Kyrie—I

Kyrie, God Father in heaven above

This Kyrie exemplifies Lutheran theology by addressing the three persons of the Trinity in successive stanzas, emphasizing the mercy, grace, and sustenance each provides. The hymn embodies the Law-Gospel dynamic central to Lutheran catechesis, calling believers to repentance and trust in divine mercy.

History & Background

Martin Luther composed this three-stanza Kyrie in 1529 as part of his German Mass (Deutsche Messe). It was published in Luther's Latin-German Mass and has remained a foundational Kyrie in Lutheran hymnody since its inception.

Hymnal Appearances

Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 656
Lutheran Book of Worship — 168
Lutheran Service Book — 943
Lutheran Worship — 179
The Lutheran Hymnal — 1
Voices Together — 232
With One Voice — 665

Bulletin Note

Luther's 1529 Kyrie brings the medieval liturgical cry into German vernacular worship. Each stanza addresses one person of the Trinity, embodying the catechetical structure central to Lutheran faith formation and congregational song.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel dynamic by moving from confession of human helplessness to confident petition, showing how acknowledging our need opens us to receive God's sustaining grace through Word and Spirit.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: human sinfulness and need transitioning to confident petition for divine mercy

Themes

Mercy and compassion Penitence and forgiveness Holy Trinity Prayer and supplication