The Call In The Night was written for
Yolanda Moreno on the occasion of her ordination. It was first performed
at a commissioning service held for her at Pilgrim Christian Church in Brookfield,
Wisconsin. It has since been used for ordinations and similar services, as well as
a general song of commitment to service.
The heart of the lyrics are a version of Luke 4:18–19 with which Jesus
launches his time of ministry. The RSV version reads:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
These words are used as a congregational statement every Sunday at Pilgrim, the
church from which Yolanda left for seminary.
Lyrics: Jon and Karen jones
July/August 1993
Lyrics
When sung, the last two lines of the refrain are repeated.
The time was dark, the night air still,
When I was called to
do God's will.
My soul confused, my fears run wild,
A voice said,
"Come and follow me, my child."
The whole world grows, for every part
Is called to meet
Creation's Heart,
Called with a power undenied.
A voice said,
"Come and follow me, my child."
"Come and follow and work for me.
Preach good news to the
poor, set the captive free.
As you work my love the blind again will
see."
I will follow you, I will walk your path,
I have heard
the call in the night.
A glacier rolled, old ways are doomed,
Yet
in her wake, new valleys bloomed.
In bitter cold, and spring air
mild,
A voice said, "Come and follow me, my child."
Then came my call to do and see
And it asked everything of
me.
When I said "Yes," creation smiled.
A voice said, "Come and
follow me, my child."
"Come and follow and work for me.
Preach good news to the
poor, set the captive free.
As you work my love the blind again will
see."
I will follow you, I will walk your path,
I have heard
the call in the night.