Coming Home

William Kirkpatrick

You don’t usually hear of a hymn that was written for one person, but this hymn was.

William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) was leading the singing at a Methodist camp meeting in rural Pennsylvania. The soloist was a man with a great voice, but he was not a Christian. Every day as the camp meeting continued, William prayed for that soloist. One morning, as he was praying, these words came to him, “Coming home, coming home, nevermore to roam.”

William continued to write the entire invitation song, and that night he gave the text to the soloist to sing. The soloist sang it while the invitation was being given… but after he finished his solo, he went down and joined the others at the altar, seeking salvation!

William never dreamed that his song, that was actually written for that one man, would bring thousands of others to the Lord through the years, but it has. Its message is universal: “I’ve wandered far away from God, now 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:
Coming home, coming home, nevermore to roam;
open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.

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)

Blessings,
Dorene

Source: https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/lord-im-coming-home-written-in-1892/