A Word I Read

I read these words, the saddest written
Like sheep we have all gone astray
His life is taken from the earth
And who shall declare His day?

For He was the one, God's chosen son
Named from eternity
Who, counting the cost took up the cross
Saying "Here am I, send me"

The teacher of truth and son of the Father
Left a lamp to brighten our day
Would He grieve today for a life's work broken?
So few who walk in that way

But who'll be the one who will carry on
What He bought with His life on the tree?
And who has the heart to take His part
Saying "Here am I send me?"

Then I prayed "Oh Lord, send us a prophet
Like Elijah from times long past
Who'll turn the hearts and minds of your people
That this word of Christ be not lost"

"It's my spirit that makes a man a prophet"
The reply came swift and true
"The spirit I give to all who seek
The same I give to you"

Then I read these words, the gladdest written
"I go, but this comfort I leave
To open all the powers of heaven
To one who truly believes

So I'll be the one and I'll carry on
With the gift He bought on the tree
God gave me the heart and I'll take His part
Saying "Here am I send me"

Oh, Lord here am I send me