Welcome Home, Precious Child

A hymn based on the story of The Prodigal Son
Words: F. Richard Garland, 2011
Music: Tune NEW WORLD, Antonin Dvorak; arr. John R. Kleinheksel, Sr., 2009

United Methodist pastor and hymn writer F. Richard Garland writes of this hymn, "It was prompted when my wife, Pastor Catherine Sprigg, was doing a series of services on children and faith. The first verse is in the voice of a grateful father (and mother) welcoming their son home. The second verse is the voice of wisdom and counsel to all those who have left home, then need to come home. The third verse voices the person of God who, in love, welcomes us home. Each verse reprises the voice of God, 'Welcome home, dear child.'"

Welcome Home, Precious Child (pdf)

See F. Richard Garland's composer page on the Discipleship Ministries website.