Petra Provides HOPE (2026): A Personal Testimony, Not a Critique

 

What Petra Has Meant to Me

If you know me at all—whether from the podcast, previous reviews, or just life—you've probably heard me talk about how Petra has been a massive part of my walk with Christ. And yeah, I'm biased. I'll own that right up front. But this isn't some objective critique; it's an honest, heartfelt testimony of what this new album HOPE means to me.

It all started because I wasn't allowed to listen to rock 'n' roll growing up. My parents kept that door shut tight. But in fourth grade, a neighbor snuck me a KISS album (yes, that's right—an album—this was the original before the return of vinyl, you know, the needles that could easily scratch and ruin the entire thing)—my folks had no idea—and I was hooked instantly. The crunchy guitars, hard-hitting drums, loud vocals... it lit something up in me. I loved the sound, even if I didn't know why.

Then I discovered Christian rock existed, and Petra was the ring leader. I heard them first in the mid-80s. From there, I went backward through their entire catalog and caught up on their history. I ate up everything they put out. Saw them live 18 times. Anticipated every release—bugged the Christian bookstores the very second I got wind a new project was in the works. Got autographs after concerts. And now, having the opportunity to interview them several times (with Steve Perkins AKA- Mr. Segue- if you don’t recognize that- you need to listen to the podcast archives of Wildman & Steve) over the last few years (a dream come true, by the way)—they have been consistent through and through as examples of what the premiere Christian rock band should be: always giving glory to God and not to themselves.

God could have used any ministry or minister to disciple me, but for whatever reason, He chose Petra. Their music became the soundtrack for my faith journey: the anthems for standing firm, the ballads for reflection, the rockers for those moments when I needed to feel armed for battle.

So yeah, call it biased. I won't argue. I've never been great at picking apart a project anyway—pointing out flaws when I know the years of prayer, sweat, and heart that went into it feels wrong. With Petra, it's usually everything I like. Always has been. This review is just me sharing how they've kept me on track, reminded me of truth, and walked with me through it all.

My Expectations When I Heard HOPE Was Coming

When word got out about a possible new Petra album—after 20+ years since Jekyll & Hyde—I didn't know what to think. Would it sound like the arena-rock punch of Back to the Street? The aggressive edge of Jekyll & Hyde? John's solo stuff? Even echoes of his Head East days? (Gotta be similar- Maybe because John sings on all of the above... duh???)

Call it not wanting to be disappointed after such a long wait, but I kept expectations low and open. The 50th anniversary tour had reignited the fire, and then—bam—HOPE was announced. I jumped on the pre-release CD right away (yep, many of you missed it before they sold out—haha, sorry not sorry!).

My wife got it for me as a Christmas gift, but her rule was ironclad: "You have to wait until Christmas to open it." Man, I tried every excuse in the book—reached out to friends for ideas on how to bend the rule. I even asked John Schlitt himself to help me out (hey, worth a shot!). He laughed it off and said he'd never get in the middle of something like that. So I waited... and it was torture.

But Christmas morning? I tore it open, headphones on, and let it rip. The more I spun it, the better it sounded—elements of all those eras I wondered about, blended into something fresh yet unmistakably Petra. As usual with every Petra album I've ever owned, I was addicted. Spinning it until the cows come home. The wait was worth every second.

What This Release Taught Me – Focusing on the 3 Songs That Impacted Me the Most

HOPE is a strong album front to back—10 tracks, no skips, classic Petra fire from start ("Filthy Lucre") to finish ("Deliver Us"). Every song carries that no-compromise sound and message Dino Elefante talked about way back. But this review isn't about rating them all or breaking down production. It's my testimony.

Out of the 10, three stood out and wrecked me in the best way—hitting me personally, reminding me of God's work in my life right here in 2026. They're the ones I keep spinning, the ones that made me pause, reflect, even tear up. The others are great too (I've been looping the whole thing nonstop), but these three taught me something new about hope, refining, and gratitude through Petra's lens. So I'm focusing here—not because the rest don't matter, but because these are the ones God used to speak to me deepest.

Embracing the Fire: "Kiss the Coals"

That reach-for-the-heavens chorus hook—"Kiss the coals, embrace the flame / In Your fire, I’m not the same... Kiss the coals, redeem my soul"—grabbed me instantly. Bob Hartman's lyrics are classic Petra—no compromise, just like Dino Elefante said back in '92 (you may remember John and Dino produced several of their albums).

