Behind the Hymn: A Look at Francis Scott Key

Episode Ten of "Behind the Hymn: Stories of the Hymns that We Love to Sing: Francis Scott Key." 

Today's episode featured the hymn: "Before You, Lord, We Bow" (LSB 966).
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"Before You, Lord, We Bow" was written in honor of Independence Day. His most known poem titled "The Star-Spangled Banner," which is now known as the National Anthem was written in response to the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Unlike many other patriotic hymns, "Before You, Lord, We Bow" is not written about a generic god - a god of one's choosing. Instead, this hymn is written in praise to the one true God - the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Key praises the Triune God for all the benefits He alone bestows upon the United States of America.

Lastly, Key, like all of mankind, is a fallen human being. But, God has worked through sinners, such as Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jacob, Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, and us, to establish His will. To God be all the glory!

(Credit: Lutheran Service Book - Companion to the Hymns)