O Lord Our Father Thanks to Thee
O Lord our Father thanks to Thee
The hymn expresses Lutheran emphasis on gratitude as a proper Christian response to God's unmerited grace and daily mercies. It reflects the Reformation principle of sola gratia by directing all thanks and praise to God the Father alone.
History & Background
Written by Martin Behm in early 17th century Germany as a hymn of thanksgiving for God's mercies. Translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in 1858 and published in her hymnal collection.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 404
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 124
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1602, this hymn captures the Lutheran Reformation's conviction that gratitude for God's unmerited grace is the heart of Christian discipleship and response to the Gospel.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies sola gratia—the Reformation conviction that grace alone moves us to praise—and invites the congregation to respond to Gospel proclamation not with anxiety or self-effort, but with joyful, liberating thanksgiving.
Themes
Gratitude to God Divine providence Praise and thanksgiving God's mercy Christian devotion