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O Day Full of Grace

O day full of grace that now comes into sight

O Day Full of Grace is a hymn text by Nikolai Fredrik Severin Grundtvig (1817) in 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6 meter. Translated by John Stropha Denson. Found in CW21 477, ELH 401, acs 941, elw 401.

The hymn embodies Grundtvig's theology of joyful faith, celebrating the Holy Spirit's transformative power and the resurrection victory of Christ that becomes present through the Spirit's work. It reflects a distinctly Lutheran emphasis on grace, the Word made incarnate, and the empowerment of believers through the Spirit to witness boldly.

History & Background

Grundtvig wrote this hymn in 1817 celebrating Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the Danish folk hymn tradition he championed. It was first published in his hymnal collection and became one of his most beloved Pentecost hymns.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 477
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 401
  • All Creation Sings — 941
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 401
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 161
  • Lutheran Service Book — 503
  • Lift Up Your Hearts — 405
  • Lutheran Worship — 163
  • Voices Together — 87

Translation

John Stropha Denson

Bulletin Note

Grundtvig (1783–1872), Danish bishop and hymn writer, composed this Pentecost hymn in 1817. His theology centered grace and the living Word; this hymn reflects his conviction that the Spirit makes Christ's victory present and active in believers today.

Preaching Connection

This hymn's pure Gospel proclamation of the Spirit's transformative presence can deepen any sermon on Pentecost or the Holy Spirit's empowerment, offering the congregation a lyrical expression of resurrection power made concrete in their own lives.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Pentecost (4×)
  • Pentecost Vigil (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Pentecost (9×)

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

Themes

Holy Spirit Resurrection joy God's grace New life in Christ

Look Further