How can I ever stay away

How can I ever stay away

And grieve Thy Spirit all the day

While Thou dost wait for me?

I now am willing to return

And wait no longer

for I yearn

Henceforth to follow Thee.

I offer now without reserve

All that I am and all I have

Thy purpose to fulfill.

Oh

may the Lord accept and keep

That henceforth I may only seek

To do the Father’s will.

When I look back

what grief and shame

That I’ve brought none to trust Thy name

Thy word I’ve locked within.

Oh

may the Lord anointing give

And richly through my being live

That I may speak of Him.

My gracious Lord has giv’n much grace

Exceeding e’en a friend my place;

I fain would be His bride.

I’d share His life and suffer loss

Accepting willingly the cross

With Him identified.