Luther's Prayers

by Martin Luther

This introductory volume of Luther's prayers includes 185 prayers arranged by topic with brief comments from the editor.

Genres: Prayer, Religion, Theology, Christian, Christianity, Church

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer whose ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.

Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.

Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.

His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.

Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised to find this book in the library where I work. It appeared on one of the shelving carts, which is the only reason I found it. I immediately checked it out, and, after reading it, have acquired my own copy of it. This is a beautiful little book of prayers written by Luther (a total of 185). It's not all prayers, though, as a significant portion of it is the contents of a letter that Luther wrote to his barber, after his barber, named Peter, asked Luther how it was possible to pray without being distracted by worldly thoughts and occupations. I had already read that letter, as it was published as a small booklet on its own, of about thirty pages. But it was nice to read that again, and this time, it seemed to have a greater impact on me.

Before that letter is presented, though, we are given 27 prayers in a chapter called "Preparation for Prayer," and then 44 more in the second chapter, all based on the petitions of The Lord's Prayer. Luther actually takes us through two different ways to pray through that particular prayer.

The aforementioned letter is called "A Simple Way to Pray," and contains more prayers based on The Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments. After that chapter, we are given "Prayers for Enlightenment from God's Word," "Prayers for A Christian Life," and "Prayers When Death Draws Near." The impact and effect of these prayers cannot, in my opinion, be overstated. In fact, when I started reading this book, yesterday, I was truly in a funk, spiraling in a direction I did not need to be going. After sitting and just reading through many of these prayers, the Spirit moved within me, and I was pulled out of my funk and was doing okay. It was at that point, I believe, that I decided that I needed to have my own copy of this book, since I would have to return this copy to the library (one of the Ten Commandments, of course, tells us that we should not steal).

I made note of a few of my favorites. One was called "For the Surrender of Self-will to God's Will." And another one, that was quite short, simply said, "O Jesus Christ, I live to you; I die to you; living or dying, I am yours." That is a prayer I could easily see myself praying on a daily basis. And at one point, I believe in the chapter "A Simple Way to Pray," Luther wrote, "It is as though he were creating me anew every moment." This is largely how I have felt for about six months, now.

I recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone interesting in improving and growing their prayer life, and if they are interested in Martin Luther and his writings.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so surprised how down to earth & practical this book was. After reading Bondage of the Will I expected the prayer book to be complex & overwhelming but it was the opposite. I bought this book on the recommendation of David Powlison & am so glad I did. I especially like the section where he breaks down the Lord's prayer. Luther also offers very specific prayers for particular trials, temptations & even preparation for death. If nothing else, this book reveals the prayer life of a man who sincerely knew & loved his God!

[Mark-Peter Amoureus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to enrich your prayer life :)

[Allie da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a "read," but a handbook to keep close as a guide for common, daily prayers.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luther's barber asked him how to pray. In this book, he explains how he prays through the 10 commandments, the creed, etc. It's huge.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read during Lent--our Lenten theme was "Famous Prayers and Famous Pray-ers"!

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for prayer!