Oh Enter Lord Thy Temple
Oh enter, Lord, Thy temple
The hymn emphasizes Christ's entrance into His spiritual temple (the Church, believers' hearts) and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It reflects Lutheran understanding of the Church as the body of Christ indwelt by the Spirit, calling for renewal and sanctification through Christ's presence.
History & Background
Originally composed in German as 'Herzlich tut mich verlangen' by Johann Heermann during the Thirty Years' War. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in the nineteenth century, becoming widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals including The Lutheran Hymnal.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 330
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 228
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by German Lutheran Johann Heermann in 1630, this hymn celebrates the Church as Christ's spiritual temple. Set to the passion chorale tune *Herzlich tut mich verlangen*, it joins Easter triumph to Pentecostal renewal.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel movement from Christ's ascension to Pentecost: His physical absence is answered by the Spirit's intimate indwelling, transforming law-bound hearts into sanctified dwelling places of God.
Themes
Christ's exaltation Temple worship Spiritual renewal Indwelling Holy Spirit