Jesus, Grant that Balm and Healing
Jesus, grant that balm and healing
The hymn embodies Lutheran comfort in suffering through Christ's substitutionary atonement, drawing on Isaiah 53's theology that Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. It reflects the German pietist emphasis on personal appropriation of Christ's healing work while maintaining the objective reality of redemption.
History & Background
Johann Heermann wrote this hymn in German during the Thirty Years' War as a prayer for healing and comfort amidst suffering. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863 from Heermann's original German text, making it accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 613
- Lutheran Service Book — 421
- Lutheran Worship — 95
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 144
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Johann Heermann in 1630 during the Thirty Years' War, this hymn reflects Lutheran pietism's conviction that Christ's suffering atones for ours, offering not escape from pain but redemptive presence within it.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the gospel's proclamation that Christ's substitutionary suffering satisfies the law's demand and transforms our affliction into the comfort of His healing presence.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From proclamation of Christ's healing power, through personal experience of Spirit-renewal in weakness, to inclusive call for all believers to witness regardless of gifts
Themes
Healing and comfort Christ's atonement Suffering and redemption Trust in Jesus Balm of Gilead