Search me, O God

By J. Edwin Orr

Lyrics

1. 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 ev'ry sin and set me free.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. O Holy Spirit, revival comes from Thee;
send a revival– start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou will supply our need;
for blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

Bible Reference

Psalm 139:23–24

About This Hymn

“Search Me, O God” is a short but deeply reflective hymn written by evangelist and revival historian J. Edwin Orr in 1936. It is often sung to a beautiful traditional melody from New Zealand known as the “Maori” tune. This hymn stands out for its sincere plea for divine examination and cleansing, echoing the prayerful cry found in Psalm 139, where David asks God to search and purify his heart.

J. Edwin Orr was a passionate evangelist who traveled widely during the 20th century, promoting revival and prayer throughout the world. His travels took him to Australia and New Zealand in the 1930s, and it was during his time in New Zealand that he heard the Maori tune, which he later paired with his text. The hymn was written in response to a powerful spiritual movement in New Zealand and has since been closely associated with revival meetings and personal rededication.

The lyrics are brief and intimate, beginning with the request: “Search me, O God, and know my heart today.” This is a direct reflection of Psalm 139:23–24, turning the scripture into a personal prayer. Orr continues by asking God to cleanse him from every sin and set him free. This theme of surrender and repentance is central to revival and spiritual renewal, which were at the heart of Orr’s life and ministry.

The second part of the hymn continues the thought with a cry for revival: “I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin; fulfill Thy word and make me pure within.” It is not merely a call for forgiveness, but a desire for ongoing sanctification and spiritual vitality. The believer longs not just to be clean, but to be made wholly devoted to Christ’s will.

Its musical simplicity makes “Search Me, O God” easily singable, and its emotional honesty gives it enduring impact. The Maori melody to which it is set is both gentle and solemn, fitting the introspective and devotional nature of the words. It invites congregations and individuals to pause and reflect, asking God to examine their hearts and reveal anything that hinders full fellowship with Him.

Though not as long or complex as many traditional hymns, “Search Me, O God” has found a lasting place in Christian hymnals and revival services. Its heartfelt appeal for holiness continues to inspire believers to seek God earnestly and walk in His light. The hymn reminds us that revival begins not in crowds or movements, but in the quiet honesty of one heart fully surrendered to God’s searching gaze.