GOSPEL >> INVITATION
SDAH 287
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he’s waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Softly and Tenderly
A naturally gifted writer and composer, Will L. Thompson wrote both words and music of this invitation appeal, first printed in Songs of Triumph, 1882. The words are based on Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Its tender melody and gentle message continue to call hearts home. May we not delay when we hear His voice—He is calling us still.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me. Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, pleading for you and for me. May our heart be soften as we listen to the invitation of Christ. (Lesson 11, 1st Quarter -Tuesday, Fast Friends, 3/9/2021)
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling for you and for me. Why would we linger and heed not His mercies? Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon. Ye who are weary, everyone who feels like they are “running on empty” God is calling us to come home and fill ourselves with what we’ve been missing: love, mercy, pardon, and everything we need to be truly happy and blessed. (Lesson 1, 3rd Quarter 2021 -Monday, Running On Empty, 6/28/2021)
A naturally gifted writer and composer, Will L. Thompson (1847-1909; see SDAH 185) wrote both words and music of this invitation appeal, first printed in Songs of Triumph, 1882. It was used extensively in Europe and America by the Moody-Sankey evangelistic team. The words are an enlargement of the pleading words of the Savior to those who are weighed down and weary with the burden of sin; “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28). Just before the great evangelist Moody died, Thompson visited him in the sick room. Recognizing the visitor, Moody said feebly, “Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly’ than anything I have been able to do with my whole life.”
Thompson’s other hymn in SDAH is No. 185, “Jesus Is All The World To Me,” for which he wrote both words and music.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Stanza:
1 – Matthew 11:28
Text
1
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
At the heart’s portal He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Refrain
Come home, come home;
Ye who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
2
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?
3
Think of the wonderful love he has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
Hymn Info
Biblical Information
(a) Matthew 11:28
Author
Will L. Thompson (1847-1909)
Composer
Will L. Thompson
Metrical Number
11.7.11.7.Ref.
Theme
INVITATION
An Invitation to Come Home
This is a typical lullaby in the gospel hymn tradition that characterizes Jesus as a mother, gently rocking and comforting a child. This attribute contributes to the continuing popularity of this genre of religious song that presents Jesus as waiting, caring, and forgiving in intimate—and for many, compelling—metaphors.
RELATED POSTS
Playlist
Choose from our curated list of arrangements based on this hymn. Should you choose to purchase using the links below, we will receive a small commission which helps offset our website fees!
RECOMMENDED ARRANGEMENTS
Listen to the Youtube playlist above to have an idea what the arrangements below sound like.
IMMORTAL HYMNS (KEVEREN)
piano
This easy piano songbook contains 17 congregational classics arranged by Phillip Keveren, including Softly and Tenderly and more.
COMPLETE worship suites (VANDALL)
piano
This collection contains 18 worship suites arranged by 17 of today’s top Christian music arrangers. Within the suites are attractive arrangements of more than 50 of the best-loved hymns including Softly & Tenderly by Robert Vandall.
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (CHERWIEN)
SATB acapella
“Simple, yet not simplistic” describes this stark but effective setting of this beloved song. The soloist could be any voice or a small group. Part of the National Lutheran Choir Series. Digital copy here
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (PORTMAN)
SATB + piano
Brenda Portman’s lovely, expressive choral setting of this beloved hymn features beautiful part writing and a flowing piano accompaniment with optional a cappella sections. An anthem choirs will enjoy singing throughout the year. Digital copy here
SONGS FOR THE JOURNEY (COURTNEY)
vocal
Dan Forrest and Craig Courtney have transcribed ten of their choral anthems for medium voice.
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (PHILLIPS)
piano
This comforting hymn has been arranged for piano solo and would be appropriate for any Christian worship service. It is especially fitting for a funeral or memorial service. This piece is also available in the compilation “Piano Solos for Christian Worship – Seven Hymns Arranged to Glorify God”
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (THOMPSON)
piano ensemble
Sometimes simple is best. A piano ostinato over a string quartet creates a quiet atmosphere perfect to fit the feel of this hymn.
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (MCCARTHA)
SATB + piano
Charles McCartha deftly marries a lovely original melody to the timeless “Softly and Tenderly” lyrics in this inspiring and memorable anthem that will be indelibly etched on the minds of all who experience it. Digital copy here
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY (FETTKE)
SATB + piano
Raymond Brown’s inspired new setting of this traditional hymn text has become a contemporary favorite, recorded by such artists as Cynthia Clawson and Selah. Now it is available for SATB choir with accessible choral lines and a gently flowing accompaniment. The expressive opening gradually builds through use of different textures to a soaring final stanza before tranquilly stating Jesus’ calling: “Oh sinner, come home.” Digital copy here
