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    Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

    Will L. Thompson 1880 Tune: Thompson (11.7.11.7 with refrain)

    A tender invitation hymn pleading for the weary sinner to come home.

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    Quick Answer

    A tender invitation hymn pleading for the weary sinner to come home. Written by Will L. Thompson (1880), set to the tune "Thompson" by Will L. Thompson.

    Suggested pairing scripture

    Matthew 11:28

    "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

    Read Matthew 11:28 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

    Read in context

    When to sing this

    Sing at evangelistic gatherings, baptisms, and testimony services where God's saving grace is the theme.

    Lyrics

    Stanza 1

    Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me; See, on the portals He's waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me. Come home, come home, Ye who are weary, come home; Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, Calling, O sinner, come home!

    Stanza 2

    Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, Pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not His mercies, Mercies for you and for me?

    Stanza 3

    Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, Passing from you and from me; Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, Coming for you and for me.

    Stanza 4

    O for the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me.

    History & Background

    Will Thompson, an Ohio gospel-songwriter and businessman, wrote both words and music in 1880. As D. L. Moody lay dying in 1899, he reportedly told Thompson, 'Will, I would rather have written Softly and Tenderly than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.' The hymn was sung by Cynthia Clawson in the 1985 film 'The Trip to Bountiful.'

    Scripture Behind the Hymn

    Matthew 11:28

    "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
    Read in context

    Revelation 22:17

    "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
    Read in context

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What did D. L. Moody say about this hymn?

    On his deathbed in 1899, Moody told Will Thompson, 'I would rather have written Softly and Tenderly than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.'

    Related Hymns

    Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.

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    Charlotte Elliott · 1835

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    Amazing Grace

    John Newton · 1779

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    Rock of Ages

    Augustus M. Toplady · 1776

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    Where to go next

    Enjoyed "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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