May God Bestow on Us His Grace
May God bestow on us his grace
This hymn exemplifies the Lutheran understanding of divine grace working through Word and Sacrament to preserve the Church against spiritual enemies and false doctrine. It reflects Luther's conviction that God's word and blessing are essential for Christian unity and faithful witness.
History & Background
Originally written as 'Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort' in 1524, this hymn was Luther's prayer for God's protection of the Church amid religious conflict. It became one of the most significant Lutheran reformation hymns and has been translated into English multiple times.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 279
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 335
- Lutheran Service Book — 823-824
- Lutheran Worship — 288
- Trinity Hymnal — 642
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 500
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Luther, 1524. Written during the Reformation struggle, this hymn anchors the Church's hope not in political power or human effort, but in God's preserving grace through Word and Sacrament—a distinctly Lutheran conviction born in conflict.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms Luther's anxiety about doctrinal corruption into a Gospel proclamation of God's active protection—showing how the Law's exposure of our enemies becomes the occasion for celebrating grace working through Word and Sacrament.
Themes
God's mercy and blessing Unity and faith Divine protection Christian unity Prayer for grace