For an Undutiful Son

Father of everlasting grace,
Who hast the prodigal forgiven,
Folded me in Thy kind embrace,
And gladden'd all Thy house in heaven;
Again Thy mercy's depths make known,
And save my poor rebellious son.

Far from Thy family removed,
With eyes of soft compassion see
A soul for Jesus' sake beloved.
And look the wanderer back to Thee,
Incline his stubborn heart to grieve,
And, when he turns his face, forgive.

I cannot, Lord, of him despair,
Hoping myself for final bliss,
Trusting in Jesus' blood and prayer,
That powerful Advocate of his,
That only sinless Son of Thine,
Who asks eternal life for mine.

Faith echoes to His prayer above,
And reaches now Thy pitying ear:
The rebel shall Thy mercy prove,
Adorn'd in the best robe appear,
And see his heavenly Father's face,
And feast for ever on Thy grace.