Send Thou O Lord to Every Place
Send Thou O Lord to every place
The hymn emphasizes the intercessory prayer for missionary workers and the conviction that Christ's Gospel will accomplish its purpose through divine power rather than human strength alone. It reflects Lutheran confidence in the efficacy of God's Word and the Holy Spirit's role in spreading the faith.
History & Background
Johann Zwick composed this hymn in German as 'Sende dein Wort, o Gott' in the mid-16th century during the Reformation. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1869 for her collection of German hymns, and it subsequently appeared in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 506.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 316
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 506
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Johann Zwick in 1540, this German Reformation hymn expresses confident intercession for Gospel workers, reflecting Luther's conviction that God's Word possesses inherent power to convert and strengthen the faithful.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens proclamation of the Gospel by shifting focus from human capability to divine promise—the Word accomplishes its end regardless of our weakness, freeing us from anxiety and into joyful partnership with the Holy Spirit's mission.
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
Mission and evangelism Prayer for laborers Gospel proclamation Divine power Holy Spirit empowerment