April 6, 2019                         Psalm 31:3                               Dena Roper

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;

   for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

Song 275 from the purple hymnal.   The words are by Martin Luther. 

A Mighty Fortress is Our God.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.

Our Helper he, 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 our striving would be losing,

Were not the right man on our side the man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus it is he.

Lord Sabaoth his 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 his truth 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, abide them.

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go, the mortal life also.

The body they may kill, truth abiding still.  His kingdom is forever.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for music and expression of your Word and for reminders that you are always with us.