1  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.

 2  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.

 3  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.

 4  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.