Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face To Face

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face

Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face To Face is a hymn text by Horatius Bonar (1855) in 8.7.8.7 meter. Found in ch95 416, elw 504, gtg 517, lbw 211.

The hymn expresses Lutheran sacramental theology through emphasis on the Real Presence and the believer's mystical union with Christ in Holy Communion. It reflects the Gospel promise of spiritual nourishment and intimate fellowship with the risen Lord through the Sacrament.

History & Background

Written by Scottish Free Church minister Horatius Bonar in 1855 as a Eucharistic hymn emphasizing intimate communion with Christ. The text has been widely adopted in both Reformed and Lutheran hymnals since the late 19th century.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Chalice Hymnal — 416
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 504
  • Glory to God — 517
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 211
  • Lutheran Service Book — 631
  • Lift Up Your Hearts — 283
  • Lutheran Worship — 243
  • New Century Hymnal — 336
  • Trinity Hymnal — 378
  • United Methodist Hymnal — 623
  • Voices Together — 466

Bulletin Note

Penned by Scottish pastor Horatius Bonar in 1855, this hymn anchors Lutheran sacramental theology in the intimate language of devotion. The tune ADORO TE ('I adore Thee') reinforces the reverent wonder of Christ's Real Presence.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Gospel promise that believers commune with the risen Christ Himself in the Supper, transforming our encounter with grace from doctrine into lived experience and intimate fellowship.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 6 (2×)
  • Epiphany 2 (1×)
  • Quinquagesima (1×)
  • Trinity 20 (1×)
  • Trinity 7 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Transfiguration (2×)
  • Easter 3 (1×)
  • Epiphany 2 (1×)
  • Proper 13 (1×)
  • Proper 23 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Real Presence of Christ Holy Communion Mystical union with Christ Faith and assurance Resurrection joy

Look Further