Come, Lord Jesus, Be Our Guest
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of creation's goodness and God's sustaining grace in daily life, reflecting Article XVI of the Augsburg Confession on the necessity of civil order and God's provision. It exemplifies the sacramental appreciation of ordinary meals as occasions for encountering Christ's presence and blessing.
History & Background
Written by German pietist Christoph Christian Sturm as a mealtime grace, first published in his devotional work. Catherine Winkworth's 1863 English translation brought this text into Anglo-Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 467
- Lutheran Service Book — 776
- Lutheran Worship — 405
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 405
- Voices Together — 82
Translation
Bulletin Note
Christoph Christian Sturm's hymn (1777) reflects the Lutheran conviction that God's sustaining grace dwells in creation itself. The prayer before meals becomes an act of faith, sanctifying daily bread through Christ's presence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn moves from our hunger—both physical and spiritual—to confident trust in God's provision, embodying the movement from Law's awareness of need to Gospel's assurance of abundance in Christ.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Table grace Christ's presence Gratitude God's provision Blessing