HYMN: To God’s Great Law You Must Adhere

Since I started writing hymns, I’ve had the idea of working on the Six Chief Parts of Luther’s Small Catechism. It’s not that I think I can necessarily improve on Luther’s catechetical hymns. It’s more that I think I can say things in a different way. Anyway, I finally found an in for the Ten Commandments that appealed to me, so I got to work. Initially I thought I would build on the first stanza of “The Law of God Is Good and Wise,” which is why I chose the meter and tune I did. But then I thought I should do something original. As always, feedback is love.

To God’s Great Law You Must Adhere

1. To God’s great Law you must adhere

In perfect love and holy fear.

Here is your guide for ev’ry day

To keep you steadfast on your way.

2. No other gods you have than Me.

In Me your fear and trust shall be.

Love God alone with all your heart

And from My Word do not depart.

3. Do not misuse My holy name

To bring upon it grief or shame,

But call on Me in any need,

And I am glorified indeed.

4. Remember ev’ry Sabbath day.

Receive My gifts with thanks, and pray.

My Word is precious. Oh, give ear

To keep as holy all you hear.

5. Give honor to authorities.

They are My gift; do not displease

Father and mother, child, but pray,

Cherish, respect them, and obey.

6. “You shall not murder,” says the Lord.

Live not in anger by the sword,

But help your neighbor in distress.

Speak words of love to heal and bless.

7. Be faithful to the one you wed,

And keep as pure the marriage bed.

Live not in lust, but holiness.

One flesh in faith the Lord will bless.

8. Steal not your neighbor’s property,

Nor seek it out dishonestly,

But help your neighbor to maintain

All by God’s grace he did obtain. 

9. Speak no offense, nor seek to shame,

But dignify your neighbor’s name.

God grant you grace, lest you betray

Anyone by the words you say.

10. Scheme not to take your neighbor’s house,

Nor tempt his workers or his spouse.

From thieves and swindlers, evil foes,

Help him retain what God bestows.

11. In Adam’s sin are all conceived.

No sinless life can be achieved.

Sinners transgress with ev’ry breath,

You merit nothing but your death.

12. So place your trust in Christ alone.

Sinless, for sin did He atone.

Baptized in Christ, His grace confess:

His righteousness, your holy dress.

13. God grant you faith, so you believe

His boundless mercy you receive.

With works of love, a saint you live.

Marked as forgiven, you forgive.

(c) 2021, Alan Kornacki, Jr.

LM

ERHALT UNS, HERR (LSB 579)

Ten Commandments; The Law; Life in Christ