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I first heard this hymn while helping sponsor youth events in the 1990s. It was written by a composer of liturgical music, Dan Schutte, for a Catholic friend's 1979 ordination. Words and music were composed in three days' time, while Schutte (age 31 at the time) was quite ill with the flu, but he managed to complete it on time. It was first published in 1981 in a Catholic hymn book. We used to sing it at congregational and synod youth gatherings, and I loved it! It was eventually included in the Lutheran Book of Worship (and also appears in the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship. Yay!!)
In 2005, when Erv Janssen asked me to go to Guyana that summer with the team for a Mental Health Conference, I at first said no. I didn't see what I could add to a trip with that focus. When Erv urged me again to consider going to present a session on domestic violence, I told him I'd think about it. A few days later, one of the hymns chosen for that Sunday's worship was Schutte's "Here I Am, Lord." As I sang the chorus, with tears forming, I felt I was speaking directly with God. It was the most emotional experience I've had while singing a hymn. When the service was over, I pulled Erv aside and told him I would go to Guyana with the team, and I explained to him why I'd decided to go. "If I'd known what it would take to get you to say yes, I'd have chosen that hymn myself," he said. "It was definitely divine intervention." Every time we sang the hymn again in worship in the years following, Erv made a point of mentioning to me how grateful he was for its effect on me. The wise women in this group are put on notice: this hymn should be sung at my memorial service, whenever that may be. I'll be watching you all! --Janice
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