Friday, January 10, 2020

Hymn of the Week: Speak, Lord

I wrote this as a hymn of response to God's call in our lives. Each verse takes its inspiration from one of the Bible's stories about God calling out to a particular person: verse 1, Samuel; verse 2, Elijah; verse 3, Mary; and verse 4, Paul. The tune is taken from the old hymn "I Am Resolved."

Speak, Lord

Lord, in the night I've heard your voice calling,
As you reach out to me;
Give me a heart that's willing to listen,
And all your words receive.
     Speak, Lord, to your servant, as I attend your will;
     I am ready to serve in any way you call.

Amid my journeys of desolation,
Your voice calls out to me:
Not in the windstorm, earthquake, or fire,
But in your gentle peace.
     Speak, Lord, to your servant, as I attend your will;
     Give me strength to follow your voice, so small and still.

My soul will magnify my Creator,
For he has done great things!
May all his words in me be fulfilled,
My Master, my God and King!
     Speak, Lord, to your servant, as I attend your will;
     May it be unto me as you have said it will.

In my rebellions, in all my failures,
Still you have called to me:
Saved and redeemed me, sent me and sealed me
Your blessed Word to preach.
     Speak, Lord, to your servant, as I attend your will;
     Send me by your power and with your Spirit filled.