O Lord, Please Hear My Cry—Grow Apace

O Lord

through all the years I’ve been under Your word

Yet the rate of growth matched not Your grace.

I have heard very much

yet how deep have I been touched;

O Lord

please hear my cry—grow apace!

Grant me to stay

Lord

every day

Open and longing to see

Your beauty

Your glory

Your supremacy!

Lord

empty me

Increase in me;

Fill all my being thoroughly.

In the earlier years when Your love felt so strong;

To pursue just felt easy

worthwhile.

Now I’ve journeyed so long

with the wind contrary

strong;

I’m afraid I might drift in a while.

Lest I should stray

Draw me

I pray

Loving and seeking Your face

To run with endurance and finish my race!

O may Your joy

Become my joy;

May You be all my employ.

May Your building

O Lord

measure me

be my light

All my living and serving to prove.

Draw me nigh day and night

minist’ring to Your delight;

Lord

initiate my every move.

Grant me to heed

Your Body’s need;

None else on earth would I seek:

Not service

nor persons

nor earthly intrigue!

Deepen the flow

Your Body grow

Your bride prepare

kingdom show!