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
Frances Ridely Havergal, (1836-1878) the author of this hymn, said: “Writing hymns is like praying,” asking God to grant us the words and actions that direct our lives.
“Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak” is a prayer for a full and energetic life, and for the surrender of our life in worship and service to God. Havergal, in a letter to a friend dated May 25, 1872, noted that she had written a poem titled “A Worker’s Prayer.” In the poem she referenced Romans 14:7, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.” This verse speaks to us asserting that we are not meant to live in isolation or solely for our own benefit but rather should consider our impact on others and our relationship with God, asking always first, “What shall I say or do next?”
Prayer
Lord, I ask you to guide my life through the Holy Spirit within. Help me to live like Christ teaches us, and to love all unconditionally as you our loving Parent unconditionally loves all. I, your servant pray. Amen.