May the Grace of Christ Our Savior
May the grace of Christ our Savior
The hymn expresses classical Lutheran trinitarian theology, invoking the grace of Christ, love of God, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit in a unified benediction rooted in 2 Corinthians 13:14. It emphasizes the soteriological work of all three persons of the Trinity in Christian salvation and sanctification.
History & Background
Written by John Newton, the converted slave trader and hymn writer, first published in 1779 in the Olney Hymns collection. The hymn became widely used as a trinitarian benediction throughout Protestant worship traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 727
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 242
- Lutheran Service Book — 875
- Lutheran Worship — 334
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 444
Bulletin Note
Written by hymn-poet John Newton (1779), this trinitarian benediction sets Paul's closing blessing from 2 Corinthians 13:14 to the graceful tune ISSION—a perfect sung Amen for Lutheran worship.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel proclamation of grace apart from works, making it a fitting sung response to any sermon on justification, the Trinity, or the comfort of God's free salvation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From conviction of sin and burden (Law) to confidence in Christ's hearing and answering (Gospel) to assurance of complete provision (Gospel) to commitment in pilgrimage (Gospel)
Themes
Grace of Christ Holy Spirit fellowship Trinitarian blessing Christian unity Benediction