Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word is a Christian hymn that emphasizes faithfulness to God’s Word, divine protection for the church, and the hope of eternal life. This timeless prayer calls believers to trust in Christ’s power, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and stand firm against spiritual opposition.
VERSE 1
Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all he has done.
VERSE 2
Lord Jesus Christ, Your power make known,
For You are Lord of lords alone;
Defend Your holy church, that we
May sing your praise triumphantly.
VERSE 3
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.
Story Behind the Song
In 1541, as the Ottoman Empire advanced into Europe, capturing Budapest and threatening Vienna, Martin Luther responded to the growing fears among Christians by writing the hymn “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”.
This hymn, first published in 1542, was intended as a prayerful appeal for divine protection against the perceived dual threats of the Pope and the Turks. Originally subtitled “A Children’s Hymn, to be Sung Against the Two Archenemies of Christ and His Holy Church, the Pope and Turk”, the hymn reflects the tumultuous context of its creation. [1]
The initial wording of the hymn explicitly mentioned these adversaries, with lines such as “Restrain the murderous Pope and Turk”. Over time, as the immediate threats receded, these references were generalized to “Curb those who by deceit or sword”, broadening the hymn’s application to all enemies of the church. [2]
Set to a melody adapted by Johann Walter in 1543, the hymn has been a staple in Lutheran worship for centuries. Its enduring relevance lies in its heartfelt plea for steadfastness in God’s Word and protection against all forms of opposition, making it a timeless prayer for the faithful. [3]
Power of God
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word is a prayer for faithfulness, divine protection, and the hope of eternal life. It expresses dependence on God to preserve His people in truth, defend His church, and bring believers from death to life.
“Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word” reflects the biblical call to remain faithful to God’s truth. Jesus prays in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” The request to be steadfast recognizes the danger of false teachings, as 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns that some will turn away from sound doctrine.
Scripture is the foundation of faith, guiding believers and protecting them from deception, just as Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
“Defend Your holy church, that we may sing your praise triumphantly” acknowledges that the church faces opposition and needs God’s protection. Jesus assures in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The church’s strength does not come from human power but from Christ, the “Lord of lords” (Revelation 17:14), who reigns over all.
Through Him, the church stands firm, proclaiming His praise even in trials. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, emphasizing the need for divine defense.
“Lead us out of death to life” expresses the Christian hope of salvation through Christ. In John 11:25, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
This plea recognizes that the Holy Spirit, the “Comforter of priceless worth,” sustains believers until the final victory over death. Romans 8:11 affirms that the Spirit who raised Jesus will also give life to those who belong to Him. Eternal life is not earned but given through faith, securing hope beyond earthly suffering.
The song is deeply rooted in biblical truth, emphasizing perseverance in faith, reliance on God’s power, and confidence in the promise of eternal life.
It serves as a reminder that only through God’s Word, Christ’s reign, and the Spirit’s work can believers stand firm. In a world of spiritual challenges, this prayer remains essential, directing all trust to the One who holds the church and His people secure.
Lord Keep us Steadfast in Your Word lyrics and music by Martin Luther, (1542) Public Domain
