Part 2

O thou faithful Father in heaven! Could I but sufficiently praise and thank Thee for all the benefits Thou hast bestowed upon me during all the days of my life! But this is beyond my power and ability. For I am flesh and blood, which can do nothing but what is evil. But Thou doest daily grant me blessings without number, and especially in the past night, if Thou hadst not been my Shield and Defence, the devil would have injured me greatly with his power, so that I could not have arisen in health. But by Thy gracious protection I have been kept safe. I humbly pray Thee, extend to me Thy grace this day, and mercifully keep me, who am Thine through the blood of Christ, henceforth unto eternal life. Amen, Lord Jesus, take my soul into Thy hands and let me be commended unto Thee. Amen.

16. Saturday Evening Prayer.

Merciful, gracious God and Father! Most heartily do I again give Thee praise and thanks, that Thou hast during the whole period of my life taken thought for me in such a fatherly manner, and hast so graciously protected me from all harm and danger of soul and body during this day, even during the whole week up to the present hour. And I further pray Thee, that Thou wouldst through Thy grace, which all penitent sinners have with Thee, blot out all my sins, which I have this day and through the whole week committed knowingly or unknowingly against Thee and my neighbor, and let them be remembered against me no more for ever. And help me graciously that I may pass from the old week into a new Christian life, well-pleasing to Thee, and to all the elect in heaven. May I be commended to Thy gracious arms this night, that I may rest and sleep safely, and arise again refreshed and in health further to praise Thee. And when my last hour comes, take me to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ; for I am Thine and Thou art mine, how gladly and willingly would I soon be with Thee! Amen.

17. Daily Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant.

I hereby renew the covenant of my holy baptism, and renounce, both now and forever, the devil and all his works and all his ways, and this ungodly and wicked world, together with my own sinful flesh and blood. Into Thy hands, O Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I commend my body and soul. Into Thy care I commend my temporal, spiritual and eternal welfare, and the welfare of those dear and near to me. I commit myself entirely into Thy care, mercy, love and faithfullness, O Thou my Father! I clothe myself with Thy merits, with Thy precious blood and wounds and Thy blessed communion, O Lord Jesus, my Redeemer! I commend myself entirely to Thy merciful guidance, to Thy power, light and comfort, O Holy Spirit, most blessed Comforter! O Triune God! Thou art mine, I am Thine; Thou art my Father, I am Thy child; Thou art my shepherd, I am Thy lamb; Thou art my Lord, I am Thine own. O my God! How can I sufficiently thank Thee! Thou hast regarded me very highly and hast bestowed upon me, a poor sinful being, salvation in Jesus Christ, through the blessed regeneration in the sacrament of Holy Baptism. O do Thou preserve me in this Thy Grace unto death. Grant, my God, that this my salvation may be my comfort at all times against satan, sin and death, and that I may value it more highly than all worldly honor and earthly fame, and diligently endeavor to lead a holy and godly life in accordance with it until a happy death in Christ Jesus. Do Thou, in mercy, grant this my prayer, O my Father, for the sake of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. For all which, all honor, praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee, the Triune God, forevermore. Amen.

