Our Lord and God O Bless This Day
Our Lord and God O bless this day
The hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in God's covenant promises and daily providential care, grounding faith in God's immutable nature. It reflects the German pietistic tradition's emphasis on personal devotion and reliance upon divine mercy throughout daily life.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in early 17th-century Germany as a morning blessing prayer. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863 for her influential collection of German hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 421
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 337
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Lutheran pastor Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn anchors daily devotion in God's unchanging nature and covenant faithfulness—core convictions of German Pietism's emphasis on personal reliance upon divine mercy.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's summons to seek God's blessing into a Gospel proclamation of God's freely given faithfulness, teaching the congregation that our daily protection rests not on our effort but on God's immutable covenant love.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Divine blessing God's faithfulness Daily petition Trust in Providence Morning devotion