God of the Prophets, Bless the Prophets' Sons
God of the prophets, bless the prophets' sons
This hymn reflects the Lutheran understanding of the pastoral office as a divine calling requiring the Holy Spirit's empowerment, drawing on Old Testament prophetic succession (Elisha receiving Elijah's mantle). It emphasizes both the human responsibility of faith and faithful preaching alongside divine blessing and guidance for those called to ministry.
History & Background
Written by Denis Wortman in 1884 for ministerial students, this hymn was first published in 1884. It became widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals throughout the 20th century as a hymn for ordinations, pastoral installations, and seminaries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 457
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 825
- Glory to God — 720
- Lutheran Service Book — 682
- Lutheran Worship — 258
- New Century Hymnal — 382
- Trinity Hymnal — 108
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 483
Bulletin Note
Written by Denis Wortman in 1884, this hymn draws on the Old Testament image of Elisha receiving Elijah's mantle to celebrate the pastoral calling and the Holy Spirit's empowerment of faithful witnesses and preachers.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's invocation of prophetic succession (Elisha's mantle) grounds the pastoral office in both divine calling and human responsibility, making it a powerful partner to any sermon on how Law drives us to need Christ's Gospel, and Gospel empowers faithful proclamation.
Themes
Prophetic calling Ministerial training Holy Spirit empowerment Faithful witness Succession in ministry