O Jesus Blessed Lord My Praise
O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee my praise
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
- 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
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.
Themes
Thanksgiving and praise Gratitude for Christ's redemption Divine mercy Christian devotion