When You Woke That Thursday Morning

When You woke that Thursday morning

When You Woke That Thursday Morning is a hymn text by Jaroslav J. Vajda (1980) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Found in CW21 416, CWS 717, elw 359, lsb 445.

The hymn presents Christ as the Lamb of God fulfilling Old Testament sacrificial imagery while inaugurating the new covenant through His voluntary self-giving. It emphasizes Lutheran understanding of Christ's substitutionary atonement and the centrality of the Eucharist as memorial and means of grace.

History & Background

Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn was published in Lutheran Book of Worship (1980) and subsequently in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006). It reflects contemporary Lutheran hymnody's recovery of Maundy Thursday observance.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal β€” 416
  • Christian Worship: Supplement β€” 717
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship β€” 359
  • Lutheran Service Book β€” 445
  • Lutheran Worship β€” 203
  • With One Voice β€” 742

Bulletin Note

Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn recovers ancient sacrificial imagery to proclaim Christ as the Lamb fulfilling Old Testament types and instituting the new covenant's eternal meal of grace.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: sin's dominion and death are answered by Christ's substitutionary sacrifice and the grace made present in the sacrament.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Maundy Thursday (2Γ—)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Maundy Thursday (7Γ—)

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

Christ's sacrifice Lamb of God Maundy Thursday Atonement Redemption

Look Further