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
In a worship class in 2000, Professor Mons Teig surveyed students’ favorite hymns, and many, passionate about serving God, chose “Here I Am, Lord.” Not surprisingly, it has long been beloved in my congregations as well.
The hymn is written as a dialogue: the stanzas give voice to God’s call, while the refrain becomes our response. The text and music beautifully portray a Creator who sees pain, hears cries, feeds the hungry, and brings people out of darkness into light.
The refrain echoes Isaiah’s words, “Here am I; send me,” along with Samuel’s “Speak, for your servant is listening,” and Mary’s “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” Each answered God’s call willingly.
Sometimes God’s call comes in dramatic moments, as with Isaiah, Samuel, or Mary. Other times, it comes as a still, small voice within us. If we listen carefully, we may discover what God is calling us to do. Like Mother Teresa, I sometimes ask God, “What is the call within the call?”
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for calling us to follow and serve you. Open our ears to hear your voice and give us willing hearts to respond, “Here I am, Lord.” Guide us each day in the path you desire for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.