The Voice of God Is Calling

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?”

“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?”

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.

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!

Author: John Haynes Holmes

Year: 1914

This is a well-known 20th-century hymn text by the American Unitarian minister and pacifist John Haynes Holmes (1879–1964). It was first published in 1914 and is frequently paired with the tune MEIRIONYDD. No other common attributions exist.