I will arise and go to my father.
Luke 15:18
Words: Samuel Longfellow, Hymns of the Spirit (Boston, Massachusetts: Ticknor & Fields, 1864).
Music: Horton Xaver S. von Wartensee, 1826 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Love for all! and can it be?
Can I hope it is for me?
I, who strayed so long ago,
Strayed so far, and fell so low!
I, the disobedient child,
Wayward, passionate, and wild;
I, who left my Father’s home
In forbidden ways to roam!
I, who spurned His loving hold,
I, who would not be controlled;
I, who would not hear His call,
I, the willful prodigal!
I, who wasted and misspent
Every talent He had lent;
I, who sinned again, again,
Giving every passion reign!
To my Father can I go?
At His feet myself I’ll throw,
In His house there yet may be
Place, a servant’s place, for me.
See, my Father waiting stands;
See, He reaches out His hands;
God is love! I know, I see
There is love for me—even me!