My Jesus as Thou Wilt
My Jesus, as Thou wilt
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran piety by emphasizing the believer's conformity to God's will through participation in Christ's suffering, drawing strength from the Passion narrative. It demonstrates the Lutheran synthesis of law and gospel through resignation to divine providence coupled with confidence in Christ's redemptive work.
History & Background
Written by German Lutheran pastor Benjamin Schmolck in the early 18th century as a meditation on Christ's submission in Gethsemane. Translated into English by Gottfried Börnsen in 1938 and appeared in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941).
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 343
- Trinity Hymnal — 688
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 420
- United Methodist Hymnal — 467
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Benjamin Schmolck, a German Lutheran pastor, in 1704. This hymn voices the German Reformed tradition's deepest conviction: that union with Christ's Passion is the soul's true anchor in all circumstances.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: the Law strips us of self-will, yet the Gospel—rooted in Christ's finished work—transforms submission into grateful participation in redemptive suffering.
Themes
Submission to God's will Resignation and trust Suffering and obedience Christ's passion Christian acceptance