Sacred Music That Reminds Us of Our Baptism

Baptism is much more than just a moment. It is a second birth and a transformation of identity. In the waters of Baptism, God claims us as His own, washing away our sin and marking us with the cross of Christ. Sacred music can serve as a powerful reminder of the promises poured out on us in that sacrament. Hymn texts, piano meditations, and instrumental variations can help us remember what God has—and continues to do—for us through Baptism. Here are a few musical selections that invite reflection, thanksgiving, and joy in our baptismal identity.

Arrangements for “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” (LSB 594)

Few hymns capture the confidence and comfort of Baptism quite like “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It.” This bold text reminds us that sin, death, and the devil have no power over us because our Baptism in Christ makes us heirs of heaven. From congregational hymn settings to rich instrumental variations, this hymn serves as a musical anchor for teaching and reflection.

• This versatile arrangement by Jeffrey Blersch can be performed as a choral anthem or as a hymn concertato with the congregation. The accompaniment can be played on either piano or organ. An optional flute part can add color.
  
  
• “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It: Organ Variations on Bachofen” by Kenneth T. Kosche explores the tune in a variety of moods, providing various choices for service preludes or postludes. The theme of the finale offers a joyful flourish, focusing on stanza 5: “I’m a child of paradise!”
  
  
• John A. Behnke’s handbells arrangement of this beloved hymn is set to the tune BACHOFEN and is scored for 3–5 octaves. The arrangement also incorporates the tune JESU, MEINE FREUDE before returning to the original theme.
  
• This lively choral setting by Kevin Hildebrand, created for children’s voices and optional congregation, helps students and families proclaim their baptismal identity with joy.

These settings of the same beloved hymn tune are perfect for baptismal Sundays, remembrance services, or any time the congregation needs to be reminded of who, and whose, they are.

Baptismal Arrangements for Keyboard

Organ and piano arrangements can offer another dimension to preludes or offertory music. They can also be used in conjunction with congregational singing while highlighting how God works powerfully through simple water.

• “In the Water, In the Word: Eight Preludes and Harmonizations on Baptismal Hymns” by James Biery includes eight prelude settings based on classic baptismal hymns. Each piece reflects the beauty of Baptism as both a personal gift and a communal celebration. The tunes also include a unique harmonization for use with congregational singing, often tailored for the final stanza.
  
• “Sacramental Celebrations for Piano” by Mark Knickelbein invites listeners into the theology of Baptism and Holy Communion through piano arrangements. Knickelbein uses expressive text painting to highlight key themes from each hymn. Titles like “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy” and “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” underscore the baptismal focus. From reflective to celebratory, each arrangement emphasizes the theology of sacramental life.
  

Both collections offer various options to incorporate more baptismal themes throughout the service and throughout the Church Year.

Baptismal Arrangements for Voice and Instruments

In addition to piano arrangements, vocal and instrumental compositions can invite reflection while involving other musicians in your congregation.

• “Brought to the Water” is a modern hymn concertato composed by Jonathan Kohrs with text by Lisa M. Clark. Scored for unison choir or congregation with piano, flute, and oboe, plus optional guitar and bass, this piece offers a fresh celebration of baptismal identity. Whether sung by a unison choir or congregation, this setting is ideal for Baptism Sundays, the Baptism of Our Lord, or during services with themes of sanctification and mission.
• “Gracious Father, Come and Hear Us Pray” is a gentle baptismal hymn by Ralph C. Schultz, offering a reflection on God’s grace through the waters of Baptism. Scored for soloist or unison choir with oboe and piano, it also includes an optional congregational part, making it flexible for a variety of worship settings.

“Brought to the Water” and “Gracious Father, Come and Hear Us Pray” help provide a variety of voices and instruments and layered musical depth surrounding baptismal themes.

Remembering Whose You Are

Martin Luther famously encouraged Christians to begin each day by remembering their Baptism. Sacred music can help us remember our Baptism on Baptism Sundays and throughout the Church Year. With instruments, words, and voices, these musical selections remind us of that enduring truth: “I am baptized into Christ.”

Hymn texts with the abbreviation LSB are from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.

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