Come, My Soul, with Every Care
Come, my soul, with every care
The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on prayer as the primary response to life's burdens, directing believers to cast their cares upon God through intercessory prayer modeled on the Lord's Prayer. It reflects the Protestant confidence in direct access to God through Christ and the assurance that prayer, rooted in God's character and promises, receives response.
History & Background
Written by John Newton and published in his Olney Hymns (1779), this hymn was composed during his pastoral ministry at Olney and reflects his evangelical Anglican tradition. It has been widely used in Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 779
- Lutheran Worship — 433
- Trinity Hymnal — 629
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 459
Bulletin Note
John Newton (1779) penned this prayer hymn from lived experience of conversion and grace. Its clear, direct language mirrors the Lord's Prayer, teaching believers that confidence in God's hearing is the antidote to anxious care.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's conviction of our helplessness and the Gospel's proclamation of God's unfailing mercy and access to the throne of grace through Christ's mediation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From conviction of sin and burden (Law) to confidence in Christ's hearing and answering (Gospel) to assurance of complete provision (Gospel) to commitment in pilgrimage (Gospel)
Themes
Prayer Trust in God's providence Anxiety and care casting Divine faithfulness Intercession