The top 10 faith-fuelled U2 songs

1. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

Although some thought this track from 1987 signified that Bono was unsatisfied with his Christian faith, it may equally have been based on Philippians 3:7-14 where Paul talks about “not already obtaining” what he’s looking for, but “pressing on” and “straining ahead”.

You broke the bonds and you

You loosened the chains

You carried the cross

Of my shame

Oh my shame

You know I believe it

2. Gloria

This was the second single off U2’s October album. The chorus is taken from the Latin hymn ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’.

I try to sing this song

I...I try to get in

But I can’t find the door

The door is open

You’re standing there

You let me in

3. Yahweh

Speaking about the song, which is named after the Hebrew word for God, Bono said “The title's an ancient name that's not meant to be spoken. I got around it by singing. I hope I don't offend anyone.”

Take this city

A city should be shining on a hill

Take this city

If it be your will

What no man can own, no man can take

Take this heart

Take this heart

Take this heart

And make it break

4. Falling at Your Feet

Could this song from The Million Dollar Hotel soundtrack be inspired by Philippians 2:10-11 where Paul writes that “every knee will bow” before Jesus?

All fall down

In whom shall I trust

All fall down

How might I be still

All fall down

Teach me to surrender

Not my will

Thy will

5. Grace

Bono wrote this song soon after reading and recommending Philip Yancey’s bestseller What’s so amazing about grace?

Grace

A name for a girl…

And a thought that can change the world

6. Window in the Skies

The chorus asks, “Oh can’t you see what love has done?”

The rule has been disproved

The stone has been moved

The grave is now a groove

All debts are removed

7. Moment of Surrender

The third track on 2009’s No Line on the Horizon is a prayer of commitment that shows U2’s faith has never gone away.

At the moment of surrender

I’m falling to my knees

I did not notice the passersby

And they did not notice me

8. October

This quiet song is a psalm like reflection which contains just seven lines.

October and the trees are stripped bare

Of all they wear.

What do I care?

October and kingdoms rise

And kingdoms fall

But you go on

And on.

9. 40

This classic U2 track is based on Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord

He inclined and heard my cry

He brought me up out of the pit

Out of the miry clay

And I will sing

Sing a new song

10. Magnificent

Many critics hailed this (worship?) song as one of No Line on the Horizon’s highlights

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify, oh-oh

The Magnificent

Click here to read this month's cover story on U2 at 40

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