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.
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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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 ...
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