O Lord, my soul doth pant after Thee, as the hart panteth after the water brooks.

Early did I seek Thee in the wilderness, where the heavens are brass and the earth as iron.

I cried unto the wind, but no voice answered; I searched the scroll, but light was withdrawn.

The well was deep, but it gave no water; the watchmen spake, but they knew not the way.

I said in my heart, “Surely truth shall find me,” but it tarried, and my soul waxed faint within me.

And lo, I turned unto that which was near, for mine hunger grew sore upon me.

I stretched forth mine hand unto abundance, and took of the spoil of this world.

I filled mine inward parts with fatness, but my spirit was lean.

I laughed with the full, but wept alone. I laid me down with plenty, and rose with nothing.

For I sought Thee, but found Thee not; and having found Thee not, I filled the void with vanity.

Return unto me, O Word of the Living God; feed me with the bread which perisheth not.

Hide not Thy face, though I be dust; for I have longed for Thee with a soul unsatisfied.

Cause Thy light to break forth as the morning, and let Thy truth fall as the dew upon the dry ground.

Then shall I hunger no more for shadows, neither shall I thirst for that which cannot cleanse.

For Thou alone preparest a table in the wilderness, and makest fat the soul that waiteth upon Thee.