Elmhurst Hymnal ‎#123

123. Afar in the Desert

1 Afar in the desert of sorrow and sin,
Away from the Shepherd so kind;
We wait for His footsteps, we list for His voice,
We know He is eager the lost one to find.
All footsore and weary, we long to return,
But know not the way unto safety and home,
Until through the darkness He guides us in love,
From Him nevermore to roam.

Refrain:
Remember me,
Remember me,
Remember me,
Remember me, dear Lord, I pray.

2 When off in the far land of folly and pride,
Despising the good gifts of God;
Like prodigals wasting the treasure He gave,
And treading the paths many wand’rers have trod;
We say to our Lord: “I will quickly arise,
Thy mercy and love I no longer despise,
Unworthy and wretched, forgiveness I prize,
But that, and a place to serve. [Refrain]

3 The thief on the cross turned to Christ at his side,
And asked in His kingdom a place,
The Master made answer; “This day thou shalt be
In paradise with Me, and look on My face.”
And he who will turn to the Lord when astray,
Will find He is ready the lost one to save;
The Saviour who died for the sons far away
Is reigning beyond the grave. [Refrain]

4 Afar in the bright land of glory above
Is joy when a sinner returns
To take up in gladness the cross of his Lord,
And bearing it on, the true joy then he learns.
The cross brings him close to the side of his King;
“Remember me, Lord” in his soul then he sings,
“Till Thou in Thy kingdom the ransom shalt bring,
From Thee let me ne’er depart.” [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Afar in the desert of sorrow and sin
• Title: Afar in the Desert
• Author: Laurene Highfield
• Refrain First Line: Remember me
• Meter: P. M. with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1921
• Topic: Christ: Good Shepherd; Forgiveness; The Good Shepherd
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: REMEMBER ME
• Composer: Henry Katterjohn (1918)
• Meter: P. M. with Refrain
• Notes: Public Domain.