You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

203. O God, may we e'er pure retain

1 O God, may we e'er pure retain
The catechismal doctrine pain,
As Luther taught the heavenly truth
In simple style to tender youth.

2 That we Thy holy law may know
And mourn our sin and all its woe,
And yet believe in Father, Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in one.

3 That we may on our Father call,
Who can and will give help to all,
And, washed with water by the Word,
Walk ever worthy of our Lord.

4 That if one fall, he rise again,
And hasten pardon to obtain,
Receive the sacrament in faith,
Amen. Lord, grant a happy death.

Text Information
First Line: O God, may we e'er pure retain
Author: Ludwig Helmbold (1594)
Translator: Rev. Matthias Loy, D. D. (1880)
Meter: L. M. No. 1
Language: English
Publication Date: 1908
Topic: The Catechism: Catechetical Instruction; Eighth Sunday after Trinity
Notes: Now Public Domain. From the German Text: Herr Gott, erhalt uns fuer und fuer
Tune Information
Name: BRESLAU (Herr Jesu Christ, mein's Leben's Licht)
Meter: L. M. No. 1
Key: Bâ™­ Major
Source: Hymnodus Sacer, Leipzig, 1625
Notes: Public Domain.



Media
More media are available on the tune authority page.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.