1 An hundred dear sheep in my tenderness shared,
But one had grown weary of home;
No more for my love or my blessing it cared,
But far from the Shepherd would roam.
So precious to me was the sheep that was mine,
I breasted the storm and the cold,
And willingly left the dear ninety and nine
That strayed not away from the fold.

Refrain:
Come back to the Savior, He’s looking for thee,
Tho’ wayward and sinful you’ve been;
He’s tenderly calling, “O come unto me,
I’ll forgive you, and cleanse you from sin.”

2 Afar in the desert the lost one I found,
But weary and worn, and distressed;
All footsore, and bleeding from many a wound,
I folded it close to my breast.
Dear lamb, I have journeyed in anguish, alone,
And sought thee with sorrowing deep,
But oh! the Good Shepherd hath love for His own,
And “Giveth His life for the sheep.” [Refrain]

3 O wonderful rescue, at wonderful cost!
It never can fully be told;
But it was my sheep, yes, my own that was lost,
And now it is safe in the fold.
So glad and contented abideth my lamb,
I know that whoever may stray,
The lamb that I rescued will stay where I am,
And nevermore wander away. [Refrain]