The author of this poem is J. Edwin Orr (19 12- 1988). His father is American and his mother is British. He was born in Ireland. He received his doctorate from Oxford University and many universities in Europe, America, Asia and Africa. He is a famous missionary and historian. During World War II, he served as a priest at the Pacific Air Force Base. After the war, he traveled to 150 countries and held missionary lectures in more than 600 important cities. 1967, taught in the mission department of Fuller Theological Seminary in California for many years. Many of his works have been translated into many languages and sold more than one million copies.
Clean Me was written in 1936, when he was in charge of the Easter revival sermon in New Zealand. Because of the urgent prayer of Christians, the Holy Spirit has been greatly operated, believers have confessed their sins and repented, and New Zealand has experienced an unprecedented revival. During Easter worship, the tent was crowded with people, and midnight worship was added at the meeting. It is difficult to count those who are determined. When Aoaiwen left New Zealand, four indigenous Maori girls came to see him off and presented him with a farewell song in Maori. Deeply moved, he wrote this song "Clean Me" with this beautiful melody after returning to China.
From World War II to 1950' s, this Porini West Asian tune was once called "Now is the time" when soldiers went out to war. When "Clean Me" was included in the hymn, it was rearranged by Norman E. Johnson (1928- 1983). Johnson worked in a singing publishing company and wrote countless hymns and music scores.
Before the Eucharist, we often sing this hymn to examine whether there are hidden sins and injustice in our hearts, and ask God to be clean and not to eat or drink our sins (Cor. 1. 1 1:28,29). In the service, you must also clean your hands and heart in order to make a vessel that suits God's heart.