God of Mercy God of Grace

God of Mercy God of Grace is a hymn text by Henry Francis Lyte (1834) in 8.7.8.7 meter. Found in ch95 82, elw 713, gtg 714, h82 538.

This hymn expresses Lutheran piety regarding God's merciful nature and the Christian obligation to intercede for all people, reflecting the theology of universal redemption through Christ. The prayer for God's grace to extend to all nations resonates with Lutheran understanding of the Gospel's catholicity and the Church's role as intercessor.

History & Background

Henry Francis Lyte composed this hymn in 1834 as a prayer hymn based on Psalm 67. It has been widely used in both Anglican and Lutheran traditions since its publication and remains a staple intercessory hymn in worship.

Hymnal Appearances

• Chalice Hymnal — 82
• Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 713
• Glory to God — 714
• The Hymnal 1982 — 538
• Lutheran Book of Worship — 425
• Lutheran Service Book — 716
• Lift Up Your Hearts — 969
• Lutheran Worship — 404
• New Century Hymnal — 473
• Trinity Hymnal — 726
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 20
• United Methodist Hymnal — 517

Bulletin Note

Written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1834, this hymn of intercession reflects the evangelical Anglican tradition's emphasis on prayer for all peoples—a theme deeply consonant with Lutheran theology of universal grace.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: our confession of unworthiness opens into bold intercession grounded in God's mercy through Christ, modeling how recognizing our need becomes the very ground of confident prayer.

Overview

Henry Francis Lyte, author of 'Abide with Me,' paraphrased Psalm 67 in his Spirit of the Psalms (1834). The psalm opens with the Aaronic blessing's language — 'May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us' — and asks that God's way and saving health be known among all nations. Lyte prays for the light of God's face on the Church and its saving health to the earth's end (st. 1), calls the nations to praise their Savior King (st. 2), and pictures the harvest and a world united 'in joy and light and love' (st. 3).

Central theme: God's blessing on his Church overflowing in salvation and praise among all nations (Ps 67)

Structure

Three six-line stanzas (7.7.7.7.7.7), following Ps 67. Blessing and mission (1) — the nations' praise (2) — harvest and harmony (3).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel: God's face shining, 'saving health' extended; 'Glory to their Savior King' (1-2).

Confessional Connections

Psalm 67 read Christologically: the 'saving health' (KJV) is salvation in Christ, the 'Savior King' (st. 2). Universal grace and mission (FC XI.28; Matt 28:19). The Aaronic blessing's shining face — God's favor in Christ (2 Cor 4:6). The unity of 'all below and all above' anticipates the new creation (Eph 1:10).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Missions; harvest; Epiphany; general.

Historical Notes

Lyte (1793-1847), vicar of Lower Brixham, Devon, published it in The Spirit of the Psalms (1834).

About the Tune

RATISBON (Sächsisches Choralbuch, Leipzig, 1815).

Scripture References

Ps 67 Num 6:24-26 Ps 98:2-3 Isa 49:6 Phil 2:10-11 Rev 7:9-10 Ps 85:12 Eph 1:10 Col 1:20

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

God's mercy and grace Prayer for divine compassion Blessing of all nations Intercession

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "God of Mercy God of Grace" ↗