Today Thy Mercy Calls Us
Today thy mercy calls us
The hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of justification by grace through faith, presenting the believer's daily repentance and reliance upon God's mercy. It reflects the principle of simul iustus et peccator (simultaneously justified and sinner) central to Lutheran anthropology.
History & Background
Written by English clergyman Oswald Allen in 1852, this hymn emphasizes the responsive nature of Christian faith to God's merciful call. It has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 459
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 304
- Lutheran Service Book — 915
- Lutheran Worship — 347
- Trinity Hymnal — 495
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 279
Bulletin Note
Composed by Oswald Allen in 1852, this hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of simul iustus et peccator—the believer simultaneously justified and sinner—through the image of daily merciful invitation to repentance and grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the daily operation of Law and Gospel: the Law exposes our need for mercy each morning, while the Gospel proclaims the ever-open door of God's grace, sustaining the believer in the life of repentance that marks justified sinners.
Themes
Repentance God's mercy Divine call Conversion Grace