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Here I Am, Lord, also known as I, the Lord of Sea and Sky, is a Christian hymn written by the American composer of Catholic liturgical music, Dan Schutte, in 1979 and published in 1981. It is one of the most popular Catholic hymns, with many Catholics able to sing it from memory. The song is about answering God's call and trusting Him to guide you through life's journey. Schutte wrote the hymn at the age of 31 when he was studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. He was asked by a friend to compose a song for an upcoming diaconate ordination Mass, incorporating God's word, Jesus as the light, and the bread and wine of the Eucharist. The song has since been included in various Catholic hymnals and songbooks and has become a staple in Catholic worship worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composer | Dan Schutte |
| Year composed | 1979 |
| Year published | 1981 |
| Based on | Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4 |
| Publisher | OCP Publications |
| Awards | Grammy Award nomination |
| Albums | Earthen Vessels |
| Albums sales | 2 million copies |
| Lyrics | A conversation and dialogue between God and his people |
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What You'll Learn
'Here I Am, Lord' was written by Dan Schutte in 1979
"Here I Am, Lord", also known as "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky", is a Christian hymn written by the American composer of Catholic liturgical music, Dan Schutte, in 1979. It was published in 1981 by OCP Publications. Schutte wrote the song at the age of 31 when he was studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. The song was composed for the ordination Mass of a deacon, incorporating in the lyrics God's word, Jesus as the light, and the bread and wine of the Eucharist.
The hymn is based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4. It is a conversation and dialogue between God and the People of God, with each stanza ending with the question, "Whom shall I send?". The refrain immediately offers the response, "Here I am, Lord". The powerful song is a testament to Schutte's Godly devotion. The chorus speaks of his dedication, stating, "I will go, Lord, if you lead me", emphasizing the motives of humility and a willingness to act in accordance with the Lord's will.
The song has become extremely popular among Catholics worldwide and is often sung from memory. It has been described as evoking a wave of nostalgia and comfort, helping people facing hardships and illnesses find hope and trust in God. In 2004, an international Catholic survey voted "Here I Am, Lord" as readers' favourite. It was also ranked fifth in a 2013 survey by Songs of Praise as the most popular hymn in Britain.
The hymn is part of the St. Louis Jesuits' Earthen Vessels' album, which sold two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy award. Dan Schutte, now 76, spoke about the amazing story behind "Here I Am, Lord" and how this iconic hymn revolutionized the sound of Catholic worship by introducing gentler guitar-based, folk-style hymns.
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The hymn was first performed in 1979 at Oakland Cathedral
"Here I Am, Lord", also known as "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky", is a Christian hymn composed by Dan Schutte, a former member of the St. Louis Jesuits. Schutte wrote the hymn in 1979, at the age of 31, while he was studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. The hymn was first performed at the Oakland Cathedral in the same year.
The creation of the hymn was prompted by a last-minute request from a priest friend, who asked Schutte to compose a song for an upcoming diaconate ordination Mass. The friend wanted the song to incorporate imagery of the word of God, the light of Christ, and the bread and wine of the Eucharist. These images would eventually appear at the ends of the verses: "Who will bear my light to them?" and "Who will speak my word with love?".
The hymn's premiere at the Oakland Cathedral in 1979 marked the beginning of its enduring popularity among Catholics and Christians worldwide. "Here I Am, Lord" has consistently scored highly in surveys of favourite hymns, and many people have shared how the song has brought them comfort and hope during difficult times.
The Oakland Cathedral, located in Oakland, California, is a significant religious site for the Catholic community in the region. The cathedral has been a venue for various religious gatherings, Masses, and hymn performances over the years. The first performance of "Here I Am, Lord" at this cathedral added to its religious and cultural significance, especially for those who deeply connect with the message of the hymn.
The impact of the hymn's first performance at the Oakland Cathedral extended beyond that initial event. The song became widely known and loved, resonating with people from different backgrounds. It has been included in multiple hymnals and missalettes, and it is sung in many Protestant worship services as well. The Oakland Cathedral continues to be a place of worship and a witness to the power of hymns like "Here I Am, Lord" to inspire and uplift believers.
