Johann Walter, Kantor

April 24 commemorates the death of Johann Walter who was called to glory 440 years ago. You can read about his life by clicking on his name above.

Lutheran Service Book lists him as the composer of the tunes for nine different hymns:

332 Savior of the Nations, Come
352 Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
406 To Jordan Came the Christ Our Lord
458 Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands
505 God the Father, Be Our Stay
617 O Lord, We Praise Thee
755 In the Very Midst of Life
768 To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray
938 In Peace and Joy I Now Depart

As a poet, Walther is the author of hymn 514

1 The Bridegroom soon will call us,
“Come to the wedding feast.”
May slumber not befall us
Nor watchfulness decrease.
May all our lamps be burning
With oil enough and more
That we, with Him returning,
May find an open door!

2 There shall we see in glory
Our dear Redeemer’s face;
The long-awaited story
Of heav’nly joy takes place:
The patriarchs shall meet us,
The prophets’ holy band;
Apostles, martyrs greet us
In that celestial land.

3 There God shall from all evil
Forever make us free,
From sin and from the devil,
From all adversity,
From sickness, pain, and sadness,
From troubles, cares, and fears,
And grant us heav’nly gladness
And wipe away our tears.

4 In that fair home shall never
Be silent music’s voice;
With hearts and lips forever
We shall in God rejoice,
While angel hosts are raising
With saints from great to least
A mighty hymn for praising
The Giver of the feast.