Fast Day

By John S. Tanner
I hunger, Lord, and sense my need,
Yet not for want of bread alone.
Upon the Bread of Life I’d feed
And shun the tempter’s loaves of stone
While wandering through this wilderness
Where none but Thee fills emptiness.
I thirst, dear God, and parched, I seek
For water from Thy cooling well,
A living drink that quenches deep.
Thy fountain must my drought dispel
Lest in an arid world I die
My deepest thirst unsatisfied.
I faint, O Lord, and feel the lack
Of nourishment for my weak flesh.
My weak spirit too grows slack.
Thy power must my strength refresh
While in this desert I endure
The tempter’s wiles and sin’s allure.
I’ve lifted up my prayers to Thee;
With hungry souls I’ve shared my bread.
Hear, then, my cry, my heartfelt plea.
Say, “Here am I!” Upon me shed
Thy light to guide my pathless way
And make my darkness as noonday.