The Protestant reformer Martin Luther’s most famous act was probably to nail the 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church, in objection to the corruption of the church selling indulgences and the pope’s authority among other issues, starting the wave of Reformation. His other famous act was hiding in the Wartburg castle for 10 months when Charles V declared him an outlaw. During the 10 months, he spent 11 weeks translating the New Testament from Greek into German. He also combined various German dialects, which would become the model for the future single German language. Later, Martin Luther and a few others spent 10 years translating the Old Testament. The Bible became more widespread, allowing people to read it in their own language, bringing about the conflict and reformation.
Martin Luther’s greatest ambition in life was for the common people to be able to read the Bible and discover Jesus. He left behind many works and Bible commentaries, which were later compiled into books for easier comprehension and reading.
Recently I saw a daily devotional, “Luther’s Breviary: A meditation for each day of the year”. Among the entries, I was attracted by Luther’s teachings on morning and evening prayers. In medieval times such knowledge may not have been widespread, and the common people needed teaching and reminders. Now, although educated, many human hearts are just as wicked and distant from God. It will be meaningful to use these prayers written a few hundred years ago to start and end a day.
The start of the opening and closing prayers are the same – make a sign of the cross such as the Roman Catholics and Anglicans do and say, “May God Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit reign forever. Amen.” Then recite the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, then the prayer.
The Morning Prayer as follows:
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. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The Evening prayer as follows:
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. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.
After the Morning Prayer, Martin Luther says to immediately go to work. Similarly, after the evening prayer, immediately lie down to sleep. Begin a day in thanksgiving and end a day in thanksgiving. In modern terms, do not continue to play with your phone or look at other things. Let God be our first thought when we wake up with good cheer, and our last thought with thanksgiving before we sleep.
By Winnie Chan
Local Preacher of Wesley Methodist Church, Sibu