O God Our Lord Your Holy Word
O God our Lord, Thy holy word
The hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that God's Word is the foundation of the Church and the source of salvation, particularly relevant during the Reformation struggle for doctrinal purity. It reflects the Lutheran understanding that the external Word and sacraments are the means through which the Holy Spirit works in the Church.
History & Background
Written by Nicolai Selnecker in 1572 as a prayer hymn for protection of God's Word during the Reformation conflicts. It was first published in German hymnals and later translated into English by William Gustave Polack for The Lutheran Hymnal (1941).
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 341
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 266
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Selnecker, 1572. A Reformation-era hymn affirming that God's Word, not human effort, preserves the Church. Set to the sturdy tune ERHALT UNS HERR (Preserve Us, Lord).
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms anxiety about doctrinal threats into Gospel confidence by placing the defense of God's Word entirely in God's hands, making it an ideal complement to any sermon on the power and persistence of the Word in hostile contexts.
Themes
God's Word and truth Prayer for preservation of the Gospel Opposition to false doctrine Divine protection