Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

O Lord, We Praise Thee

O Lord, we praise thee, bless thee, and adore thee

This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion and the believer's grateful reception of Christ's body and blood. It combines objective sacramental theology with subjective faith-response, embodying the catechetical balance Luther emphasized.

History & Background

Martin Behm wrote this German sacramental hymn "O Herr, wir loben dich" in the early 17th century as a eucharistic prayer-hymn for Lutheran communion services. Catherine Winkworth's 1863 English translation became standard in Lutheran hymnody and appears in all major Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 404
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 215
  • Lutheran Service Book — 617
  • Lutheran Worship — 238
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 313

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn expresses the heart of Lutheran sacramental theology: Christ's real presence received in faith and thanksgiving. Its steady long-meter tune anchors centuries of eucharistic devotion.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies Luther's catechetical insight that the sacrament unites objective gift (Christ's body and blood truly present) with subjective faith-response (our grateful reception), making it a perfect hymnic amplification of any sermon on grace meeting faith at the altar.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From divine calling to missionary commission: the believer receives God's Word, develops compassionate hearts for the lost, practices faithful intercession, and participates in God's redemptive work until all creation glorifies Him

Themes

Eucharist and Holy Communion Thanksgiving and praise Christ's redemptive work Participation in Christ's body and blood

Look Further