Legendary Christian rock pioneers Petra have released their latest single, "Kiss the Coals," to Christian radio, marking another bold chapter in the band's remarkable resurgence. The track is featured on their album Hope and follows a string of chart-topping successes that have reestablished Petra as a dominant force in Christian rock.
Written by Bob Hartman and Jeff Hartman, and produced by the band, "Kiss the Coals" delivers Petra's signature sound-driven by soaring guitars and anchored in Scripture. The song explores the theme of spiritual refinement, portraying faith as something forged through surrender, struggle, and transformation.
With vivid imagery, the lyrics capture the believer's journey through trials:
"In the heart of the fire, the flames refine the soul... every broken life, You make the pieces whole."
The chorus drives the message home with a bold declaration:
"Kiss the coals, embrace the flame, in Your fire, I'm not the same."
The release builds on an extraordinary run for Petra in 2026. Earlier singles from Hope have already made a major impact on the Christian Radio Chart. "Deliver Us" debuted at No. 1 on the CRC Weekly chart during the week of January 5 and finished as the No. 1 song for the month. That momentum continued with "Filthy Lucre," which also debuted at No. 1 during the week of February 16 before becoming February's top song on the chart.
The Christian Radio Chart, widely regarded as a key benchmark for independent Christian music, measures success based on radio and streaming playlist adds-offering a unique snapshot of how songs are gaining traction across both broadcast and digital platforms.
"Kiss the Coals" continues Petra's long-standing commitment to Scripture-centered songwriting, blending hard-hitting rock with messages that challenge and encourage believers. Lines such as "Through the path of surrender, my pride is laid to rest... in the kiln of compassion, I am shaped a brand new way" reflect the band's enduring focus on spiritual depth and biblical truth.
Formed more than five decades ago, Petra-whose name means "Rock"-helped pioneer the Christian rock movement. Originating in a Bible school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the band began with a mission to deliver the message of Scripture through the language of rock music. Despite early resistance from parts of the church, including criticism and opposition to their sound, Petra's influence grew rapidly as audiences embraced their message and energy.
Over the course of their career, Petra has released 20 studio albums, sold nearly ten million records, and earned four Grammy Awards along with ten Dove Awards. The band also made history as the first Christian rock group inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the first Christian band to perform at the 1992 Farm Aid concert.
Artists across generations continue to point to Petra's influence. John L. Cooper has described the band as trailblazers who shaped both his faith and musical direction, while others in the Christian rock space have echoed similar sentiments about Petra's foundational role in the genre.
After officially retiring in 2005, Petra reunited in celebration of their 50th anniversary, launching a global tour that has drawn audiences across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. The current lineup-featuring Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, John Lawry, Greg Bailey, and Cristian Borneo-continues to carry the band's legacy forward while connecting with a new generation of listeners.
With "Kiss the Coals," Petra once again delivers a message that resonates deeply: faith is not formed in comfort, but in the refining fire. As the song declares, transformation comes through surrender-and in that process, believers are made whole.
Listen to Kiss The Coals:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1uQIUt9jkTXxm4rilDkMas
Listen to the entire album:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2onipAKxLVoLTQZW3mJ7iv
https://music.apple.com/us/album/hope/1859241110
Purchase the album:
https://girdermusic.com/products/petra-hope-cd-2026-girder-records
Connect with Petra:
https://www.facebook.com/Petraband
