O Lord Our Father shall We be Confounded
O Lord our Father, shall we be confounded
The hymn expresses confidence in God's faithfulness and protection against shame and abandonment, grounding petitionary prayer in the promises of the Psalms. This reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the comfort of God's Word and the assurance of the covenant for troubled consciences.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Herr, sollen wir denn gar verstoßen sein' was published in his 1610 hymnal and reflects the devotional theology of Lutheran Baroque piety. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 collection, making this text accessible to English-speaking Lutherans.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 269
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written in 1610 by German Lutheran poet Martin Behm, this hymn meditates on Psalm 31, turning personal anguish into communal prayer. It reflects the Reformation's deep pastoral care for the troubled conscience.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of human vulnerability into a petition grounded in Gospel promise, making it a powerful congregational response to preaching that moves from sin's shame to Christ's unfailing faithfulness.
Themes
Trust in God's faithfulness Deliverance from shame Prayer and petition God's covenant promises Faith amid suffering