Father Let Me Dedicate
Father, let me dedicate
The hymn expresses the Protestant principle of offering one's entire life as a living sacrifice to God, reflecting Romans 12:1-2. It emphasizes stewardship and vocational calling as expressions of faith rather than monastic withdrawal.
History & Background
Florian Decius wrote this German hymn in 1540 as a personal prayer of life dedication. It was translated into English in the 19th century and included in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 118.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 118
Translation
Bulletin Note
Florian Decius, 1540. A Reformation hymn rejecting monastic withdrawal, teaching that daily work and family life—not religious retreat—constitute genuine dedication to God.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran principle that God's grace frees us from self-righteous works to joyful service, transforming our vocations into priesthood rather than escape.
Themes
Dedication of life to God Stewardship Christian service Covenant with God Personal consecration