Lord, I'm Coming Home

William J. Kirkpatrick

A member of the Methodist church, William J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) often led the music during Camp Meeting services. During one particular revival, Kirkpatrick noticed that one of his soloists always left after the music ended; never participating in the prayer time, or staying to listen to the sermon. Kirkpatrick grew burdened for this young man and began to pray for him.

One night, in response to his prayers, a song began to form in Kirkpatrick's mind. He quickly jotted down the words, added a melody, and then asked the young man to sing the new composition during the following evening's service.

The next night, while singing the new song Lord I'm Coming Home, the soloist was so moved by the melody and lyrics that he stayed for the sermon and then went forward at the altar call to accept Jesus as his Savior!

Since that night, Lord I'm Coming Home has been sung at many an altar call in many a church, drawing men and women forward and to their knees.


Refrain:
Coming home, coming home,
Nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love,
Lord, I'm coming home.

I've wandered far away from God,
Now I'm coming home;
The paths of sin too long I've trod,
Lord, I'm coming home.

Refrain

I've wasted many precious years,
Now I'm coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears,
Lord, I'm coming home.

Refrain
I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord,
Now I'm coming home;
I'll trust Thy love, believe Thy Word,
Lord, I'm coming home.

Refrain

My soul is sick, my heart is sore,
Now I'm coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore,
Lord, I'm coming home.

Refrain

My only hope, my only plea,
Now I'm coming home;
That Jesus died, and died for me.
Lord, I'm coming home.

Refrain

I need His cleansing blood, I know,
Now I'm coming home;
O wash me whiter than the snow,
Lord, II'm coming home.

Refrain

”I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned against Heaven and you.'” (Luke 15:18)