Martin J. Nystrom, a musical evangelist, wrote the popular Christian contemporary hymn “As the deer” in 1981. It is a well-known praise and worship song based on the scripture “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” — Psalm 42: 1
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee
[Refrain]
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee
[Verse 2]
You’re my friend and You’re my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
[Refrain]
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee
[Verse 3]
I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
[Refrain]
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee
