For All Thy Saints O Lord
For all thy saints O Lord
This hymn celebrates the Lutheran understanding of the communion of saints, affirming the faithful witness of those who have died in Christ and their continued fellowship with the Church Militant. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on the assurance of salvation and the promise of resurrection through Christ.
History & Background
Written by English clergyman Latimer Humphreys in 1864, this All Saints hymn was first published in his collection. It has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals as an appropriate text for All Saints' Day commemoration and funeral services.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 425
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 176
- Lutheran Worship — 195
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 468
Bulletin Note
Latimer Humphreys composed this hymn in 1864 for All Saints' Day. Set to the sturdy tune ST. MICHAEL, it expresses the Lutheran confidence in Christ's redemption extending to all the faithful, living and departed.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the Gospel consolation of the resurrection promise while challenging us to faithful witness, making it a powerful response to preaching on perseverance in faith or the communion of saints.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Commemoration of saints' faithful witness → Rest from earthly labor → Perseverance in faith → Universal inheritance through Christ
Themes
communion of saints perseverance in faith heavenly reward Christian witness eternal life