My Heart is Longing to Praise My Savior
My heart is longing to praise my Savior
This hymn reflects Lutheran confidence in salvation through Christ and the believer's joyful response to God's grace, emphasizing personal conviction and heartfelt praise. It exemplifies Grundtvig's theology of the "living word" and the congregation's active role in confessing Christ through song.
History & Background
Written by Nicolai Grundtvig in Denmark in the 19th century as part of his prolific hymnodic output emphasizing congregational song and Christian confession. The hymn was translated into English by Harry Thomassen and included in Lutheran Book of Worship (1978).
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 326
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 358
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Danish pastor Nicolai Grundtvig in 1840, this hymn reflects his conviction that congregational song is the church's vital response to God's living Word, not mere decoration but faithful confession.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's transformative power: it moves the hearer from conviction of sin to overflowing praise, demonstrating how the Word of Christ awakens the believer's voice.
Themes
Praise of Christ Confession of faith Christian confidence Resurrection hope