Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak (ELW 676)
1 Lord, speak to us, that we may speak
in living echoes of your tone;
as you have sought, so let us seek
your straying children, lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead us, Lord, that we may lead
the wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
oh, feed us, Lord, that we may feed
your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach us, Lord, that we may teach
the precious truths which you impart;
and wing our words, that thy may reach
the hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill us with your fullness, Lord,
until my very hearts o’erflow
in kindling thought and glowing word,
your love to tell, your praise to show.
Devotion
The prophet Ezekiel is known for lots of things: iconoclast, firebrand, preacher, and prophet. His typical moniker, however, is something simpler: “Mr. Mortal.” “Child of Adam.” This is how he appears in this week’s Old Testament reading (cf. 33:7)—and over ninety times in the remainder of his book.
Mortals should want to listen before they speak. They should want to be led before they attempt to lead—and be fed by God’s word before they feed others. It is the logical attitude for “mortals.” When it comes to spiritual messaging, they serve best as conduits. They are better reflectors than sources.
Much like we see in this hymn. When I am feeling especially “Christian,” I make verse four my prayer. I pray to be filled with the fullness of Jesus. I want to “o’erflow” with his love. I pray that the Savior might kindle something “glowing” in my heart—and impart some of his “love to tell.” It is a “mortal” sort of prayer, I suppose.
Prayer
Fill us with your fullness, Lord. Permit our hearts to “overflow” with your love. Amen.