Hosanna is both prayer and praise. It is a cry and a joyful shout. The translation comes from “Yasha” which means delivers and “Anna” which means please.
In other words, please save us our deliverer. Meaning, I know who is able to save me, and I confess I need saving. This word came to me a few months ago as I prayed about some impossible situations, and I’m sharing because I bet you have had some impossible situations in the past few years as well!
I thought it odd that I began using the word hosanna in my prayer because it’s not something I’ve really ever said before. As I began to study the word, it became clear why my spirit was crying out- Hosanna. It is a confident proclamation in uncertain moments, a choice to exalt Christ above my fears, an invitation to let God triumph over the real enemy- even when victory doesn’t look like the plan I had in my head.
I have begun using the word when I feel myself in a stuck place. Sometimes it is the whole prayer. If you find yourself out of words, out of theories, out of ideas, or plan B’s or C’s, perhaps it’s time to simply pray Hosanna.
Joy Howard
~Christ Fellowship
