Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

O Jesus Blessed Lord My Praise

O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee my praise

O Jesus Blessed Lord My Praise is a hymn text by Johann Heermann (1630) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW93 316, ELH 325, elw 730, lbw 220.

The hymn exemplifies Lutheran piety by centering on grateful response to God's grace in Christ, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on personal assurance and thanksgiving. It connects to Luther's theology of the Christian life as one of continuous gratitude for unmerited favor.

History & Background

Written by Johann Heermann, a German Lutheran pastor during the Thirty Years' War, originally as 'Herzlich taut mich Verlangen' (Ardently do I long). Translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in her influential 1863 collection Lyra Germanica.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship — 316
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 325
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 730
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 220
  • Lutheran Service Book — 632
  • Lutheran Worship — 245
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 309
  • With One Voice — 642

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Composed by Johann Heermann in 1630, this hymn embodies Reformation piety: personal assurance of grace and continuous thanksgiving. It reflects Luther's conviction that the Christian life itself is grateful response to unmerited divine favor.

Preaching Connection

This hymn deepens the Gospel proclamation by showing how the forgiven sinner moves from the conviction of unworthiness to audacious, liberating praise—illustrating the transformative power of grace when the Word meets the human heart.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Epiphany 1 (2×)
  • Lent 1 (2×)
  • Trinity 14 (2×)
  • Trinity 18 (2×)
  • Trinity 4 (2×)
  • Baptism of Our Lord (1×)
  • Epiphany 2 (1×)
  • Epiphany 3 (1×)
  • Thanksgiving (1×)
  • Trinity 21 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Epiphany 5 (1×)
  • Proper 7 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Thanksgiving and praise Gratitude for Christ's redemption Divine mercy Christian devotion

Look Further