Our Father Thou in Heaven Above
Our Father Thou in heaven above
This hymn embodies Luther's conviction that the Lord's Prayer is the Christian's primary intercessory text, accessible to all believers regardless of education. It reflects Lutheran theology emphasizing God's fatherhood, the kingdom of God, and reliance upon divine mercy.
History & Background
Luther composed this hymn as a poetic paraphrase and exposition of the Lord's Prayer, published in his 1539 hymnal. It systematically unfolds each petition of the prayer into devotional stanzas for congregational singing.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 746
- Lutheran Service Book — 766
- Lutheran Worship — 431
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 458
- Voices Together — 498
Translation
Bulletin Note
Luther composed this hymn in 1539 to make the Lord's Prayer singable for all believers. It reflects his conviction that access to God's mercy belongs to every baptized Christian, not the educated few.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Luther's theology of prayer: it moves from the law's call to reverence God's name and kingdom, to the gospel's assurance that our Father hears every petition for mercy, bread, and rescue from temptation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from human dependence and sinfulness through petition for daily provision and forgiveness, to confident trust in God's fatherly care and doxological affirmation of the Trinity
Themes
The Lord's Prayer Divine providence Forgiveness Christian petition God's kingdom