Come O Almighty King
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Trinitarian theology, calling upon all three persons of the Godhead in successive stanzas. It emphasizes the Church's adoration of the complete Godhead and the relational aspects of the Trinity in practical Christian devotion.
History & Background
First published in 1757, likely written by an English Anglican or Methodist author, though authorship remains uncertain. The hymn gained widespread use in Protestant traditions and became a classic Trinitarian hymn in English hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 37
- Chalice Hymnal — 27
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 731
- Glory to God — 2
- The Hymnal 1982 — 365
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 522
- Lutheran Service Book — 905
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 532
- Lutheran Worship — 169
- New Century Hymnal — 275
- Trinity Hymnal — 101
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 239
- United Methodist Hymnal — 61
- Voices Together — 16
Bulletin Note
Anonymous hymn from 1757, paired with the Italian Hymn tune. A jewel of Lutheran Trinitarian devotion, it invites the faithful to call upon Father, Son, and Spirit in successive petitions of adoration and obedience.
Preaching Connection
This hymn unfolds the Gospel of Trinitarian grace: each stanza calls upon a person of the Godhead as the source of salvation, making visible how the whole God—not a diminished or partial deity—comes to reconcile, redeem, and sanctify the church.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (divine majesty and power) → Gospel (petition for Spirit's grace, redemption, and indwelling presence) → Doxology (Trinitarian unity and mercy)
Themes
Holy Trinity God's sovereignty Adoration Divine majesty Praise