Paul Gerhardt

1607–1676 · Germany · Reformation

Author

Paul Gerhardt (1607–1676) is considered the greatest Lutheran hymn writer after Luther. Born in Gräfenhainichen, Germany, he served as pastor in Berlin during the years following the Thirty Years War. He suffered greatly, losing his wife and four of five children, and was removed from his parish for refusing to sign a compromise document on Lutheran doctrine. Despite personal suffering, his hymns breathe deep trust in God. He wrote 123 hymns including O Sacred Head Now Wounded, O Lord How Shall I Meet Thee, and All My Heart This Night Rejoices.

Hymn Texts (30)