HALLELUJAH

karenringalls

When I first words and music from the song, Hallelujah, I was mesmerized by the music and words. I have listened to many renditions and these are my three favorite ones:

The Canadian Tenors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTx8IGPwrIk

By Leonard Cohen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q

Here is a beautiful rendition without the lyrics. It is now one of my favorites. From FB https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=587745302694001 is this amazingly beautiful rendition: https://fb.watch/iqepx6omVI/

What is the story behind the great artist, Leonard Cohen, writing this song? There are over 50 verses and the artist much choose which ones to perform. I refer you to this interesting and in-depth article about Leonard Cohen. https://religionnews.com/2022/08/02/hallelujah-leonard-cohen/

Although Hallelujah is written as one word, its Hebrew original comes from two words, which (both the words and the concepts) have been merged into one. The first half of the word, from the verb hillel, means to praise, and it is used hundreds of times in the Bible. Praise what? Praise “jah.” “Jah” is a shortened form of the 4-letter Hebrew name for the Lord, YHWH, which is usually pronounced Yahweh. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-word-hallelujah.html

Sometimes the word hallelujah is expressed in excitement and gratefulness for something a person has been waiting for. I recently loudly exclaimed, Hallelujah, when I finally received my first copies of my 2nd edition of my first book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir. This was my first book published in 2012. I have wanted to update it and give the readers current information about ovarian cancer and my journey. It is soon to be released…hallelujah! My thanks to Gary Geez of Fresh Ink Publishing for his expertise, creativity, and help.

On a much deeper level, the word has sung in my heart and soul many times. When I accepted Christ into my life at the age of 17 years. The birth of each of my sons were miracles and such blessings my heart swells with love. Hallelujah rings in my soul each time I look at, talk to, or think about my husband. There are mornings when I watch the sun rise above the horizon, I quietly express a prayer of gratitude, hallelujah.

What are your hallelujah moments?

21 thoughts on “HALLELUJAH”

    1. It does touch the soul. You might be interested in a book, Holy Moments. It is a deep, easy-to-read book. The author will provide 6 free books so the word can get passed around. It can be used like a devotional.
      Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jan.

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  6. I still remember the first time I heard the song, Jon Bon Jovi sang it a cappella during a live concert broadcast. I was blown away.

    I try to find Hallelujah moments every day. It’s often hard, but the biggest one is knowing what waits for me in Heaven.

    Congrats on your book, Karen. That’s wonderful!

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    1. The first time I heard it was at a concert featuring The Canadian Tenors. Tears were running down my face.
      As I have mentioned to others, you might be interested in the book “Holy Moments.’ Available on Amazon and author will provide 6 free books so they can be distributed to others. It is a short book and can be used as a devotional.
      Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.

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  7. That is a beautiful song, Karen 🙂 Nature brings a lot of my hallelujah moments now, along with my grandkids. Finishing each book too. Congrats on the updated edition of Outshine. It is one I have recommended! Xo

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    1. The beauty and power of nature are magical, holy, and God-given. In response to Gwen’s comment, I mention an incredible book titled “Holy Moments”. It has helped many people with its simple but not easy message. The author will send 6 free copies so they can be shared with many others. Thank you for your comment, Denise.

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  8. That is one of my favorite songs, Karen. I think I’ll always prefer Cohen’s version (because it’s classic and the first version I ever heard), but I also love Pentatonix’s version.

    I find this post so timely because Catholic’s don’t say that word during Lent, which starts on Wednesday. (For those who don’t know why that is, it’s to both experience the solemnity of the season and to anticipate bursting forth with glorious praise upon Christ’s resurrection.) I always try to play that song a lot in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday.

    Congratulations on getting your book!

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      1. I apologize for the typo (the apostrophe before the S with Catholic). I don’t know if that was autocorrect or if I was just careless in my typing. I should have caught that.

        And yes, we aren’t supposed to say it. They strip it out of our Masses and replace it with the phrase “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.” We shouldn’t say it in our regular lives, either (outside of Mass).

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  9. So, so beautiful, Karen. I often listen to Leonard Cohen’s rendition, as well as the traditional. But hearing the unsung version from the Native players brought tears. Hallelujah breaks forth in my heart every time I walk in nature or simply stand and listen to the wind. We’ve much to be grateful for–including each other. Congratulations on your Second Edition of Outshine. I’ve preordered my copy. ❤️

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    1. Gratefulness is a key to happiness as well as forgiveness. There is a wonderful book titled “Holy Moments” that I encourage everyone to read.
      As always, Gwen, thank you for your support and sharing your words of encouragement.

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