471--How can I ever stay away

How can I ever stay away

471

	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.