​This week, we will explore the cherished hymn “Now Thank We All Our God,” which was written not only at the height of the Thirty Years’ War, but in the midst of the plague of 1637. The author, Martin Rinkart, was a pastor in Eilenburg, Germany, and as the sole surviving pastor in the city, was occasionally called upon to perform 40-50 funerals per day. Yet through this tragedy, Rinkart was able pen words that offer us assurance, hope, and strength for our present hour.

The organ setting is by Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Virgil Fox.