O Lord We Praise Thee Bless Thee and Adore Thee
O Lord we praise Thee, bless Thee, and adore Thee
The hymn expresses core Lutheran eucharistic theology, emphasizing both the objective reality of Christ's presence and the believer's grateful response through faith. It reflects the balance between sacramental realism and personal communion central to Lutheran worship.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German eucharistic hymn in the early 17th century as an expression of Lutheran sacramental piety. It was translated into English by John Christian Jacobi in 1732 and has remained a standard communion hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 405
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 215
- Lutheran Service Book — 617
- Lutheran Worship — 238
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 313
- With One Voice — 643
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm's 1610 hymn anchors Lutheran sacramental theology: Christ's objective presence received through faith, not earned by worthiness. A Reformation affirmation sung across four centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn exemplifies how the Gospel of free grace in the sacrament moves the Christian from awe at God's majesty to childlike trust and grateful praise.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Ascription of praise to God's sovereign power and love, followed by personal testimony of healing and sanctification, culminating in lifelong grateful service
Themes
Eucharistic praise Thanksgiving Adoration of Christ Sacramental grace