June 13
LET JESUS COME INTO YOUR HEART
Words and Music by Lelia N. Morris, 1862–1929
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Gospel songs that urgently ask people to respond to Christ’s invitation for salvation have had a powerful influence in evangelism since they were first written shortly after the close of the American Civil War. Many believers can remember which song was used when they made their decision for Christ. Ira D. Sankey, often called the “father of the gospel song,” once stated: “These songs were calculated to awaken the careless, to melt the hardened, and to guide inquiring souls to Jesus Christ.”
“Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart,” written and composed by Mrs. Lelia Morris, has been one of the these invitation hymns widely used by God to direct seeking sinners to a personal salvation experience. Its origin in 1898 was at a camp meeting in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. A woman of culture and refinement responded to the altar call invitation. Mrs. Morris joined her there and with an arm around her shoulder whispered, “Just now your doubtings give o’er.” The song leader of the camp meeting joined the duo and added another phrase, “Just now reject Him no more.” Then the evangelist earnestly importuned, “Just now throw open the door.” Mrs. Morris made the last appeal, “Let Jesus come into your heart.” Shortly thereafter Mrs. Morris completed the thought and added the music before the camp meetings closed. Another song was born to guide countless numbers of inquiring souls to Jesus Christ.
If you are tired of the load of your sin, let Jesus come into your heart; if you desire a new life to begin, let Jesus come into your heart.
If ’tis for purity now that you sigh, let Jesus come into your heart: fountains for cleansing are flowing near by; let Jesus come into your heart.
If there’s a tempest your voice cannot still, let Jesus come into your heart; if there’s a void this world never can fill, let Jesus come into your heart.
If you would join the glad songs of the blest, let Jesus come into your heart; if you would enter the mansions of rest, let Jesus come into your heart.
Refrain: Just now, your doubtings give o’er; just now, reject Him no more; just now, throw open the door; let Jesus come into your heart.
For Today: John 6:37; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 3:15; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 22:17
Be sensitive to the spiritual needs of those about you. Often you will be able to detect signs of a struggling soul searching for God. With gracious boldness share with such a one the message of this song—
