Our Father Who Are in Heaven—IIb
Our Father who art in heaven
This hymn embodies Luther's conviction that the Lord's Prayer stands as the foundation of Christian petition and trust, reflecting the relationship between God and His children. It serves as a didactic tool for teaching the faith while expressing the believer's dependence on God's provision and will.
History & Background
Martin Luther composed this metrical paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer as part of his catechetical work, published in his 1539 Betbüchlein (Prayer Book). It exists in multiple versions designed for congregational singing and instruction.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 959
Bulletin Note
Luther's catechetical hymn (1539) transforms the Lord's Prayer into congregational song, teaching the faith while inviting believers into the privileged posture of God's beloved children at prayer.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's central promise: that sinners are invited into intimate prayer with God as beloved children, transforming our knowledge of need (Law) into confident petition (Gospel).
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: 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 Prayer God the Father Trust in Providence Petition