Let Me Be Yours Forever
Let me be yours forever
This hymn expresses covenantal commitment reflecting Lutheran understanding of the Christian life as bought by Christ's redemption and lived in grateful service. The text emphasizes the paradox of Christian freedom—true liberty found in willing surrender to Christ as Lord and Master.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Laß mich dein eigen bleiben' by Margaretha Susanna Courage, a widow and hymnodist of the Reformed tradition. The hymn was first published in 1658 and later translated into English by August Crull in 1941 for Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 703
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 490
- Lutheran Service Book — 689
- Lutheran Worship — 257
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 334
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Margaretha Susanna Courage in 1658, this hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that redemption in Christ transforms servitude into willing, grateful discipleship—captivity becomes the deepest freedom.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Gospel's promise that Christ's redeeming work breaks sin's chains and empowers willing obedience—the freedom to serve joyfully what the Law could never compel.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: human inability to praise adequately (stanzas 1-2) → Christ's redemptive power transforming sinners (stanzas 3-5) → Trinitarian doxology (stanza 6)
Themes
Commitment to Christ Covenant faithfulness Discipleship Redemption Belonging