Thy Little Ones Dear Lord Are We
Thy little ones, dear Lord, are we
The hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of salvation through Christ's care and protection, emphasizing the child-like faith that Martin Luther himself advocated. It reflects the Small Catechism's emphasis on God the Father as protector and Christ as shepherd.
History & Background
Originally written in German by Henrietta Luisa von Hayn in 1755 as a children's hymn emphasizing childlike dependence on God. Translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863, becoming popular in Lutheran hymnody through The Lutheran Hymnal.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 420
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 577
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Henrietta Luisa von Hayn in 1755, this hymn embodies the Lutheran Small Catechism's teaching on God's fatherly protection and Christ as shepherd, inviting child-like faith rooted in grace alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Gospel proclamation of Christ's radical love for the vulnerable, countering any false notion that God's favor depends on our strength or merit.
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
Children of God Divine protection Trust in Christ Innocent faith Dependence on grace