Our Father, By Whose Name
Our Father, by whose name
The hymn emphasizes the sanctification of daily family life as a expression of God's covenant, reflecting Lutheran theology's affirmation of the home as a locus of Christian witness and discipleship. It connects the invocation of God's name with practical Christian living in family relationships, embodying the Lutheran understanding of vocation.
History & Background
Written by F. Bland Tucker in 1939, this hymn was first published in the Protestant Episcopal Church's hymnal and subsequently included in Lutheran hymnals beginning with the LBW in 1978. It reflects mid-20th century ecumenical hymnody emphasizing family and domestic Christian life.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 351
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 357
- Glory to God — 065
- The Hymnal 1982 — 587
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 357
- Lutheran Service Book — 863
- Lutheran Worship — 465
- New Century Hymnal — 308
Bulletin Note
Written in 1939 by F. Bland Tucker, this hymn reflects Lutheran theology's conviction that the home is a locus of Christian discipleship, where God's name hallows everyday relationships through faith and grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn enfolds the Law's claim that our family relationships belong to God with the Gospel's assurance that Christ's sustaining grace makes faithful love possible even in our brokenness.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Creation's praise → God's ordering Law → Gospel victory → Cosmic doxology
Themes
Family life Christian discipleship God's blessing Covenant commitment Church community