Search Me !

One of my favourite readings in the Bible is Psalm 139. I have often prayed verse 23 and 24 earnestly as I know there have been times that the word "wicked" has raised it's ugly head in my life and dealings with people - both in the "outside" world and the "church" world too.

I love the simple chorus with the Maori melody:

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.

A more contemporary vocal version has been arranged within The Salvation Army - Same theme, different setting.

Search and know my heart,
Test and know my anxious thoughts.
Send your Holy Spirit to work through me.
Search and know my heart,
Test and know my anxious thoughts.
Work your Holy Spirit through me.

O Lord, you have searched me,
You know me completely.
Come into my life,
Cleanse me from within.

Where can I hide from your spirit,
Where can I flee from your love,
Can I hide in the deepest ocean,
Or flee to the heavens above.

O Lord you are always there,
You know me completely.
Come into my life,
Cleanse me from within.

Search and know my heart,
Test and know my anxious thoughts.
Send your Holy Spirit to work through me.
Search and know my heart,
Test and know my anxious thoughts.
Work your Holy Spirit through me.
Work your Holy Spirit through me.

A new version written by Nathan Rowe - "I'm in Your Hands" also puts a new spin on the theme:

Father you know me,
You know my deepest thoughts all my fears,
You see right through me,
I'm naked before You, Holy One.

Father You love me.
Woven together by Your Word,
Your love surrounds me
And can't escape Lord from Your love.

Father you're always with me
And You know where I am going.
I know Lord that I'm in your hands,
You see what I am thinking.

And You hear all that I'm saying,
I know Lord that I'm in your hands.

Search me and know my heart,
Test me and know my thoughts,
And lead me into the everlasting.

How awesome is our God - Even after I pray this prayer and confess the bad things in my life - He still loves me !

Psalm 139:23-24.
Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.