Lord, Teach Us How to Pray
Lord, teach us how to pray aright
The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on prayer as central to Christian life and the role of the Holy Spirit in intercession, reflecting the Reformation's democratization of prayer. It teaches both the Lord's Prayer model and the reality of human weakness in prayer, addressed by divine grace.
History & Background
Written by James Montgomery in 1818, this hymn was first published in his collection of devotional poetry. It became a standard prayer hymn in English-speaking Protestant churches and has appeared in most Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 746
- Glory to God — 460
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 438
- Lutheran Service Book — 915
- Lutheran Worship — 422
- Trinity Hymnal — 333
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 489
- With One Voice — 698
Bulletin Note
Written by James Montgomery in 1818, this hymn reflects the Reformation conviction that prayer belongs to all believers. The Spirit's intercession for us transforms our weakness into an opening for grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: our ignorance and weakness in prayer exposed, yet met by the Spirit's intercession and Christ's mediation—grace working through our very helplessness.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (conviction of sin and Christ's sacrifice) to Gospel (amazement at grace, personal response of self-surrender)
Themes
Prayer Holy Spirit Discipleship Intercession Trust in God