Praise to Thee and Adoration
Praise to thee and adoration
Praise to Thee and Adoration is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by John Christian Jacobi. Found in elw 704, lbw 470, lsb 692, lw 387. Sung to LOBE DEN HERREN.
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran theology's emphasis on God's providential care and the Christian's response of grateful praise. It reflects the Reformation recovery of congregational singing as essential to worship and spiritual formation within the priesthood of all believers.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Lobe den Herren' was published in 1610 and became one of the most beloved Lutheran hymns of praise. John Christian Jacobi's English translation appeared in 1732, adapting the text for English-speaking congregations while maintaining theological depth and congregational accessibility.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 704
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 470
- Lutheran Service Book — 692
- Lutheran Worship — 387
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 401
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn exemplifies how Lutheran congregations recovered singing as central to worship and spiritual formation. Its tune, LOBE DEN HERREN, unites German Reformation piety with the priesthood of all believers.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's proclamation of God's provident care and moves the hearer toward the Law's proper function: to kindle glad obedience and faithful stewardship as the fitting human response to unmerited grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (divine majesty and power) → Gospel (providence, mercy, sustenance) → Gospel (daily goodness) → Gospel (communal adoration and response)
Overview
A short Danish hymn by Kingo praising Christ, the incarnate Son, and praying for faithful discipleship. St. 1 praises Christ who took flesh to serve his creation and asks to follow him without straying; st. 2 asks never to forsake him through pain, to walk in love, and in all trouble to flee to his birth, death, and Passion until full salvation is seen.
Central theme: Praise of the incarnate Christ and prayer for faithful following, taking refuge in his saving work
Structure
Praise and prayer to follow (1); prayer for steadfastness and refuge (2).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel; pain and strife are threats against which the believer flees to Christ's work.
Confessional Connections
Second Article; Christ's whole work (birth, death, Passion) as the believer's refuge.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Confirmation; discipleship Sundays; general praise; Christmas and Lent (st. 2).
Historical Notes
Kingo (1634-1703), Bishop of Fyn. Kvamme was part of the committee translating Norwegian-Danish hymns for Norwegian-American Lutheran books.
About the Tune
FREU DICH SEHR (Genevan Psalter, 1551).
Scripture References
Phil 2:6-8 Heb 2:14 Mark 10:45 John 10:27-28 1 Pet 2:21 Heb 12:2 1 Pet 1:5
Stanza by Stanza
Praise to blessed Jesus, Son of God, who took flesh and blood to serve his creation; teach me never to stray from his fold but to follow joyfully where he leads.
'Didst partake of flesh and blood' (Heb 2:14). 'To serve Thine own creation' — the Creator becomes servant (Mark 10:45; Phil 2:7). The prayer to stay in the fold (John 10:27-28) and follow his steps (1 Pet 2:21) is the response.
- Scripture
- Heb 2:14, Mark 10:45, Phil 2:7, John 10:27-28, 1 Pet 2:21
- Imagery & language
- Fold; pastures; footsteps.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel and discipleship.
- Connection to previous
- Praise and prayer.
Let me never leave you, Lord, even when pain and strife overtake me; may I walk all my life in love for you, and in every trouble flee for comfort to your birth, death, and Passion until I see your full salvation.
Steadfastness through suffering (Matt 24:13; Rev 2:10). The striking line is the refuge: 'In all woes for comfort flee / To Thy birth, Thy death, and Passion' — comfort is found not in one's feelings or progress but in Christ's objective saving work, as in the historic Litany ('By Thy holy nativity… by Thy cross and Passion… help us'). 'Till I see Thy full salvation' (1 Pet 1:5).
- Scripture
- Matt 24:13, Rev 2:10, Heb 12:2, 1 Pet 1:5, Heb 6:18
- Imagery & language
- Pain and strife; fleeing to refuge.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — refuge in Christ's work.
- Connection to previous
- Steadfastness.
Themes
Praise and adoration God's sovereignty Trust in divine providence Thanksgiving Stewardship