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The song was written for a diaconate ordination Mass
"Here I Am, Lord", also known as "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky", is a Christian hymn written by the American composer of Catholic liturgical music, Dan Schutte. Schutte wrote the song in 1979 at the age of 31 while he was studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California.
Schutte's hymn has become one of the most popular Catholic hymns worldwide. It is also sung in many Protestant worship services and is found in multiple hymnals and missalettes. In 2004, an international Catholic survey reported "Here I Am, Lord" as readers' favourite hymn. A poll conducted by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians found that the song came in second among "songs that make a difference".
The song is a conversation and dialogue between God and the People of God. Schutte has received letters from people with terminal illnesses or their spouses, who say the hymn has helped them face their hardships with the hope that God accompanies them. The song is often used in liturgies for vow profession, ordination, and commissioning.
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It is based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4
"Here I Am, Lord", also known as "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky", is a Christian hymn composed by Dan Schutte in 1979 and published in 1981. The hymn is based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4 from the Bible.
Isaiah 6:8 is about the prophet Isaiah beginning his ministry in 739 BC after King Uzziah of Judah died of leprosy. The verse records the Lord's calling of Isaiah and Isaiah receiving that call. In the verse, Isaiah expresses his purpose on earth and his desire for that purpose to serve the Lord. He says, "Here am I. Send me!", without waiting to hear the Lord's plan for him. This signifies the human nature of wanting to follow God's plan even if it seems impossible or uncomfortable.
Similarly, 1 Samuel 3:4 is about Samuel's calling by God. In this verse, Samuel is awoken by a voice calling his name, to which he responds, "Here I am." Samuel is initially unaware that it is God calling him, as he goes to Eli thinking it was him. However, Eli realizes it is the Lord calling Samuel and instructs Samuel to respond with "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." This marks the beginning of Samuel's ministry as a prophet.
"Here I Am, Lord" has become a popular hymn among Catholics and Christians, often evoking strong emotions and nostalgia. It has been voted as a favourite hymn in several surveys and is known for its ability to provide comfort and hope during difficult times. The hymn is a dialogue between God and the people, expressing their willingness to serve and follow God's plan.
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The song is about answering God's call
"Here I Am, Lord", also known as "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky", is a Christian hymn composed by Dan Schutte, an American writer of Catholic liturgical music. The song was written in 1979 and published in 1981 when Schutte was 31 years old and studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California.
The hymn is based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4, and its lyrics describe a Christian answering God's call. The song is a conversation and dialogue between God and the singer, with the verses sung by a soloist to represent the voice of God, and the refrain sung by the congregation in response.
The song begins with an image of God as the Creator: "I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry". God is described as the maker of "stars of night", who will transform the "darkness into bright". Each stanza ends with the question, "Whom shall I send?", to which the refrain provides the answer: "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me."
The second stanza refers to the crucifixion: "I have borne my people's pain. I have wept for love of them." This stanza also includes the line "They turn away", alluding to the fact that during Christ's passion, "they all forsook him and fled" (Mark 14:50).
The final stanza describes "the Lord of wind and flame", using the symbols of Pentecost to represent the Holy Spirit. Thus, each person of the Godhead is referred to in turn in the three stanzas of the hymn.
The song has become incredibly popular among Catholics and is often sung from memory. It has been described as evoking strong emotions and providing comfort and hope during times of hardship.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, "Here I Am, Lord" is a Catholic hymn written by Dan Schutte.
Dan Schutte is an American composer of Catholic liturgical music. He is also a member of The St. Louis Jesuits.
Dan Schutte wrote "Here I Am, Lord" in 1979 and it was published in 1981.
The lyrics of "Here I Am, Lord" are based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4.
"Here I Am, Lord" is a popular hymn that has resonated with many Catholics and Christians worldwide. It has been described as a conversation between God and the people, with the lyrics capturing the meaning of scripture and the uncertainty and insecurity that people experience.
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