1.

Thank You, Lord, that in my youth
Thou hast brought me to the truth.
Thank You for my heart’s desire
To be filled with holy fire.
Zeal and wisdom Thou dost give,
That for Thee my life I live.

2.

Now the world for me is loss;
Gain it is to bear my cross.
It’s my joy to do Thy will
And, by love, Thy law fulfill.
Yield each member—nothing less!—
To be used for righteousness.

3.

Far from all my lusts I’ll flee.
Fervent hate create in me
’Gainst my feelings, soulishness;
They bring no true happiness.
My reward is grief and tears
If my lusts I follow here.

4.

In temptation I’ll endure;
All my thoughts I shall keep pure—
Place them in captivity,
In obedience to Thee.
And within my heart shall be
Faith and peace and purity.

5.

May my life be hid in Thee;
Eyes of fire Thou hast for me.
In my weakness, in my need,
Thou, O Lord, dost intercede,
Lifting me from depths of night
To Thy warmth and love and light.

6.

Praise to God for victory;
In my youth I’ll faithful be.
Thy commandments I’ll obey;
Write them in my heart to stay.
Unto blood, resisting sin—
Thus I’ll gain Thy life within.

Written in 1972 by Ruth Evangelisti (published in 2007)Composed by Thomas HastingsText © Stiftelsen Skjulte Skatters ForlagUSA ⋅ A