Singing with Luther

Martin Luther was not only a key character in the Protestant Reformation, but he also wrote some good songs for Christians to sing. We might be familiar with A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Here's another hymn worth learning. The English lyrics are written by Vell Rives, a former member of our church in DC. The words are based on Erhalt uns, Herr (1541). We sung this at our Sunday evening service last week.

Preserve us, Lord
Preserve us, Lord, in this world's strife;
We fear but Thee, our Strength, our Life.
What foe hath pow'r o'er death and Hell?
Thou shalt defend Thine Israel!

Preserve us, Lord, from evil's ways,
Abounding in these dreadful days.
The wicked sound the call to sin;
How quickly we have fallen in!

Preserve us, Lord, from Thy just wrath,
Nor lay us bare in judgment's path,
But clothe Thy church in blood-wash'd robes;
The cleansing stream at Calv'ry flows.

Preserve us, Lord! Thy people save!
In Christ up-raise us from the grave.
Receive Thy saints on Zion's shore
To reign with Thee forever more.