In this hymn, Johann Herrnschmidt writes a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 146 and proclaims the work of Christ. The Lord is the Almighty whose holy name we adore for the entirety of our lives. Rather than trusting in mortal rulers who cannot save us from death, we trust in Christ who has conquered death for us. Those who have Christ as their help are blessed, for He helps the penitent, the weak, and the lowly with His glorious gifts. For this reason, we praise Him with the Father and Holy Spirit now and forever. 

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 797, “Praise the Almighty.” 

To learn more about Calvary Evangelical Lutheran, visit calvarymechanicsburg.org.

“Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy.  

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org