Praxis pietatis melica (Practice of Piety in Song)[1] is a Protestant hymnal first published in the 17th century by Johann Crüger.

Between 1647 and 1661, Crüger first printed 90 songs by his friend Paul Gerhardt, including "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden".

The explanation of the Latin title was given from the very first publication in 1647: "Das ist: Vbung der Gottseligkeit in Christlichen und Trostreichen Gesängen"[3] (That is: practice of Godliness in Christian and comforting chants).

[3] It also contained "Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele", a communion hymn on lyrics by Johann Franck with a melody by Crüger.

[2] 1647 The edition contained 18 hymns by Paul Gerhardt, including:[3] 1653 A hymnal was commissioned by Luise Henriette of Brandenburg.