18. Prayer on a Birthday.

My Lord and my God, in Thee I live, and move, and have my being, Thou art my stay in life and in death. I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb; my substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect, and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. To-day I will call to my mind the day of my birth which is the beginning both of my temporal and spiritual life, when I was brought unto Holy Baptism, and became reconciled unto my God, and was cleansed by the Water in connection with the Word, when my sins were taken away and the Holy Ghost bestowed upon me; for all which I thank and praise Thee. I praise Thee, O God, my Creator! that on this day Thou hast brought me forth from my mother's womb, although in pain and sorrow. I thank Thee, that Thou hast brought me to a place where Thy name is rightfully known, Thy holy Word taught in all purity, and that I am thus enabled, under Thy guidance, to come unto the true and living faith. I thank Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ! for all the blessings, with which Thou in loving-kindness often hast remembered my body and soul, from the hour of my birth until the present time, inasmuch as Thou didst not only nourish and preserve my body, and in various ways protect my temporal life through Thy holy angels, who always behold the face of the Father in heaven, and daily provide me with abundant food and raiment, but, above all things, Thou hast bestowed upon me through Thy Word, spiritual and imperishable gifts, and hast assured me in Holy Baptism, the bath of Regeneration, that I have been made a new creature and have become the first-fruit of Christ Jesus; Thou hast pardoned all my sins, and hast blessed me with the gift of the Holy Ghost and made me heir of eternal Life; and though I have often, through the weakness of my flesh, or wantonly, forsaken my God and forgotten His commandments, and have even more than seventy times seven committed fearful sins against God in Heaven and my fellow-men on earth, yet didst Thou not, O Lord Jesus! enter into judgment with Thy servant, and visit him with immediate and well-deserved punishment. O God, Holy Spirit! what a shameful life have I thus far led! How often, and on how many occasions have I stumbled in my Christian walk, and have become guilty of great and atrocious sins! But Thou, O God, Holy Ghost! hast just as often sought the lost sheep, and hast brought me again upon the path of rectitude, and hast sanctified, comforted and guided me. Thou hast preserved me in my station, and hast restrained the devil and averted a host of bodily and spiritual dangers in which I should have perished long ago, if Thou hadst not stood by me. O blessed Trinity! There is a time to be born; do Thou graciously help all fruit of the womb and grant, a joyful birthday, forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Grant that I may to-day spend my birthday, as also all future days of my life, without committing mortal sins, and that I may become conscious of my humble birth and wretchedness by nature. Do Thou bestow upon me the blessings of health and life until the goal is reached. Grant me patience to endure all afflictions and sufferings. Comfort me in all misfortunes and distress. Forgive me daily my sins and grant that I may thus continue firm unto my soul's salvation, and that I may, in the true and saving faith and with a good conscience, serve Thee even unto the end, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

19. A Prayer for Children.

Almighty God, Heavenly Father! since Thou hast so earnestly enjoined upon me, in the fourth commandment, to honor my father and my mother, and hast also promised, graciously to reward such service with long life and prosperity: I would pray Thee from the depth of my heart, that Thou wouldst bestow upon me an obedient heart, which, with due submission, obeys my dear parents in all things, and also those who are my superiors in the place of my parents; that I may honor them in deed, word and with patience, and that I may not grieve, disregard or despise them as long as I live, in order that Thy blessing may rest upon me. Grant that I may well remember and firmly keep to heart their words, rules and precepts, yea, that I may at all times be mindful of them, and that I may not forget their instructions, in order that my days may be long upon earth. Do Thou govern me through Thy good Spirit, that I may hear the instruction of my father and not forsake the law of my mother, in order that I may be a cause of joy and comfort unto them. Grant that I may, in all my actions, diligently follow the example of my Lord and Saviour, who, being a true model for all pious children, was subject unto the virgin Mary, His blessed mother, and unto Joseph, His foster-father. Bestow also upon me a grateful and humble heart, that I may recompense my dear parents and again serve them, especially that I may administer unto them in old age and bear with them when they have become childish and simple, and that I may never forget that they are my parents. Do Thou also graciously forgive me whenever I have offended them through childish weakness and rashness. Do Thou preserve me from evil society and frivolous people, and when sinners entice me, that I may not consent nor walk in their way with them, but that I may refrain my foot from their path and not bring disgrace and crime upon myself. O Lord! Thou hast thus far chastened me as a man chasteneth his son; grant that I may bow down mine ear and hear the words of the wise, and learn while I am young, that I may acquire knowledge and discretion. Grant that I may increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour before Thee and my fellow-men, for the sake of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!

20. Prayer for Young Persons.

O father of all Grace and Mercy, who art a God of Holiness, it is Thy holy will that we also should be holy and lead a life without lust and evil desires of our sinful flesh. I confess unto Thee my weakness and the sinful infirmities of my nature; for, to will is present with me, but how to perform that which, is good, I find not. The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life surround me like three powerful enemies and threaten to entice me away from Thy Grace. Therefore, O my Father, I pray Thee to create and preserve within me a pure heart. Grant, that I may avoid, with all my heart, all places and occasions where opportunity is given for impurities, and that I may be afraid, lest I should take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot. Grant, that I may rather abide in fervent devotion and at all times have a sincere desire and longing after true holiness, that my body may, in truth, be the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that I may not cease to love Jesus Christ, who was crucified and has given Himself into death for my sake. Grant that I may love heavenly wisdom, in order that I may never more enter upon the paths of deceivers. O Thou just and holy God! who triest the hearts and reins, grant, that I may so cling unto Thee in this world, as to remain unseparated from Thee in all eternity. Amen!

