Here Am I, Lord

Remember those old hymns that the church has gotten away from. I know some of you remember the old red back hymnals. I know many contemporary churches have since wandered far from these old hymns and some have looked down upon these hymns as not reaching the lost anymore and not worshipping. However, the words to some of these songs are so deep and have moved many of us and we have yet to even realize this. The song Here Am I, Lord is one of those songs. I remember singing this song growing up and at camp and such. This hymn is one that can be played on a guitar and so it lends itself to portability and events such as camp.

The chorus

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.

Singing that song at camp, it was not just an emotional experience of being at camp, these were words that were forever imprinted on my heart. For those that do not know the words I am including the words to the whole song below.

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?

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.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of 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?

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.

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?

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.

This song describes what The Lord has called the church to do. To listen to where the Lord is speaking and what he is calling his people to. To be the people willing to say Here I am, send me. Now for those who do not know, this outcry happens back in the Old Testament.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 NKJV)

So the question I have is why is it that so many people think its odd that someone would say the same thing now. When God says to go, it is time to go. For some of us, this comes easier than others and maybe some of us are called to this type of ministry.

I know several things about myself, God has placed people on my heart and long ago I knew that I wanted to go and do missions work. I did not know what that would entail and I still do not know completely what that means but I know that when He says Go, I will go and when He asked who will I send, I will say Here I am, send me. 🙂

Any thoughts or comments???