write to command0line prompt

:normal :ls
does not leave the user with the cursor at the command-line, e.g. in:
:ls

Is there a way to write a function or is there a command I might use to
leave the user with a given string in the command-line?

Best,

--
--
You received this message from the "vim_use" maillist.
Do not top-post! Type your reply below the text you are replying to.
For more information, visit http://www.vim.org/maillist.php

---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "vim_use" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to vim_use+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.