Owen Stroud

O God be with me
O be my Guide
as I plunge through
the darkness of this night
too late in leavin’
too worn to drive
too long to wait 
until I see those city lights
my thoughts are tangled
my chest it pounds
you’d think my supper 
had been straight up coffeegrounds
O lend Your kindness
spark my hope
give me something to long for 
as I barrel down this road

O God be with me
O Lord be near
grant Your protection
from the whims of foolish deer
they pant for water 
their souls to fill
seems more to me they’re on
some mission to get killed
at every shadow
I tap the brake
and there ain’t no telling 
how long this trip could take
the Lord is loving 
to all He has made —
so would You show them mercy
keep ’em far out of my way

O God be with me
my Shepherd-Friend,
hear now the music 
as I cross the Coastal Bend
my favorite records 
spin from their queue
You framed the sound waves
and I offer them back to You
sure as the engine
and the tires hum,
speak now the promises 
about what You’ve begun
O ward away 
my loneliness
let me know Your comfort
that You will give me rest

O God be with me,
O be my sight
this fog is thicker 
than I’ve seen in all my life
the Gulf is hanging 
in the clammy air
in the passing glow 
of a distant gas well’s flare
well do I press on
or do I wait
I gotta work tomorrow
and I can’t be out so late
Light of the world
O clear the way
and lead me home
before the dawn breaks forth in day