LORD, I'M COMING HOME

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 1892

History of the Hymn: “Lord, I’m Coming Home”

“Lord, I’m Coming Home” is a well-known American gospel hymn from the late 19th century, closely associated with themes of repentance, forgiveness, and returning to God.

Authorship and Date

  • Text and music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1838–1921)

  • Year written: 1892

Kirkpatrick was a prolific gospel song writer and composer, especially active in revival and evangelical church music. He wrote or composed hundreds of hymns that emphasized personal salvation and emotional appeal.

Biblical Inspiration

The hymn is inspired primarily by Luke 15:11–32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
The central line—“Lord, I’m coming home”—echoes the prodigal’s decision to return to his father after realizing his sin and separation.

Purpose and Theme

The hymn was written as an invitation song, meant to be sung during:

  • Altar calls

  • Revival meetings

  • Moments of confession and recommitment

Its key themes include:

  • Repentance

  • God’s mercy and forgiveness

  • Spiritual restoration

  • The joy of returning to God after wandering away

Musical Style

  • Simple, singable melody

  • Emotional and reflective tone

  • Designed for congregational participation rather than choir performance

This accessibility helped the hymn spread quickly across churches in the United States and later internationally.

Use and Legacy

  • Widely included in gospel hymnals and evangelical church worship

  • Popular in revival meetings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

  • Still sung today in churches emphasizing traditional or gospel worship

The hymn’s enduring appeal comes from its deeply personal language—it speaks directly from the sinner’s heart rather than describing theology abstractly.

Lasting Significance

“Lord, I’m Coming Home” remains a powerful expression of the Christian belief that no one is beyond God’s grace, and that returning to Him is always met with mercy.

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