Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

I Come to Thee O Blessed Lord

I come to Thee, O blessed Lord

The hymn expresses authentic Lutheran confession of sin combined with confident reliance on Christ's mercy, reflecting the Formula of Concord's emphasis on justification by faith. It exemplifies the Lutheran dialectic of human sinfulness and divine grace through Christ's passion and atoning work.

History & Background

Originally composed in German by Ludwig Helmbold as 'Ich komme, Herr, in dein Gericht' in 1563, reflecting Lutheran confessional piety. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, preserving its penitential character for English Lutheran hymnody.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Lutheran Worship — 251
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 330

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Written by Lutheran pastor Ludwig Helmbold in 1563, this hymn crystallizes the Formula of Concord's teaching on justification by faith, uniting penitent confession with joyful trust in Christ's merit—the beating heart of Lutheran piety.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Lutheran dialectic of Law and Gospel: it diagnoses the sinner's true condition before God while simultaneously announcing absolution through faith in Christ's atoning work, making it a powerful sung confession of justification.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Themes

Confession of sins Divine mercy Trust in Christ Communion prayer Repentance

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