Return, dear Lord, to those who look
With eager eyes that yearn
For Thee among the garden flowers;
After the dark and lonely hours,
As morning light return.
Return to those who wander far,
With lamps that dimly burn,
Along the troubled road of thought,
Where doubt and conflict come unsought,—
With inward joy return.
Return to those on whom the yoke
Of life is hard and stern;
Renew the hope within their breast,
Draw them to Thee and give them rest;
O Friend of Man, return.
Return to this war-weary world,
And help us all to learn
Thy secret of victorious life,
The love that triumphs over strife,—
O prince of Peace, return.
Jesus, we ask not now that day
When all men shall discern
Thy coming with the angelic host;
Today, to all who need Thee most,
In silent ways, return!