1) A Mighty Fortress. Um, duh. I mean, really, how could you go wrong with this? Obvious choice for Reformation, also excellent processional or recessional for funerals ... and for those of you who were at Grace on the Sunday after September 11, 2001, did you not think about this hymn differently when singing it has the Hymn of the Day after Pr. Jacobson's incredible sermon? Wow.
2) Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word. Another Reformation Sunday standard, but useful at many times of the year. I think it is a great sending hymn. I have all three verses memorized, and you should, too! They are short!
- Lord, keep us steadfast in your word. Curb those who by deceit or sword would wrest the kingdom from your Son and bring to naught all he has done.
- Lord Jesus Christ, your power make known, for you are Lord of lords alone. Defend your Holy Church that we may sing your praise triumphantly.
- O Comforter of priceless worth, bring peace and unity on earth. Support us in our final strife and lead us out of death to life!
3 ) Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands. I LOVE this for the Hymn of the Day on Easter. Some congregations think this is too difficult, but you GLCers sing it with gusto. You know how I am at Easter anyway, and this just really is the high point of the service for me.
4) Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old. So lovely. Sigh...
5) Out of the Depths I Cry to You ... What is Ash Wednesday without this wonderful hymn? Text and tune are both from Luther; his translation of Psalm 130.
OK, so those are my top five. And I said I was picking three! Here are a few others you may know ... so make your list up and tell me your faves!
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come
Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord
Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice
O Lord, We Praise You
Salvation Unto Us Has Come
To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray
Grant Peace We Pray
That's it for now my computer battery is dying! Watch for the next update to the GLC Music Ministry Blog, and let me know your favorite Luther hymns!
1 comments:
When my Mom and I were in Germany last summer, our tour stopped in Worms. The Lutheran church there was ringing its bells to the tune of "A Mighty Fortress" at noon. I was able to catch most of it on my camera (short video). It made both of us feel like we were closer to home, and was very comforting.
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