Give Us Clean Hands

Chris Tomlin's song 'Give Us Clean Hands' is a powerful and earnest prayer for spiritual purity and humility. The lyrics begin with a posture of submission, as the singer bows their heart and bends their knees, asking the Spirit to instill humility. This act of bowing and bending symbolizes a deep reverence and a willingness to be transformed. The plea to turn away from evil and cast down idols reflects a desire to reject worldly temptations and focus solely on God.

The recurring chorus, 'Give us clean hands and give us pure hearts,' is a metaphorical request for inner cleansing and moral integrity. The hands and heart represent actions and intentions, respectively. By asking for clean hands and pure hearts, the singer is seeking to align both their deeds and their inner thoughts with divine will. The line 'Let us not lift our souls to another' underscores the commitment to worship and serve only God, avoiding the distraction of false idols or misplaced priorities.

The song also emphasizes the collective aspiration of a generation to seek God's face, invoking the biblical figure Jacob, who is often associated with perseverance in faith. This communal aspect highlights the desire for a widespread spiritual awakening and renewal. The repetition of the plea throughout the song reinforces the urgency and sincerity of this prayer, making it a resonant anthem for those yearning for a deeper connection with the divine.

'Give Us Clean Hands' is not just a song but a heartfelt invocation for purity, humility, and unwavering devotion. It calls listeners to examine their own lives, reject superficial distractions, and seek a genuine, transformative relationship with God.