Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of God's sustaining grace and the assurance of divine protection in daily life, rooted in the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on God's blessing as both gift and empowerment for faithful Christian living in the world.
History & Background
Written by Godfrey Thring, English clergyman and prolific hymn writer, in 1880. The hymn became widely used as a recessional blessing in both English and Lutheran worship traditions throughout the 20th century.
First published anonymously in A Supplement to the Shawbury Hymn Scripture References Book (1773), this hymn text was attributed to John Fawcett (PHH st. 1 = Num. 6:24 315) in the 1791 Harris hymnal A Collection ofPsalms and Hymns. Luke 2:29 That hymnbook included three stanzas, but most modern hymnals Acts 20:32 print only stanzas 1 and 2. (Stanza 3 concerns parting at death.) 467 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” is a prayer hymn to be used at the close of worship. It asks the Lord for a parting blessing (st. 1), praises the Lord for salvation, and asks for fruitfulness and obedience in our lives (st. 2).
For text commentary see PHH 320.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 438
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 545
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 259
- Lutheran Service Book — 924
- Lutheran Worship — 218
- Psalter Hymnal — 321
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 50
- United Methodist Hymnal — 671
- With One Voice — 711
Liturgical Use
At the close of worship just prior to the benediction; or sing stanza 1 before and stanza 2 after the benediction.
Bulletin Note
Written by English hymnist Godfrey Thring in 1880, this dismissal hymn adapts the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6), connecting ancient covenant promise to our weekly sending. A Lutheran staple for over a century.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the benediction into a living proclamation of Gospel—God's free gift of blessing that sends forth emboldened disciples despite worldly trouble, embodying the assurance that divine grace equips us for faithful witness.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological praise progressing from incarnation to eschatological hope: addresses Christ's divine nature and work, calls creation to worship, affirms His redemptive advocacy, and culminates in eternal praise.
Themes
God's blessing Divine protection Dismissal and sending Benediction Grace