Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 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.
Text: Frances R. Havergal; Music: Robert Schumann; Public Domain
Devotion
This hymn is a prayer asking for God’s guidance through the day as people of faith: “Lord, speak to us, that we may speak in living echoes of your tone….” As I contemplate the gospel message for this week, Luke 10:25-37, with the words of this hymn resounding in the background of my thoughts, I hear the voice of a 95-year-old parishioner of mine as well. She shared with our Bible study group one day that if she wakes up with someone’s name in her head, or if a certain person comes to mind as she’s saying her morning prayers, she feels God’s guidance to call that person, write them a note, or go to visit them. As she said, “There always seems to be a need for that visit. Both of us are lifted up by the encouragement we give each other!”—and her day goes well if she follows God’s leading. May we all be open to the nudging of the Holy Spirit toward mutual neighborliness!
Prayer
Ever present Spirit, help us to listen well to your voice of guidance amid our busy days and our anxious world. When we need to hear your blessing and words of comfort from someone, keep our minds attentive and our ears open that we may hear your precious words of truth and love. Amen.