Words that Move Me

This is from an ancient hymn, so old that apparently no one knows who wrote it. It appears in many hymnals without attribution. It moves me deeply.

I Sought the Lord

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew

He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.

It was not I that found, O Savior true:

No, I was found of thee.

Thou didst reach forth the hand and mine enfold,

I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea;

'Twas not so much that I on thee took hold

As thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but O the whole of love

is but my answer, Lord, to thee;

For thou wert long beforehand with my soul;

Always thou lovedst me.

Amen.