Here I Am, O God,
I Come to Do Your Will

Psalm 40 is a psalm of thanksgiving from one who has been rescued by God and now sings the “new song” of hope and mercy. Our response is very similar to Samuel’s reply to the divine voice: “Here I am. You called me.” He says it twice to Eli. Then, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Both express an awareness of God’s presence and trust in God’s plan. The psalmist recounts that the life of discipleship requires a great deal of patience – “Long was I waiting for God.” Take time to pray with the words from the psalm response. Stand before God and recognize that the perfect offering for God’s blessing is obedience and trust.

I waited patiently for you, O God
and you stooped down to me, and heard my cry.
You put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to you.
Sacrifice and offering you do not desire;
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Therefore, I said, “Here I am;”
“In the scroll of the book it is written of me:
my delight is to do your will;
your law is within my heart!”
Your deliverance I have proclaimed in the great assembly.
I have not restrained my lips, as you well know, O God.

[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]