Johann Gerhardt
1582–1637 · Germany · Reformation
Johann Gerhardt (1582-1637) was a German Lutheran pastor and prolific hymn writer who composed nearly 130 hymns during the Counter-Reformation era. His works were characterized by deep personal piety, introspective spirituality, and sacramental theology that reflected the devotional concerns of German Lutheranism. Gerhardt's hymns emphasized individual faith experience and emotional engagement with Christian doctrine, making them influential in shaping Lutheran hymnody of the seventeenth century. His contributions to the Protestant hymn tradition were significant in establishing the German chorale as a vehicle for personal religious expression. Many of his hymns remained central to Lutheran worship and were later translated and adapted for use in other Protestant traditions.
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