As We Begin Another Week
As we begin another week
The hymn embodies Grundtvig's distinctive theology of the living Christ present in worship and the weekly renewal of faith through corporate Christian gathering. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on Sunday as the Lord's Day and the necessity of regular communal worship for spiritual sustenance.
History & Background
Written by Nicolai Grundtvig in 1839 as part of his prolific hymnic output emphasizing the centrality of worship and the living Christ. Translated into English by Gracia Grindal in 1978, making this Danish hymnic treasure accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 7
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Grundtvig (1783–1872), Danish pastor and theologian, wrote this hymn to celebrate the weekly gathering of Christians. His theology emphasizes Christ's living presence in worship and the Lord's Day as spiritual anchor for the faithful.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Grundtvig's conviction that Christ is not confined to past events but meets the worshipping community in the present moment, making weekly corporate worship essential to Christian faith and obedience.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Commandment Small Catechism — Ten Commandments
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's invitation to rest (addressing spiritual weariness) through acceptance of that rest, then to Christ's offer of living water (addressing spiritual thirst) through drinking and living in him—a movement from passive reception to active transformation
Themes
Lord's Day observance Weekly worship God's sustaining grace Christian living