Hymn of the Week: ‘I Heard the Voice of Jesus’

This is our entrance hymn this week.

It’s a Scottish hymn dating to the 19th century, written by Horatius Bonar.  It has a thumping Celtic sound, and triumphal words:

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto Me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon My breast!”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
and He has made me glad.

About the author: 

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” was one of the hymns he wrote during his tenure [as pastor] at Kelso [a rural town in Scotland]. This is perhaps his most famous song, having found good reception not only in Scotland but also in the wider English-speaking world.

What makes the hymn so widely appealing may well be its focus on the gospel call of Christ to come to him, look to him, drink, and rest, and the simple call to obey and to find in him all that he has promised. It is simple, sweet and encouraging.

Give a listen and enjoy.