Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Laura Story has released Open Hands, the follow-up to her immensely successful release, Blessings. The Grammy Award-winning Story, whose voice has been heard on some of Contemporary Christian music’s most recognizable songs, including Mighty to Save, Great God Who Saves, and I Can Just Be Me, enlisted the distinctive voice of Third Day’s Mac Powell for her comeback single.
So how does Open Hands fare in comparison to Blessings? Frankly, I like it more! I know that Blessings connected with so many people, but I love the authenticity and vulnerability of Open Hands. “The more I grow as a worship leader, the more I am learning that worship isn’t just the words I sing, but the very posture of my heart,” shares Story.
Story has always been brilliant at crafting a melody–one of the best female worship songwriters of her generation, for me, she’s right up there with Darlene Zschech, Kim Walker-Smith, and Mia Fieldes–but the production of Open Hands is what makes it a home run. Story’s instantly recognizable voice blends in perfectly with Powell’s to create a spine-tingling worship anthem of immeasurable quality.
“True worship is more than adoration,” Story adds. “It’s coming before a faithful, trustworthy Father with open hands. It’s saying, ‘God, I want to surrender my life to You. I want You to take it all. Whatever comes, let me not respond with clenched fists as if I know best. With open hands, my life is Yours. The joy. The sorrow. The most broken things. I surrender to You. This is my act of worship.'”
OPEN HANDS Lyrics
Laura Story featuring Mac Powell of Third Day
The sweetest sound
The highest praise
Is the letting go of this life You gave
Our greatest prayer
Our act of faith is an open hand
Lord have your way
Take it all
Every hope, every dream, every plan
Take it all
Every weight
All the shame and brokenness
Jesus, I surrender all
Every victory and loss
Take it all, take it all
‘Til all I have is open hands
A clenching fist
A life of fear
A burden held has no place here
‘Cause You call me now to cast it all
On the shoulders of the One who’s strong
Take it all
Every hope, every dream, every plan
Take it all
Every weight
All the shame and brokenness
Jesus, I surrender all
Every victory and loss
Take it all, take it all
‘Til all I have is open hands
All I have is open hands
I’m not afraid of what I’ll lose
My greatest joy is finding you
I’m not afraid of what I’ll lose
My greatest joy is finding you
It’s finding you
Take it all, take it all
Take it all, take it all
Take it all
Every hope, every dream, every plan
Take it all
Every weight
All the shame and brokenness
Jesus, I surrender all
Every victory and loss
Take it all, take it all
‘Til all I have is open hands
All I have is open hands
All I have is open hands
I surrender (I surrender)
‘Til all I have is open hands
