How Blessed is this Place O Lord
How blessed is this place, O Lord
This hymn reflects Lutheran understanding of the church as the gathered people of God where Christ is present through Word and Sacrament. It emphasizes the blessedness of corporate worship while grounding faith in God's transcendent holiness and immanent grace.
History & Background
Written by English hymnist William W. How in 1864, this hymn emphasizes the blessing found in corporate worship and God's presence in the gathered community. It appears in major Lutheran hymnals including Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) as hymn 186.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 730
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 186
- Lutheran Worship — 327
Bulletin Note
William How (1823–1897), Anglican vicar and hymn writer, composed this text in 1864 during the Victorian church renewal movement. It expresses classical Reformed-Lutheran conviction that Christ is truly present where Word and Sacrament are rightly administered.
Preaching Connection
This hymn anchors the Gospel proclamation of Christ's real presence with the Law's call to reverent awe, reminding us that blessing flows from encountering the holy God in gathered worship.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from separation and judgment to gracious invitation, communion, and eschatological hope
Themes
God's presence in worship Sacred space and sanctuary Blessing and grace Community of faith