A MIGHTY FORTRESS
IS OUR GOD
(Note: we had
permission to print the text during Lent but have had to remove
the text after Lent. Refer to your hymnal for the text.)
Martin Luther —
along with being a reformer, a theologian, a fiery preacher and a
Bible translator — was also an exceptional musician. He wrote, “I
am strongly persuaded that after theology, there is no art that
can be placed on a level with music, for besides theology, music
is the only art capable of affording peace and joy to the heart.”
I love music,
too. So Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress,” is not only a
treasured Lutheran hymn; it’s also beautiful music. Lutherans sing
it on Reformation Sunday as a reminder of the trials Martin Luther
faced as he challenged the religious hierarchy of his day.
“A Mighty
Fortress,” based on Psalm 46, reflects Luther’s awareness of his
own – and our own – intense struggle with Satan. In difficulty
and danger, God is with us.
Luther’s words
give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, truth to the
disheartened and belief to the unbeliever. There is nothing that
can keep God from being our salvation. He is our strength, our
warrior, our helper. He is with us forever.
Our God, our
mighty fortress, keep us this day from harm, from evil. Continue
to strengthen us in our beliefs and in our struggles. We love you
for loving us.
