O Lord Whose Bounteous Hand Again
O Lord whose bounteous hand again
The hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of God's gracious providence in providing for creation and human sustenance as a manifestation of divine love and care. It emphasizes gratitude as the proper human response to God's unmerited blessings, reflecting the Law-Gospel dynamic of recognizing divine generosity.
History & Background
This hymn was authored by Matthias Loy, a prominent 19th-century Lutheran minister and hymnodist, and published in The Evangelical Hymnal and other Lutheran hymnals of the period. It became a standard American Lutheran hymn for harvest and Thanksgiving observances.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 389
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 567
Bulletin Note
Composed by Matthias Loy (1880), this L.M. hymn reflects Lutheran teaching on divine providence and grace, emphasizing thanksgiving as the Christian's grateful response to God's generous care for creation and human need.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's call to joyful gratitude by showing how recognition of God's unmerited bounty transforms mere obligation into willing praise and stewardship.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
Themes
God's providence Harvest and thanksgiving Divine bounty Stewardship Creation care