This Day at Thy Creating Word
This day at Thy creating word
This hymn embodies Grundtvig's sacramental theology of creation, presenting each day as a gift renewed by God's sustaining word, consistent with Lutheran affirmation of God's providential care in all of life. The text reflects the theological conviction that daily existence participates in God's ongoing creative and redemptive activity.
History & Background
Originally written in Danish as 'Hver dag skal være mig en segen' by N.F.S. Grundtvig in 1817, this hymn celebrates God's creative and sustaining word. The English translation by Gracia Grindal was published in 1978, making this Danish text accessible to Lutheran congregations in English-speaking traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Hymnal 1982 — 52
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 12
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Danish theologian Nicolai Grundtvig in 1817, this hymn expresses his conviction that God's creative word sustains all life moment by moment—a sacramental vision of ordinary days as vehicles of divine grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens Gospel proclamation by anchoring divine grace in the mundane reality of daily existence, transforming ordinary time into participation in God's ongoing creative word.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: God's covenant fulfillment through Christ and John the Baptist, moving from promise to proclamation to salvation's illumination
Themes
God's creative word Providence and divine care Trust in God's sovereignty Daily mercies Creation