Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising
Come, your hearts and voices raising
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran theology's emphasis on God's sovereign grace and protective care, celebrating the continuity between Old Testament promises (as referenced in Luke 1:68-71) and New Testament fulfillment in Christ. The text emphasizes both divine majesty and personal assurance of salvation, central to Lutheran soteriology.
History & Background
Written by Paul Gerhardt in 1653, originally titled 'Gott des Himmels und der Erden,' this hymn appeared in Gerhardt's devotional writings and became widely used in German Lutheran hymnals. John C. Mattes provided the English translation in 1914, preserving the theological depth and jubilant character of the original.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 700
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 68
- Lutheran Service Book — 375
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 76
- Lutheran Worship — 48
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 90
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Paul Gerhardt in 1653, this hymn anchors faith in the continuity of God's Old Testament promises fulfilled in Christ, reflecting Lutheran conviction that grace alone secures our salvation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel arc by moving from acknowledgment of divine majesty and our need for deliverance to confident proclamation of God's completed redemptive work in Christ.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Themes
praise and thanksgiving divine mercy and blessing redemption through Christ joy in salvation God's protection and deliverance