O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart's Desire
O Christ, our hope, our heart's desire
This hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the center of faith and the believer's earnest hope in resurrection and eternal life. It combines medieval mystical devotion with Reformation clarity regarding justification through faith in Christ alone.
History & Background
This Latin hymn attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux dates to the medieval period and expresses intense longing for Christ's return and presence. Ray Palmer's English translation appeared in 1858 and became standard in American Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 604
- The Hymnal 1982 — 310
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 300
- Lutheran Service Book — 553
- Lutheran Worship — 151
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Bernard of Clairvaux (1150) and translated by American pastor Ray Palmer, this hymn distills medieval mysticism into Reformation clarity: Christ alone, through grace alone, is the hope and desire of every faithful soul.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's ache (our exile from Christ) and the Gospel's joy (Christ as the sole answer to our deepest hunger), making it a powerful sung echo of the cross and resurrection you proclaim.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's forty-day fast as pattern for believer's Lenten struggle against sin, culminating in Easter resurrection hope
Themes
Christ as hope Resurrection and triumph Earnest desire for Christ Eternal salvation Christological focus