Your Kingdom Come O Father
Your kingdom come, O Father
The hymn embodies the eschatological hope central to Lutheran theology, emphasizing God's sovereign rule and the petition for Christ's return. It reflects the Third Article of the Creed concerning the Holy Ghost and the coming kingdom.
History & Background
Friedrich Funcke's German hymn 'Dein Reich komme' was published in the late 17th century and became widely used in German Protestant hymnals. English translations were developed in the 19th century, with various versions appearing in American Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 384
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Friedrich Funcke in 1684, this Long Meter hymn anchors the prayer "Your kingdom come" in Lutheran theology of the Third Article, expressing the Church's confidence in Christ's return and the Holy Spirit's present empowerment.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the third petition of the Lord's Prayer into eschatological yearning, demonstrating how Gospel hope for Christ's return both exposes our earthly powerlessness (Law) and anchors us in God's sovereign grace (Gospel).
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
- The Second Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from human desperation and God's majesty (stanzas 1–3) to confident petition for divine mercy and liberation (stanza 4)
Themes
Kingdom of God Prayer God's reign Eschatology Petition