Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old
The hymn connects Christ's earthly healing ministry to His ongoing redemptive work, emphasizing that salvation addresses the totality of human brokenness—physical, spiritual, and emotional. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ as both physician and Savior, whose atoning work restores wholeness to fallen creation.
History & Background
Edward Hayes Plumptre wrote this hymn in 1864 for the Church of England. It was first published in Plumptre's Hymns in 1865 and has become a standard healing hymn in Lutheran and other Protestant hymnals.
Edward H. Plumptre (b. Bloomsbury, London, England, 1821; Scripture References d. Wells, Somersetshire, England, 1891) wrote this text in 1864 st. 1 = Matt. 14:35-36 during his tenure as chaplain at King’s College, London. st. 2 = Mark 6:55-56 Considered to be one of the finest on the theme of health and healing, the text was first printed as the leaflet A Hymn Used in the Chapel ofKings College Hospital. Published the following year in the second edition of Plumptre’s Lazarus and Other Poems, ‘Your Hands, O Lord” also appeared in the 1868 Appendix to Hymns 519 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS Ancient and Modern. Originally the text’s first line read, “Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old.” Stanzas 1 and 2a recount the healing miracles of Christ. Stanzas 2b and 3 are a prayer for that same healing power of Christ to be present today. Plumptre was an eminent classical and biblical scholar who gained prominence in both church and university. Educated at King’s College, London, and University College, Oxford, he was ordained in the Church of England in 1846. Plumptre served as a preacher at Oxford and a professor of pastoral theology at King’s College, and held a number of other prestigious positions. His writings include A Life ofBishop Ken (1888), translations from Greek and Latin classics, and poetry and hymns. Plumptre was also a member of the committee that produced the Revised Version of the Bible.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 731
- The Hymnal 1982 — 549
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 431
- Lutheran Service Book — 846
- Lutheran Worship — 399
- Psalter Hymnal — 363
Liturgical Use
Latter part of the Epiphany season; Lent; worship services that focus on Christ’s miracles of healing; at healing services or prayer services for the sick.
Bulletin Note
Written by Edward Hayes Plumptre in 1864, this hymn bridges Christ's earthly healing ministry with His ongoing redemptive work, reflecting the Lutheran conviction that salvation restores the totality of our broken humanity.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it names our brokenness and suffering honestly, then proclaims Christ's hand extended in healing grace—a redemptive work that addresses the whole person, body and spirit alike.
Themes
Christ's healing and redemption Divine compassion Christ as Savior Transformation through grace