Scripture Verse

I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. Luke 15:18

Introduction

Words: J. F. Huff­mas­ter, in Songs of Con­quest, by Jo­seph F. Ber­ry (New York & Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: Ab­ing­don Press, 1923), page 26.

Music: Charles C. Card (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Huff­mas­ter or Card’s full name, or where to get good pho­tos of them (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

From Thee, my Sav­ior, far away
My wan­d’ring feet have gone as­tray;
My care­less steps have led so far
That dark­ness reigns with­out a star.

Refrain

Father, re­ceive with for­giv­ing grace;
Close to Thy side give to me a place!
Thy Spir­it’s help shall keep me true
In what­so­ev­er Thou bidst me do.

For me Thy love has nev­er changed,
Tho’ long from Thee I’ve been es­tranged;
My faith­less heart would fain re­turn,
For Thee once more my soul doth yearn.

Refrain

Be Thou hence­forth my on­ly guide,
Direct my way, my paths de­cide;
Let all my as­pi­ra­tions be
To live and work, and die for Thee.

Refrain

And when Thou’rt seat­ed on Thy throne,
And saints, for whom Thou didst atone,
Shall ga­ther there to sing Thy praise,
In glo­ry then my voice I’ll raise.

Refrain