With All My Heart I Praise You, Lord
With all my heart I praise you, Lord
This hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that trust in God's faithfulness is the proper Christian response to life's circumstances. It reflects the doctrine that God's grace sustains believers and deserves their wholehearted praise regardless of external conditions.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Von Gott will ich nicht lassen' was published in the early seventeenth century and became a beloved Lutheran expression of trust and thanksgiving. Catherine Winkworth translated this text into English in 1863, preserving its steadfast confidence in God's goodness.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 894
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 548
- Lutheran Service Book — 814
- Lutheran Worship — 344
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 531
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn anchors early Lutheran piety in the conviction that God's grace demands and enables our heartfelt response. The tune Von Gott Will Ich Nicht Lassen has carried countless prayers across five centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law-Gospel proclamation by showing that grace received in faith naturally overflows into grateful devotion—the proper Christian life is not anxious striving but joyful trust in God's faithfulness.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Acknowledgment of God's goodness and sustaining care (Gospel) progresses to personal commitment of devoted service, thanksgiving, and petition for grace to live faithfully (Law/Gospel response)
Themes
Praise and thanksgiving Trust in God's providence Gratitude for God's care Confidence in divine love