Devotions From Steadfast Lutherans

Though I be by sin o'ertaken, Though I lie in helplessness, Though I be by friends forsaken And must suffer sore distress, Though I be despised, contemned, And by all the world condemned, Though the dark grave yawn before me, Yet the light of hope shines o'er me.

Thanks to Thee, O Christ victorious! Thanks to Thee, O Lord of life! Death hath now no power o'er us, Thou hast conquered in the strife. Thanks because Thou didst arise And hast opened Paradise! None can fully sing the glory Of the resurrection story.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

Christ alone our souls will feed

Now His grace to us imparts Eternal sunshine to our hearts; The night of sin is ended. / Alleluia!

See, His blood now marks our door; Faith points to it; death passes o’er, And Satan cannot harm us. Alleluia!

Dear Jesus, put laughter in our mouths when we think of death. Grant us to mock and scorn it properly, both now and when our last hour comes. Amen.

Text by Martin Luther. Tune by Johan Walter. 1524!

In the first stanza Luther showed Christ in death’s bands. In this stanza he makes it clear that we were the true captives.

We praise You, O Christ, for you have conquered death for us by Your glorious resurrection. Amen. Stay tuned for a second devotion today, the first in a new series on hymns!

We praise You, O Christ, for You have redeemed us by Your holy, precious blood and innocent suffering and death. Amen.

Lord Jesus, may the Gospel of Your crucifixion be preached throughout the world for the forgiveness of sins. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, create in us a hunger and thirst for Your Supper, trusting in Your Word. Amen.

Trust the Word

Fight the good fight of the faith.

Holy Lord, have mercy on us!

Hosanna!

Remain in the Word. 

Pray for your local congregation, your pastor(s), and support them at this challenging time!

Lord, may we never take for granted being gathered in person around Word and Sacrament!