What gift can I give to

The one who gives everything?

What treasure do I possess

That would glorify my king?

Not diamonds or emeralds

Not silver or gold

These “treasures” are not enough

To lay before your throne

Should I sing you a love song

And flood you with praise

To prove that my love for you

Grows stronger every day?

No, you only want one thing

One gift is enough

You simply want all of me

To abide with you in love

So I give you my heart

The heart of a servant, Lord

I give you my joyfulness, my brokenness

Every thing I am

May I grow to know and love you

and serve the ones you love

Day by day, this I pray

To give you my heart

The heart of a servant

You created me for you

You have called me by name

Your spirit’s alive in me

Like a constant, burning flame

Your grace overwhelms me

I’m abundantly blessed

For all you have done for me

I am giving you my best

I give you my heart ...

May I be a bearer of your Good News

Trusting in the words of life you share

May my heart believe and teach

What I’ve received

May my life be lived as a prayer

God, my Lord, my hope - faithful companion

Your love gives me courage when I’m weak

Bless my soul keep me close

And I will be your ambassador of peace

I give you my heart ...

During the ordination of a deacon, we kneel before the bishop, place our hands on the Book of the Gospels, and listen to the bishop proclaim these beautiful words: "Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach."

God, through his Church, was calling me to not only hear the words of Christ, but to LIVE those words. He was calling me to not only spread the Good News, but to BELIEVE all that I would teach. God had entrusted me with much. I was more than willing to give back much in return.

I dedicated this song to my ordination class (“The Great Class of 2007” - Bill, Gene, Steve, Paul, Dick, George, Tom, Scotty, Charlie, Dave, and Brian) and had the honor of singing it to Cardinal Burke at a dinner right before ordination. Amazingly, he still ordained me! ;-)

The Heart of a Servant

Words and Music by Dan Donnelly

Copyright © Daniel R Donnelly.

All Rights Reserved.