I have journeyed to a place of holy need A barren desert, a place away From the noise and clamor, now I'm freed Away from the river for a very short while To the call of holy solitude now do I heed
A place away, so dry and apart Where I can listen and hear you now anew Seeking strength and a way to start To build up my strength and my spirit too Intimately joining with your loving heart
Holding much danger, this lonely place From those who would try to pull me astray But truly protected by his love and grace Finding refreshment in my father’s house today Biding in the holy peace of his loving face
I know now that here I cannot stay Beyond the river now his word needs to grow My desert brother has been taken away Now my life's mission does truly begin From this place I reenter the world today
Bearing the ash of this desert redoubt To remind all of the loneliness of sin To preach of mercy and remove all doubt Teaching all of repentance and forgiveness Showing all what his love is truly about
Some will follow and some will fail To shake off the sands of unholy doubt Others will find you and of your truth will hail Many will learn what your love is about Others will themselves will become the nail
Dear Father in my mission to preach your love I pray for strength and your will to begin Send anew the Holy Spirit, the dove As we tell every man to turn from sin And show all the depth of your eternal love