I Pray Thee Dear Lord Jesus
I pray thee, dear Lord Jesus, take all our sins away
The hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith through Christ's atoning work, emphasizing the believer's prayer for forgiveness grounded in Christ's sacrifice. It reflects the centrality of Christ's redemptive work and the believer's dependence on grace rather than works.
History & Background
This hymn is based on a German chorale tradition, appearing in various Lutheran hymnals with texts possibly originating in the 16th-17th century German reform movement. It was adapted into English for use in American Lutheran hymnodies, particularly TLH and subsequent collections.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 476
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 655
Translation
Bulletin Note
Attributed to Martin Luther (1540), this hymn transforms personal confession into congregational prayer, anchoring Reformation theology of grace in the believer's daily encounter with Christ's mercy at the cross.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel dialectic: the Law exposes our desperate need, and the Gospel answers with Christ's finished work—a perfect complement to proclamation of justification by faith alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
forgiveness of sins prayer intercession of Christ repentance grace