The Glory of These Forty Days

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“Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort” (“Keep us, Lord, faithful to your word”) is a Lutheran hymn written by Martin Luther, and first published in 1542. It was likely written for a prayer service held in 1541 in Wittenberg against the perceived danger of the Turks. The text of the hymn, “the glory of these forty days,” is from a 6th century Latin hymn, referring to the temptation of Christ in the wilderness.

Of the many musical settings of this hymn tune, the most famous is the chorale cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach, Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort, BWV 126.

This arrangement is suitable for an advanced beginner, and includes rolled chords, octaves and pedal changes on the D pedal only.