1. Return, O wanderer, return
And seek an injured Father's face.
Those warm desires that in thee burn
Were kindled by reclaiming grace.
2. Return, O wanderer, return
And seek a Father's melting heart,
His pitying eyes thy grief discern,
His hand shall heal thine inward smart.
3. Return, O wanderer, return;
Thy Savior bids thy spirit live.
Go to His bleeding feet and learn
How freely Jesus can forgive.
4. Return, O wanderer, return
And wipe away the falling tear;
'Tis God who says, "No longer mourn";
'Tis Mercy's voice invites thee near.
Hymn #280 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: Luke 15:18
Author: William B. Collyer, 1806, cento, alt.
Composer: Herbert S. Oakeley, 1874
Tune: "Abends"