Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide
The hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on Christ's perpetual presence with His Church through Word and Sacrament, particularly in evening hours of weakness and darkness. It reflects the Reformation's recovery of scriptural promises of divine companionship and protection for believers.
History & Background
Martin Behm wrote this German text 'Herr Jesu Christ, wollst du uns segn' early in the 17th century for evening devotion and worship. Philip Pusey translated it into English in 1860, and it has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 519
- Lutheran Service Book — 585
- Lutheran Worship — 344
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 292
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn captures the Reformation recovery of Christ's promised perpetual presence with His people through Word and Sacrament—comfort for all hours of weakness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's diagnosis of human darkness and vulnerability into the Gospel's confession that Christ's abiding presence—not our strength—is the sole ground of our peace and salvation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (external threats to faith) → Gospel (Christ's lordship and defense) → Spirit (eschatological comfort and final victory)
Themes
Christ's presence Evening prayer Petition for protection Word and sacrament