~How Long Has It Been

   “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” 

   This and other childhood prayers began to pass through the mind of Mosie Lister one wintry day in 1956. 

   “How long has it been since some people have talked with the Lord?”  he asked himself. “Some of us prayed in younger years, but have gotten away from that childhood faith.” 

   He picked up a pencil and paper and phrases began to flow as fast as he could write them down.  A tune came with them.  In about fifteen minutes a song was written.

—Lindsay I. Terry

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How Long Has It Been

(1)  How long has it been

Since you talked with the Lord,

And told Him your heart’s hidden secrets.

How long since you prayed?

How long since you stayed on your knees

Till the light shone through?

How long has it been

Since your mind felt at ease

How long since your heart knew no burden?

Can you call Him your friend?

How long has it been

Since you knew that He cared for you?

(2)  How long has it been

Since you knelt by your bed

And prayed to the Lord up in heaven?

How long since you knew

That He’d answer you,

And would keep you the long night through?

How long has it been

Since you woke with the dawn,

And felt the day’s worth the living?

Can you call Him your friend?

How long has it been

Since you knew that He cared for you?