Lord Speak to Us That We May Speak
Lord speak to us that we may speak
The hymn reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the power of God's Word to transform and empower believers for faithful witness and service. It connects receiving the Gospel with the responsibility to share it, embodying the Lutheran understanding of Christian vocation and discipleship.
History & Background
Written by Frances Ridley Havergal in 1874, this hymn emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between receiving God's word and sharing it with others. It has been widely adopted in Protestant hymnals since its composition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 578
- Chalice Hymnal — 578
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 676
- Glory to God — 722
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 403
- New Century Hymnal — 531
- Trinity Hymnal — 564
- United Methodist Hymnal — 463
- Voices Together — 762
Bulletin Note
Written by Frances Ridley Havergal (1874), this hymn expresses Victorian evangelical piety while maintaining Lutheran theology: Word received becomes Word proclaimed through the power of the Spirit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: God's gracious address to us (Gospel) becomes the ground and empowerment for our witness to others (Law lived in freedom).
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From divine calling to missionary commission: the believer receives God's Word, develops compassionate hearts for the lost, practices faithful intercession, and participates in God's redemptive work until all creation glorifies Him
Themes
witness and testimony empowerment by the Holy Spirit discipleship mission and evangelism God's word