“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

Martin Luther (1483-1546),
arr. Lani Smith,
Chancel Choir, Kelly Crandell, piano, John Walko, organ

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper she amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right one on our side, the one of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabbath the name, From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.

And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed Her will to triumph through us;
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through God who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
God’s love shall reign forever.