Prayer of the Homecomer
Thank you for admitting me
In the spring of my old land
In the May of my old town
In the warmth of my old church
On the grey of the old streets
On the banks of the big stream
As I come back.
And thank you for leading me
To the place I still call home.
I am less of a stranger here
More of a pilgrim returned.
I paid my dues here
I ploughed my furrow here
I built my hut here.
In the season of your mercy,
Perhaps You would consider
Taking me back to the life
That You and I built together.
And perhaps You will grant me
A door open to the old house
We made together.
Where the children played outside
And the cat lay on its back
And the moon gleamed in the stream
And the fire glowed inside
The owl hooted in the night
And love kindled the true flame
Of an enduring alliance,
In the days You walked with me
Through successes and reverses,
– In those days of benediction
That I now know to have been
My days of grace.