HERE I AM, LORD

"Here I Am, Lord" is one of the most universally beloved hymns in modern Catholic worship, composed by Dan Schutte. The song draws its text from the calling of the prophet Isaiah, capturing a divine dialogue between God and His people. In the verses, the choir sings from the perspective of God, expressing a deep yearning to heal, save, and nourish a broken world. The refrain then shifts to the voice of the faithful, answering that call with a willing surrender: "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?"

In Nigerian parishes, this hymn is a staple for Ordinations, religious professions, and the Offertory. It speaks directly to the heart of vocation and personal sacrifice. The transition from God's questioning "Whom shall I send?" to the congregation's response creates a deeply moving moment in the Mass, reminding everyone in the pews of their own call to service.

This particular choral arrangement by Ovid Young takes the familiar melody and expands it into a rich, textured piece. By dividing the voices and building toward a soaring, harmonized refrain, the arrangement allows the choir loft to truly embody the weight and joy of answering God's call, ending with a resolute, final "Here I am."