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When in the Hour of Deepest Need

When in the hour of deepest need

When in the Hour of Deepest Need is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW21 723, CW93 413, ELH 257, elw 660. Sung to EBENEZER.

This hymn expresses the Lutheran confidence that God hears the prayers of the afflicted and responds with mercy, emphasizing supplication as the proper Christian response to suffering. It reflects the Reformation understanding that prayer is the believer's direct access to God's throne of grace without mediatorial barriers.

History & Background

Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a prayer for times of spiritual distress and affliction. It was first published in German hymnals and later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863, becoming widely adopted in Lutheran and other Protestant traditions.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 723
  • Christian Worship — 413
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 257
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 660
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 303
  • Lutheran Service Book — 615
  • Lutheran Worship — 428
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 522

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Martin Behm (1610) anchors this prayer-hymn in Lutheran confidence in direct access to God's grace. A Reformation conviction: in our greatest need, supplication—not performance—is the Christian's truest response.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies Law and Gospel perfectly: it names our helplessness in affliction (Law) while proclaiming God's faithful, merciful hearing to all who cry out in faith (Gospel).

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from separation and judgment to gracious invitation, communion, and eschatological hope

In the Church Year

Hymn of the Day (Lutheran Service Book) for: Lent 2; Proper 15; Proper 5

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Lent 2 (7×)
  • Trinity 21 (2×)
  • Ash Wednesday (1×)
  • Trinity 11 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Proper 15 (3×)
  • Proper 5 (1×)
  • Proper 25 (3×)
  • Proper 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.

Themes

Prayer in affliction Divine mercy and comfort Trust in God's faithfulness Supplication and deliverance

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