Come Now, O Prince of Peace

Come Now, O Prince of Peace is a Korean hymn written by Kon-yong Yi in 1988. It is a prayer for reconciliation, unity, and peace within the church and among the nations. Emerging from the context of Korean Christianity, where longing for unity and healing has been deeply felt, the hymn has gained global use and has been translated into multiple languages for congregational worship.

The text addresses Christ as the Prince of Peace, drawing from Isaiah 9:6. Each stanza is structured as a direct petition, calling upon the Lord to come and reconcile His people. The repeated plea for unity reflects the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21, where He asks that His followers may be one. The language is simple and direct, expressing dependence on God and confidence in His reconciling power.

A central theme of the hymn is corporate reconciliation. It moves beyond individual devotion and focuses on the healing of communities and nations. This emphasis echoes Ephesians 2:14-16, where Christ is described as our peace, having broken down the wall of hostility and made one new humanity. The hymn captures this biblical vision by praying for restored relationships grounded in Christ's saving work.

Musically, the melody is gentle and reflective, supporting the prayerful tone of the text. Its repeated structure encourages meditation and makes it accessible for congregational singing. It is often used in services centered on unity, peacemaking, and reconciliation.

Come Now, O Prince of Peace remains a meaningful modern hymn of prayer. Its scriptural foundation and earnest appeal continue to guide believers to seek Christ's peace and to embody His reconciling love in a divided world.