My last night on retreat, Lord!
Truth is, I’d be happy to stay a few more days
– maybe even another week!
I’ll miss the healing, gentle silence
but I know that I can find
a quiet place, a sacred space,
wherever I may be…
I’ll miss the time so free for prayer
but I’m the one who makes my schedule
and I know there’s not a time, Lord,
when you don’t have time for me…
I’ll miss the hearth and evening fire
but there’s no time, night or day,
when you’re not here, within my heart,
to warm me with your presence
and the fire of your Spirit,
burning deep within my soul…
I’ll miss the stillness of the chapel
where I went each night to pray,
to be alone with you, my soul friend,
my shepherd and companion…
But tomorrow when I leave here, Lord,
I won’t leave you behind,
you’ll be with me on the way
and you’ll meet me back in Wayland,
ever present, always patient,
ever loving and forgiving:
my way, my truth, my life
wherever I may be…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
O Lord, I know you are near,
standing always at my side.
You guard me from the foe,
and you lead me in ways everlasting.
Lord, you have searched my heart,
and you know when I sit and when I stand.
Your hand is upon me protecting me from death,
keeping me from harm.
Where can I run from your love?
If I climb to the heavens you are there;
if I fly to the sunrise or sail beyond the sea,
still I’d find you there.
You know my heart and its ways,
you who formed me before I was born
in the secret of darkness before I saw the sun
in my mother’s womb.
