Nikolai Ludwig von Zinzendorf
1700–1760 · Germany · Baroque
Nikolai Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760) was an 18th-century German Pietist nobleman and founder of the Renewed Moravian Church, a movement emphasizing personal faith, emotional piety, and direct relationship with Christ. A prolific hymnodist, he authored over 2,000 hymns that became central to Moravian worship and reflected his theology of divine providence and Christ-centered devotion. His hymns combined Lutheran theological depth with Pietist warmth and accessibility, making them influential in both German and English-speaking Protestant traditions. Zinzendorf's leadership transformed the Moravian community at Herrnhut into a significant center of Christian hymnody and missionary activity, establishing patterns of congregational singing that influenced broader Protestant worship practices. His contributions to Christian music represent a crucial bridge between Reformation hymnody and modern evangelical worship traditions.
Hymn Texts (14)
- Jesus Still Lead On
- Lord Jesus Christ Will You not Stay
- My Maker Be With Me
- One Thing's Needful Lord This Treasure
- All Depends on Our Possessing
- Jesus Lead Us On
- Jesus, Lead Thou On
- Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered
- Why do We Mourn Departing Friends
- I See Thee Standing Lamb of God
- All that I Was My Sin My Guilt
- Jesus Your Blood and Righteousness
- Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
- Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness