Thank you, dear Lord, for my life long,
for beloved family and friends,
and all dear hearts touching mine.
My treasure trove of souls
spills far beyond my time
to number as my own
those who have gone before,
your saints of ages past,
the cloud of witnesses on high
and pure angelic beings
in realms veiled from the eye.
There never was a day in which I was alone,
nor forgotten before Your throne.
There, at Your feet,
all heaven sweet anthems raise
to set celestial hearts ablaze.
My heart with choruses
swell my love,
grown great in gratitude.
I make a small return of love beside Your All Love.
You count my debt as paid
and bid me enter courts of praise.
By Joann Nelander