My hands are lifted up
My heart is ready to receive
A blessing from You
A blessing from You
My hands are lifted up
My heart is ready to receive
A blessing from You
A blessing from You
A blessing from You
A blessing from You
Make me, shake me
Mold me, use me
My heart is ready to receive
A blessing... (a blessing from You)
Lord, I need a blessing from You, Lord
(A blessing from You)
Make me, Jesus (make me, shake me)
Mold me (mold me)
Use me (use me)
My heart... (my heart is ready...)
To... (to receive)
A blessing from You (a blessing from You)
Lord, I gotta have it, I need a blessing
(A blessing from You; a blessing from You)
Oh God, I need a blessing from You, yeah
(A blessing from You)
I gotta have it, I gotta have it
(A blessing from You)
The only thing that I need, is a blessing
(A blessing from You)
The only thing that I want, is a blessing
Lord make me over
Lord make me over
Lord make me over
Make me over again
Make me over again
Bri (Briana Babineaux) - My Hands Are Lifted Up / Make Me Over (Unplugged Video)
My Hands Are Lifted Up Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Bri Babineaux's song "My Hands Are Lifted Up" is a profound expression of worship and surrender, encapsulated in a deceptively simple lyrical structure. The opening lines, "My hands are lifted up, My heart is ready to receive," immediately establish a posture of humility and anticipation before God. Lifting hands in worship is a long-standing practice across various faith traditions, often symbolizing adoration, surrender, or readiness to receive. In this context, it clearly signifies an open posture, both physically and spiritually, while the readiness of the heart underscores a sincere willingness to engage with and receive from the divine. This foundational declaration sets the stage for a deeply personal and focused prayer for "A blessing from You."
The song expands its petition beyond merely receiving, moving into a fervent prayer for divine transformation and utility. The lines "Make me, shake me, Mold me, use me" reveal a yearning for God's active involvement in the life of the believer. This passage speaks to the process of sanctification – God's work in shaping and refining a person. The imagery evokes the biblical idea of God as the potter and humanity as the clay, as found in scripture like Isaiah 64:8, where the prophet declares, "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." It is a surrender to God's transformative power, asking to be reshaped according to His will and utilized for His purposes.
Throughout the song, the persistent plea for "A blessing from You" is reiterated with increasing intensity. While the nature of the "blessing" isn't explicitly defined, the context of surrender and transformation suggests it encompasses far more than material gain. It points towards spiritual blessings, such as God's presence, favor, guidance, strength, or the work of the Holy Spirit in one's life. The repeated assertion, "I gotta have it, I need a blessing," conveys a deep, essential dependence on God's provision and touch, positioning His blessing not as a desire but as a fundamental necessity for the soul.
The concluding section, "Lord make me over, Make me over again," reinforces the theme of transformation and spiritual renewal. It is a recognition of human imperfection and a humble request for God's continuous work of recreation and restoration. This echoes sentiments found in scripture like Romans 12:2, which encourages believers to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." The simplicity of the phrase emphasizes a core truth: genuine spiritual growth often requires God to continuously refine and reshape us. The raw, intimate setting often captured in unplugged versions, such as the 2017 video, serves to highlight the personal nature of this prayer and the genuine emotion behind the plea for God's transformative power.
Overall, "My Hands Are Lifted Up" serves as a powerful anthem of dependent faith. It guides the listener through a journey of worshipful surrender, humble request for divine shaping, and fervent prayer for God's essential blessing. The song is inspirational in its candid portrayal of a soul seeking God's touch, making it a relatable expression of faith for those desiring a deeper connection, transformation, and reliance on divine grace and favor.