be a part of this faith. My story is a part of this larger story of what God is doing in human history, bringing the dead to life and reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.
Whether you’re celebrating the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, like I was in a hospital room, I pray that “Praise the Lord Forever” encourages you. Even more, I pray that the One being praised in the song surrounds and strengthens you today. He is worthy of all our praise, now and forever!
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker who loves tacos, matcha, and sneakers. With more than twenty years of ministry experience, he teaches with a blend of Biblical truth, emotional awareness, and the compassion shaped by his own struggles.
Scott’s writing has impacted over six million readers through trusted platforms such as the YouVersion Bible App, Air1 Radio, and Our Daily Bread. Whether speaking on a stage or writing on a page, he offers a steady, empathetic voice that reassures people they are seen, loved, and not beyond the healing reach of God. Tens of thousands of subscribers from over forty countries are excited to read his free newsletter every Tuesday morning. You can join here today!
