Traditional Hymns
Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word
Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word
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Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word (.midi) Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word (.mp3) Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word Bells Version (.mp3)
1. Blessed Jesus, at thy word we are gathered all to hear thee; let our hearts and souls be stirred now to seek and love and fear thee, by thy teachings sweet and holy, drawn from earth to love thee soley.
2. All our knowledge, sense, and sight lie in deepest darkness shrouded, till thy spirit breaks our night with the beams of truth unclouded. Thou alone to God canst win us; thou must work all good within us.
3. Glorious Lord, thyself impart! Light of light, from God proceeding, open thou our ears and heart; help us by thy spirit's pleading; hear the cry thy people raises; hear, and bless our prayers and praises.
Story of the hymn Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word
The hymn known in English as "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word" (sometimes rendered as "Blessed Jesus, at Your Word") originated as a German Lutheran hymn titled "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier" ("Dearest Jesus, we are here").It was written by Tobias Clausnitzer (1619–1684), a Lutheran pastor and hymnwriter whose life was shaped by the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).
Clausnitzer was born on February 5, 1619, in Thum, Saxony, Germany. He studied theology at the University of Leipzig, earning his master's degree in 1643. In 1644, amid the ongoing war, he was appointed chaplain to a Swedish regiment.
He preached notable sermons during this period, including one in 1645 at the accession of Queen Christina of Sweden and another in 1649 celebrating the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the devastating conflict.
That same year, he became the first Lutheran pastor in Weiden in der Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate), where he served until his death on May 7, 1684. He also held roles as a consistory member and district inspector.
