Vineyard - Lord Prepare Me To Be Sanctuary Lyrics
Lyrics
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving, I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You
It is you, Lord
Who came to save
The heart and soul
Of every man
It is you Lord
Who knows my weakness
Who gives me strength,
With thine own hand.
Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and Holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving I'll be a living
Sanctuary for you
Lead Me on Lord
From temptation
Purify me
From within
Fill my heart with
Your holy spirit
Take away all my sin
Lord prepare me to be sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving, I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You
Video
Sanctuary - worship video with lyrics.wmv
Meaning & Inspiration
"Lord Prepare Me To Be Sanctuary" by Vineyard, released on May 8, 2011, stands as a profound and enduring anthem of personal consecration. The song articulates a deep spiritual yearning, an earnest prayer from the believer's heart to be transformed into a dwelling place fit for the divine presence. It transcends mere musical expression, becoming a living liturgy that invites introspection and surrender. The central request, "Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary," immediately draws one into a rich biblical tapestry, recalling the ancient Tabernacle and Temple—sacred spaces set apart for God. Yet, this song redirects that concept from a physical edifice to the individual human life, echoing the New Testament truth that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It’s a commitment to living a life that reflects God's holiness in every aspect, an aspiration not just for spiritual purity but for a life proven authentic and steadfast.
The opening lines lay bare this heartfelt desire: "Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true." This isn't a passive wish but an active petition for God's refining work. To be "pure and holy" resonates with numerous scriptural calls for separation unto God, much like the instruction in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" The phrase "tried and true" adds another layer, signifying a faith that has been tested and found faithful, akin to the testing of gold in fire, as described in 1 Peter 1:6-7, proving the genuineness of one's faith. The promise, "With thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for You," shifts the focus from a self-righteous striving to a joyful, grateful offering. This aligns perfectly with Romans 12:1, which urges believers to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." It implies a life continually offered in worship, not merely in a moment of decision, but in the ongoing daily rhythm of existence.
The song then thoughtfully pivots, acknowledging that such a transformation is impossible without divine intervention: "It is You, Lord, Who came to save the heart and soul of every man. It is You, Lord, Who knows my weakness, Who gives me strength, with Thine own hand." This section is a powerful reminder of God's redemptive power and intimate knowledge of humanity. The recognition of Christ as the Savior who "came to save" (Luke 19:10) is fundamental to the Christian faith, emphasizing His proactive grace in reaching out to a fallen world. Furthermore, the acknowledgment that God "knows my weakness" speaks to a profound comfort found in Hebrews 4:15, which states that Jesus "is able to empathize with our weaknesses, because he was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." And in this awareness of human frailty, the song finds hope, proclaiming that God "gives me strength," aligning with Philippians 4:13, where Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It’s an assurance that the journey of becoming a sanctuary is empowered by a divine hand, not by human effort alone.
The subsequent prayer delves deeper into the practical aspects of sanctification: "Lead me on, Lord, from temptation, purify me from within, fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit, take away all my sin." These requests are intensely personal and biblically grounded. The plea to be "led from temptation" echoes the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13), acknowledging our vulnerability and reliance on God's guidance and protection, knowing that He will always provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). The desire to be "purified from within" goes beyond external appearance, seeking a transformation of the innermost being, a cry reminiscent of Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." To be "filled with Your Holy Spirit" is a foundational command for Christian living (Ephesians 5:18), the very power by which believers are enabled to live out their faith and bear spiritual fruit. Finally, the raw appeal to "take away all my sin" is a confession of need, a longing for complete cleansing that finds its promise in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This comprehensive set of petitions reveals a profound understanding of the sanctification process—a dynamic partnership where God's grace and power meet a repentant and willing heart.
Ultimately, "Lord Prepare Me To Be Sanctuary" is more than just a song; it is a profound declaration of faith and a blueprint for a life devoted to God. It encapsulates the journey from human imperfection to divine consecration, emphasizing God's active role in saving, strengthening, and sanctifying. The song inspires believers to embrace their identity as living temples, called to embody purity, holiness, and faithful endurance, all made possible through God's unwavering hand and celebrated with heartfelt thanksgiving. Its message resonates deeply, encouraging a daily walk of surrender and transformation, striving to be a true and living sanctuary for the Almighty.