Worth Returning For

The clouds, the church

The warrior bride

The army behind the walls

The treasures of darkness

One and the same

The body, the beloved, the betrothed

The victorious, the conquering, the overcomers

No longer under every spreading tree

No longer in the high places to worship idols

No longer pursued but pursuing

An awakened church

A damsel saved from her distress

Eager to find the knight who saved her

The beloved in search of he lover

Searching the streets for the one her heart loves

Grasping at his hands that drip with myrrh

Crying, "Let me know the kisses of your mouth"

Jesus, Lover of our souls!

Jesus, thank you for never letting go

May we love you as you have longed for

As you so well deserve

May you have the bride you purchased with your life

Oh, that we would run with your passion

Finally pursuing you with all

Throw down our crowns at your lovely feet

Lift a mighty anthem to you glory

Cry, "Hosanna, Blessed is HE!"

Throw our cloaks before you in the street

Finally, Lord, the love that you deserve!

A bride once worth dying for

Despite her filthy rags

Now, finally, worth returning for

Spotless and without wrinkle

-Stephen Pursell, 3/10/03