Hymn Story: Praise to the Lord the Almighty
“Praise to the Lord! the Almighty, the King of Creation!” was written by Joachim Neander in 1680. He was the first important hymn-writer of the German Reformed Church. He primarily wrote after he went to…
Hymn Story: Now We Thank We All Our God
At the beginning of the Thirty Years’ War, the walled city of Eilenburg, Saxony struggled with overcrowding, deadly pestilence, and famine. This area is part of Germany today. Lutheran minister Martin Rinkart, and his family,…
Hymn Story: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness was written by Johann Frank. He hymn is often sung for Holy Thursday. Frank was born in 1618 in Brandenburg, Germany. He practiced law during the Thirty Year’s War and…
Behind the Hymn: Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadows
Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadows was written by Paul Gerhardt. Gerhardt was born in Gräfenheinichen, Saxony, Germany in 1607. He studied theology and wrote many hymns. He endured much suffering and lived through The Thirty…
Hymn Story: Blessed Jesus at thy Word
Blessed Jesus, at Thy word was written by Tobias Clausnitzer. He was born in 1619 Saxony. In 1644 he was appointed chaplain to a Swedish regiment. He preached the sermon at the accession of Christina…