We Thank Thee Jesus Dearest Friend
We thank thee, Jesus, dearest Friend
We Thank Thee Jesus Dearest Friend is a hymn text by Unknown (1800) in 8.8.8.8 meter. Translated by Unknown English translator. Found in CW21 475, ELH 394, tlh 223.
The hymn celebrates Christ's ascension as the foundation for intercessory prayer and the distribution of spiritual gifts to believers. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ's exaltation and the believer's participation in His heavenly session through faith.
History & Background
This hymn originates from German Lutheran hymnody and was included in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 223. The English translation and exact publication history remain obscure in standard hymnological references.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 475
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 394
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 223
Translation
Bulletin Note
An early nineteenth-century hymn of unknown authorship, set to the German tune Herzlich tut mir verlangen. It uniquely frames Christ's ascension as the believer's assurance of intercessory prayer and spiritual blessing.
Preaching Connection
This hymn anchors the Gospel proclamation of Christ's ascension: His exaltation is the sure foundation of our access to God and the distribution of spiritual gifts, transforming Easter's resurrection into Pentecost's empowerment.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Ascension (1×)
- Easter 7 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Overview
An anonymous German Ascension hymn (1607) translated by Matthias Loy of the Ohio Synod, each stanza ending in Hallelujah. Thanks that Jesus ascended; may he give strength to soul and body (st. 1); hidden from sight yet always near, he rules at God's right hand (st. 2); whoever trusts him is blessed and fixes his eyes on him alone (st. 3); he 'captive led captivity' and freed us from death (st. 4); through him, our Brother, we are heirs of heaven (st. 5).
Central theme: The ascended Christ, hidden yet near, reigning with all power and making us heirs of heaven
Structure
Five long-meter quatrains with Hallelujah. Thanks (1) — hidden yet nigh (2) — trust (3) — captivity captive (4) — heirs (5).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel throughout: 'From bitter death He set us free'; 'heirs of heaven.'
Confessional Connections
Eph 4:8 (TLH's text): 'When he ascended on high he led a host of captives.' St. 2, 'Hid from our sight, yet always nigh; He rules and reigns at God's right hand' — the right hand of God is not a place far away but God's almighty power everywhere present; Christ according to both natures rules from there and is present with his Church (FC VIII.27-28; SD VIII.28 on the right hand as 'everywhere'). St. 5: Christ our Brother — he shares our nature (Heb 2:11), so we are co-heirs (Rom 8:17).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Ascension Day and Sunday after.
Historical Notes
The anonymous German hymn appeared in 1607. Loy (1828-1915), president of the Ohio Synod and Capital University, translated it for the Ohio Synod hymnal (1880).
About the Tune
ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG (Nikolaus Herman, 1560).
Scripture References
Eph 4:8 Ps 68:18 Acts 1:9 Matt 28:20 Eph 1:20-22 Matt 28:18 Ps 2:12 Heb 4:9 1 John 2:15-17 Heb 12:2 Heb 2:14-15 Rom 8:17 Heb 2:11-12 Gal 4:7
Stanza by Stanza
We thank you, Jesus, dearest Friend, that you ascended into heaven. Blessed Savior, make us live and give strength to soul and body. Hallelujah!
'He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight' (Acts 1:9). 'Because I live, you also will live' (John 14:19).
- Scripture
- Acts 1:9, John 14:19, Eph 4:8
- Imagery & language
- Ascended; life; strength.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the ascended Lord's gifts.
- Connection to previous
- Thanks.
Ascended to his throne on high, hidden from our sight yet always near, he rules and reigns at God's right hand and has all power at his command. Hallelujah!
'I am with you always' (Matt 28:20). 'Seated him at his right hand… far above all rule and authority' (Eph 1:20-22). 'All authority… has been given to me' (Matt 28:18). FC VIII: the right hand is God's omnipresent power.
- Scripture
- Matt 28:20, Eph 1:20-22, Matt 28:18
- Imagery & language
- Throne; hid yet nigh; right hand; all power.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — present and reigning.
- Connection to previous
- Hid yet nigh.
Whoever trusts in him is blessed and finds eternal rest in him; we despise the world's attractions and fix our eyes on Christ alone. Hallelujah!
'Blessed are all who take refuge in him' (Ps 2:12). 'There remains a Sabbath rest' (Heb 4:9). 'Do not love the world' (1 John 2:15-17). 'Looking to Jesus' (Heb 12:2).
- Scripture
- Ps 2:12, Heb 4:9, 1 John 2:15-17, Heb 12:2
- Imagery & language
- Trust; rest; world despised; eyes on Christ.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — rest in faith.
- Connection to previous
- Trust.
So we rejoice heartily and sing his praise with cheerful voice; he led captivity captive and set us free from bitter death. Hallelujah!
'You ascended on high, leading a host of captives' (Ps 68:18; Eph 4:8). Through death he freed 'those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery' (Heb 2:14-15).
- Scripture
- Ps 68:18, Eph 4:8, Heb 2:14-15
- Imagery & language
- Captivity captive; freed from death.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — victory and freedom.
- Connection to previous
- Captivity captive.
Through him we are made heirs of heaven; Christ our Brother, give us your help so that we may trust you firmly and live forever through you. Hallelujah!
'Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ' (Rom 8:17; Gal 4:7). 'He is not ashamed to call them brothers' (Heb 2:11-12).
- Scripture
- Rom 8:17, Gal 4:7, Heb 2:11-12
- Imagery & language
- Heirs; Brother; firm trust.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — adoption and inheritance.
- Connection to previous
- Heirs.
Themes
Gratitude for Christ's ascension and gifts Christ's intercession Christian thanksgiving Ascension Grace