I Hear Thy Welcome Voice (I Am Coming, Lord) - The Hymn That Changed Destinies

Have you ever felt a gentle, divine tug on your heart calling you to return to God? In this video, we explore the powerful history of 'I Hear Thy Welcome Voice' (also known as 'I Am Coming, Lord'). Written and composed in 1872 by Methodist minister Lewis Hartsough during a revival meeting in Iowa, this hymn was originally titled 'The Divine Invitation.' Popularized globally by legendary evangelist singer Ira D. Sankey, this simple yet profound altar-call hymn has brought thousands to faith. It even crossed oceans to become one of the most beloved traditional hymns in Wales, known famously as 'Gwahoddiad'. Join us to discover the tragic yet beautiful story of the Washington businessman whose life was transformed by this very song. _______________________________ I Hear Thy Welcome Voice Verse 1: I hear Your welcome voice that calls me by Your will, for cleansing in Your precious blood that flowed on Calvary's hill. Chorus: I am coming, Lord, coming by Your will: wash me, cleanse me, by the blood that flowed on Calvary's hill. Verse 2: ’Tis Jesus calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope, and peace, and trust, for earth and heaven above. Verse 3: ’Tis Jesus who confirms the blessèd work within, by adding grace to welcomed grace, where reigned the power of sin. Verse 4: All hail, atoning blood! All hail, redeeming grace! All hail, the gift of Christ our Lord, our strength and righteousness! _______________________________ The Revivalist in Iowa The year was 1872. Lewis Hartsough, a Methodist Episcopal minister who had moved out West due to poor health, was conducting a passionate revival meeting in the small town of Epworth, Iowa. Surrounded by a congregation seeking spiritual renewal, Hartsough sat down and wrote both the words and the simple, two-note bass melody of a new song. He originally called it "The Divine Invitation," but the world would come to know it by its opening line: "I Hear Thy Welcome Voice," or its memorable chorus, "I Am Coming, Lord." A Global Phenomenon Through Ira Sankey The hymn was published in a monthly magazine called The Guide to Holiness. In 1873, a copy made its way across the Atlantic to England, where the legendary musical evangelist Ira D. Sankey was leading worship for Dwight L. Moody's massive evangelistic campaigns. Sankey immediately recognized the spiritual power of the song. He included it in his famous Sacred Songs and Solos, turning it into one of the most effective and widely sung altar-call hymns in both America and Great Britain. The Story of the Washington Businessman Ira Sankey often told a deeply moving story regarding this hymn. In Washington D.C., a businessman who had not set foot inside a church in over twenty years was walking down the street when he heard a congregation singing this exact song. Captivated by the words, he stopped, listened, and was so deeply convicted that he walked inside and surrendered his life to Christ at the altar. He became a completely changed man. He sang the hymn everywhere—at home, on the streets, and in his shop. Two weeks later, as he kissed his wife goodbye and walked out his front door singing, "I am coming, Lord, coming now to Thee," he slipped on an icy pavement and was killed instantly. While deeply tragic, the memory of those final, triumphant words brought lasting comfort and peace to his grieving widow. The Welsh Connection (Gwahoddiad) The hymn's impact didn't stop there. In the 1870s, it was translated into Welsh by John Roberts (known as Ieuan Gwyllt) under the title "Gwahoddiad," which simply means "Invitation." It became so immensely popular in Wales that to this day, many people mistakenly believe it is an indigenous, ancient Welsh hymn, often sung powerfully by traditional Welsh male voice choirs. From an Iowa revival tent to the grand choirs of Wales, this hymn remains a timeless, gentle invitation for every weary soul to come home. _______________________________ Experience a musical journey of solace and inspiration, perfect for personal devotion, church services, or sharing moments of spiritual encouragement. The music in this video was generated using AI technology, with professional audio mastering for optimal sound quality, created and presented by Light & Harmony. This hymn is in the public domain. #IHearThyWelcomeVoice #IAmComingLord #ChristianHymn #HymnHistory #LewisHartsough #GospelHymns #ChristianMusic #TraditionalWorship #LightAndHarmony #WorshipCover #publicdomain #christianmusicchannel #hymnofheaven #hymnhistory