A native of Danville, Kentucky[1], Harris started playing the piano by age 9. His first formal vocal training came when he attended college at Western Kentucky University, from which he graduated in 1969. He later became a part of the popular Gospel touring group "The Spurlows." He gained fame with both his solo work, and his work as part of the Gaither Vocal Band, headed by Gospel musician and recording executive Bill Gaither.
His many live and televised appearances include Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, The 700 Club, several Billy Graham crusades, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, numerous Gaither Homecoming shows, and his own Christmas special. In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Harris has made many appearances on the WHAS Crusade for Children, a long-running local telethon benefitting children's charities.
Of his many chart-topping songs, perhaps his best-known are his duets with Sandi Patty called, "More than Wonderful" and "I've Just Seen Jesus." His song, "Mighty Spirit" was featured in a 1993 television campaign for the Points of Light Foundation, headed by President George H. W. Bush; he performed the song for Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House.
Harris has received an honorary doctorate of music from Campbellsville University in central Kentucky. He was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993.
Harris, his wife Cynthia, and children Lonnie and Teresa have lived in Louisville for more than three decades. Despite his schedule, Harris serves as a deacon in his home church, and previously served as its treasurer. Harris is well-known within the Gospel music industry for his reluctance to schedule performances that take him away from his family for any length of time.
from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larnelle_Harris
When Praise Demands A Sacrifice
Larnelle Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Came to Abraham
But the offering placed
Before the Lord was not a lamb
He bound His only son
And when the knife was raised
A sacrifice became the price of praise
When praise demands a sacrifice,
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
The call to go to Calvary
Came to God′s own Son
An altar waited for the lamb
He would become
His hands reached up to heaven
As the cross was raised
And with His life
He paid the price of praise
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
God hears the words of praise we lift
Yet I have found
He′s honored more by what I′m willing to lay down
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He′ll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He′ll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
The lyrics of "When Praise Demands A Sacrifice" by Larnelle Harris highlight the concept of sacrifice in worship. The song draws parallels between the biblical stories of Abraham being called to sacrifice his son on Mount Moriah and Jesus willingly offering Himself as a sacrifice on Calvary. It emphasizes the idea that true worship often requires a personal cost and a willingness to surrender everything, even the dearest things in life.
The first verse references the story of Abraham and his son. When God called Abraham to go to Mount Moriah and offer a sacrifice, Abraham bound his only son, Isaac. Despite the emotional turmoil, Abraham demonstrated his obedience and faith by raising the knife to sacrifice his son. Ultimately, God provided a ram for the sacrifice instead, but Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son showed his devotion and trust in God.
The second verse reflects on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. God's Son was called to go to Calvary, where He willingly offered Himself as the sacrificial lamb for the sins of humanity. Jesus' hands were raised to heaven as the cross was raised, symbolizing His submission to God's plan and His ultimate sacrifice. Through His death, Jesus paid the price for our sins and paved the way for salvation.
The chorus reiterates the theme of sacrifice in worship. It declares the willingness to worship even in the midst of sacrifice, surrendering the dearest things in life. It acknowledges that devotion to God may come at a personal cost, but it promises to remain faithful to the call regardless of the sacrifice required. The song emphasizes that true praise is not only about the words we speak or the songs we sing, but also about the willingness to lay down our desires and possessions for the sake of worshiping and honoring God.
Overall, "When Praise Demands A Sacrifice" encourages believers to reflect on the depth of their worship and the level of devotion they are willing to give, illustrating the profound significance of sacrifice in true worship.
Line by Line Meaning
The call to go to mount Moriah
Abraham received a divine command to go to mount Moriah
Came to Abraham
The command was directed specifically to Abraham
But the offering placed
Instead of offering a lamb as usual
Before the Lord was not a lamb
He offered his only son instead
He bound His only son
Abraham tied up his beloved son
And when the knife was raised
Just as he was about to sacrifice his son
A sacrifice became the price of praise
The act of sacrificing his son became the demonstration of his devotion and praise to God
The call to go to Calvary
God's own Son, Jesus, was called to go to Calvary
Came to God’s own Son
The divine command was directed specifically to Jesus
An altar waited for the lamb
At Calvary, an altar was prepared for Jesus to be sacrificed like a lamb
He would become
Jesus willingly took on the role
His hands reached up to heaven
As the cross was lifted up
As the cross was raised
The moment the cross was elevated
And with His life
Jesus offered his own life
He paid the price of praise
His sacrifice became the ultimate expression of devotion and worship
God hears the words of praise we lift
God listens to our praises
Yet I have found
However, I have discovered
He’s honored more by what I’m willing to lay down
God is more pleased when I am willing to sacrifice and surrender things that are dear to me
When praise demands a sacrifice
In moments when praise calls for giving up something valuable
I’ll worship even then
I will continue to offer worship and adoration
Surrendering the dearest things in life
Relinquishing the most precious aspects of my existence
And if devotion costs me all
Even if my dedication requires me to give up everything
He’ll find me faithful to His call
God will see me as loyal and steadfast in responding to His summons
Writer(s): Sue C. Smith, Russell Brian Mauldin
Contributed by Sophie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.