Hear Us Now Our God and Father
Hear us now our God and Father
The hymn emphasizes the Lutheran understanding of prayer as the proper response to God's sovereignty and care, grounded in the confidence that God hears and answers the prayers of His people. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on direct access to God through prayer and the intercessory role of the priesthood of all believers.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Unser Herrscher und Gott' by Ludwig Helmbold, a German Lutheran pastor and hymn writer, and first published in 1575. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in her 1863 collection, making it accessible to English-speaking Lutherans.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 288
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Ludwig Helmbold in 1575, this hymn crystallizes Reformation confidence in direct prayer to God. It shaped Lutheran piety by grounding bold petitionary prayer in divine fatherhood rather than merit or mediation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Reformation breakthrough: the Law exposes our need and God's sovereignty; the Gospel answers through the assurance that our Father hears and answers the prayers of His people through Christ's intercession.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from human desperation and God's majesty (stanzas 1–3) to confident petition for divine mercy and liberation (stanza 4)
Themes
Intercessory prayer God's providence Divine care Trust in God's protection