A prayer for you
A humble man, Martin Luther did not want any adulation or personal recognition for the manner in which he challenged the Roman Catholic church in the Middle Ages.
Luther, rightly questioned the control the church had over the populous, who were insisting these people had to pay to have their sins forgiven (indulgences). The people of the time, who were largely illiterate, were only exposed to the Scriptures through Latin. Luther opened up the Scriptures (by making them accessible in German) which freed people in their thinking and behaviours by sharing the Gospel in its pure form (John 3:16). No longer did they need to pay for forgiveness; Christ had freely given it to all.
Luther, through his work spawned one of the biggest social movements in the world; the Reformation.
I was reminded once again of Luther and the impact he had during last Sunday’s sermon. Focusing on prayer, Pastor Neville (Otto) spoke about the importance of prayer in our daily lives. Luther wrote two simple prayers for either end of the day; prayers that may be short but contain so much. If you are looking for something to start your day thinking about Jesus and then to end it, I encourage you to use the following.
Luther’s Morning Prayer
I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You.
Luther’s Evening Prayer
I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things.
Shane Paterson
Director: Leadership and School Improvement
