The chorale that is the basis for this chorale prelude is a musical setting of Psalm 103. The chorale melody is longer than the average Lutheran chorale to accommodate a larger-than-average text. The first verse reads as follows: "My soul praises the Lord, all that is in me, belongs to his name. His compassion enlarges, don't forget that, oh my heart. He has forgiven your sins and healed many great weaknesses, redeemed your poor life, and takes you into his lap, covering you with rich comfort, both the young and the old. The Lord rules righteously and protects those who come into his Kingdom."

Four different settings of this chorale by Buxtehude survive. This setting of the chorale consists of three versets that are in a somewhat older style more akin to the previous generation somewhat reminiscent of Scheidemann. The first is a true bicinium (only two voices) with the melody unornamented in the soprano, with a very interesting and quite mobile counterpoint voice. The second is in three voices again with the chorale melody in the soprano. The third verse is also in three voices, but this time the chorale melody is in the bass.

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