Here I Am, Lord....

"Here I Am, Lord" is one of those rare hymns that feels both deeply personal and universally understood. Based on the calling of the prophet Isaiah, Dan Schutte’s beloved composition captures the dialogue between a God who seeks out the lost and a willing, if hesitant, servant. When the choir sings the unison verses, we take on the voice of God—the Lord of sea and sky, snow and rain—expressing a profound yearning to heal and save His people.

The shift to the refrain is where the real emotional weight rests for the congregation. Moving from the voice of the Creator to the response of the individual, the harmony opens up into a sweeping surrender: "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?" It is a staple for ordinations, religious professions, and entrance processions, reminding everyone in the pews that the call to serve is an everyday invitation. Singing this piece requires a gentle, storytelling approach in the verses, saving the full warmth of the choir's blend for that iconic, answering chorus.