Lyrics
Verse 1
Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling
Chorus
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Verse 2
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there's no reason to wait
Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling
Bridge
Oh what a Savior
Isn't he wonderful
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Bow down before him
For he is Lord of all
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Verse 3
Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you've found
Other Versions of O Come To The Altar
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Meaning & Inspiration
This worship song opens with questions aimed at the weary: those hurting, overwhelmed by sin, or at the end of their own strength. Each question is answered with the same short line, "Jesus is calling," so the invitation stays simple and personal. The chorus pictures the Father's arms "open wide" and ties forgiveness to the blood of Christ, which makes the altar a place of mercy more than performance.
The second verse moves from regret to renewal, trading sorrow for joy and describing new life rising "from the ashes." That wording recalls Isaiah 61:3, and the invitation to come with burdens loosely echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 11. The bridge shifts to praise, naming Christ as risen and Lord of all, before the closing lines turn outward with a call to bear the cross and tell of the treasure found.
Related Scripture
- Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to him and find rest.
- Isaiah 61:3 The passage promises beauty in place of ashes and gladness in place of mourning.
- Luke 9:23 Jesus calls his followers to take up their cross daily and follow him.