Let Jesus Come into Your Heart

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 1898

Here’s the background on “Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart”—it’s a classic gospel invitation hymn with a warm, simple story behind it.


Origins


Text: Lelia Naylor Morris (1862–1929)


Music: Harry D. Clarke (1887–1958)


Date: Early 20th century (commonly dated to around 1914 in gospel song collections)


About the writers


Lelia N. Morris was a prolific American gospel hymn writer. Despite losing her eyesight later in life, she wrote hundreds of hymns that emphasize personal faith, assurance, and devotion. Her lyrics are known for being direct, heartfelt, and easy for congregations to sing.


Harry D. Clarke was a composer and song leader associated with revival meetings and gospel song publishing. His melodies were designed to be memorable and emotionally inviting—perfect for altar calls.


Theme and purpose

“Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart” is a gospel invitation hymn. Its central message is a personal appeal to accept Christ, drawing imagery from Revelation 3:20 (“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”). The song gently urges listeners not to delay, stressing joy, peace, and salvation found in welcoming Jesus.


Use in worship


Frequently sung during revival meetings, altar calls, and evangelistic services


Common in Southern gospel and Protestant evangelical traditions


Often performed solo or by choirs, but simple enough for congregational singing


Why it endured

The hymn’s strength lies in its simplicity and emotional clarity. Rather than theological complexity, it focuses on a personal, heartfelt decision—making it accessible across generations and denominations.

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