Hymn 2 - To Thy Temple I Repair

This week we are looking at the hymn "To Thy Temple I Repair" (Hymn 2 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by English hymn writer James Montgomery who wrote 13 other hymns which are included in our hymnal.

This hymn is found in the Opening of Service section of our hymnal, and it fits well here. It is a beautiful description of why Christians worship, and what God offers us through worship. 

This hymn is based largely on selections of several Psalms as well as a few passages in the New Testament. This hymn uses the picture of the temple or tabernacle in the Old Testament as a picture of our worship still today. But unlike the Old Testament, because Christ has died and fulfilled the Old Testament laws, the veil separating us from God because of sin has been removed and we have the ability to come into the presence of God in worship to sing His praise, to bring Him our prayers, and to hear His word to us through His called servants. What joy and blessing is ours as we come together in worship.    

Study this hymn with us, as we are reminded of the blessings God offers to us in worship through His Word and Sacrament. 

May we, with David respond to every opportunity to worship with this Spirit-worked thought: “I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the LORD.'” (Psalm 121:1). 

The LORD will bless your worship this weekend!