Kyrie
Kyrie, God Father in heaven above
This Kyrie demonstrates Luther's principle of justification by faith by emphasizing dependence upon God's mercy rather than human merit or works. The threefold petition embodies the Lutheran understanding of the Trinity's work in salvation: the Father's creative mercy, Christ's redemptive work, and the Spirit's sanctifying grace.
History & Background
Martin Luther composed this German Kyrie in 1526 as part of the Deutsche Messe, adapting the liturgical Latin Kyrie for vernacular worship. It became foundational to Lutheran worship practice and appears throughout Lutheran hymnals in various English translations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 153
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 168
- Lutheran Service Book — 942
- Lutheran Worship — 225
- The Lutheran Hymnal — p. 7,17
- With One Voice — 662
Translation
Bulletin Note
Luther's 1526 Kyrie transforms the ancient liturgical cry into a vernacular hymn expressing sola gratia—salvation by grace alone, not human merit. A Reformation gift to congregational worship.
Preaching Connection
The Kyrie embodies Luther's theology of justification by faith: the Law exposes our helplessness, and the Gospel meets us with God's merciful response rather than divine judgment.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Mercy and forgiveness Trinity Penitence God's grace Kyrie eleison