THE PRODIGAL'S HEART

I found myself once again
In a far off place
Away from the presence
Of Your holy and loving face.

Though my spirit desires You
And longs for You each day
My flesh is still weak
And my heart is prone to stray.

The whispered accusations
Keep ringing in my ears.
Filling my heart and soul
With countless doubts and fears.

"You're such a worthless sinner-
Do you even dare
To go running back to God?
You know He doesn't care!"

How can You still love me
With all that I have done?
Can You still call me your child
In spite of what I've become?

I hesitate to go back,
But much to my surprise
You are right there waiting
With Your arms open wide.

Many times I've walked away,
Many times I have returned.
Many mistakes have been made
But many lessons I have learned.

I can't begin to understand-
I don't know where to start
To explain why You hold on
To this wandering prodigal's heart.

Susan Atkinson (2005)