Our Father Throned in Heaven Above
Our Father throned in heaven above
This hymn expounds the Lord's Prayer within Lutheran catechetical tradition, emphasizing God's transcendent kingship while addressing the Christian's reliance upon divine provision and forgiveness. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of prayer as the primary response of faith to God's promises in the catechism.
History & Background
Written by English hymnodist Laurence Tuttiett in 1864, this hymn provides a poetic meditation on the Lord's Prayer, expanding each petition into a full stanza. It was published in various 19th-century English hymnal collections and remains in use in evangelical Lutheran hymnody.
Bulletin Note
Written by Scottish hymnodist Laurence Tuttiett in 1864, this hymn expounds the Lord's Prayer in the Lutheran catechetical tradition, grounding Christian petition in God's transcendent kingship and promised grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: from acknowledging God's transcendent holiness and the kingdom beyond our grasp, to receiving the Gospel comfort of daily provision, absolution, and protection—mirroring the structure of the Lord's Prayer itself.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: The Church's unshakeable foundation in God's immutable word and covenant grace, moving from proclamation of election, to security against enemies, to provision of spiritual sustenance, to assurance of God's protective presence.
Themes
The Lord's Prayer Prayer and petition God's sovereignty Kingdom of God Christian devotion