It's straight out of Isaiah 6—the prophet crumbling before God's holiness, calling himself a man of unclean lips, then the seraph touching his mouth with a burning coal to cleanse and commission him. That coal burned, but it purified.

This song wrecked me. I always hope for the ideal life to work out—even though it never does. As I listened—over and over in the car, late at night—it forced me to face every trial I've endured, the ones I'm in now, and the ones ahead. Loss, doubt, the daily battles as a minister that wear you down;  I've always known God uses fire to refine us, but this made it personal. Following Jesus isn't comfortable. God knows what I need—even when I don't—and sometimes it's the heat.

I'm stubborn. Hard-headed to a fault. It takes a lot for God to break through my pride and excuses. I've dodged the coals before, thinking I could handle it my way. But this track called me out: Stop running. Embrace them. Kiss them. Let the flame burn away the sin, the deceit, the old junk. Because what's left is redemption. Wholeness.

This is what Petra has always done for me. Petra has been so instrumental in my discipleship. God has used them to always remind me and keep me on track. In this season—older, still prone to wander—I'm finally leaning into the discomfort, trusting the Refiner's hand. They handed me a reminder that God's purifying love hurts... but it heals. And I'm choosing to kiss the coals this time.

Cranking Up the Anthem: "We Rejoice in Hope"

That upbeat, fist-pumping energy hits the moment the track kicks in—I crank it up every time, windows down, volume maxed. The keyboard has that classic, soaring Petra sound (it even flashed me back to the iconic intro on Head East's "Never Been Any Reason"—can't help but wonder if there's a subtle nod there, hmmm). But what really grabs me is how the song stays true to Petra's DNA: fun, rock-solid, and unapologetically bold.

The lyrics are pure fire, especially lines like:

"When the weight of doubt surrounds us / And the night is closing in / We will call upon our Savior / And find strength to rise again."

How many times have I felt that weight? Too many to count. Doubt creeps in during the dark seasons—sometimes it's just skewed perception, other times it's brutally real. As a minister, I've walked through enough nights closing in: grief, burnout, the chaos of the world in 2026. But the song doesn't hedge. It doesn't say "we try" or "we attempt"—it declares, WE REJOICE IN HOPE. A simple, clear statement of fact. An anthem every believer should live by.

This is what Petra has always done for me. They've been a constant anchor in my walk with Christ—God using their bold anthems to refocus me on what's true, pull me out of doubt, and keep me rejoicing no matter what.

Tears and Gratitude: "Looking Back"

This one nearly brought me to tears the first time through. It's not the typical Petra rocker that first hooked me 40+ years ago (why did I just say that? That's something old people say???). Ballads have always held a special place for me—they slow everything down, but the solid meaning stays rock-solid. "Looking Back" is gentle, heartfelt, and one of the most moving on the whole album.

The gentle melody and John Schlitt's emotive delivery pull you right in, especially those chorus lines:

"Looking back, now I know / You planted me where I could grow / Looking back, I can see / The way You shaped my destiny / Filled my thoughts, inspired my mood / Looking back, I have such gratitude."

Hearing it, I couldn't help thinking about the trials Bob Hartman has faced over decades—writing, leading, persevering through lineup changes, industry shifts, personal challenges—and what John Schlitt has walked through, from his own rocky path before Petra to the battles within the band and beyond. A lot we know about publicly, a lot we don't. Yet here they are, at this stage of life, boldly declaring: Through it all, God has been the guide. He planted, shaped, protected, and brought growth.

It reminded me of the old hymn—"Through It All, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God..."—that same eternal truth. The song doesn't sugarcoat the uncertainty or second-guessing along the way; it just lands on gratitude. Looking back, hindsight shows God's hand in every step, even the hard ones.

This is what Petra has always done for me. They've been such a faithful guide in my spiritual growth—God using their songs, from rockers to ballads, to remind me of His hand over the decades and keep me walking in gratitude.

Closing Thoughts

From embracing the refining fire in "Kiss the Coals," to boldly rejoicing amid the storms in "We Rejoice in Hope," to looking back in profound thankfulness in "Looking Back"—HOPE closes a long chapter while opening a new one. Petra didn't just return; they reminded me (and I hope you) that God's hope is timeless, forward-facing, and bigger than any gap or trial. In 2026, with the world as chaotic as ever, this album is a gift. Grab it, spin it, let it speak to your story. For me, it's another milestone in a lifelong discipleship journey—thanks to Petra, always pointing to the One who gives real hope.

If you've got your own Petra story, drop it in the comments.

Let's rejoice together.

— Wildman 🎸✝️