O God, Forsake Me Not
O God, forsake me not
The hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on penitential prayer and the experience of God's sustaining grace even in spiritual desolation. It reflects the Reformation's focus on honest confession before God and reliance upon Christ's redemption rather than works of penance.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a penitential prayer grounded in Psalm 38. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863 for her collection of German hymns, and it has remained a standard Lutheran hymn of repentance.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 731
- Lutheran Worship — 372
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 402
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm (1610), this hymn exemplifies the Reformation's emphasis on candid confession and reliance upon Christ's redemption rather than works. Its tune, Herzlich tauet mich verlangen, carries centuries of Lutheran devotion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's conviction of abandonment and the Gospel's promise of divine presence, inviting preachers to explore how Christ's cry of dereliction on the cross becomes the foundation of our assurance that God will never forsake us.
Themes
Repentance and confession Divine mercy and forgiveness Trust in God's steadfast love Petition in distress