Lord to Thee I Make Confession
Lord to Thee I make confession
This hymn embodies Lutheran penitential theology, emphasizing both the law's exposure of sin and the gospel's promise of forgiveness through Christ. The text reflects the Reformation understanding that genuine confession acknowledges humanity's total depravity while trusting in divine mercy.
History & Background
Prudentius wrote this penitential hymn in the early 5th century as part of his Cathemerinon (Daily Hymns). The text was translated into English by John Christian Jacobi in the early 18th century and has been widely used in Lutheran hymnody since its inclusion in early German-American Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 290
- Lutheran Service Book — 608
- Lutheran Worship — 233
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 326
Translation
Bulletin Note
Penned by Prudentius in 405 AD, this Latin hymn shaped Christian confession for over 1,600 years. It anchors penitence not in works but in Christ's atoning death—a Reformation conviction sung long before Luther.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Lutheran penitential theology: the law's relentless exposure of sin becomes the threshold where the gospel's absolution becomes real and personal, not theoretical.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Confession of Sin Small Catechism — Confession
Themes
confession of sin repentance grace and forgiveness God's omniscience penitence