Oh Holy Place

CeCe Winans' “Oh Holy Place” describes the singer being drawn into the presence of God. It begins with an exclamation, “Oh holy place, what a beautiful place, like nothing I've ever seen before.” Pure rivers flow from the throne, and weary seas settle into perfect peace. Before her eyes she sees his glory, too glorious to describe.

She then thanks God for bringing her through the fire, and says he now lifts her high so that joy overwhelms her heart. The chorus puts her inside the scene: his presence surrounds her, she feels his embrace, angels are all around, trumpets sound, and she stays in his arms to melt away. She has never seen such majesty, beauty and grace. The second verse adds that the splendor is brighter than the sun, clear as crystal, where his will is done. It calls the place a secret place eternally, where she thanks the Holy One for loving her soul with all his might. The closing lines say that his love is pure and will endure, and that she will ride on his wings and soar. The song blends images of heaven and of personal intimacy with God, and the smooth gospel arrangement lets the voice carry the emotion. It works for private devotion and times of response in worship.

The river of the water of life flowing from the throne is Revelation 22:1. Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High is Psalm 91:1, and God being with us through fire is Isaiah 43:2.