Almighty Father, Bless the Word
Almighty Father, bless the Word
Almighty Father, Bless the Word is a hymn text by Nicolai Grundtvig (1837) in 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6 meter. Translated by Gracia Grindal. Found in CW93 323, ELH 412, lsb 923, lw 216.
This hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on the power of the preached Word of God to accomplish God's purposes in human hearts and the world. It echoes the Reformation conviction that the Gospel, when faithfully proclaimed, bears fruit through the Holy Spirit's work, not human effort alone.
History & Background
Written by N.F.S. Grundtvig in 1837 for the Danish church, this hymn expresses confidence in God's power working through the preached Word. It was translated into English by Gracia Grindal in 1978 and has become a significant addition to Lutheran hymnody emphasizing Word-centered worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship — 323
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 412
- Lutheran Service Book — 923
- Lutheran Worship — 216
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 52
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Grundtvig (1783–1872), a Danish Lutheran pastor and hymnwriter, penned this 1837 hymn as a testimony to the Reformation conviction that God's Word, faithfully proclaimed and blessed by the Spirit, bears fruit without human addition or merit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Reformation principle that the preached Gospel, by the Spirit's power alone, accomplishes what human effort cannot—use it to reinforce the gracious sufficiency of Christ's Word over legalism or activism.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Trinity 4 (2×)
- Sexagesima (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Proper 10 (1×)
- Proper 11 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Overview
A two-stanza post-sermon prayer: that the Word just heard take root and bear fruit (st. 1), with thanks for the means of grace and a prayer that all worshipers reach heaven (st. 2). Brief, but it names the 'means of grace' explicitly — a Lutheran term.
Central theme: Prayer that the Word bear fruit, with thanks for the means of grace
Structure
Seed and fruit (1); means of grace and heaven (2).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel prayer.
Confessional Connections
'Means of grace' — the Word and Sacraments through which the Spirit works (AC V).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
After the sermon; closing hymn.
Historical Notes
Anonymous; included in Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century.
About the Tune
OLD HUNDREDTH (Louis Bourgeois, 1551).
Scripture References
Luke 8:8, 15 Isa 55:10-11 Col 1:6 Acts 2:42 Heb 10:25
Stanza by Stanza
Almighty Father, bless the Word we heard by your grace; may the precious seed take root, grow, and bear abundant fruit.
Luke 8:8, 15 (good soil bearing fruit a hundredfold). 'Through Thy grace we now have heard' — even hearing is a gift. The Word as 'precious seed' (1 Pet 1:23). Growth from root to fruit (Col 1:6).
- Scripture
- Luke 8:8, 15, 1 Pet 1:23, Col 1:6, Isa 55:10-11
- Imagery & language
- Seed; root; fruit.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel prayer.
- Connection to previous
- The Word.
We praise you for the means of grace as we go home; Lord, grant that we who worshiped here may all finally appear in heaven.
'The means of grace' — the Word and Sacraments, through which the Spirit gives faith (AC V). Worship ends with going home and with the hope of the eternal home (John 14:2-3).
- Scripture
- Acts 2:42, John 14:2-3, Rom 10:17, Heb 10:25
- Imagery & language
- Means of grace; homeward steps; heaven.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — thanks and hope.
- Connection to previous
- Thanks and hope.
Themes
Word of God Spiritual growth Gospel proclamation Divine power Faithful sowing