A Servant’s Call – Scripture in Poetic Verse
About the poem “A Servant’s Call”
This poem is designed to be read in parallel with Isaiah 49:1–7, with each stanza corresponding directly to its matching verse—stanza 1 with verse 1, stanza 2 with verse 2, and so on.
Each stanza follows a deliberate structure:
- The opening line reflects themes drawn from two of Scarritt Bennett Center’s four foundational tenets: Spiritual Formation, Women’s Empowerment, Transformative Education, and Racial Justice.
- The second line centers on the power of speaking or voice.
- The third line explores aspects of form, shape, and boundaries, evoking imagery of structure and identity.
- The fourth line gestures toward the interactions that occur within, through, or beyond those forms—signaling movement, breakthrough, or transformation.
- Each stanza concludes with a personal “I am” statement, echoing the voice of the servant and affirming a sense of divine identity and purpose.
This structure invites the reader or listener into a layered engagement with the text—both scriptural and poetic—grounded in themes of calling, embodiment, and empowered witness.
Should you decide to perform or post this poem in your worship setting or on social media, be sure to tag Scarritt Bennett and Rev. Linda Furtado @lindafurtado on Facebook or @lindafurtado01 on Instagram.
A Servant’s Call – Scripture in Poetic Verse
Based on Isaiah 49:1-7
By Rev. Linda Furtado
written on April 15, 2025
Verse 1
Formed by the Spirit, empowered by the breath
Coast to coast on the winds whispered
taking shape beyond the horizon’s landscape
named in the womb by quiet flames
I am listening.
Verse 2
Empowered by the breath, transformed, made new
To speak of him lends power to my lips
A shape that is true to form
Waiting to be released into the air in God’s time
I am ready.
Verse 3
Formed by the Spirit, let justice take hold
Yes, Lord Yes. I answer to serve
In shape of your reflection
Light shining beyond distance’s comprehension
I am here.
Verse 4
Transformed, made new, formed by the Spirit
Caught in my own throat
Forming sound is nearly impossible
Still, tightly bound, not enough. Yet by grace
I am rewarded
Verse 5
Empowered by the breath, formed by the Spirit
Not my will. Not my voice.
Yet, my form grows strong
Purposefully set apart for more than restoration
I am honored
Verse 6
Let Justice take hold, transformed, made new
Warm up my chords to reach
Burst beyond the bounds of my sight
Boarders of nations hold no sway over my body
I am appointed.
Verse 7
Let justice take hold, empowered by the breath
These words are full of life
These words put kings in their place
These words give my status no voice.
These words now on the servants lips say
I am chosen