A long time I wandered in darkness and sin,
And wondered if ever the light would shine in;
I heard Christian friends speak of raptures divine,
And I wished�how I wished�that their Savior were mine.
I wished He were mine, yes, I wished He were mine;
I wished�how I wished�that their Savior were mine.

I heard the glad gospel of �good will to men�;
I read �whosoever� again and again;
I said to my soul, �Can that promise be thine?�
And then began hoping that Jesus was mine.
I hoped He was mine, yes, I hoped He was mine,
And then began hoping that Jesus was mine.

Oh, mercy surprising! He saves even me!
�Thy portion forever,� He says, �will I be�;
On His Word I am resting�assurance divine:
I am �hoping� no longer, I know He is mine.
I know He is mine, yes, I know He is mine,
I�m hoping no longer�I know He is mine.