Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary

“Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary,” commonly titled “Sanctuary,” is a contemporary Christian worship song by John Thompson and Randy Scruggs. Hymnary credits both writers as authors and composers and identifies the tune as SANCTUARY. The song carries a prayerful and devotional character, asking God to make the believer a sanctuary that is pure, holy, tried, and true. Hymnary records the copyright as 1982 and notes that the song has appeared in numerous hymnals and worship collections.

The central theme is personal consecration. Rather than focusing primarily upon a physical sanctuary, the song applies the biblical imagery of a sanctuary to the life of the believer. The prayer asks the Lord to prepare the worshiper to become a fitting dwelling place for Him. This connects naturally with 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, where Paul teaches in the KJV, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” The song therefore calls Christians to recognize that worship involves not only singing or gathering together, but also the surrender and holiness of one's daily life.

The words “pure and holy, tried and true” express a desire for spiritual transformation and faithfulness. The final thought, “with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for You,” joins consecration with gratitude. The believer's life is presented as an offering to God, reflecting the teaching of Romans 12:1 concerning presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. The song is therefore well suited to prayer, dedication, worship, and moments of personal commitment. Its simple structure and direct prayer have helped make it useful in congregational worship and devotional settings. Hymnary records related scriptural associations including Psalm 24:3-4, Romans 12:1, 1 Peter 2:4-6, and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.