Review: A Simple Way To Pray
The catechsim? But why? Well, in Luther's own words: "First, 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, hurry to my room, or, if it be the day and hour for it, to the church where a congregation is assembled and, 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."
Notice Luther's closing words: "just as a child might do." We often forget we are children of God, that we are to have a child-like faith, that of such (children) is the kingdom of God. We are God’s children and, just as Jesus said to pray "Abba, Father," Luther states "just as a child might do."
Luther also states that we need to approach God knowing our humble position and station in God's sight: "O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner. I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward thee or to pray. But because thou host commanded us all to pray and hast promised to hear us and through thy dear Son Jesus Christ hast taught us both how and what to pray, I come to thee in obedience to thy word, trusting in thy gracious promise. I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ together with all thy saints and Christians on earth as he has taught us: Our Father who art, etc., through the whole prayer, word for word." We are all sinners and need the grace of God and be washed in the blood of Christ. Luther acknowledged that in himself and we must do the same. This especially would be of great comfort to Peter. No doubt he lived out his life with guilt and regret over the murder of his son-in-law.
Luther also speaks of the urgency of prayer: "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
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