Oh Lord, hold them close
Chase the fear from their heart
While man's greed takes away their future
Keep them safe walking on Your path.
Raise up another generation
For them to know You all their days,
Enlighten them with new eyes
To see the error of our ways.
As we strip to destroy in our pursuit
Of fun and pleasures empty delight,
Tearing up all that has true value
Staggering blindly without light.
Be merciful to us Father
Forgive our foolish contempt,
Of worshipping the creature created
From self may we repent.
Do not cast us from Your presence
Or make Your Spirit flee,
Create in us a pure heart, Oh God
Renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Only then will the children be safe
And know the blessing of Your hand,
Save us from blood guilt, Oh our God
Bring the truth of Your mercy to our land.
Restore the joy of Your salvation
Fill our children with Your love,
Grant us a willingness to obey
Sustain us by Your power above.
And thus with a broken and contrite heart
The enemy is kept at bay,
The pull of self, cleansed pure as snow
To keep us in Your peace 'til everlasting day.
