Bernard of Clairvaux / Paul Gerhardt
1091–1153 · France · Medieval
Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) was a Cistercian monk and theologian who profoundly influenced Christian hymnody through his devotional writings and spiritual poetry. As abbot of Clairvaux, he composed numerous liturgical hymns and sacred texts that emphasized Christ's passion and the soul's intimate relationship with God, establishing a new contemplative tone in monastic worship. His most famous hymn, "O Sacred Head Now Wounded," became one of Christendom's most enduring passion hymns, widely translated and adapted across Protestant and Catholic traditions. Bernard's lyrical, emotionally direct approach to sacred poetry departed from earlier liturgical conventions and laid groundwork for the more personal, affective piety of later medieval and Reformation hymn traditions. His theological and poetic legacy made him one of the most significant contributors to Christian hymnody in the medieval period.
Hymn Texts (30)
- I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table
- Let Us All with Gladsome Voice
- Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
- Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
- Now All the Woods are Sleeping
- All My Heart Again Rejoices
- Come My Soul with All Thy Care
- Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising
- Commit Whatever Grieves Thee
- Entrust Your Days and Burdens
- Holy Ghost Dispel Our Sadness
- I Come, O Savior, to Your Table
- I Stand Beside Thy Manger Here
- If God My Lord Be for Me
- Jesus Your Boundless Love so True
- Jesus Your Boundless Love to Me
- Jesus, Your Boundless Love to Me
- O Lord How Shall I Meet Thee
- O Lord How Shall I Meet You
- Once He Came in Blessing
- One There Is Above All Others
- Thy Way and All Thy Sorrows
- We Have a Sure Prophetic Word
- Your Days and Ways to God Surrender
- My Spirit on Thy Care
- O Sacred Head Now Wounded
- O Sacred Head Now Wounded
- O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
- Lord, to You I Make Confession
- Dearest Jesus Draw Thou Near Me