Encountering God: A Choir’s Response to Divine Calling

“Here am I; send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

Dear Choir,

Today’s scripture readings weave together a powerful theme that speaks directly to us as worship leaders: the transformative moment of encountering God and responding to His call. Each passage shows us different facets of this divine encounter and our human response – God is always previous.

In Isaiah 6, we witness perhaps the most musical calling in scripture. The prophet finds himself in the very throne room of God, where seraphim sing “Holy, holy, holy!” The sound is so powerful that the doorposts shake. Isaiah’s immediate response is awareness of his unworthiness: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips.” Yet God purifies him, and Isaiah responds with immediate willingness: “Here am I; send me!”

This mirrors Simon Peter’s experience in Luke 5:1-11. When Jesus demonstrates His power through the miraculous catch of fish, Peter, like Isaiah, falls down and acknowledges his sinfulness. Yet Jesus transforms his fear into purpose: “Do not be afraid; from now on, you will be catching people.”

The Psalmist in Psalm 138 shows us how to respond to such grace: “I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise.” This is our calling as a choir – to lead in wholehearted thanksgiving, to sing God’s praise with our entire being.

In 1 Corinthians 15:11, Paul reminds us that whether it was he or the other apostles who proclaimed the message, “so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.” In the same way, whether we sing soprano or bass, whether we’re soloists or part of the ensemble, we proclaim the same gospel through our music.

Reflection:
1. When have you been most aware of God’s presence during worship?
2. How does your role in the choir help others encounter God’s holiness?
3. Like Isaiah and Peter, what sins or feelings of unworthiness do you need to surrender to live fully in God’s calling?

Prayer:
Lord of hosts, like the seraphim around your throne, we are called to sing of your holiness. Purify our lips and hearts, calm our fears, and help us lead others in proclaiming your glory through our worship. May our songs, like Isaiah’s response, always declare, “Here am I; send me!” Amen.

“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth, I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.” – Psalm 89:1