Here I Am. Send Me!
Today’s Verse:
Isaiah 6:8 ESV
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Isaiah’s vision of the Lord in the temple is awe-inspiring. He stands in the presence of the Holy One, overwhelmed by his sinfulness. Yet, in God’s mercy, a seraph purifies Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal, signifying forgiveness and cleansing. Only after this act of grace does Isaiah hear God’s call: “Whom shall I send?” His response is immediate and willing: “Here am I. Send me!”
As Lutherans, we know that Isaiah did not offer himself because of his own worthiness. He was a sinner, undone by God's holiness. But grace changed everything. God’s cleansing empowered him to respond in faith. Likewise, we are not sent because we are perfect or qualified but because we are redeemed. Through Christ, our sin has been atoned for. His cross is the burning coal that purifies us, and His resurrection is our calling to go forth.
Where is God calling you to serve today? It may not be as a prophet to a nation but in your home, workplace, or community. The response God seeks is not one of self-sufficiency but of trust: “Here I am! Send me.” He equips those He calls, and His grace sustains us every step of the way.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Lord, You have cleansed me through Jesus's sacrifice. Open my ears to hear Your call and my heart to respond in faith. Use me in Your service so that I may proclaim Your mercy to the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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