Reformation Monday: Luther's morning prayer

In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say "God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen."

Many of us know the Small Catechism of Martin Luther from years gone by in confirmation class.  For most of us, it was about the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer and the Apostle's Creed and their explanations.

The Small Catechism was written by Luther for use in the home, where the head of the household would instruct his/her children and servants in the faith.  It is written in a question and answer format so the student would first recite, for example, the First Commandment and then the household head would ask  "What does this mean?"  Remember that?

Also included in the Small Catechism was an outline for morning and evening devotions, many of which were held as a family around the family table.  At the very least, Luther wanted all to begin their day reminded of their baptism and renewing their relationship with God through prayer.  Here is Luther's morning prayer:

"I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger.  I ask that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you.  Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine.  Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me.  Amen"  ELW p1166

Starting your day with prayer is always a good idea, and the advantage to having memorized a prayer is that it will fall easily from your lips.  There are many within our 60+ age group who know this morning prayer from memory.

From my time at seminary, where we as a community worshipped daily and the order of Matins was the form every Tuesday and Thursday, I learned the morning prayer from the matins service.  It is my 'go-to' prayer in the morning and so I share it here with you

"Almighty and everlasting God, you  have brought us in safety to this new day.  Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor be overcome in adversity.  In all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen  ELW p304

Prayer is not a reformation thing.  Prayer is a transformation thing.  It is a lifeline between the Divine and its Creation.  It is a conversation between the Lover and the Beloved.  If only for a few seconds each morning, it centers our day on God before the crush of the world's demands.

Perhaps memorizing one of these prayers will prove especially transformational for you.