Road to Redemption

I used to pray

Before I slept. I couldn't tell you

When I stopped.

The nights got late.

The lies came easy.

I quit calling. You did not.

I knew that road.

I knew those people.

Nobody made me Go along.

I stayed till dawn.

I spent my money.

Then drove back home

With the radio on.

My little boy

Was on the stairs.

He moved his shoes.

I sat down there.

He leaned on me,

Still half asleep.

I couldn't move. I watched him breathe.

I held him close.

He held on tighter.

I sat there scared

Of losing him. I couldn't fix What I had broken.

I bowed my head.

Where to begin?

I tried to pray.

My mouth went dry.

I stayed right there.

You heard me cry.

“I will arise And go

to my father.” I've been away so long.

Help me make it home.

“I will arise And go

to my father.”

When I want to turn,

Help me hold on.

I poured it out.

I asked forgiveness. I meant each word.

Three days went by.

Then there I was,

Outside that doorway, With every reason To go inside.

I called a friend.

He knew the number.

He'd heard me swear That I was through.

I said, “I'm here.” He said,

“Don't go in. Stay in the car.

I'll come to you.”

“Watch and pray, That ye enter not Into temptation: The spirit indeed

is willing, But the flesh is weak.” Some nights I walked Until

the morning. Some nights I woke him With a call.

I hated needing Help that badly.

I called him anyway.

He let me talk.

“I will arise And go

to my father.” I've been away so long.

Help me make it home.

“I will arise And go

to my father.” When I want to turn,

Help me hold on.

Back in that church,

Beside the aisle, I read the words I'd known a while.

The father saw His son returning.

He didn't wait. He went to him.

“But when he was yet

A great way off,

His father saw him,

And had compassion,

And ran, And fell on his neck,

And kissed him.”

I thought You'd leave Me standing there.

I'd say my piece.

You wouldn't care. I came ashamed.

I came expecting To hear I'd gone Too far this time.

“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Then I can come?

Just as I am?

“I will in no wise cast out.” Father,

I have sinned. You know where I've been.

I have no excuse.

Let

me come to You.

“I will arise And go

to my father.” I don't have to hide.

Your door is open wide.

You saw me coming.

You came running. Before I reached the door,

You held me like before.

“For this my son was dead,

And is alive again; He was lost,

And is found.”

I used to pray Before I slept.

Tonight I knelt Beside my bed.

I had no speech.

I bowed my head.

(mmm) “Thank You, Father.” That's what I said.