Far From the Lord I wandered Long (여 러 해 동 안 주 꺼 나) - Hymn Lyrics

1. Far from the Lord I wandered long

In enchantments of time and place,

Sunk deep in my sins, immersed in wrong,
Forgetting a Saviour's grace.
O, Jesus, dear Lord, my heart
Is opening now the door.
Come in today, come forever to stay,
My life to be, evermore!

2. Grieving for Adam's dying seed
In the bondage of sin and shame,
From glories of heaven to meet our need,
In pity the Saviour came.
O, Jesus, dear Lord, my heart
Is opening now the door.
Come in today, come forever to stay,
My life to be, evermore!

3. Mockery's crimson cloth He wore,
And His crown was a crown of thorn,
And, high on the cross, the pains He bore
The sins of a world have borne!
O, Jesus, dear Lord, my heart
Is opening now the door.
Come in today, come forever to stay,
My life to be, evermore!

4. Folly and sin of humankind!
So unwilling our Lord to know,
We wander our deserts, faint and blind!
How long shall we scorn Him so?
O, Jesus, dear Lord, my hear

Is opening now the door.
Come in today, come forever to stay,
My life to be, evermore! Amen.

English Title: Far From the Lord I Wandered Long
Korean Title: 여러 해 동안 주 떠나
Author: William C. Martin (1864–1914)
Composer: Bentley D. Ackley (1872–1958)

Hymn Story:

"Far From the Lord I Wandered Long" is a heartfelt hymn of repentance and return, written by William C. Martin, a prolific American hymn writer and Baptist minister. The tune was composed by Bentley D. Ackley, who worked closely with evangelist Billy Sunday and was known for writing music that was simple, singable, and emotionally powerful.

The hymn was originally written in English in the early 20th century during a time of widespread evangelistic movements in the United States. It became especially well known when it was translated into Korean (여러 해 동안 주 떠나) and has been deeply loved in Korean churches for generations, often sung at revival meetings and invitation services.

This hymn tells the story of a soul that confesses years of wandering away from God, only to find at last forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ. It is a personal testimony of God's unchanging love and mercy toward the repentant sinner.

(Note: The English chorus is sometimes adapted or combined with elements from "Softly and Tenderly," especially in Korean translations.)

Korean Lyrics (Excerpt) (Romanized):

여러 해 동안 주 떠나
방탕한 길로 다니다
내 지은 죄가 주 홍같이
붉으나 눈 같이 희겠네

Chorus:
오라, 오라, 방황치 말고 오라,
죄인 오라, 주께 오라,
지금 오라.

(Translation: "For many years I wandered away from the Lord, walking the path of sin. Though my sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Come, come, do not wander anymore, sinner, come to the Lord now.")

• Repentance: A heartfelt return to God after a life of sin.

• Divine Mercy: God's willingness to forgive no matter how far one has strayed.

• Invitation: Christ continually calling sinners home.

• Restoration: Healing and cleansing for those who come back.

"Far From the Lord I Wandered Long" captures the timeless gospel invitation: no matter how long we have been away, or how deep the stain of sin, Jesus Christ stands ready to receive, cleanse, and restore.
The hymn resonates with the emotional weight of realizing one’s lostness—and the overwhelming relief of being welcomed home by the Savior.

This hymn is often associated with altar calls because it conveys both the sorrow of separation and the joyful urgency of coming back to Christ while there is still time.

William C. Martin, the lyricist, also wrote other well-loved hymns such as "My Anchor Holds" and "The Name of Jesus." His writing often focused on assurance, comfort, and the beauty of salvation through grace, accessible to everyday believers.