ARISE is an anonymous American folk melody. Set to "Mercy, O Thou Son of David," the tune was published in William Walker's (PHH 44) Southern Harmony (1835) with the title RESTORATION. Its name was changed to ARISE (after the refrain in the ballad about the prodigal son) when it was set to Hart's text.

Like many folk tunes, ARISE is pentatonic and could be sung in two-part canon (at one measure), but then the accompaniment should not be used. Sing in unison on stanza 1, with the choir in canon on stanza 2. Try having the entire group sing in harmony on stanzas 3 and 4. When singing and accompanying, be sure to retain the sturdiness of this folk melody.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook