Dan Schutte is a well-known American composer of Catholic liturgical music, best recognized for writing the hymn Here I Am, Lord. Inspired by his musical grandparents, he grew up loving both folk and church music.

As a founding member of the St. Louis Jesuits, he helped bring a new, contemporary style to Catholic worship after Vatican II. His songs, such as City of God and Sing a New Song, are sung by many people in churches worldwide.

Over the years, Dan has worked as a music director and composer-in-residence at the University of San Francisco. Because of his heartfelt music and dedication, he remains a respected and influential figure in church music today.

About the Song

Here I Am, Lord is about answering a call to serve and help others, even when it feels difficult. The song shows a willingness to follow God’s voice and care for people in need. Because it speaks of faith and service, many find comfort and inspiration in its message.

Here I Am, Lord Lyrics by Dan Schutte

Verse 1

I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Verse 2

I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Verse 3

I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Verse 4

I will break their hearts of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my words to them
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Verse 5

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Verse 6

Finest bread I will provide
‘Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Similar Songs Like Here I Am, Lord

Filled with messages of prayer, purpose, and belief, these songs were created by the same artist and remain favorites in Christian gatherings.

• You Are Near: This gentle song expresses comfort in knowing God is always close, even in hard times. Its soft melody brings peace and hope.
• Sing a New Song: With joyful energy, this song invites people to praise God with fresh hearts. It encourages renewed faith and thanksgiving through music.
• City of God: Written to lift spirits, this song reminds listeners they are called to bring light into the world with courage and love.
• Blest Be the Lord: Beginning with a powerful tone, this song speaks of God’s strength and protection. It celebrates the Lord as a shield in times of fear.

Similar Artists Like Dan Schutte

Below is a list of artists who also write meaningful worship music rooted in faith and scripture.

• Hillsong United
  Genre: Worship, Contemporary Christian, Praise
  Top Albums: Zion (2013), Empires (2015), People (2019)
• Elevation Worship
  Genre: Worship, Contemporary Christian
  Top Albums: There Is a Cloud (2017), Hallelujah Here Below (2018), Graves Into Gardens (2020)
• Bethel Music
  Genre: Worship, Contemporary Christian
  Top Albums: We Will Not Be Shaken (2015), Starlight (2017), Victory (2019)
• Chris Tomlin
  Genre: Worship, Contemporary Christian
  Top Albums: Arriving (2004), Burning Lights (2013), How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection (2011)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired Dan Schutte to Write Here I Am, Lord?

He wrote Here I Am, Lord when a friend asked him to compose a song for an ordination, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 6 and his own faith.

Was Here I Am, Lord Always Popular?

Dan Schutte was nervous about the song’s quality at first, but it quickly became a beloved hymn in churches worldwide.

Why does Here I Am, Lord Include Self-doubt in Its Lyrics?

Schutte changed the lyrics to show human self-doubt, highlighting how biblical prophets often felt unsure when called by God.