Lord, You seemed so far away
when I prayed to You today.
No comfort felt, no ease of pain.
I wondered why . . . the answer came.

As memories washed over me,
I saw what had come to be.
Your Word replaced by new ideas;
values changing year by year.

As scenes from life scrolled through my mind,
I felt so foolish, and so blind.
'Twas really to myself I'd prayed--
My will, My glory, My life, My way.

The words I'd offered You as prayer
reached no higher in the air
than my self--my thoughts of what should be.
All I'd sought, I'd sought for me.

Never surrendering control of life,
just want what I want, instead of right.
I'd clutched the world's obscenities
while begging You to hear my pleas.

I wondered if You loved me,
this wretched soul of lies . . .
You pointed to that rugged Cross,
stretched out Your arms and died.

Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse this soul;
take my life and make me whole;
change my wants from world to right
and take my heart into Your Light.

For me, You gave Your life that day;
for me, You rose again.
I'll take the Cross and follow You,
My Lord, My Life, My Friend.