William McDowell - Stay Lyrics

Album: The Cry: A Live Worship Experience
Released: 20 Sep 2019

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Lyrics

I know what it's like
To be in the presence of the Lord
And not know what time it is
Because time stood still

And bodies were healed
Families restored
Because we stayed here
In the presence of the Lord

No one had to say a word
Couldn't even make a sound
But I'd give up everything
For this treasure I've found

I never want it to end

(So I say) stay
I don't want You to go
Cause my heart is burning
In Your presence, Lord

Please, stay
I don't want You to go
'Cause my heart is burning
In Your presence, Lord

I want more
I want more
I want more
Jesus, I want more

So I'll stay
Where else would I go
'Cause my heart is burning
My heart is burning
My heart is burning
My heart is burning
My heart is burning
My heart is burning
My heart is burning
In Your presence, Lord

Video

Stay - William McDowell - Official Live Video

Meaning & Inspiration

William McDowell's "Stay," featured on his 2019 live album *The Cry: A Live Worship Experience*, is a profound expression of a believer's persistent yearning for God's tangible presence. This isn't merely a song about wishing for something distant; it’s a powerful declaration of a deep-seated hunger for the abiding, immanent God who is already with us. The core message revolves around a conscious decision to actively cultivate and recognize the divine presence in every facet of life, a theme echoing the Apostle Paul's exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). McDowell articulates a desire to experience God not just in moments of planned worship, but in the ordinary, the mundane, the everyday challenges and triumphs. This resonates with the concept of "practicing the presence of God," a spiritual discipline often associated with figures like Brother Lawrence, who found God in washing dishes.

The scriptural foundation for "Stay" is rich and multi-layered. Jesus Himself promised, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This assurance forms the bedrock of the song's plea. McDowell's song is a response to this promise, a fervent request for the veil to be lifted, allowing the worshipper to perceive and engage with this ever-present reality. The lyrics convey a longing to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a visceral, experiential knowledge of God's nearness, akin to David's cry in Psalm 139:7-10, where he questions if there’s anywhere he can flee from God’s Spirit. The song acknowledges that while God is always present, our awareness of that presence can ebb and flow, making the cry for Him to "stay" a plea for heightened spiritual sensitivity and a deeper communion. It speaks to the disciples' request on the road to Emmaus, "Stay with us, for evening is near, and the day is almost over" (Luke 24:29), a desire for the divine presence to linger and illuminate even as external circumstances darken. This isn't a plea born of doubt, but of an overwhelming love that desires more of God's company, a sentiment captured in the Song of Solomon's passionate pursuit of the Beloved. Ultimately, "Stay" is a robust invitation to actively dwell in the reality of God’s faithfulness, to consistently seek His face, and to live with an unwavering expectation of His tangible influence in every moment.