Luther's Evening Prayer
This sermon emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude, confessing sins, and seeking protection and care from God's grace.
Martin Luther's evening prayer expresses gratitude to God for protection through Jesus Christ, seeking forgiveness for sins and asking for continued grace and protection throughout the night. Luther entrusts himself, body, soul, and possessions, into God's care, requesting the presence of holy angels to guard against the enemy's influence.
Text
Luther's Evening Prayer
From:
Luther's Little Instruction Book
(The Small Catechism of Martin Luther)
Appendix 1: Devotions
Translated by Robert E. Smith
July 11, 1994
My Heavenly Father, I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your
beloved Son, that You have protected me, by Your grace. Forgive, I
pray, all my sins and the evil I have done. Protect me, by Your
grace, tonight. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all
that I have. Let Your holy angels be with me, so that the evil
enemy will not gain power over me. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- Thanksgiving and Praise points: - Express gratitude to God for protection - Acknowledge Jesus Christ as the source of that protection
- Confession and Forgiveness points: - Acknowledge and confess sins - Seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ
- Protection and Care points: - Request protection from God's grace - Ask for the presence of holy angels
- Trust and Surrender points: - Surrender self, body and soul, to God's care - Trust in God's ability to protect and provide
Key Quotes
“I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You have protected me, by Your grace.” — Martin Luther
Application Points
- Express gratitude to God for His protection and provision in your life.
- Confess your sins and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
- Surrender yourself, body and soul, to God's care and trust in His ability to protect and provide.