Lord Jesus, Think on Me
Lord Jesus, think on me
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of Christ's perpetual intercession on behalf of sinners, reflecting the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ's merits. The prayer for remembrance and forgiveness aligns with Lutheran emphasis on penitence and the comfort of Christ's mercy in the confessional tradition.
History & Background
Written in the 5th century by Synesius, a Neo-Platonic Christian bishop of Cyrene, this Greek hymn was translated into English by A.W. Chatfield in 1876. It has become a standard penitential hymn in Lutheran and Anglican hymnals since the late 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 583
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 599
- Glory to God — 417
- The Hymnal 1982 — 641
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 309
- Lutheran Service Book — 610
- Lutheran Worship — 231
- New Century Hymnal — 502
- Trinity Hymnal — 492
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 320
- United Methodist Hymnal — 488
- With One Voice — 640
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Synesius of Cyrene (430), a North African bishop and theologian. This hymn distills the early Church's faith in Christ's perpetual intercession and has anchored Christian penitence for nearly 1,600 years.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's conviction of sin into the Gospel's confidence in Christ's intercession, making it a powerful ally to any sermon on justification, forgiveness, or the sufficiency of Christ's mediation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (conviction of sin and need) progressing to Gospel (confident appeal for Christ's remembrance, guidance, and final salvation)
Themes
Christ's intercession Penitence and forgiveness Meditation on Christ Spiritual remembrance Grace and mercy