Lord of Our Life
Lord of our life, and God of our salvation
The hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in God's protective care and petitions for divine defense against spiritual and temporal enemies, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on God's sovereignty. It embodies the Lutheran principle of the justified Christian's reliance on God's grace rather than personal merit.
History & Background
Originally composed as a German hymn by Matthias Loy in the 19th century, reflecting Lutheran theological concerns. Translated into English by Philip Schaff and published in 1888, gaining significant use in American Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 659
- The Hymnal 1982 — 635
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 366
- Lutheran Service Book — 659
- Lutheran Worship — 301
- Trinity Hymnal — 534
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 258
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed in 1880 by Matthias Loy, a German-American Lutheran pastor, this hymn exemplifies Reformation theology: the justified Christian's confidence in God's protective grace rather than personal merit or earthly power.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Reformation conviction that human vulnerability before enemies (law) drives us to seek refuge in God's merciful dominion alone (gospel), making it an ideal response to any proclamation of divine sovereignty and grace.
Themes
God's protection and providence Petition for deliverance Divine majesty and mercy Spiritual warfare