Friday, February 19, 2021

Saturday prior to Lent 1

 

The great hymn of the Reformation, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (LSB #656), is our hymn of the day. It reminds us that, though the devil is a formidable foe, one whom we are unable to overcome on our own, he has been defeated by the Word made flesh, our Savior Jesus. ‘Our victory has been won; The Kingdom ours remaineth.’

When Martin Luther created this piece of music, he fully understood the power of evil. In fact, he had faced many years of trials and persecution. Yet he persevered and faced the threats against his life and his freedom. 


Within this hymn, he reflects upon Psalm 46 where God is our refuge and strength in time of struggle.


The LORD is certainly our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble!

Collect for the First Sunday in Lent; O Lord God, You led Your ancient people throuth th ewilderness and brought them to the prpmised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the  world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[1]

Collect for Psalm 46: Lord God, our refuge and strength when the restless powers of this world and the waters of hell rise up against your hily city, wath over it and keep it safge. By the river tht flows from the throne of the Lamb purify this new Jerusalem as your chosen dwelling, for you are with us, our stronghold now and forever.[2]



[1] Collect for Lent 1, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Collect for Psalm 46, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church Vol. III ©1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi NY

The Temptation of Jesus copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things


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