I Pray You Dear Lord Jesus
I pray you, dear Lord Jesus
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran piety centered on Christ's passion and the believer's response of gratitude and love. It emphasizes personal faith commitment grounded in the Gospel's central message of Christ's sacrificial love.
History & Background
Originally composed in German as a Passion hymn by Martin Behm in the early 17th century. The text was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in her influential 1863 collection of German hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 476
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 655
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1602, this German hymn expresses Lutheran piety through intimate prayer before the crucified Christ, wedding law and grace in a single, pleading voice.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's power by moving believers from awareness of sin (Law) through Christ's redemptive passion to a response of personal devotion—embodying Luther's insight that the cross both accuses and absolves.
Themes
Christ's passion Penitence Eucharistic devotion Love of Christ