This chorale prelude sets the chorale "Erhalt uns Herr bei deinem Wort," a chorale with both text and melody by Martin Luther. The first line of the chorale reads as follows, "Keep us Lord, by the power of your word and lead your foes to death, the ones who want to topple Jesus Christ, your son, from his throne." While the first verse makes its plea to God the Father, the second appeals to Jesus Christ and the third to the Holy Spirit.

In this chorale setting, Buxtehude places the melody in the soprano range, in ornamentation. The piece is well-crafted and straightforward.

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