Master, speak! thy servant heareth,
Waiting for thy gracious word,
Longing for thy voice that cheereth;
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
What hast thou to say to me?

Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me;
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the Shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the rock.

Master, speak! Though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart;
Master, speak! for O thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart,
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak and make me blessed indeed.

Master, speak: and make me ready,
When thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady
Still to follow every word.
I am listening, Lord, for thee;
Master, speak! O speak to me!


Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)