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With the Lord Begin Thy Task

With the Lord begin thy task

With the Lord Begin Thy Task is a hymn text by Sigismund Weingärtner (1540) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW21 776, CW93 478, ELH 82, elw 811. Sung to MIT FREUDEN ZART.

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

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 776
  • Christian Worship — 478
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 82
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 811
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 444
  • Lutheran Service Book — 869
  • Lutheran Worship — 483
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 540

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

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

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 5 (3×)
  • Septuagesima (1×)
  • Trinity 4 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Proper 10 (2×)
  • Proper 17 (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

Vocation and daily work Trust in divine providence Beginning with God's blessing Christian stewardship

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