Praise to You and Adoration
Praise to You and adoration
The hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of justification by grace through faith, emphasizing humble adoration of Christ as the source of salvation and ongoing sanctification. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on Christ's sufficiency and the believer's grateful response to divine mercy rather than meritorious works.
History & Background
Originally published in German as "Dank sei dir, Herr" in Franck's Evangelischer Andachts-Spiegel (1653), this hymn exemplifies the mystical devotion characteristic of German Reformed Pietism. Catherine Winkworth's 1863 English translation became standard in Lutheran hymnals beginning with the 1882 Common Service Book.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 854
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 470
- Lutheran Service Book — 692
- Lutheran Worship — 387
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 401
- Voices Together — 452
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed in 1653 by Lutheran poet Johann Franck, this hymn crystallizes Reformation theology: justification by grace alone, with the believer's grateful response to divine mercy rather than human merit or works.
Preaching Connection
This hymn moves from Law to Gospel as it does: it holds up human unworthiness before God's majesty, then floods that confession with the joy of redemptive mercy—a pattern every sermon should follow.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law's accusation answered by Gospel promise: God's absolute pardon and Christ's sufficient redemption transform mourning into comfort and restore creation's proper order
Themes
Adoration of Christ Justification by faith Grace and mercy Discipleship Eucharistic praise