1 

Since Thy departure from Olivet's Mountain,

   Why is Thy coming again so delayed?

Thru the long years we have longed for Thy coming;

   Hast Thou not heard all the prayers that we've prayed?

 2 

Beloved Lord, since the year Thou ascended

   Everything here has been tasteless and dry;

Often in praying and often in watching,

   In every movement, for Thee, Lord, we sigh.

 3 

Scenes although lovely, yet when will we meet Thee?

   Birds and the flowers fair beauty embrace;

All are delightsome, but none satisfy me,

   For I am longing for Thy loving face.

 4 

Lord, we're impatient awaiting Thy coming,

   We do not know how much longer 'twill be;

From every sunrise to every bright sunset

   Hope we each moment Thy coming to see.

 5 

Whene'er 'tis raining, or strong winds are blowing,

   Whene'er the moon shines, or rises the sea,

We ever hope to discover Thy coming;

   How disappointed when no sign of Thee!

 6 

If it were not for the bidding Thou gav'st us,

   We'd be discouraged, Thy service we'd shirk;

But Thou dost want us while waiting Thy coming,

   For Thee to live and in diligence work.

 7 

Oh Lord, remember the days have been lengthened

   Since Thou hast promised ere going away;

We hope and hope and are endlessly hoping,

   That Thou wilt come. Canst Thou come e'en today?