The Singing Reformer

Coburg

A mighty fortress

In 1530, Luther was still an outlaw. He couldn't travel to Augsburg, where his friends would explain their beliefs to the emperor. So he waited at Coburg Castle, as close as he could safely go. From there he sent letter after letter to his friend Philipp Melanchthon, who spoke for the Lutherans in his place.

A short time before, Luther had written the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” based on Psalm 46. He wanted the whole congregation to sing, so he wrote hymns plain enough for everyone. It's still one of the best-known hymns of the Reformation.

Play this stop

Same story, three ways to learn it.

Word Search Find the names and words from Coburg's story. Crossword A harder look at the same names and words. Key Terms Match each clue to the word it describes.
← Back to the trail Next: Augsburg →

At the kitchen table

A 10-minute guide for parents, grandparents, and mentors

You don't need the answers. Just ask, and listen.

“God, our mighty fortress, be our strength tonight. Amen.”

  1. Luther wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” from Psalm 46, for the whole congregation to sing. What song helps you when you're worried?

    Listen for
    Any song. Music is one of the ways God comforts people.

  2. Why might it matter that the whole church sings, and not the choir alone?

    If they're not sure
    Luther believed faith belongs to everyone. Singing together says: this is ours.

  3. What does this mean for us this week?

    Why this question
    Maybe: sing or play one song together, even badly.

Share: Tell about a hymn or song that has carried you through something.