Take My Life O Lord Renew
Take my life, O Lord, renew
The hymn embodies Lutheran understanding of sanctification as the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in the believer's life, distinct from justification but flowing from it. It represents the Lutheran emphasis on grateful response to God's grace through dedicated Christian living and personal consecration.
History & Background
Written by Matthias Loy in the late 19th century, this hymn was published in German-American Lutheran hymnals and reflects the pietistic renewal emphasis of Lutheran immigrant communities. It gained wider circulation through major American Lutheran hymnals including The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and subsequent editions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 406
- Lutheran Service Book — 783-784
- Lutheran Worship — 404
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 400
Bulletin Note
Written by Matthias Loy in 1880, this hymn reflects nineteenth-century Lutheran piety emphasizing sanctification as the Spirit's ongoing work, distinct from but flowing from justification by grace through faith.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: true freedom comes through complete self-surrender to God, a response of faith that the Gospel alone makes possible and the Law alone cannot demand.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From divine calling to missionary commission: the believer receives God's Word, develops compassionate hearts for the lost, practices faithful intercession, and participates in God's redemptive work until all creation glorifies Him
Themes
Consecration and dedication Sanctification Christian living God's ownership Personal renewal