Here I Am, Lord (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 574)
1 “I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?”
Refrain
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
2 “I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love them. They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?”
Refrain
3 “I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?”
Refrain
Text: Daniel L. Schutte; Music: Daniel L. Schutte
© 1981 OCP Publications, Inc.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A730924
Devotion
When God called the prophets Samuel and Isaiah, they each responded “Here I am, Lord.” But when God called Moses, his initial response was “But why me?” (Exodus 3:11, MSG). As a senior citizen called into a third career, from prince to sheep farmer to political activist, Moses’ question “Why me?’ seems understandable. Yet God had been preparing Moses over many decades to protest Pharaoh’s oppression and lead the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt.
Seminary graduation initiated my fourth career and a variety of pastoral calls. Whenever, in the words of this hymn, “I have heard you calling,” my reaction has been “Is it I, Lord?” or, more realistically, “Me, Lord? Really? Are you sure?” Even though I am now retired from a clergy payroll, I continue yet to live into the questions with great amazement: Who’s crying, God? What’s the need, Lord? Trusting in your help, Lord!
Prayer
O Lord, whatever our age and level of incredulity, keep opening our hearts to your next call. Amen.