Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us
Father, God of grace, you knew us
The hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on sola gratia, emphasizing that God's saving work originates entirely in divine grace and foreknowledge rather than human merit. It connects predestination with the assurance of salvation in Christ, central to Lutheran soteriology.
History & Background
Timothy Dudley-Smith wrote this hymn in 1984 as a contemporary expression of Reformed theology regarding divine foreknowledge and election. It has appeared in numerous modern hymnals including ELW and Christian Worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 801
Bulletin Note
By Timothy Dudley-Smith (1984), set to the Welsh tune HYFRYDOL. A modern hymn anchoring Lutheran soteriology in divine foreknowledge and sola gratia, connecting predestination to sacramental assurance in Christ.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the proclamation of election: it answers the Law's accusation of unworthiness with the Gospel's assurance that God's choice of us rests on grace alone, not our merit—a foundation for both comfort and sanctified living.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
God's foreknowledge and election Divine grace and predestination Christian identity in Christ Redemption through Christ