Seek Ye First

Seek ye first the kingdom of God

The hymn emphasizes the Reformation principle of trusting God's promises through prayer and faith, particularly the assurance that God hears and responds to believers' petitions. Its focus on seeking God's kingdom first reflects Lutheran teaching on justification and sanctification as gifts received through faith rather than human merit.

History & Background

Written by Karen Lafferty in 1972, this contemporary hymn emerged from charismatic renewal movements and became widely adopted in evangelical and mainline Protestant worship during the 1970s-1980s. Its inclusion in Lutheran hymnals represents the integration of contemporary praise music into traditional liturgical contexts.

Karen Lafferty (b. Alamogordo, NM, 1948) wrote this song one Scripture References night after attending a Bible study on Matthew 6:33 in 1971 at st. 1 = Matt. 6:33 Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, California. Struggling with financial st. 2 = Matt. 7:7 difficulties after recently starting a full-time music ministry, she st. 3 = Matt. 4:4 returned home that night with new encouragement. Others appreciated its beauty and simplicity and the song soon gained popularity eventually providing the support that permitted her to continue and develop her ministry Other stanzas, also based on well-known quotations ofJesus, were written anonymously. Stanza 2 is based on Matthew 7:7, and stanza 3 on Matthew 4:4 (quoting Deut. 8:3). The first two quotations are from the Sermon on the Mount, and the third is Jesus’ response to his first temptation in the desert. The addition of anonymous stanzas is a phenomenon related to the oral tradition in which many Scripture songs have developed. The three stanzas together persistently and fervently direct our attention to the things of God in the context of living praise (“alleluia”), indicating that such a manner of life is neces sary before God. Maranatha! Music published the composite and recorded it on their initial Praise album (1972). A musical missionary, Lafferty has been based in Amsterdam since 1981, when she became founder and director of Musicians for Missions, an international ministry of Youth with a Mission. She received a degree in music education at Eastern New Mexico University Portales, New Mexico. From 1971 to 1981 she was a member of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, where she served as a worship leader and became part of a fellowship of musicians, Maranatha! Music (which later became a Christian music company). Lafferty has recorded several solo albums and a music video. Her musical style is reminiscent of the folk music of such singers and groups as Joni Mitchell, the Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul, and Mary. She and Musicians for Missions travel worldwide with their music ministry.

Hymnal Appearances

Baptist Hymnal — 484
Chalice Hymnal — 354
Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 731
Gather 4th Edition — 715
Glory to God — 175
Lutheran Service Book — 712
Lift Up Your Hearts — 428
New Century Hymnal — 354
Psalter Hymnal — 209
United Methodist Hymnal — 405
Voices Together — 752
With One Voice — 783

Liturgical Use

Before the reading of Scripture; appropriate in many kinds of services and at various points in the liturgy.

Bulletin Note

Composed by Karen Lafferty in 1972, this hymn has become a contemporary standard. Its simple melody and direct language make it accessible to all ages while proclaiming the Reformation conviction that trust in God's promises brings true freedom.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the Law's command to 'seek first' into Gospel assurance by anchoring obedience in God's proven faithfulness to answer prayer and provide for His children.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Gospel imperative to prioritize God's kingdom with assurance of divine provision and answered prayer

Themes

God's kingdom and priorities Prayer and petition Trust in divine providence Christian discipleship Faith seeking