O Enter Lord Thy Temple
O enter, Lord, Thy temple here
The hymn expresses the orthodox Lutheran understanding of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence in the church and the sanctification of the Christian community through divine grace. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on the church as the gathered people of God rather than merely a physical structure.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in German ("Herr, gib uns Frieden") during the early 17th century German Reformation period. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, and it appeared in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 228.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 316
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 228
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this Lutheran hymn celebrates the doctrine of the Spirit's indwelling presence in the church as the living temple of God—a radical Reformation shift from stone structures to the gathered people.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it petitions for divine purification of our sin-stricken hearts, then rests in the Gospel promise that the Spirit transforms us from within through grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Petitionary prayer moving from personal plea for God's faithfulness, to remembrance of grace and the Holy Spirit's sustenance, to affirmation of God as ultimate strength despite human weakness, concluding with urgent reiteration of the opening petition.
Themes
Holy Spirit invocation Temple purification Church consecration Holy presence Christian devotion