Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
Lord of all nations, grant me grace
The hymn emphasizes sanctification and Christian virtue as fruits of divine grace working in the believer's life, reflecting Lutheran teaching on justification by faith producing good works. It connects personal spiritual growth to social responsibility and proper Christian conduct in all stations of life.
History & Background
Leonhard Gutter published this hymn in the German hymnal tradition of the 16th century, with roots in Luther's reform movement. F. Samuel Janzow translated it into English in 1962 for use in Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 685
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 722
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 419
- Lutheran Service Book — 844
- Lutheran Worship — 451
- New Century Hymnal — 187
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Leonhard Gutter in 1547, this Reformation hymn teaches that divine grace transforms the believer's life, producing genuine Christian conduct and virtue as fruits of justification, not its condition.
Preaching Connection
This hymn voices the Law's rightful demand for holy living while grounding all Christian virtue in the Gospel's gift of grace—a perfect echo of Lutheran teaching on faith and works.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Divine grace Christian citizenship Sanctification Christian living