Johann Rist
1607–1667 · Germany · Reformation
Johann Rist (1607-1667) was a prominent German Lutheran pastor and hymn writer who composed over 650 hymns during the turbulent Thirty Years' War. Based in Winsen an der Luhe, he became one of the most prolific and influential hymn poets of the German Baroque period, known for combining theological depth with accessible melodic settings. His hymns emphasized personal piety and emotional devotion, reflecting the experiential faith characteristic of German Lutheranism. Many of his works, such as 'O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort,' became enduring standards in the Lutheran hymnal tradition. Rist's legacy profoundly shaped Protestant hymnody and influenced composers including Johann Sebastian Bach, who set numerous Rist texts to music.
Hymn Texts (50)
- Before Thee God Who Knowest All
- Abide, O Dearest Jesus
- Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
- Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
- Oh, Blest the House
- The Night Will Soon Be Ending
- Lo Judah's Lion Wins the Strife
- O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe
- Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You
- Christ, the Life of All the Living
- Behold a Branch is Growing
- Zion Stands by Hills Surrounded
- Jehovah, Let Me Now Adore You
- He is Arisen! Glorious Word
- Who Is This Host Arrayed in White
- Soul What Return Has God Thy Savior
- O Blest the House Whate'er Befall
- And will the Judge Descend
- My Soul Be on Thy Guard
- Great King of Nations Hear Our Prayer
- Alleluia! Jesus Lives
- Come O Precious Ransom Come
- Come unto Me, Ye Weary
- God Lord of Sabaoth Thou Who Ordainest
- Hallelujah Jesus Lives
- Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won
- Jesus Sun of Righteousness
- Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray
- Come, Lord Jesus, Be Our Guest
- Lord With Glowing Heart I'd Praise Thee
- Come, Christians Join to Sing
- The Clouds of Judgment Gather
- Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven
- Hark the Sound of Holy Voices
- O Day of Rest and Gladness
- O Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea
- Saints Behold the Sight is Glorious
- See the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph
- Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
- See, What a Morning
- Love Came Down at Christmas
- For Me to Live Is Jesus
- Arm These Thy Soldiers, Mighty Lord
- Lord, You Were Rich beyond All Splendor
- As Men of Old Their Firstfruits Brought
- As Saints of Old Their Firstfruits Brought
- O Thou from Whom All Goodness Flows
- For All the Faithful Women
- Ten Thousand Reasons
- My Worth Is Not in What I Own