Tune: REACHING (DCM) - by Brenton Prigge (may be sung to some other DCM tunes)

1. In awe-filled trembling I had heard
how fearsome is God's wrath
that burns against a sinner, and...
I knew that that was me.
It was to fear that I deferred
when first I chose that path
that I was led to understand
might earn me amnesty.

2.  I bowed and scraped before my fear
and grovelled in my guilt
but in my heart I found no change
and on that path no peace,
'til by and by the truth came clear:
The image I had built
had shackled me in fear-forged chains
with no hope for release.

3.  Then hope was born anew in me
and grace did overflow
for God sat down to eat with me
and told me of his love
So now I walk the path of peace
for everywhere I go
abundant mercy follows me
and love has set me free.

4.  O praise the God of grace and truth
the Seeker of the lost
The shepherd of the hundred sheep
and keeper of the one
All glory and all honour to
the Seeker of the lost
The God who took my guilty fear
and set me free to love.
 

Based on RCL readings for Proper 19/Ordinary 24

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 or Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 51:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10