In 1541 the Turkish army was threatening to take Vienna and the German rulers called for special prayers for safety from these Islamic forces. Martin Luther responded to this request by writing the original German text (“Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort”) for a prayer service in Wittenberg. Convinced that the church was threatened not only by the Turkish army of Sultan Suleiman but also by the Roman Catholic Pope, Luther originally made reference to the Pope and Turkish army, but it was later altered to all enemies of the Word. The English translation by Catherine Winkworth was published in her Chorale Book for England in 1863¹. A great hymn to meditate on during a time of persecution and suffering. Enjoy!

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would seek to overthrow your Son
and to destroy what he has done.

Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your Christendom that we
may sing your praise eternally.

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.

¹hymnary.org/text/lord_keep_us_steadfast_in_your_word