Whom Shall I Send? Meaning, History, and Theology
"Whom shall I send? our Maker cries"
- Written
- 1977
- Category
- Hymn
Viewed 14 times
Share this hymn
Help others discover the story, message, and study guide for this hymn.
Story
Whom Shall I Send? is a hymn by Fred Pratt Green inspired by the biblical call of Isaiah. The text reflects on the challenge and joy of responding to God's invitation to serve in his mission. Through thoughtful poetry and strong biblical themes, the hymn encourages believers to become willing messengers of Christ.
Overview
Whom Shall I Send? is a modern hymn by Fred Pratt Green that reflects on the biblical theme of God's call to service. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah's prophetic vision, the hymn explores the challenge and privilege of responding to God's invitation to participate in his mission.
The text speaks honestly about the hesitation many believers feel when confronted with a call to serve. Green acknowledges the temptation to prefer comfort and security rather than sacrificial obedience.
Yet the hymn ultimately affirms that responding to God's call brings a deeper joy and inner peace. The willingness to serve becomes an act of faithful discipleship rooted in love for Christ.
Because of its reflective tone and strong biblical foundation, the hymn is often used in services that emphasize mission, vocation, and Christian commitment.
Historical Background
Fred Pratt Green wrote this hymn during the latter part of his life after retiring from pastoral ministry. Having spent decades serving the Methodist Church, he began writing hymns that addressed the realities of modern Christian life.
Green's hymns often reflect thoughtful engagement with Scripture and contemporary discipleship. He sought to express biblical themes in language that resonated with modern congregations.
The hymn draws inspiration from Isaiah 6, where the prophet hears God's call for a messenger. Green interprets this biblical moment as a challenge to believers in every generation.
The text was paired with established hymn tunes such as Sine Nomine by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Thornbury by Basil Harwood, both widely used in Anglican and ecumenical hymnody.
Biblical Foundations
The primary biblical foundation of the hymn comes from Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6. In that passage God asks whom he will send, and Isaiah responds with readiness to serve.
The theme of being sent also appears in the Great Commission of Matthew 28. Jesus commands his followers to go and make disciples of all nations.
In John's Gospel, the risen Christ tells his disciples that he sends them into the world just as the Father sent him.
Paul further emphasizes the importance of those who proclaim the gospel in Romans 10. The hymn gathers these themes into a reflection on Christian vocation and mission.
Verse Explanation
The first stanza presents God's question from Isaiah, asking who will go as a messenger. It acknowledges that many people sense God's call yet hesitate because of the cost.
The second stanza contrasts hesitation with the peace experienced by those who choose faithful service. The sacrifice of obedience becomes a source of inner joy.
The final stanza becomes a prayer. The worshiper asks for grace to respond faithfully to God's call and to serve as a willing messenger.
Through this progression the hymn moves from divine invitation to human response and finally to prayerful commitment.
Theological Reflection
The hymn addresses the doctrine of vocation. In Christian theology, God calls believers not only to faith but also to active participation in his mission.
Green's text also explores the tension between comfort and obedience. Following Christ often requires sacrifice, yet such sacrifice leads to spiritual fulfillment.
Another theological theme is the universal nature of Christian mission. The call to serve is not limited to clergy or missionaries but extends to all believers.
Ultimately the hymn emphasizes grace. The ability to respond to God's call comes from divine enabling rather than human strength alone.
Church Impact
Whom Shall I Send? has become a meaningful hymn for services focused on mission, vocation, and Christian commitment. Its message resonates with congregations considering how to live out their faith in practical ways.
The hymn is frequently used in ordination services, mission Sundays, and gatherings emphasizing Christian service. Its biblical foundation makes it particularly suitable for preaching on Isaiah's call narrative.
Fred Pratt Green's hymn writing helped renew twentieth century hymnody by combining theological depth with contemporary relevance.
Through texts like this one, modern congregations are reminded that God's call to serve continues in every generation.
Musical Notes
The hymn is often sung to the tune Sine Nomine by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a widely known melody associated with strong congregational singing. This tune's confident character supports the theme of courageous service.
Another tune sometimes used is Thornbury by Basil Harwood, which offers a more reflective musical atmosphere. Both tunes come from the Anglican musical tradition and are well suited for congregational worship.
The metrical structure of the hymn allows it to be sung clearly and expressively by congregations. Its rhythm encourages thoughtful reflection on the text.
Because of its moderate tempo and strong melodic lines, the hymn works well in services emphasizing commitment or mission.
Application
- Reflect on how God may be calling you to serve in your community or church.
- Recognize that responding to God's call may require sacrifice and courage.
- Seek God's guidance through prayer when discerning vocation and mission.
- Encourage others to listen for and respond to God's call in their lives.
- Trust that faithful service brings deeper spiritual joy.
Discussion Questions
- What fears or hesitations might people feel when responding to God's call?
- How does the story of Isaiah shape the message of this hymn?
- What forms of service might God be calling believers to today?
- Why does obedience to God's call lead to inner peace?
- How can churches encourage members to discern their vocation?
Teaching Tips
- Begin by reading Isaiah 6 and discussing Isaiah's response to God's call.
- Invite participants to share examples of Christian vocation in daily life.
- Discuss how mission can occur both locally and globally.
- Encourage reflection on personal gifts and opportunities for service.
- Use the hymn as a closing prayer during discussions about mission.
Sources
-
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
-
Hymnary.org
-
The Dictionary of Hymnology by John Julian
-
Companion to Hymns and Psalms
-
The English Hymnal Companion
Lyrics
Lyrics Not Displayed
This hymn is not currently marked as public domain in the HymnInfo database. To respect copyright, the full lyrics are not displayed here. HymnInfo still provides historical, biblical, and theological study notes where available.
Sheet Music
Music Sheet Not Displayed
This hymn is not currently marked as public domain in the HymnInfo database. To respect copyright, the full music sheet is not displayed here. Please use a licensed hymnal, authorized publisher, or approved sheet-music provider.
Looking for licensed sheet music? Use an authorized sheet-music provider or licensed hymnal for the complete music and text.
Download Resources
Teaching and small-group resources available for this hymn.
Full lyrics and sheet music are not displayed because this hymn is not currently marked as public domain in the HymnInfo database. Teaching resources prepared for study and discussion may still be available below.
These teaching resources are free to use. Contributions help us create more.
Opens in a new tab.