Lord Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
Lord dismiss us with thy blessing
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of God's protective care and the benedictory blessing pronounced over the congregation as they return to the world. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on God's gracious provision and the connection between worship and daily Christian living in the world.
History & Background
Written by Josiah Conder in 1824, this hymn became the standard English-language benedictory hymn for closing worship services. It has appeared in virtually every major English-language hymnal since the nineteenth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 437
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 538
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 259
- Lutheran Service Book — 924
- Lutheran Worship — 218
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 50
- United Methodist Hymnal — 671
Bulletin Note
Written by English hymnologist Josiah Conder in 1824, this benedictory hymn has graced Lutheran and Reformed services for two centuries, embodying the Reformation conviction that worship equips us for faithful living in the world.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Gospel's promise of God's abiding presence into a congregational blessing, affirming that grace extends beyond the sanctuary into the ordinary, sacred work of Christian vocation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ as foundation → universal redemption → eternal security → communion of saints
Themes
Benediction God's protection Blessing Departure in peace Divine care