Lord Jesus Christ Will You not Stay
Lord Jesus Christ, will you not stay
This hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on Christ's abiding presence with believers through Word and Sacrament, drawing from the resurrection narrative to assure Christians of their Lord's intimate communion. It reflects Moravian and Lutheran piety in seeking personal encounter with the living Christ.
History & Background
Written by Count Zinzendorf in 1725 for the Moravian tradition, this hymn is based on the Emmaus narrative where disciples ask the risen Christ to remain with them. It was translated into English composite versions for Lutheran hymnals in the twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 311
- Lutheran Service Book — 585
- Lutheran Worship — 344
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 292
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Nicolai Zinzendorf (1725), this Moravian hymn expresses the passionate longing for Christ's personal presence that marked both pietist and Lutheran devotion, grounding assurance in the resurrection itself.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Easter narrative into lived theology: Christ's resurrection is not a distant historical fact but the foundation for His intimate, continuous presence with believers through grace, Word, and Sacrament.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From present worship and blessing to future peace at life's end, tracing the Christian's journey under Christ's protective name and care
Themes
Christ's presence Discipleship Evening prayer Resurrection Devotion to Christ