Search Me, O God

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Search Me, O God
A Sermon based on the hymn by J. Edwin Orr

Introduction
“Search Me, O God” is a hymn of humility, introspection, and surrender. Written by J. Edwin Orr and inspired by Psalm 139:23–24, this song is a prayerful plea for divine examination. It calls the soul to stand in the presence of a holy God and invite His perfect knowledge to uncover hidden sin, renew a clean heart, and guide our steps in righteousness. It is a song of repentance and revival—where the heart asks not for comfort, but for correction.

The hymn urges us to forsake pride, to lay bare every secret thought, and to allow God to mold us in holiness. It echoes the penitence of David, the resolve of Peter after his denial, and the humility Christ demands of His disciples. Its lyrics are both gentle and piercing, reminding us that revival begins not in the pew, but in the heart. Through the Spirit’s refining fire, we are cleansed—not to remain as we were, but to rise in newness of life. This hymn leads us to ask: Are we truly willing to be searched by God?

Stanza 1 – Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart Today
“Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me,
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.”

The opening lines paraphrase Psalm 139:23–24 directly. The singer humbly invites divine scrutiny—not just of behavior, but of thoughts and motives. God alone can fully see the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). “Try me” refers to the refining of faith like gold (1 Peter 1:7). The request is not merely to identify sin, but to be cleansed from it. It shows sincere repentance, trusting in God’s power to forgive and liberate (1 John 1:9).

Stanza 2 – I Praise Thee, Lord, for Cleansing Me from Sin
“I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.”

This stanza transitions from confession to thanksgiving and transformation. The singer rejoices in cleansing and desires deeper purity (Psalm 51:7). The “fire” signifies the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work (Matthew 3:11), replacing shame with zeal. The ultimate goal? To magnify God’s name (Philippians 1:20). Revival isn’t just about forgiveness; it’s about becoming useful for God’s glory.

Stanza 3 – Lord, Take My Life, and Make It Holy Thine
“Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender, Lord—in me abide.”

This stanza is full surrender. It mirrors Romans 12:1, offering one’s life as a living sacrifice. The heart is opened wide to be filled with God’s love (Romans 5:5). Self, pride, and passion are laid down at the foot of the cross. The final line echoes Galatians 2:20—Christ dwelling in the surrendered heart. True revival is not an event—it is a lifestyle of abiding in Jesus.

Search Me, O God Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Theme: Surrender and spiritual renewal

• Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, O God…”

Stanza 1 – Honest Self-Examination

• Jeremiah 17:10 – God knows the heart

• 1 Peter 1:7 – Trials purify faith

• 1 John 1:9 – Confession leads to cleansing

• Psalm 19:12 – Cleanse me from hidden faults

Stanza 2 – Gratitude and Transformation

• Psalm 51:7 – Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow

• Matthew 3:11 – Fire of the Spirit

• Philippians 1:20 – Magnify Christ always

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New creation in Christ

Stanza 3 – Total Surrender

• Romans 12:1 – Present your body a living sacrifice

• Romans 5:5 – God’s love poured into our hearts

• Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me

• James 4:7 – Submit to God

Call to Action
Are you brave enough to pray, “Search me, O God”? Revival begins when we stop hiding from God and start surrendering to Him. Lay down your pride. Open your heart. Ask Him to cleanse, renew, and fill you. If you let Him search you, He will also save you.

Scripture Reference List:

• Psalm 139:23–24 – Invite God to search and lead

• Jeremiah 17:10 – God tests the heart

• 1 Peter 1:7 – Trials refine our faith

• 1 John 1:9 – Confession brings forgiveness

• Psalm 19:12 – Hidden sins need cleansing

• Psalm 51:7 – Purity through forgiveness

• Matthew 3:11 – Spirit and fire

• Philippians 1:20 – Magnifying Christ

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New life in Christ

• Romans 12:1 – Living sacrifice

• Romans 5:5 – Love poured into our hearts

• Galatians 2:20 – Christ living in us

• James 4:7 – Submit to God

Song History
“Search Me, O God” was written by J. Edwin Orr, a missionary and revivalist who traveled the world calling people to spiritual renewal. The melody, “Maori,” was composed by his friend M. S. Houtz. The hymn has become a staple in invitation services, especially within churches of Christ, emphasizing self-examination and personal revival.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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