Lord as Thou Wilt Deal Thou with Me

Lord as Thou Wilt Deal Thou with Me is a hymn text by Cornelius Elven (1859) in L.M. meter. Found in ELH 219, tlh 406. Sung to CANONBURY.

This hymn expresses the Lutheran principle of Christian freedom through submission to God's providential will rather than human preference. It reflects the doctrine that faith accepts God's governance of life with confidence and peace.

History & Background

This hymn was written by Cornelius Elven, an English clergyman and hymnodist, and first published in 1859. It appeared in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 406 and has remained a staple of Lutheran hymnody.

Hymnal Appearances

• Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 219
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 406

Bulletin Note

Written by English hymnologist Cornelius Elven in 1859, this L.M. hymn recovers the medieval tradition of Christian freedom through obedience—not as bondage, but as liberation into God's fatherly will and providence.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: the Law exposes our willfulness and pride, while the Gospel offers the comfort of divine fatherly care for those who yield—making it a perfect devotional response to preaching about surrender and trust in God's providence.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From divine calling to missionary commission: the believer receives God's Word, develops compassionate hearts for the lost, practices faithful intercession, and participates in God's redemptive work until all creation glorifies Him

Overview

Kaspar Bienemann (Melissander) wrote this prayer-hymn in 1574 for the young Duchess Maria of Bavaria, whom he tutored, as she lay ill. Deal with me as you will; in life and death I cling to you — give patience (st. 1); grant honor, truth, purity, love for your Word, freedom from false doctrine (st. 2); when you summon me, let me depart gladly; into your hands I commend my spirit, through Jesus Christ (st. 3).

Central theme: Submission to God's will in life and death, joined with prayer for pure doctrine and a blessed end through Christ

Structure

Three seven-line stanzas (8.7.8.7.8.8.7). Thy will (1) — purity and pure doctrine (2) — blessed end (3).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel: 'Let not Thy grace from me depart'; 'a blessed end / Through Jesus Christ, my Savior' (1, 3).

Confessional Connections

Ps 40:8 (TLH's text): 'I delight to do your will, O my God.' St. 1: the Third Petition (SC: God's will is done when he 'strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and faith until we die'). St. 2: 'From all false doctrine keep me free' — a Reformation-era concern for the pure Word as the means of salvation (FC Rule and Norm; Gal 1:8). St. 3: 'To Thee my spirit I commend' (Luke 23:46; Ps 31:5) — the dying prayer, used in Luther's Evening Prayer; a blessed end 'Through Jesus Christ, my Savior' (AC XVII).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Trinity season; sickness; funerals; prayer for a blessed death.

Historical Notes

Bienemann (1540-1591), general superintendent at Altenburg, wrote it in 1574 (published 1582) for Princess Maria of Bavaria during an illness; she later became Duchess of Saxe-Weimar (verify details).

About the Tune

HERR, WIE DU WILLST (Deutsch Kirchenamt, Strassburg, 1525).

Scripture References

Ps 40:8 Matt 26:39 Rom 14:8 Rom 5:3-4 Phil 4:8 Ps 119:97 Gal 1:8-9 2 Tim 1:13 Phil 1:23 Luke 23:46 Ps 31:5 Rev 14:13

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Surrender to God's will Trust in divine providence Acceptance of suffering Christian submission

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Lord as Thou Wilt Deal Thou with Me" ↗
• Search IMSLP for public-domain scores of "CANONBURY" ↗