Return, Oh America, to the Lord God of Hosts
For your dark hearts became your downfall
Take words of remorse and return to the Lord
And say to Him,
“Forgive the sins of our hearts and receive us graciously
That we may offer the fruit of our words
The government cannot save us
We will no longer wage war
We will never again rise up as if we were gods
For in you those who are fatherless find compassion.”
He will hear your cry and reach out to you
His iron rod will spare you his wrath and turn to a silk blanket
The Lord will wrap you in his arms like a compassionate Father
And He will say,
“I will heal your waywardness and love you freely
For now my anger has turned away from you
I will be like the morning dew to America
She will grow and her splendor will once again be as an oak tree
And her fragrance as the California Redwoods
Those who walk in darkness will again rise
They will blossom like fragrant roses
Their bright light will shine forth and be renowned.
Oh Washington! What more have I to do with your idols?
I am the one who answers and looks after you
For I am like the apple tree; your fruit comes from Me
Those who are wise, let them understand these things
Those who are discerning, let him understand
My ways are right and the righteous walk in them
But the rebellious stumble in them.”