As the Deer Pants

Verse

Little Maria, twelve years young, eyes like the morning sky

Sittin' by the window, heart heavy, wonderin' why

Thirstin' deep inside, like a deer by the dry stream bed

Soul cryin' out for water, words she never said

Pre-chorus

Uncles gather 'round her, four strong arms of faith

Uncle Joe with his rosary, prayin' through the haze

Uncle Tom tells stories of the saints who held the line

Uncle Pete and Uncle Ray, liftin' her each time

Chorus

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for You, oh Lord

Day and night, my tears fall down, but hope is my reward

Family holds me steady, through the storm we stand as one

Uncles by my side, in Your love we're never done

(Oh Lord, oh Lord)

As the deer pants for the water, so we thirst for You

Verse

Picnics in the meadow, laughter chasin' fears away

Uncles teachin' Maria how to kneel and how to pray

Hands on her small shoulders, voices join in song

Turnin' pain to promise, where the weak grow strong

Pre-chorus

Uncle Joe with his Bible, readin' words that heal

Uncle Tom shares his burdens, shows her how to feel

Uncle Pete strums the old guitar, Uncle Ray beats the drum

Together they remind her, You're the only One

Chorus

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for You, oh Lord

Day and night, my tears fall down, but hope is my reward

Family holds me steady, through the storm we stand as one

Uncles by my side, in Your love we're never done

(Oh Lord, oh Lord)

As the deer pants for the water, so we thirst for You

Bridge

Why so downcast, little one? Put your trust in Him

Uncles sing it soft and sure, let the light break in

From the depths we call Your name, family faith won't bend

Thirst becomes a river, flowin' without end

Chorus

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for You, oh Lord

Day and night, my tears fall down, but hope is my reward

Family holds me steady, through the storm we stand as one

Uncles by my side, in Your love we're never done

(Oh Lord, oh Lord) (We're never done)

As the deer pants for the water, so we thirst for You

(Thirst for You, thirst for You)

Outro

Maria smiles now, with her four uncles near

Soul refreshed in Jesus, no more thirst, no fear

(Hallelujah, hallelujah)