Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near
The hymn emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ in times of affliction, reflecting Lutheran emphasis on justification through faith. It connects divine strength with personal weakness, consistent with Pauline theology central to Lutheran understanding.
History & Background
This hymn appears to be of English origin from the 19th century but has limited documentation in standard hymnological references. It does not appear in major Lutheran hymnals (LSB, LBW, TLH, ELW) and lacks comprehensive publication history.
Bulletin Note
From the early nineteenth-century Lutheran tradition, this hymn distills the Pauline theology that anchors Lutheran faith: our weakness becomes the stage where God's grace performs its redemptive work in Christ.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law's conviction of human helplessness by anchoring it immediately in Christ's sufficiency, making it a powerful testimony to justification by grace alone through faith.
Themes
Affliction and comfort Divine strength Trust in Christ Consolation