O bless­èd grief that brings re­lief
To pro­di­gals afar!
The Fa­ther there has hon­ored pray­er,
And takes us as we are.

Refrain

O won­drous grace that makes a place
For all who cease to roam!
With joy­ful song, and fes­tive throng,
The Fa­ther takes us home.

From want and waste we glad­ly haste,
The hea­ven­ly hills we see;
We’re saved and blest, we’re home at rest,
With joy, dear Lord, in Thee.

Refrain

The home long sought, the best robe brought,
The fest­al fat­ling slain—
The shoes, the ring, the hearts that sing—
O hear the joy­ful strain.

Refrain

From wan­der­ings vain, at home again,
The lost, the dead re­stored!
From His dear heart no more to part,
Nor from His re­gal board.

Refrain