Review: A Simple Way To Pray

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." This sentiment is echoed when Luther also states: "Tomorrow I plan to work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." ~ Martin Luther.

Of course, Luther cautions against getting carried away with prayer and neglecting earthly business that needs to be completed: "It may well be that you may have same tasks which are as good or better than prayer, especially in an emergency. There is a saying ascribed to St. Jerome that everything a believer does is prayer and a proverb, 'He who works faithfully prays twice.' This can be said because a believer fears and honors God in his work and remembers the commandment not to wrong anyone, or to try to steal, defraud, or cheat. Such thoughts and such faith undoubtedly transform his work into prayer and a sacrifice of praise."

Luther then goes on to enumerate the sections of the catechism he prays: The Lord's Prayer (and what it means for him personally), the Ten Commandments (and what it means for him personally), the Apostles' Creed (and what it means for him personally). Each of these form the basics of Christian doctrine and were, as Luther stated in his Small Catechism, "as the father in all simplicity ought to teach his children."

Many Lutheran publishers carry this small, pocket-sized booklet. The Evangelism Committee of Salem Lutheran inserts a copy in each New Neighbor and New Member welcome packet. It can be read in an hour or two. In fact, use the booklet as a prayer until you get the hang of prayer! You can also find this treatise on the internet.

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