Come Risen Lord and Deign to Be Our Guest
Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest
The hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ's real presence in Holy Communion and the comfort of His resurrection. It combines the joy of Easter victory with the intimate fellowship of the Eucharistic meal, presenting Christ as both transcendent Lord and gracious host.
History & Background
Written by George Herbert and published in 'The Temple' (1633), this metaphysical poem was adapted as a hymn for Lutheran use in the 20th century. It appears in LBW (1978) as a post-Communion hymn emphasizing the risen Christ's presence.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 306
- The Hymnal 1982 — 306
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 209
- Lutheran Worship — 278
Bulletin Note
Written by George Herbert in 1633, this Eucharistic hymn reflects the high sacramental theology of the English Reformation, affirming Christ's real presence and the comfort of His resurrection to all who gather in faith.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's scandalous grace: it confronts our unworthiness before God's holiness, then overwhelms that accusation with Christ's free invitation to His table, making the Eucharist a living proclamation of resurrection mercy.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Communion Small Catechism — Holy Communion
- Of Lord’s Supper Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From God's eternal love hidden before creation, through Christ's incarnation and atoning sacrifice, to the believer's joyful response in Christ
Themes
Resurrection of Christ Eucharistic presence Invitation and grace Communion fellowship