God Is Here! As We Your People
God is here! As we your people
This hymn articulates the Lutheran understanding of God's real presence with His gathered people, reflecting both sacramental theology and the communion of saints. It emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit working through Word and Sacrament in the assembled body of Christ.
History & Background
Written by Fred Pratt Green in 1979, this modern hymn was composed for contemporary Anglican worship and has since become widely used across Protestant denominations. It was first published in 1980 and included in major hymnals including LBW (1978) and LSB (2006).
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 280
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 526
- Glory to God — 526
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 249
- Lutheran Service Book — 914
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 251
- Lutheran Worship — 437
- New Century Hymnal — 70
- United Methodist Hymnal — 660
- Voices Together — 19
Bulletin Note
Fred Pratt Green (1979) wrote this in the ecumenical renewal tradition, capturing the Lutheran conviction of God's sacramental presence in gathered worship—Spirit-empowered transformation through Word and Table.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel of Christ's real presence, inviting preachers to proclaim how God's promised dwelling among His people moves us from isolation into reconciled community and renewed mission.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
- Of Lord’s Supper Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
Themes
God's presence in worship Community of faith Holy Spirit Sacramental theology Church as body of Christ