Lord, With Glowing Heart I'll Praise Thee

Lord, with glowing heart I'll praise Thee
For the bliss Thy love bestows.
For the pardoning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows.
Help, O God, my weak endeavors,
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.

Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand?rer far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee,
From the paths of death away.
Praise, with love?s devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained Cross appear.

- Johnny D. Pyles

The author, Johnny D. Pyles, of the poem, "With Glowing Heart I'll Praise Thee", was on death?s row in Texas from 1982-1998 when he was executed. He says of his conversion: ?I spent eight years on death row for murder before Jesus became my Lord and Savior. The consequences of my sins have not been removed. I will still reap that which I have sown. Thought I still face the death penalty, I have nothing to fear for Jesus is my Savior and Lord.?

His last statement was:  

"I want to tell you folks there, of a?I have a love in my heart for you. I hope you don?t look for satisfaction or comfort or peace in my execution.

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I want him to be yours. I?m sorry for the pain and heartache I?ve caused your family. Too many years I?ve caused all my family problems and heartache. I?m sorry. I wanted to let you know that the Lord Jesus is my life and I just want to go. I?m gonna fall asleep and I?ll be in his presence shortly. I got reason to rejoice and I pray to see all of you there someday."

reference: http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/pylesjohnnylast.htm