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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 436 · Words: John Haynes Holmes · Tune: MEIRIONYDD
The Voice of God is Calling
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →Written in 1913 by Unitarian minister John Haynes Holmes, this hymn adapts Isaiah's call ('Here am I, send me') to early 20th-century social-justice concerns, summoning worshippers to serve the poor in slums, mines, and mills. It is set to the Welsh tune MEIRIONYDD (1840).
Verse 1
The voice of God is calling
its summons in our day;
Isaiah heard in Zion,
and we now hear God say:
“Whom shall I send to succor
my people in their need?
Whom shall I send to loosen
the bonds of
shame and greed?
Verse 2
“I hear my people crying
in slum and
mine and mill;
no field or mart is silent,
no city street is still.
I see my people falling
in darkness and despair.
Whom shall I send
to shatter
the fetters
which they bear?”
Verse 3
We heed, O Lord,
your summons,
and answer: Here are we!
Send us upon your errand,
let us your servants be.
Our strength is
dust and ashes,
our years a passing hour;
but you can
use our weakness
to magnify your power.
Verse 4
From ease and plenty
save us;
from pride of place absolve;
purge us of low desire;
lift us to high resolve;
take us, and
make us holy;
teach us your will and way.
Speak, and behold!
we answer;
command, and we obey!
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