Terms starting with H
Hallelujah
Worship & Music"Praise the Lord" — a Hebrew exclamation kept untranslated in every Christian language. "Alleluia" is the Latin-influenced form used in liturgical churches.
“"Praise God! (In Hebrew, kept as-is for three thousand years.)"”
Have a Blessed Day
Internet ChristianityA goodbye — "have a nice day" with a prayer folded in — wishing you God's favor. Common in the American South and in Black church culture.
“"Bye — and God be good to you today."”
Hedge of Protection
Prayer & DevotionA prayer asking God to keep someone safe from harm, pictured as an invisible barrier around them.
“"Please keep her safe."”
Holy Water
Worship & MusicTwo physical elements of liturgical worship: water blessed by a priest, used for blessings and for the sign of the cross on entering a church; and incense burned as a symbol of prayer rising to God.
“"The water by the church door and the smoke in the service. Both are blessings, not decoration."”
Holy Week
Holidays & CalendarThe week before Easter, walking day by day through Jesus' last days — Palm Sunday (His entry into Jerusalem), Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and Holy Saturday — ending at Easter.
“"The week the whole story of the cross gets told one day at a time."”
Hymn
Worship & MusicA church song in the traditional form — several verses of poetry set to a tune, usually sung from a book with organ or piano, and often centuries old.
“"The old church songs, with verses, from the book in the pew."”