Product Description
This familiar 16th century melody is presented in a modern, spare, and meditative setting. It is available for SATB, SSAA, or TTBB voicings (all included with this octavo), and features a modern update on the text, as well as including Martin Luther's original version in its familiar translation as an alternate.
Tune: ERHALT UNS, HERR (J. Klug, 1543), arr. Lowell Prescott
Modern text adaptation (by Lowell Prescott):
God, keep us steadfast in your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would draw the people from your ways
And seize your name in empty praise.
O, Jesus Christ, our strife release,
For you are Justice, Truth and Peace;
Renew your church that we may live
To love and welcome and forgive.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our days of strife
And lead us out of fear to Life.
Original text (included, by Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878):
Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from your Son
And bring to nought all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r 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,
Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death to life.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.