Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 15 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Scripture:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Hymn Focus:

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

“Come unto me and rest; lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast.”

“I am this dark world’s Light; look unto me, thy morn shall rise.”

Lent is a season of listening. Amid self-examination and repentance, we are reminded that the Christian journey begins not with our striving, but with Christ’s invitation. The hymn I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say centers on that gentle call—spoken not in judgment, but in mercy.

The hymn gives us images of weariness, thirst, and darkness—realities that Lent helps us name honestly. We arrive at this season tired from carrying burdens, thirsty for meaning, and longing for light. Jesus does not turn us away. Instead, he invites us to come, to drink deeply, and to see clearly again.

Each stanza of the hymn echoes the movement of Lent: coming to Jesus, laying down what weighs us down, and receiving new life. Rest is not escape, but renewal. Light is not denial of darkness, but victory over it. Lent trains us to hear Christ’s voice again and to trust that it is spoken personally and lovingly to us.

As we journey toward the cross, we discover that the rest Jesus offers is costly grace—rest made possible through his self-giving love. Lent prepares our hearts to receive that gift with humility and gratitude

Prayer

Gracious Christ,

When we are weary, help us to hear your voice.

When we are thirsty or lost in darkness,

draw us again to yourself.

In this Lenten season,

teach us to lay down our burdens

and to live in the light of your presence,

trusting your promise of rest and renewal.

Amen.