I love the versatility of this hymn…there are 24 separate verses appropriate to different feasts and festivals throughout the church year, (plus one verse for saints and martyrs in general). And while each verse does tell us something about the saint, the real focus of each verse is on Christ’s work through said saint–great hymn-writing! Today’s verse reflects today’s festival–The Confession of St. Peter.

By all Your saints in warfare,
For all Your saints at rest,
Your holy name, O Jesus,
Forevermore be blest!
For You have won the battle
That they might wear the crown;
And now they shine in glory
Reflected from Your throne.

Praise for Your great apostle
So eager and so bold,
Thrice falling, yet repentant,
Thrice charged to feed Your fold.
Lord, make Your pastors faithful
To guard Your flock from harm,
And hold them when they waver
With Your almighty arm.

Then let us praise the Father
And worship God the Son
And sing to God the Spirit,
Eternal Three in One,
Till all the ransomed number
Fall down before the throne,
Ascribing pow’r and glory
And praise to God alone. Lutheran Service Book #517, verses 1, 10, and 3