Paul Oakley - Take My Life Lyrics
Lyrics
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Your love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Oh, take my life, let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Oh take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King.
Take my lips and let them speak
Of the love that set me free.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every gift as You shall choose.
Video
Paul Oakley - Take my life
Meaning & Inspiration
Paul Oakley's "Take My Life," released on January 1, 2006, as part of his album *Father Me*, stands as a profound testament to the call for complete spiritual surrender. More than just a collection of verses, this song is a deeply reflective prayer, an earnest offering of one's entire being to the Divine. It doesn't merely ask for divine presence but rather actively presents every facet of human existence—physical, temporal, material, and intellectual—as an instrument for God's purposes. The message resonates with the core Christian principle found in Romans 12:1, which urges believers to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This is the foundational heartbeat of the song, inviting us into a covenant of unreserved dedication.
The opening lines immediately set a tone of ultimate consecration, declaring "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee." This isn't a casual request but a profound commitment, echoing the truth that as followers of Christ, we are not our own but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This surrender extends to our most valuable non-renewable resource: time. When the song continues with "Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise," it articulates a desire for every second, every hour, to be imbued with worship and purpose, aligning with the Apostle Paul's instruction in Colossians 3:17 to "whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." It's a vision of life lived as an unbroken hymn, a constant acknowledgment of divine sovereignty and goodness.
Moving into the physical aspects of service, Oakley then petitions, "Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of Your love," and "Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee." These verses are a powerful visual of practical faith. Our hands, often used for personal gain or mundane tasks, are consecrated for acts of love and service, embodying the Spirit's leading as described in Galatians 5:13, where we are called to "serve one another humbly in love." The prayer for "beautiful feet" directly references Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:15, celebrating those who bring good news, signifying a readiness to carry the Gospel and step out in faith wherever God calls. It speaks to a life actively engaged in God's mission, where every movement is intentional and spiritually guided.
The song further extends this surrender to our expressive capacities: "Take my voice and let me sing Always only for my King" and "Take my lips and let them speak Of the love that set me free." This speaks to the profound power of our words and songs. Our voice becomes an instrument of worship, not for personal acclaim, but solely for glorifying God, reflecting Colossians 3:16, which encourages singing "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Our lips, too, are consecrated, not for idle chatter or negativity, but to articulate the transformative power of God's love, sharing personal testimony and the message of redemption, as those redeemed are called to tell their story (Psalm 107:2). It’s a call to use our communication to build up, encourage, and proclaim truth.
Finally, the song addresses material possessions and intellectual capabilities. "Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold," is a radical declaration of financial stewardship, challenging the grip of materialism. It reminds us that our resources are not truly our own but gifts from God, to be used for His Kingdom, echoing Proverbs 3:9 to "Honor the Lord with your wealth." This offering is not out of obligation but a cheerful surrender, knowing that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Completing the picture of total consecration, the line "Take my intellect and use Every gift as You shall choose" is an appeal for God to govern our minds and talents. This recognizes that our wisdom, skills, and understanding are ultimately derived from God and should be deployed according to His divine will, aligning with the call to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This comprehensive surrender of every gift ensures that all abilities serve a divine purpose, furthering God's glory in every sphere.
"Take My Life" by Paul Oakley is a deeply moving and inspirational piece that transcends simple melody to deliver a powerful theological statement. It is a profound invitation for every individual to examine their own level of surrender, encouraging a daily, conscious choice to consecrate all aspects of their existence to the Creator. Its enduring message calls for a life lived not for oneself, but wholly for the One who gave His life, offering a template for a devotion that is truly holistic and unreserved. This song continues to serve as a vital reminder for all who engage with it to live a life of complete, joyful dedication to God.