A Mighty Fortress
1529
Words and Music: Martin Luther 1483-1546
“The Lord Almighty is with us; The God of Jacob is our
fortress.” Psalm 46:7
Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany. After his
graduation from Erfurt University, he became an Augustinian monk,
teaching philosophy and theology at Wittenberg University. He did not
agree with some teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, so
he nailed his famous ninety-five page theses to the door on October 31,
1517. Luther was officially excommunicated in 1520. In 1529 Luther wrote
this great hymn, which became the most powerful hymn of the Protestant
Reformation Movement. One great benefit of the Reformation was the
rediscovery of congregational singing. Luther emphasized the power of
sacred music. He wrote, “The Devil, the originator of sorrowful
anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost
as much as before the Word of God.” Again he wrote, “I wish
to compose
sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by
means of songs.” Luther also wrote, “I would allow no man to preach or
teach God’s people without a proper knowledge of the use and power of
sacred song.”
Prayer Focus: This hymn is based on Psalm 46. Let us read this and the
words of this song and then be prepared to pray.