O God Send Heralds Who Will Never Falter
O God send heralds who will never falter
The hymn embodies Lutheran missiological theology, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment of witnesses and the Great Commission mandate. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on faithful proclamation of God's Word as the means through which the Spirit works in human hearts.
History & Background
Carl Boberg wrote this missionary hymn in Swedish as 'Sänd ut, O Gud, dina härolder starka' (Send Out, O God, Your Strong Heralds) in 1921. It was translated into English by E. Ruth Erickson and Berthold von Schenk and first appeared in Lutheran Hymnal in 1958, later included in the Lutheran Book of Worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 690
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 283
Translation
E. Ruth Erickson and Berthold von Schenk
Bulletin Note
Swedish hymnologist Carl Boberg (1921) wrote this rallying hymn for faithful witness, emphasizing Lutheran conviction that God's Word—not human eloquence—accomplishes redemption through Spirit-empowered heralds.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's imperative by grounding mission not in human effort but in the Spirit's empowerment, offering a fitting response to preaching that moves from Law's exposure of our weakness to Gospel's promise of divine strength.
Themes
Mission and evangelism Holy Spirit Courage in faith Witness and testimony