To Break Through Thorns into Heaven

I resolved many years ago To break through thorns into heaven... And now I am far from twenty, And yet not quite fifty...

I kneel before You, A tear suddenly rolls down my cheek... You are here before me, real and present, I will not think of what to say...

You will understand me without words, I know... You will give me blessing on my way... You embrace me by the shoulders... And allow me to walk my uneven path...

You have blessed us with such nature, At best You measure out a century... I stand before Your people As anything but a sinless man...

I wish to renew my repentance, So that You may cleanse me of sin... Only in You will I find understanding And liberation from my chains...

By faith I accept all from You, Speaking with You comes easy to me... I am so glad I have known You since childhood, Though sometimes... sometimes I am not as You expect...

Not as You hoped to see me, Not as I once promised to be... On my path I have allowed myself To wound my brother—unexpected, unforeseen...

Again I kneel, My Lord, my merciful God... And I pray, pray once more for forgiveness, Only You from the cross could forgive us all...