Lord Teach Us How to Pray Aright
Lord, teach us how to pray aright
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran teaching on prayer as a means of grace and response to the Holy Spirit's work within the believer. It connects to the Lutheran understanding that prayer is both commanded discipline and Spirit-empowered privilege, reflecting the law-gospel dynamic in Christian devotion.
History & Background
Written by James Montgomery in 1818, this hymn was first published in his collection and has remained a standard prayer hymn in Christian worship. It reflects the Methodist and evangelical piety of the early 19th century while remaining doctrinally suitable for Lutheran use.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 745
- Glory to God — 460
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 438
- Lutheran Worship — 281
- Trinity Hymnal — 487
Bulletin Note
Written by James Montgomery in 1818, this Scottish poet's hymn captures the Lutheran conviction that prayer is simultaneously a means of grace and a Spirit-enabled response to God's Word, grounding Christian devotion in both command and gift.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel dynamic perfectly: it acknowledges prayer as a commanded obedience while celebrating it as Spirit-empowered grace, showing how divine instruction and human response interweave in the Christian life.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From human vulnerability and seeking aid (Law) to divine vigilance and protection (Gospel); movement from question to assurance
Themes
Prayer Holy Spirit Instruction in faith Dependence on God Christian devotion