Luther on prayer

Prayer was an important Christian discipline for Martin Luther. Here are some of his reflections on prayer and how to end our prayers with the word "amen."

When I feel that I have become cool and joyless in prayer because of other tasks or thoughts (for the flesh and the devil always impede and obstruct prayer), I take my little psalter, and hurry to my room.  Or, if it be the day and hour for it, I go to the church where a congregation is assembled. As time permits, I say quietly to myself and word-for-word the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and, if I have time, some words of Christ or of Paul, or some psalms, just as a child might do. 

Don't put prayer off

It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business of the morning and the last at night. Guard yourself carefully against those false, deluding ideas which tell you, “Wait a little while. I will pray in an hour; first I must attend to this or that.” 

Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs which so hold your attention and involve you that nothing comes of prayer for that day.

Mean it when you say "amen"

Mark this: you must always speak the amen firmly. 

Never doubt that God in his mercy will surely hear you and say “yes” to your prayers. Never think that you are kneeling or standing alone, rather think that the whole of Christendom, all devout Christians, are standing there beside you. Think that you are standing among them in a common, united petition which God cannot disdain. 

Do not leave your prayer without having said or thought, “Very well, God has heard my prayer. This I know as a certainty and a truth.” That is what amen means.

15 Days of Prayer

These words of Martin Luther are beneficial for us to ponder as we approach another 15 Days of Prayer for the gospel’s spread in China.  Download our daily prayer guide.  Read about 15 Days of Prayer on our website. But most of all, pray. Pray with confidence our Father hears and acts. End your prayers with a firm “amen.”