Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now

Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Carl Doving. Found in CW21 918, CW93 230, ELH 23, elw 527.

This hymn embodies Luther's emphasis on Christ's real presence and the Holy Spirit's illumination in worship and Christian life. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of divine grace actively working through Word and Spirit to enlighten believers.

History & Background

Martin Behm composed this hymn in German as "Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend" in the early 17th century. Carl Doving's English translation appeared in 1912 and has become standard in Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

• Christian Worship: Hymnal — 918
• Christian Worship — 230
• Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 23
• Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 527
• Lutheran Book of Worship — 253
• Lutheran Service Book — 902
• Lift Up Your Hearts — 532
• Lutheran Worship — 201
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 3
• Voices Together — 25

Translation

Carl Doving

Bulletin Note

Composed in 1610 by Martin Behm, this hymn expresses Luther's conviction that Christ is truly present in worship, actively enlightening believers through the Holy Spirit's work with the preached Word.

Preaching Connection

This hymn amplifies the Gospel's comfort by moving from the Law's exposure of our spiritual blindness to Christ's promise of present, active illumination through Word and Spirit.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

• Of Lord’s Supper Augsburg Confession

Background Research

First printed 1651, Cantionale Sacrum (Gotha, 2nd ed.) no. 124, 'to be sung before the Sermon', no author named. Duke Wilhelm's name first attached in Altdorf Liederfreud (1676); Julian calls it 'decidedly doubtful'. 1678: ordered sung in all Saxon churches on Sundays and festivals before the sermon. Wilhelm (1598-1662): wounded at White Mountain, left for dead at Stadtlohn 1623, Tilly's prisoner until 1625; later head of the Fruitbearing Society.

Sources: hymnary.org person page; Wikipedia 'Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend'.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

• Lent 5 (1×)
• Trinity 9 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

• Proper 22 (3×)
• Proper 18 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Overview

A short opening hymn for worship that asks Christ to be present, to send the Spirit and his truth (st. 1), to open our lips in praise and strengthen faith (st. 2), until we join the heavenly 'Holy' and see God face to face (st. 3), with a doxology (st. 4). It was traditionally sung before the sermon in German Lutheran churches. Its theology of worship: Christ comes to us by his Spirit and truth, and earthly worship anticipates heavenly.

Central theme: Prayer for Christ's presence, Spirit, and truth in worship, anticipating the worship of heaven

Structure

Presence and Spirit (1); praise and faith (2); heavenly worship (3); doxology (4).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel prayer.

Confessional Connections

Christ present where his Word is (Matt 18:20); the Spirit's illumination (Third Article). 'Know Thy name aright' — pure doctrine.

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Opening hymn; before the sermon; Bible study.

Historical Notes

First printed in the mid-17th century (dated 1648/1651) and widely used as a pre-sermon hymn in Saxony and Thuringia.

About the Tune

HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND (Cantionale Germanicum, Gochsheim, 1628).

Scripture References

Matt 18:20 John 14:26 John 16:13 Ps 51:15 Luke 17:5 Isa 6:3 1 Cor 13:12

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Christ's presence Divine light and guidance Prayer for illumination Devotion and worship

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now" ↗