May We Thy Precepts Lord Fulfill

May We Thy Precepts Lord Fulfill is a hymn text by William Böhm (1602) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Charles Porterfield Krauth. Found in CW21 697, CW93 458, elw 728, lbw 353.

This hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on sanctification and the Christian life lived under God's Word, petitioning for grace to fulfill divine precepts. It connects petition for God's protection with active obedience, balancing law and gospel in the believer's daily walk.

History & Background

Originally composed as 'Erhalt uns, Herr' in German by William Böhm, this hymn was first published in Böhm's collection in 1602. The English translation by Charles Porterfield Krauth appeared in the 1867 Lutheran Hymnal, becoming a standard English version in American Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

• Christian Worship: Hymnal — 697
• Christian Worship — 458
• Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 728
• Lutheran Book of Worship — 353
• Lutheran Service Book — 698
• Lutheran Worship — 389
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 412

Translation

Charles Porterfield Krauth

Bulletin Note

By William Böhm (1602), this hymn marries Lutheran piety with the melody Erhalt uns Herr, a tune associated with Martin Luther's prayer for protection. It voices the Reformation's conviction that believers are simultaneously justified by grace and called to sanctified living.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: God's law calls us to obedience, yet only God's grace enables that obedience—a perfect setting for preaching the dual movement of Law and Gospel in the Christian life.

Background Research

Edward Osler (1798–1863), born in Falmouth, Cornwall. He trained as a doctor at Guy's Hospital and worked at Swansea Infirmary, then turned to writing. He worked with the SPCK in London and Bath, and from 1841 edited the Royal Cornwall Gazette at Truro, where he died; buried at Kenwyn. From memory, not checked: with the Rev. W. J. Hall he compiled Psalms and Hymns adapted to the Services of the Church of England (1836), the 'Mitre Hymn Book', contributing about 50 hymns; this is one. A hymn of the summary of the Law (Matt 22:37–40, love God and neighbour) and the Golden Rule, asking grace to keep it. Read in Lutheran use as the third use of the Law. His great-nephew was likely the famous physician Sir William Osler (from memory, unverified; same Cornish family).

Sources: NetHymnal bio (Osler_E).

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

• Trinity 17 (3×)

Suggested in the three-year series

• Epiphany 4 (2×)
• Proper 10 (2×)
• Epiphany 5 (1×)
• Epiphany 7 (1×)
• Proper 18 (1×)
• Proper 21 (1×)
• Proper 9 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Overview

A short hymn on Christian love and unity by Edward Osler, an English surgeon and writer who co-edited the Mitre Hymn Book (1836). It prays to do God's will on earth as angels do in heaven, walking in Christ and in the law of love (st. 1); to join in praise, flee sin and strife, and remember our one calling and one hope (st. 2); and asks the Spirit to unite hearts so that we live in fellowship and die in joyful hope (st. 3).

Central theme: Living in love and unity as God's children, by the Spirit, toward the crown of life

Structure

Three six-line stanzas (8.8.6.8.8.6). God's will and Christ's way (1) — one calling (2) — the Spirit's unity (3).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel framework; 'sin and strife' to be fled (2).

Confessional Connections

Third Petition (SC: God's will is done when he breaks every evil plan… and keeps us firm in his Word). Love as the fulfilling of the Law (Rom 13:10; FC VI). Unity as the Spirit's gift (AC VII). The 'one hope' and 'crown of life' are grace (Rev 2:10).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

General; Christian love and unity; Trinity season.

Historical Notes

Osler (1798-1863), English surgeon and author; published in the Mitre Hymn Book (1836).

About the Tune

MERIBAH (Lowell Mason, 1839).

Scripture References

Matt 6:10 Ps 103:20-21 John 14:6 Col 2:6 John 13:34-35 Rom 13:10 Eph 4:1-6 Rev 2:10 Gal 5:22 Eph 4:3 Phil 1:21-23

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

God's will and purpose Prayer and petition Obedience to God's law Divine protection Sanctification

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "May We Thy Precepts Lord Fulfill" ↗