Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared
This hymn emphasizes the Lutheran understanding of the Sacrament of the Altar as a means of grace wherein Christ's true body and blood are received with bread and wine. It calls communicants to worthy reception through faith and proper examination of conscience, reflecting Luther's catechetical teaching on the Sacrament.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn 'Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut' around 1610 as a eucharistic hymn for the Lutheran Church. It was translated into English by F. Samuel Janzow in 1969 for inclusion in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 209
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 208
- Lutheran Service Book — 622
- Lutheran Worship — 246
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 306
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn embodies Luther's catechetical teaching on worthy reception of the Sacrament: sincere repentance and faith as the proper preparation for encountering Christ's true presence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the sermon's proclamation of grace by anchoring the forgiveness announced in Word to its concrete reception in Sacrament—showing how Law's demand for worthy hearts meets Gospel's promise in the Supper.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Communion Small Catechism — Holy Communion
Themes
Holy Communion Christ's sacrifice Thanksgiving Sacramental grace Faith and reception