Welcome Back Petra!
Posted January 09, 2026
By BPence,
Petra was one of my favorite bands when I was a new believer in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and I continued to follow their music through 2003’s Jekyll and Hyde. Hope is their first new album of all new material since Jekyll and Hyde. It is a mix of rock, mid-tempo songs, and ballads. The album sounds like classic Petra, with memorable hooks, strong guitar work from Bob Hartman, keys and synths from John Lawry, and powerful vocals from John Schlitt. The lyrics are scripturally based, as you can expect from Petra. Bob Hartman wrote, or co-wrote all of the songs, and Petra produced the album.
The current lineup of Petra is:
John Schlitt – vocals
Bob Hartman – guitars
John Lawry – keyboards, piano, synths
Greg Bailey – bass, cello and background vocals
Cristian Borneo – drums
I really enjoyed this new release. It’s great to have a new Petra album.
Here are a few comments about each of the ten new songs:
Filthy Lucre – This rocker was written by Bob Hartman. It is about the dangers of money and greed. The riches of this world cannot save a dying soul. Only Christ can bring redemption.
Kiss the Coals – This rocker was written by Bob Hartman and Jeff Hartman. Christ is molding him like clay, and he is shaped in a brand-new way. In Christ’s love he is made whole.
Oxygen – This song was written by Bob Hartman. It has a bit of a reggae sound. God’s Word is his oxygen, breathing life into his soul.
Skin in the Game – This rocker was written by Bob Hartman. Christ bore the weight. He had skin in the game. His blood was shed. A crown of thorns on his head.
We Rejoice In Hope – This praise song was written by Bob Hartman. We rejoice in hope, unshaken. By His grace, we are awakened.
Miracle Maker – This rocker was written by Bob Hartman. Christ is the miracle maker, healing the blind, turning water into win, calming he sea, and setting every captive free.
There Will Still Be A Dawn – This ballad was written by Bob Hartman and Jeff Hartman. When the stars give way to light, there will still be a dawn.
Thorns – This up-tempo song was written by Bob Hartman. With His strength he’ll rise again leaving thorns behind, walking in His freedom.
Looking Back – This ballad was written by Bob Hartman, and it has a country music feel to it. He has such gratitude when he sees what the Lord has done for him.
Deliver Us – This upbeat song was written by Bob Hartman. It was the first song released from the album. We pray for deliverance from evil.
Favorite songs:
Filthy Lucre
Kiss the Coals
We Rejoice in Hope
Thorns
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