Christian Behm
1557–1605 · Germany · Reformation
Christian Behm (1557–1605) was a German Lutheran pastor and hymnodist of the late Renaissance period who made significant contributions to Protestant devotional literature. Working within the Lutheran tradition established by Martin Luther, Behm authored numerous hymn texts that emphasized themes of confession, penitence, and God's merciful judgment, reflecting the spiritual anxieties and consolations of his era. His devotional works were widely circulated in German-speaking Protestant communities and helped shape the character of Lutheran hymnody in the early modern period. Behm's hymns are noted for their introspective piety and theological clarity, combining vernacular accessibility with doctrinal precision. His legacy endures as an important figure in the development of German Protestant church music during the formative decades following the Reformation.
Hymn Texts (50)
- Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old
- O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
- Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit
- Before Thee God Who Knowest All
- Come Oh Come O Quickening Spirit
- Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee
- God Brought Me to this Time and Place
- Grant Holy Ghost that We Behold
- Here in Thy Name Eternal God
- How Can I Thank Thee Lord
- I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again
- I Pray You Dear Lord Jesus
- In God, My Faithful God
- In You Lord I have Put My Trust
- Let All Together Praise Our God
- Lo God to Heaven Ascendeth
- My Maker Now be Nigh
- Now Lay We Calmly in the Grave
- Now Let All Loudly Sing Praise
- Now Let Us Come Before Him
- O Blessed Day When First was Poured
- O Jesus Christ May Grateful Hymns be Rising
- O Lord Our Father Thanks and Praise
- O Lord Our Father Thanks to Thee
- O People Rise and Labor
- Out of the Deep I Call
- Rise Again Ye Lion-Hearted
- To Thee, Our God, We Fly
- What Is the World to Me
- When Afflictions Sore Oppress You
- When Israel Through the Desert Passed
- When My Last Hour Is Close at Hand
- When o'er My Sins I Sorrow
- You Will I Love My Strength
- Your Heart, O God, is Grieved
- In the Very Midst of Life
- Alas My God My Sins Are Great
- All My Heart Sings and Rejoices
- All My Heart This Night Rejoices
- Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
- Away from Us! the Demon Cried
- Be Not Dismayed Thou Little Flock
- Bow Down Your Ear Almighty Lord
- Christians Sing Out with Exultation
- Cold December Flies Away
- Come O Come Thou Quickening Spirit
- Come Oh Come Thou Quickening Spirit
- Dear Lord to Thy True Servants Give
- Fear and Love Thy God and Lord
- From God can Nothing Move Me