The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#R40

R40. The wretched prodigal behold

1 The wretched prodigal behold
in mis’ry lying low,
whom vice had sunk from high estate,
and plung'd in want and woe.
2 While I, despis'd and scorn'd, he cries,
starve in a foreign land,
the meanest in my father’s house
is fed with bounteous hand:

3 I’ll go, and with a mourning voice,
fall down before his face:
Father! I’ve sinn'd ‘gainst Heav’n and thee,
nor can deserve thy grace.
4 He said, and hasten'd to his home,
to seek his father’s love;
that father sees him from afar,
and all his bowels move.

5 He ran, and fell upon his neck,
embrac'd and kissed his son:
the grieving prodigal bewail'd
the follies he had done.
6 No more, my father, can I hope
to find paternal grace;
my utmost wish is to obtain
a servant’s humble place.

7 Bring forth the fairest robe for him,
the joyful father said;
to him each mark of grace be shown,
and ev’ry honour paid.
8 A day of feasting I ordain;
let mirth and song abound:
my son was dead, and lives again!
was lost, and now is found!

9 Thus joy abounds in paradise
among the hosts of heav’n,
soon as the sinner quits his sins,
repents, and is forgiv’n.

Text Information

• First Line: The wretched prodigal behold
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Scripture:
  Luke 15:13-25

Tune Information

• Name: BALLERMA
• Composer: François Barthélemon, 1741-1808
• Adapter: Robert Simpson, 1790-1832
• Meter: CM
• Key: A Major
• Source: French song