With the Lord Begin Thy Task
With the Lord begin thy task
This hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of vocation, affirming that all work undertaken with divine blessing becomes sacred service. It reflects the Reformation's emphasis on sanctifying ordinary life through the perspective of faith and God's providence.
History & Background
Written by Sigismund Weingärtner, a German Lutheran pastor and hymn writer, this chorale appeared in early Lutheran hymnals. Catherine Winkworth's 1863 English translation became the standard version in English-language Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 811
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 444
- Lutheran Service Book — 869
- Lutheran Worship — 483
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 540
Translation
Bulletin Note
Sigismund Weingärtner's 1540 hymn embodies Reformation theology of vocation—the conviction that secular work, when undertaken in faith, serves God as truly as prayer. Its tune, *Machs mit mir Gott*, remains a cornerstone of Lutheran hymnody.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran doctrine of vocation: the law demands we order our lives under God's rule; the gospel promises that in Christ, our everyday work becomes sanctified service rather than condemned futility.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Ascription of praise to God's sovereign power and love, followed by personal testimony of healing and sanctification, culminating in lifelong grateful service
Themes
Vocation and daily work Trust in divine providence Beginning with God's blessing Christian stewardship