Father Let Me Dedicate
Father, let me dedicate
Father Let Me Dedicate is a hymn text by Florian Decius (1540) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in CW93 75, tlh 118. Sung to WOODWORTH.
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
- Christian Worship — 75
- 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.
Overview
A New Year hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, an Anglican clergyman. Each stanza ends 'Glorify Thy name.' The singer dedicates the year to God without demanding freedom from sorrow (st. 1); a child should not presume to choose, for the Father gives what is best (st. 2); if joys continue, let them proclaim God (st. 3); and if the year brings the cross, turning gain to loss, let me remember how God's Son came to glory through suffering and pray in the deepest woe: 'Glorify Thy name' (st. 4) — Jesus' own prayer on the way to the cross (John 12:27-28).
Central theme: Dedicating the new year to the Father, accepting joy or cross, with Jesus' own prayer: 'Father, glorify Thy name'
Structure
Four eight-line stanzas (7.5.7.5 D) with the refrain 'Glorify Thy name.' Dedication (1) — the Father's choice (2) — in joy (3) — in the cross (4).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel/trust: the Father's love gives the best (2); Christ's path through the cross to glory (4).
Confessional Connections
'Glorify Thy name' — the First Petition (SC: God's name is hallowed 'when the Word… is taught… and we… lead holy lives') and Jesus' prayer before his Passion (John 12:27-28). Accepting cross and loss as from a Father's hand (Ap XII.151ff; theology of the cross). 'Can a father's love refuse all the best to give?' (Matt 7:11; Rom 8:32). Christ's way to glory through suffering (Luke 24:26) is the pattern for the believer (1 Pet 4:13).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
New Year's Day; dedication; confirmation.
Historical Notes
Tuttiett (1825-1897), a Scottish Episcopal canon, published it in 1864.
About the Tune
GLORIFICATION (Gossner's Choralbuch, Leipzig, 1832, adapted).
Scripture References
1 Pet 2:9 Rom 12:1 John 12:27-28 Matt 6:9-10 Matt 7:9-11 Rom 8:32 Ps 84:11 Phil 4:11-13 1 Cor 10:31 Phil 3:7-8 Luke 24:26 Heb 12:2 1 Pet 4:13
Stanza by Stanza
Father, let me dedicate this whole year to you, in whatever earthly situation you want me to be. I dare not claim freedom from sorrow, pain or care; this alone will be my prayer: glorify your name.
1 Pet 2:9 (TLH's text): 'that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you.' Self-dedication (Rom 12:1). Refrain: 'Glorify Thy name' — Jesus' prayer before his Passion (John 12:28); the First Petition.
- Scripture
- 1 Pet 2:9, Rom 12:1, John 12:28, Matt 6:9
- Imagery & language
- Dedication; no claim to freedom from pain.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — trust in the Father.
- Connection to previous
- Dedication.
Can a child presume to choose where or how to live? Can a father's love refuse to give all that is best? You give more every day than the best could claim, and you hold back nothing that may glorify your name.
'If you… know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father' (Matt 7:11). 'Will he not also with him graciously give us all things?' (Rom 8:32). 'No good thing does he withhold' (Ps 84:11).
- Scripture
- Matt 7:9-11, Rom 8:32, Ps 84:11
- Imagery & language
- Child; father's love; best gifts.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Father's goodness.
- Connection to previous
- The Father chooses.
If you mercifully let me keep the joys that are still mine, if brighter rays may shine on a calm and fair life, let my glad heart proclaim you in everything as it sings, and whatever the future brings, glorify your name.
Joys received as mercy, not entitlement. 'Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God' (1 Cor 10:31). Contentment in plenty (Phil 4:12).
- Scripture
- Phil 4:11-13, 1 Cor 10:31, Jas 1:17
- Imagery & language
- Spared joys; proclaiming God.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — joy as gift.
- Connection to previous
- In joy.
If you call me to the cross and its shadow comes, turning all my gain to loss and darkening heart and home, let me remember how your dear Son came to his glory, and in deepest sorrow keep praying: 'Glorify your name.'
Jesus: 'Now is my soul troubled… Father, glorify your name' (John 12:27-28). 'Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' (Luke 24:26). Gain counted as loss (Phil 3:7-8). Sharing Christ's sufferings (1 Pet 4:13).
- Scripture
- John 12:27-28, Luke 24:26, Phil 3:7-8, Heb 12:2, 1 Pet 4:13
- Imagery & language
- Cross; gain to loss; the Son's way to glory.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the cross as the way of glory.
- Connection to previous
- In the cross.
Themes
Dedication of life to God Stewardship Christian service Covenant with God Personal consecration