Draw Us to You
Draw us to You, for then shall we run
The hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on God's initiative in salvation, drawing sinners to Christ through grace rather than human effort alone. It reflects the theology of the means of grace and the Holy Spirit's work in bringing believers into communion with Christ.
History & Background
Written by American Episcopal bishop William Reed Huntington in 1894, this hymn was first published in church hymnals of the late 19th century. It has become a standard hymn of Christian devotion in Lutheran hymnody, appearing in The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Service Book.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 708
- Lutheran Service Book — 701
- Lutheran Worship — 153
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 215
Bulletin Note
Written by William Reed Huntington in 1894, this hymn reflects classical Lutheran emphasis on divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gracious drawing of sinners toward Christ through the Gospel rather than human effort alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Lutheran theology of the means of grace: it proclaims that the Law exposes our inability to draw near to God, while the Gospel announces Christ's active, magnetic work to gather sinners into his presence and communion.
Themes
Divine grace and attraction Conversion and discipleship The drawing power of Christ Christian devotion Union with God