Leslie Jordan
A deeply scriptural, Christ-exalting anthem of Isaiah 6 proportions that centers the holiness and glory of God with rare theological precision. This song models vertical worship at its finest, inviting the congregation into a posture of awe before the throne. The slow tempo and contemplative arc make it ideal for opening or closing sets with intentional reverence.
Five lenses
This is Scripture set to melody. The vision of God's throne, the seraphim's cry, the filling of the temple, and the longing to see God's glory are all drawn directly from Isaiah's temple vision. The smoke, the train of the robe, the angels' proclamation of holiness, and the earth full of God's glory are not embellishments but biblical witness. The request to see God's glory echoes Moses on Sinai, and the corporate acknowledgment of God's holiness reflects the throne room worship of Revelation. Nothing is invented; everything is received.
This song maintains an uncompromising focus on the holiness and majesty of God. The theological arc moves from the throne room vision to the corporate response of worship to the humble petition for God to reveal His glory more fully. It resists the therapeutic drift of much contemporary worship and instead centers God's otherness, His holiness, His rightful claim to worship. The repeated declarations of 'holy' function as theology, not filler. The song assumes a biblical framework in which God's glory is both revealed and veiled, both manifest in creation and sought after in prayer. This is high-church theology in accessible language.
This is poetry in service of Scripture, not poetry for its own sake. The language is simple, clear, and direct. The imagery is borrowed entirely from Isaiah and Revelation, which grounds the song in canonical vision but means the lyric functions more as a mosaic of biblical fragments than as original poetic construction. The repetition of 'holy' is not cliche but liturgical, echoing both the seraphim and the living creatures. The lyric avoids sentimentality and contemporary worship tropes in favor of older, weightier language.
This song is defensible on every front. It is saturated with Scripture, theologically precise, and models vertical worship in an era of therapeutic praise. The most likely objections will come from those who prefer faster tempos or more contemporary musical styles, not from those with theological concerns. The song's greatest strength is also its challenge: it demands reverence, focus, and sustained attention, which may not suit every congregation or service moment. But for churches seeking to recover a sense of God's holiness and majesty, this song is a pastoral gift.
Full analysis
Your Glory is a rare gift in the contemporary worship catalog: a song that centers the holiness of God with unflinching focus and biblical precision. Built almost entirely on Isaiah 6:1-4, it invites the congregation into the throne room vision that stopped the prophet in his tracks. The seraphim's cry, the smoke filling the temple, the train of God's robe, and the declaration of God's glory filling the earth are not decorative metaphors but scriptural witnesses. This is worship shaped by the Word, not by cultural trends or emotional appeal.
The song's theological strength lies in its sustained attention to God's otherness. In an era when much contemporary worship emphasizes intimacy and personal experience, this song models reverence, awe, and the appropriate fear of the Lord. The repeated declarations of 'holy' are not filler but liturgy, echoing both the seraphim of Isaiah and the living creatures of Revelation. The song does not ask how God makes me feel; it asks me to see God as He is and respond with wonder. This is vertical worship in the truest sense, where the congregation's gaze is lifted entirely toward the throne.
The petition to see God's glory is pastorally rich but requires Christological framing. Moses could not see God's face and live (Exodus 33:20), but we have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). The incarnation is the ultimate answer to the prayer 'show us Your glory,' and worship leaders should connect this song to that reality. Without that connection, the song risks becoming a generic longing for spiritual experience rather than a grounded petition rooted in the gospel. This is not a flaw in the lyric but a pastoral opportunity.
Musically, the song's slow tempo and sustained phrases demand intentionality. This is not background music; it is a call to stop and worship. The melody is accessible but requires breath control and vocal confidence. The D5 ceiling note in the original key is manageable for most congregations but dropping to C will make it more comfortable for mixed ages and abilities. This song works best as a closing anthem or a prayer response, not as an energetic opener. It is a song for congregations willing to slow down, sustain attention, and linger in the presence of the Holy One.
Defense brief
Who raises this: Pastors or worship leaders concerned about Christological clarity, particularly in seeker-sensitive contexts
The song reflects the Old Testament vision of God's glory that anticipates and points toward Christ. John 12:41 tells us that Isaiah saw Jesus' glory, and Hebrews 1:3 affirms that the Son is the radiance of God's glory. This song can and should be taught in light of Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's glory.
Pair this song with gospel-focused teaching or songs that explicitly name Christ. Use it to build awe and reverence before moving into the story of the incarnation.
Who raises this: Worship leaders in smaller or aging congregations, or those with less musically experienced members
Not a theological concern, but a practical one. The slow tempo is intentional and serves the song's contemplative purpose.
This song works best when introduced gently, with strong leading and clear modeling from the platform. Consider using it as a closing song or prayer response rather than an energetic opener.
Scripture map
Primary foundations
Supporting connections
Story behind the song
Leslie Jordan wrote this song as part of a personal and corporate return to worship centered on God's holiness rather than human experience, drawing directly from Isaiah 6 and the seraphim's cry.
Artist interviews and album context
The song was released on the 2016 album 'Your Glory / Nothing But the Blood,' pairing ancient hymn language with contemporary worship structure to call the church back to reverent worship.
Album liner notes
Your Glory has been embraced by churches seeking to recover vertical worship and has become a staple in liturgical and Baptist congregations alike for its theological depth and scriptural fidelity.
Themes
Sermon series fit
Audience fit
Maturity
All levels, but the theological depth and slow pace work best with congregations willing to engage in sustained contemplative worship
Age group
Intergenerational - the hymn-like melody and biblical imagery appeal across ages
Service type
Traditional, Blended, Liturgical, Prayer Services, Contemplative Worship
Visitor-friendly
High - the simple, clear lyrics and accessible melody welcome newcomers, though the slow pace may require pastoral framing
Special contexts
Ideal for Communion, prayer services, ordinations, commissioning services, or any moment requiring reverence and focus
Similar songs
If you love this song
Holy Forever (Chris Tomlin) - similar throne room focus and declaration of God's holiness
Revelation Song (Kari Jobe) - Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4 worship combined
Is He Worthy (Andrew Peterson) - Christological throne room vision with similar reverence
Behold Our God (Sovereign Grace Music) - high-church theology in accessible worship form
If this concerns you
Cornerstone (Hillsong) - gospel-focused, Christ-centered alternative with more explicit Christology
Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor (Matt Boswell) - slower worship song with clear gospel content
In Christ Alone (Getty/Townend) - theologically rich with strong Christological focus and narrative arc