1) Petra is a Christia… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Petra is a Christian Rock band formed in 1972 by Bob Hartman, Bill Glover, John DeGroff, and Greg Hough. "Petra" means "rock" in NT Greek, making the band name a triple pun. Rising from the Jesus music movement, and initially signed to [recordlabel]Myrrh Records[/recordlabel], they fought to gain acceptance and recognition in a church culture that at the time believed rock music to be off-limits. Over time they eventually won over most of their critics, thanks to a steady approach and some solid adult contemporary airplay hits like "The Coloring Song," outside of their usual rock fare. By the mid-80's, when lead singer Greg X. Volz left the band and was replaced by John Schlitt, Petra had solidified their place as the foremost Christian rock band in the industry with a string of hit albums and singles and strong touring. The release of Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out marked a turn towards modern-sounding worship music that would soon explode into the modern worship movement.
Petra was nominated for and won numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In 1991, after the release of their acclaimed Beyond Belief record, Petra became the first rock band ever to win for Group of the Year at the Dove Awards. They were also the first Christian rock band to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
For three decades Petra continued to produce albums despite changes in their line-up as well as the genre and market. On May 24th, 2005 Petra announced their retirement after 33 years of ministry. They recorded one of their final performances in Franklin, Tennessee to release it as their last album, Farewell. Their last performance finished in the early hours of January 1, 2006 in Murphy, North Carolina. Bob Hartman and John Schlitt continue to tour under the moniker II Guys From Petra.
Lineups through the years:
Early 80's Captured in Time & Space lineup: Bob Hartman, Greg X. Volz, John Slick, Mark Kelly, Louie Weaver, John Lawry
Late 80's "Beyond Belief dream team" lineup: Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, John Lawry, Louie Weaver, Ronny Cates
Late 90's Petra Praise 2 - We Need Jesus lineup: John Schlitt, Louie Weaver, Lonnie Chapin, Pete Orta, Kevin Brandow
Farewell CD lineup: John Schlitt, Bob Hartman, Greg Bailey, Paul Simmons, with special appearances by Greg X. Volz and John Lawry
More members: Rob Frazier, Jim Cooper, David Lichens, Trent Thomason, Bryce Bell, Quinton Gibson, Justin Johnson
See also http://www.petraband.com/
Think On These Things
Petra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In solitary time the thoughts run through my mind
Some from the very throne some origins unknown
I know there's a danger waiting
Thoughts held in captivity
The vain imaginations that long to be set free
I hold the key
With thoughts of purity
(Chorus)
Whatever things are pure and true,(I want to)
Think on these things
Whatever things are filled with virtue
Think on these things
When my mind begins to stray
I want to think the other way
Think on these things
Think on these things
(Verse 2)
Into the conscious flow the tributaries go
The source from which they start
Abundance of the heart
My mind has a mind of its own
Choosing negativity
Only the thoughts of virtue
Withhold the raging sea
I turn the ride
By choosing to abide
(Repeat Chorus)
Whatever things are honest
Whatever things are just
Whatever things are lovely
I will put my trust
In the things that never cease
To keep my heart in perfect peace
(Repeat Chorus)
The song, Think On These Things by Petra, is a reminder to focus on thoughts of purity, honesty, and virtue. The verses speak of the danger of holding captive thoughts that originate from negative sources, which have the potential to grow into vain imaginations that long to be set free. The key to releasing these thoughts and choosing positivity lies in our ability to hold and contemplate thoughts of purity. The chorus reiterates this message by emphasizing the importance of thinking on things that are true, honest, just, and lovely to keep our minds from straying towards negativity.
Line by Line Meaning
In solitary time the thoughts run through my mind
When I'm alone, many thoughts arise in my mind
Some from the very throne some origins unknown
Some are inspired by God himself, some are not
I know there's a danger waiting
I understand the dangers that come with allowing all thoughts to roam
Thoughts held in captivity
I purposefully restrain my thoughts
The vain imaginations that long to be set free
Thoughts that are worthless and want to be freed
I hold the key
I am in control of my thoughts
With thoughts of purity
I choose to focus on pure thoughts
Whatever things are pure and true,(I want to)
Think on these things
I want to focus and meditate on anything that is pure and truthful
Whatever things are filled with virtue
Think on these things
I also want to think about anything that embodies positive qualities
When my mind begins to stray
I want to think the other way
Think on these things
Think on these things
I understand that my mind will wander, but I will redirect it to focus on good things
Into the conscious flow the tributaries go
The source from which they start
Abundance of the heart
Many thoughts come and go, but they all stem from the abundance of the heart
My mind has a mind of its own
Choosing negativity
Only the thoughts of virtue
Withhold the raging sea
My thoughts have a tendency toward negativity, but I will only allow positive thoughts to calm the inner turmoil
I turn the ride
By choosing to abide
I am the one to control my thoughts, and I will choose to focus on good things
Whatever things are honest
Whatever things are just
Whatever things are lovely
I will put my trust
I trust in things that are honest, fair, and beautiful
In the things that never cease
To keep my heart in perfect peace
It is these positive things that will keep my heart in a state of peace
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ROBERT HARTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Greg Hayes
"No Doubt" and "Wake Up Call" are my two favorite albums of all time. "Beyond Belief" was good too, but this album was one of the things that kept me practicing my faith even in tumultuous times like college when a lot of kids my age let their values go. Thank God for ministers that used music when the pulpit just wasn't reaching me...
Harold Shreve
Can't believe Ive been listening to petra for more than two decades.
- Ji Ji Yo -
me too. started listening to them since i was 10
My Name
Over 30 years for me. David and the giants also.
Broken TomBot
Get a normal job Harold. ;)
Broken TomBot
Harold has been listening to Petra 9-5 ,364 (except Christmas), for twenty years as part of a marketing contract. Petra needs to release Harold from slavery.
DG Bros. Musical
⭐ This song is so special, refreshing and unique. God bless you all. 🎵
Anderson Carpinedo
O MELHOR ÁLBUM DE ROK CRISTÃO
DG Bros. Musical
🎵 This song is so special and unique! God bless you all.
Sironbo ZN
" No doubt", remains my favorite album, of all time.. "beyond belief" and "wake up call" I know all songs by heart.....thank God for these Godly boyzzz that is seeing me through life....