Today, I’m continuing the series on Epochal Songs of the Praise and Worship Movement. At number 5 is “Ancient of Days” which in my view, was the high watermark for musical excellence.
Hosanna Music had been slowly building up its musical prowess before deftly unleashing some of the best, world-class Christian worship musicians onto the praise and worship scene, including the likes of Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna and Justo Almario. Listen out for the instrumental solo halfway through and you will see just how far the praise and worship movement had come. No longer was worship relegated to the amateurs, but professional musicians would now share the stage with those who grew up learning to play music in the church. Since then, musical excellence has become a pursuit for worshippers alongside presence and anointing.
“Ancient of Days” was recorded on “Lift Him Up with Ron Kenoly”, one of the best selling Hosanna Music albums of all time and one which would set up Ron Kenoly as a force in praise and worship for the next decade. The final medley on the album, culminating in “Whose Report Will You Believe” and “Can’t Stop Praising His Name” would be well remembered by all those who led worship around that time.
It certainly became a staple for many final night camp worship sessions, where we would keep singing “Can’t Stop Praising His Name” ’til we were all covered in sweat; had gone through three rotations of musicians; and were all hoarse in the throat; and yet unwilling to leave that place of high praise and celebration. Ah, good times!
The Worship Revolution 
Thanks for the kind words about Ancient of Days. It’s 20 years old this year. I was there when Lift Him Up was taped. An awesome experience. Blessings to you!
Jamie Harvill
Thanks Jamie. Appreciate the comments. The song has been a huge blessing to the body of Christ. In fact, I still lead the song especially in the context of worship and the nations. It’s such a powerful statement when the church declares “Your Kingdom shall reign over all the earth!”.
“Maybe its just me”… but if the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart…
Integrity Hossana of the late 80s to 90s I wish we could bring it back afresh
1)it was scriptural
2)it was Anointed
3)we all were excited about our Lord Jesus Christ in song
4) it definately honored God
5)it was choir&orchestra(almost heavenly)
6)lastly it lifted up the name of Jesus to draw all to Him
I just feel back then it was all about God… Im not saying we dont have great stuff today we do, but it seems today its more what we can get from God than what we should be offering to God.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans12:1
Gary Sadler your a very hard guy to reach I cant find you anywhere on the net.I loved your “King of the Ages” if you can see my reply up if not it goes like this;
“Maybe its just me”… but if the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart…
Integrity Hossana of the late 80s to 90s I wish we could bring it back afresh
1)it was scriptural
2)it was Anointed/prophetic
3)we all were excited about our Lord Jesus Christ in song
4) it definately honored God
5)it was choir&orchestra(almost heavenly)
6)lastly it lifted up the name of Jesus to draw all to Him
I just feel back then it was all about God… Im not saying we dont have great stuff today we do, but it seems today its more what we can get from God than what we should be offering to God.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans12:1
Hi Steve I just found this site! Thanks for your encouraging words. I do think there are a lot of great songs today that focus on both the Throne and Rule of Christ and also on our walk in relationship with him and each other. So in the old and new songs God is glorified! I love today’s production values, but agree that sometimes a great melody or feel can fall short of compensating for a lyric that doesn’t quite say what it should. As for me, I still love writing, and concerning especially congregational worship songs, I know I can’t just find the easy phrase ( although sometimes it’s just there) but must dig for the real gold, and mine the words that need to be be said. Blessings!
Gary Sadler
I am looking for a song titled “We Look To You Jesus” written by Gary Sadler. Would like to find an accompaniment track if available. I found the lead sheet on Song Select.