Lord When We Bend before Thy Throne
Lord, when we bend before Thy throne
The hymn embodies Lutheran theology of prayer as the Christian's privilege and duty, grounded in Christ's redemption and God's covenant faithfulness. It demonstrates the Reformation emphasis on direct access to God through prayer while acknowledging human sinfulness and God's sovereign mercy.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Herr, wenn ich zu dir schrei und bete' by Johann Heermann during the Thirty Years' War, this hymn expresses earnest intercession and trust in God's mercy. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 'Lyra Germanica' (1863) and became standard in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 346
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 22
Translation
Bulletin Note
By Johann Heermann (1630), a Silesian pastor whose prayer-hymns shaped Lutheran piety. This text captures the Reformation conviction that prayer is every Christian's direct access to God through Christ alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's power by teaching that penitent prayer—born from the Law's exposure of sin—is itself the Spirit's gift and God's invitation to renewed covenant intimacy.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From divine sovereignty over all nations → Christ's reconciling work → eschatological unity in peace → call to Spirit-empowered love
Themes
Prayer and supplication God's mercy and grace Confession of sins Divine forgiveness Intercession