Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens
The hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on Word-centered faith and receptive listening to God's revealed truth, consistent with the Reformation principle of sola scriptura. It portrays the believer's posture of obedience and openness to divine instruction, reflecting Augustine's maxim that faith comes by hearing.
History & Background
Erdmann Neumeister composed this hymn as part of his church cantata project in early 18th-century Germany, reflecting baroque devotional theology. The text was translated into English by Gerhard Cartford in 1981 and has appeared in modern Lutheran hymnals since then.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 793
- Lutheran Service Book — 589
- Lutheran Worship — 339
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 296
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Erdmann Neumeister in 1704, this German hymn captures the Reformation's confidence in Scripture as God's living voice. It remains a touchstone of Lutheran Word-centered piety.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it begins with the demand for obedience and receptivity, then opens into the grace of God's redemptive speech—making it a perfect musical echo of how the Word both convicts and heals.
Themes
God's Word Obedience Prayer and listening Divine calling Responsiveness to God