Reformation Hymns Remembered

The Reformation saw changes to worship, including the versification of Psalms among the Reformed churches, and new hymns that were introduced such as Martin Luther's "A Might Fortress is our God" and a lesser known hymn attributed to John Calvin which first appeared in the Strasbourg Psalter in 1545 "I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art."  This hymn illustrates the Reformed theological emphasis of God's grace and mercy, the sovereignty of God, a prayer for unity in the church, and our need to trust in Jesus Christ.  This arrangement comes from singer, songwriter, and pianist Zachary Harris.

Some churches observe "Reformation Sunday" as a time to reflect on the Reformers, their message and the origins of numerous Christian denominations.  While this usually reflects on the positive aspects of the reformation, we cannot ignore the many divisions, religious wars, political and social  upheaval that resulted during this period.   There is no question that for better of for worse the Reformation had a profound impact on the social fabric of Europe and the world.  Even within the Roman Catholic church, the catholic reformation which in many ways preceded the Reformation gained steam after the outbreak of the Protestant Reformation.  The Catholic church saw changes during this period with the Council of Trent and under St. Ignatius and the Jesuits who brought about a new emphasis on mission and education around the world.  The hymn lyrics are provided below for "I Greet Thee" given as a prayer and hope for the peace and unity of the catholic church that we may one day heal the divisions that separate us.  It is also presented in memory of those reformers that following their consciousness called the church to a renewal of faith and practice.

I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art,

My only trust and Savior of my heart,

Who pain didst undergo for my poor sake;

I pray Thee from our hearts all cares to take.

Thou art the King of mercy and of grace,

Reigning omnipotent in every place;

So come, O King, and our whole being sway;

Shine on us with the light of Thy pure day.

Thou art the life, by which alone we live,

And all our substance and our strength receive;

Sustain us by Thy faith and by Thy power,

And give us strength in every trying hour.

Thou hast the true and perfect gentleness,

No harshness hast Thou and no bitterness;

O grant to us the grace we find in Thee,

That we may dwell in perfect unity.

Our hope is in no other save in Thee;

Our faith is built upon Thy promise free;

Lord, give us peace, and make us calm and sure,

That in Thy strength we evermore endure