March 01, 2023

“On My Heart Imprint Your Image”

This hymn is actually the center of a 29 verse Passion Hymn written by Thomas Kingo [1634-1703].  It first appeared in this form, in print, in Norway in 1689.  He was also credited with 20 other hymns for the official Danish/Norwegian book of hymns for the Church Year celebrating the Passion of Christ.   Only this one verse in still found in continued use in English.   The complete hymn invited people to ponder Christ’s suffering for the sin of the world, to follow on the way to the cross, to see “God’s unspotted Lamb lifted high on the cursed tree.”   This hymn has one basic message, “Christ came to be crucified to save sinners”.  

On my heart imprint your image, blessed Jesus, King of grace.
That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures never may Your work erase;
Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my life, my hope’s foundation, and my glory and salvation.

LSB 422