You are a spirit of joy, you have no place for mourning, you enlighten us in suffering with the light of your comfort. Ah yes, how many times you have opened for me with sweet words the gates to the golden hall of joy.

— Paul Gerhardt (1607–1676), Kirchenlieddichter

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Grief & Comfort

Occasions: Comfort

Paul Gerhardt

Paul Gerhardt (1607–1676) war ein deutscher lutherischer Theologe und Pfarrer in Mittenwalde, Berlin sowie Lübben. Er prägte mit Liedern wie „Befiehl du deine Wege“ das geistliche Gesangsgut, verlor jedoch 1667 im Berliner Kirchenstreit sein Amt, da er sich aus Bekenntnisgründen weigerte, das kurfürstliche Toleranzedikt gegenüber den Reformierten zu unterschreiben. Heute bieten seine Dichtungen Bibellesern eine seelsorgliche Sprache des Gottvertrauens inmitten existentieller Krisen und Leiderfahrungen.

All quotes by Paul Gerhardt (149)

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When you see a child, you catch God in the act.

Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.

Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.

Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

Frederick Buechner

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