Here I am Lord (I the Lord of Sea and Sky)

This is a hymn of response to God's call. The lyrics are inspired by Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3.

It was written by American musician, composer and at-the-time Roman Catholic priest Daniel (Dan) L Schutte (b 1947). The song was first published in 1981 by North American Liturgy Resources. Today copyright is owned by Schutte and OCP Publications.

There has been some controversy because of the way the song is constructed. It was most likely intended for cantor with the congregation singing the chorus: the verses are written in the voice of God "I the Lord of ..." and ending with a question "Whom shall I send", and the chorus responding "Here I am Lord, is it I Lord" in the listener's voice. Despite this, the song is very widely known, sung in full by many congregations, and has crossed denominational boundaries and is now used in a wide variety of Christian churches.

With meter 7.7.7.4 D with refrain, the tune is usually simply called HERE I AM LORD. It has a 4/4 time signature, and in the key of G the first few notes are GF G D C DD.

Downloads

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Choral (SAB) setting by
Mary McDonald

buy and download sheet music from Sheet Music Now

Guitar and vocal edition

Examples

Massed choir with organ / light orchestra:

Solo singer with guitar - words and chords on-screen:

Choir, unaccompanied:

Solo singer with orchestra:

Choir with percussion, live in a church-service:

Contemporary singer with praise band:

Choir with organ:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website (with a variation in 3rd line of the first verse: most versions say "dark and sin" instead of "deepest sin").

The song has three verses, and a chorus which is repeated after each verse. A rough outline is:

1 I, the Lord of sea and sky ... whom shall I send?

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.

2 I, the Lord of snow and rain ...

3 I, the Lord of wind and flame ...