Lamp of Our Feet Whereby We Trace
Lamp of our feet whereby we trace
The hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on Scripture as the authoritative guide for faith and life, central to the doctrine of sola scriptura. It presents the Word of God as both the means of divine illumination and the practical pathway for Christian discipleship and moral living.
History & Background
Originally composed in Danish by B.S. Ingemann in the 19th century as a poetic meditation on Scripture's guiding role. The hymn was translated into English and became widely used in Lutheran hymnals, particularly TLH, reflecting the strong Danish-Lutheran immigration heritage in American Lutheranism.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 298
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 291
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Danish poet Bernhardt Severin Ingemann in 1843, this hymn embodies Luther's emphasis on sola scriptura, presenting the Bible as the authoritative lamp for faith and life in the tradition of Lutheran hymnody.
Preaching Connection
This hymn captures Scripture's double office—exposing our darkness through the Law while illuminating the path of grace through the Gospel—making it a fitting response to any sermon on the sufficiency and power of God's Word.
Themes
Scripture as light and guide Divine guidance God's Word Christian living Illumination