"Take My Life, That I May Be", ELW 685
1. Take my life, that I may be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2. Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
3. Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold,
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
ev'ry pow'r as thou shall choose.
5. Take my will and make it thine,
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own,
it shall be thy royal throne.
6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
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In my previous congregation, there was a faithful woman who shared with me her prayer practice and how she began each day. Before she got out of bed, she would pray this simple prayer, "Here I am, God. Use me." She was a nurse, a mother, foster parent, wife, sister, friend, church council leader, Sunday school teacher and more. Like many of us, she lived a busy, full life and never knew each day what her work or life would bring; but she knew she always wanted to be used by God.
In her prayer of opening herself up to God's will and work in her and through her there are hints of Mary's response to the angel when she received the news that she would become pregnant with Jesus. This simple prayer also echoes this week's reading from Philippians, reflecting the poured-out, servant life we are called to as God's people. Following Jesus can be challenging in this complex, fast-paced world in which we live. But sometimes we receive the gift of clarity to be able to say: "Here I am, God. Use me."
Here we are, God. Take our hands, our voices, our money, our minds, our time and our talents and use us, ever only all for thee. Amen.
Sandy Van Zyl, '88
ELCA Pastor serving United Congregational Church (UCC) Butte, Mont.
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The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
Telephone: (651)641-3456-
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