O God Empower Us to Stem
O God, empower us to stem
The hymn reflects Lutheran social ethics and the doctrine of vocation, emphasizing that Christian faith must manifest in concrete action for justice and the common good. It connects Reformation principles of Christian responsibility to modern social witness.
History & Background
Carl Doving, a Norwegian pastor and social activist, wrote this hymn in 1909 addressing Christian responsibility in social affairs. It was translated into English by Oluf Houkom in 1965 and included in the Lutheran Book of Worship in 1978.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 705
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 422
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Norwegian hymnist Carl Doving in 1909, this hymn reflects Lutheran social ethics rooted in the Reformation's doctrine of vocation, calling believers to active Christian witness for justice and the common good.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Lutheran vocation theology—the Law accuses us of indifference to injustice while the Gospel promises God's empowering Spirit for faithful action in the world.
Themes
Social justice Christian witness God's power and justice Reformation legacy