Triune God, Be Thou Our Stay
Triune God, be Thou our stay
Triune God, Be Thou Our Stay is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in elw 724, lbw 308, lsb 505, lw 170.
This hymn exemplifies the Lutheran emphasis on God's sovereign protection and the believer's utter dependence upon divine grace. The invocation of the Triune God reflects the Reformation's recovery of Trinitarian theology as central to Christian faith and worship.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a prayer for God's protection and guidance. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, and it has remained a staple of Lutheran hymnals since its inclusion in The Lutheran Hymnal.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 724
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 308
- Lutheran Service Book — 505
- Lutheran Worship — 170
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 247
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1610) composed this hymn to express the Lutheran conviction that believers rest entirely upon God's Trinitarian mercy. Set to the melody O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, it joins Reformation theology with profound spiritual comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law-Gospel proclamation by showing how recognition of human vulnerability before God becomes the doorway to embracing the Triune God's unfailing grace and protection.
In the Church Year
Hymn of the Day (Lutheran Service Book) for: Proper 21
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Protection in God Divine providence Trinity Confidence in God Petition for grace