As the Deer

"'As the Deer" is a Contemporary [worship music|praise and worship] hymn song by Martin J. Nystrom, a native of Seattle. Written in 1984, this song is based on Psalm ;

"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"

Though Nystrom had not intended to perform the song publicly, he shared it with a friend at the Christ for the Nations Institute before returning to Seattle. His friend introduced it to the others at the institute, and it gained popularity.