This litany interweaves Martin Luther’s great Reformation hymn with the words from Scripture that inspired it, the words of Psalm 46.
Leader:
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
People:
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
All Sing:
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.
Leader:
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
People:
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
All Sing:
Did we in our own strength confide, 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.
Leader:
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
God speaks and the earth melts.
People:
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Leader:
Come, behold the works of the Lord!
People:
God makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
God breaks the bow, shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
All Sing:
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has 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.
Leader:
Be still, and know that the Lord is God!
People:
God is exalted among the nations;
God is exalted in the earth.
Leader:
The Lord of hosts is with us;
People:
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
All Sing:
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth;
let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still,
his kingdom is forever.