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On Christ's Ascension I Now Build

On Christ's ascension I now build

On Christ's Ascension I Now Build is a hymn text by Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1844) in 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6 meter. Translated by Gracia Grindal. Found in CW93 173, ELH 392, elw 519, lbw 159. Sung to HYFRYDOL.

This hymn exemplifies Lutheran confidence in Christ's heavenly intercession as the believer's secure foundation, drawing on Hebrews 6:19-20's imagery of hope as an anchor. It reflects Grundtvig's emphasis on incarnational theology and the active, living Christ who sustains the Church from heaven.

History & Background

Originally written in Danish as 'Paa Christi Himmelfart jeg byggер min' by Grundtvig in 1844, reflecting his prolific hymn-writing during later life. Gracia Grindal's English translation was published in 1985 and has become standard in Lutheran hymnals, particularly LBW and LSB.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship — 173
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 392
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 519
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 159
  • Lutheran Service Book — 492
  • Lutheran Worship — 130
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 208
  • With One Voice — 742

Translation

Gracia Grindal

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Ascension (6×)
  • Easter 7 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Ascension (4×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Christ's Ascension Hope and assurance Eternal intercession Foundation of faith

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