There Is an Hour of Peaceful Rest
There is an hour of peaceful rest
The hymn proclaims the Gospel promise of eschatological rest found in Christ's redemptive work, connecting Old Testament Sabbath anticipation with New Testament fulfillment. It exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on justification's assurance, offering the weary sinner comfort in Christ's sufficiency for salvation.
History & Background
William Cowper composed this hymn in 1779 as part of the Olney Hymns collection published with John Newton. The text gained prominence in Lutheran hymnals through 19th-century English tradition and was included in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 617.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 277
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 617
Bulletin Note
William Cowper (1779) draws the Old Testament Sabbath forward into eschatological fulfillment. A poet of profound personal faith forged through spiritual struggle, Cowper crafts this hymn as testimony to Christ's sufficiency for the weary soul.
Preaching Connection
This hymn moves the congregation from the Law's exposure of human restlessness and striving to the Gospel's proclamation of Christ as our Sabbath rest, making it a powerful response to any sermon on justification by grace alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Commandment Small Catechism — Ten Commandments
Themes
Sabbath rest Heavenly peace Redemption through Christ Eternal hope Gospel comfort