The Savior Calls Let Every Ear

The Savior calls, let every ear

The Savior Calls Let Every Ear is a hymn text by Johann Olearius (1661) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Martin H. Behm. Found in lw 350, tlh 281.

The hymn emphasizes Christ's universal call to salvation and the comfort of His promise of rest to the weary, reflecting Lutheran soteriology centered on Christ's invitation to all people. It exemplifies the Lutheran emphasis on the Gospel's accessibility and God's gracious offer of redemption without human merit.

History & Background

Johann Olearius composed this hymn in German as 'Der Heiland ruft, laßt jedes Ohr' in 1661, published in his hymnal Geistliche Singekunst. The hymn was translated into English by Martin H. Behm in 1927 and published in The Lutheran Hymnary.

Hymnal Appearances

Lutheran Worship — 350
The Lutheran Hymnal — 281

Translation

Martin H. Behm

Bulletin Note

Written by Johann Olearius in 1661, this hymn reflects Lutheran theology's emphasis on Christ's accessible grace and the Gospel's universal reach—a comfort sung in times of spiritual and bodily weariness alike.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of our exhaustion and sin into the Gospel's promise: Christ's call itself is the grace that draws us from death to life, from isolation to the communion of His embrace.

AI-assisted draft These study notes were drafted with AI from the hymn text and have not yet been reviewed line by line. Treat them as a starting point and check them against the sources.

Overview

A gentle hymn of invitation by Anne Steele, the English Baptist hymn writer (who wrote under the name 'Theodosia'). Unlike TLH 278's warnings, this one woos: the Savior calls and doubting souls may put away fear (st. 1); streams of bounty flow for every thirsty heart (st. 2); springs of sacred pleasure ease every pain (st. 3); mercy's voice invites — can you still delay? (st. 4). It ends not with an appeal to the will but a prayer: 'Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts' (st. 5).

Central theme: Christ's gracious call to the weary and thirsty, and prayer that he himself draw reluctant hearts

Structure

Five common-meter quatrains. The call (1) — streams (2) — springs (3) — mercy's voice (4) — prayer (5).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel throughout; the only Law is the gentle question 'And can you yet delay?' (4).

Confessional Connections

Matt 11:28 (TLH's text): the invitation is to the weary — the Gospel, not the Law (FC V). 'Ye doubting souls, dismiss your fear' — the Gospel addresses the terrified conscience. St. 5: 'Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts' — the Lutheran answer to the question of conversion: Christ draws (John 6:44; 12:32), the Spirit works faith through the call (FC II.50-53). Universal call to 'sinners' (FC XI.28).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

General; missions; Lent; Holy Communion invitation.

Historical Notes

Steele (TLH: 1716-1778; some sources give 1717) published Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional (1760).

About the Tune

AZMON (Carl G. Gläser, 1829; arranged by Lowell Mason).

Scripture References

Matt 11:28 Isa 55:1-3 John 7:37-38 Rev 22:17 John 4:14 Ps 36:8-9 Rev 7:16-17 Luke 14:16-23 John 6:44 John 12:32 John 6:50-51

Stanza by Stanza

1 The Savior calls; let every ear…

The Savior is calling; let every ear listen to the heavenly sound. You doubting souls, put away your fear; hope smiles and revives all around.

Matt 11:28 (TLH's text): 'Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden.' The call is first to the doubting and fearful — the Gospel for the troubled.

Scripture: Matt 11:28, Isa 55:3, John 10:27
Imagery & language: Call; doubting souls.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — the call.
Connection to previous: The call.

invitation comfort faith

2 For every thirsty, longing heart…

Here streams of bounty flow for every thirsty, longing heart and give life, health and bliss to banish mortal sorrow.

'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink' (John 7:37-38). Isa 55:1.

Scripture: John 7:37-38, Isa 55:1, Rev 22:17
Imagery & language: Streams; thirsty heart.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — abundance.
Connection to previous: Streams.

invitation grace

3 Here springs of sacred pleasures rise…

Here springs of holy pleasure rise to ease all your pain; an immortal fountain with full supply! You will not thirst in vain.

'A spring of water welling up to eternal life' (John 4:14). 'You give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life' (Ps 36:8-9).

Scripture: John 4:14, Ps 36:8-9, Rev 7:16-17
Imagery & language: Springs; immortal fountain.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — satisfaction.
Connection to previous: Springs.

grace eternal life

4 Ye sinners, come, 'tis Mercy's voice;…

Come, sinners — it is Mercy's voice; obey the gracious call. Mercy invites you to heavenly joys; can you still delay?

The great supper: 'Come, for everything is now ready' (Luke 14:16-23). 'Obey the call' — the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5) is believing the invitation.

Scripture: Luke 14:16-23, Rom 1:5, 2 Cor 6:2
Imagery & language: Mercy's voice; delay.
Law / Gospel: Gospel invitation with gentle urgency.
Connection to previous: Mercy's voice.

invitation repentance

5 Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts;…

Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts; let sinners fly to you and take the bliss your love gives, and drink and never die.

The hymn ends in prayer, confessing that Christ must draw: 'No one can come to me unless the Father… draws him' (John 6:44); 'I will draw all people to myself' (John 12:32). 'Drink and never die' (John 6:50-51; 4:14).

Scripture: John 6:44, John 12:32, John 6:50-51, John 4:14
Imagery & language: Drawing reluctant hearts.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — Christ draws.
Connection to previous: Draw us.

conversion monergism eternal life

Themes

Christ's invitation Rest and salvation Call to faith Gospel promise Divine compassion

Look Further

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