On My Heart Imprint Your Image
On my heart imprint Your image
The hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of sanctification as progressive transformation into Christ's image through the work of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on faith working through love. It connects to Luther's understanding that Christians are to become 'little Christs' to their neighbors, living out the implications of justification through conformity to Christ's pattern.
History & Background
The hymn 'Präge, Jesu, mir dein Bilde' was written by Albert Knapp, a German pastor, in 1823 and appeared in his hymn collection Evangelischer Liederschatz. The English translation by Willard F. Jabusch was first published in 1977 in Lutheran Book of Worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 588
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 102
- Lutheran Service Book — 422
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 175
- Lutheran Worship — 100
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 179
- Voices Together — 454
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by German hymnist Albert Knapp in 1823. This hymn captures the Reformation vision of Christian life as progressive transformation into Christ's image through grace and the Holy Spirit's work.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Gospel's promise by naming the Spirit's lifelong work: sanctification as visible, active love—the fruiting of faith that responds to Christ's redemptive grace.
Themes
Conformity to Christ Discipleship Sanctification Christian transformation Love of Christ