21. Prayer of a Servant.

Merciful God! Thou who hast redeemed and liberated me, through the precious suffering and death of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, from everlasting servitude, from the power of sin, from the power of darkness, and from the cruel tyranny of the devil, and hast made me lord over death and hell,--I pray Thou wouldst in mercy grant, that I may not conceive a dislike to my calling of bodily service, into which Thou hast placed me according to Thy will and good pleasure, and that I may not impatiently rebel against Thy order, nor begrudge other people their higher station, but that I may obey Thy will with a cheerful heart, and that I do not regard it otherwise than that I were serving Thee, O God in Heaven, and not men on earth. To this end, dear Father, do Thou assist me, that I may, in true knowledge and fear, serve Thee, the highest Lord in Heaven and on Earth; that I may love Thee above all things, placing in Thee all my hope and salvation and walking unblamably according to Thy commandments; and that I may also, in addition to this, be obedient in all things which are not displeasing unto Thee, to my master and mistress, according to the flesh, not only to them that are kind and lenient, but also to them who are rude and froward, serving them with patience, in all fear and simplicity of heart, just as I should serve Christ, my Lord, not with mere visible works, as if to gain favor before men, but with a sincere heart for the sake of Thy command and precept. Grant in mercy, that I may be found faithful in every thing that is enjoined upon and intrusted unto me, that I may neither neglect nor destroy anything, nor cause any mishap or loss through my carelessness, and that I may not defraud others, nor covet their property which is entrusted to me and placed into my hands. Preserve unto me good health, strengthen the members of my body and increase my powers; bestow upon me knowledge and wisdom, that I may be able to perform the labor of my master and mistress, to improve their property by Thy divine help, that they may be blessed through my industry and increase abundantly, and grant that all that I do may redound to Thy glory and be profitable unto me to the blessed exercise unto godliness for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, world-without-end. Amen!

22. Prayer of a Husband.

Almighty and Gracious God! Thou who Thyself hast instituted the holy state of matrimony, and by the first miracle of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, hast honored and adorned it as a state pleasing in Thy sight, in which state also many sainted patriarchs and prophets have led a godly life unto Thy good pleasure; and since Thou hast also helped me to enter holy matrimony and hast placed me at the head of my household, and as Thou art pleased with these three things, namely, when brethren dwell together in unity, when neighbors love each other, and when husband and wife dwell together in love and purity; I would therefore pray Thee with all my heart, to grant unto me, that I may, in Christian love and harmony and with reasonableness, live with my wife, giving honor unto her, as unto the weaker vessel and as also being heir of the grace of life, and that I may advise her, with the children and servants, into Thy knowledge and Divine honor in all chastity and decency. Unto this end, do Thou bestow Thy grace, that they may observe my instructions in that which is good and which leads to all godliness, and that they may cheerfully abide in them. Do Thou restrain satan, that he may not cause discord and strife between us, and if we should, out of weakness, be at variance at any time, do Thou help, that we may soon become reconciled again. Do Thou give me grace, that I may not lust after another spouse or woman, or look upon her with an evil eye to desire her. Protect me, my wife, my children and servants against sickness, according to Thy divine will. Grant unto me, Thy servant, that I may diligently attend to my calling, eating my daily bread in the sweat of my brow, and that I may not grow impatient, whenever my task becomes bitter, for thus Thou hast instituted it. Do Thou prosper and bless my substance, that it may increase without injury or disadvantage to others. Give me pious and faithful servants. Preserve unto me my house and home, and all that Thou hast bestowed upon me. Help us to bear the cross in our calling with patience, and after this life gather us together with all Thy saints in Thy kingdom above. Amen.

23. Prayer of a Wife.

Gracious God, faithful Father! Since Thou hast, through Thy mercy, called me into the holy state of matrimony to be the mistress of a house, in which state I can also serve and please Thee, my God, do Thou bestow grace upon me, Thy servant, that I may at all times sincerely fear Thee, and trust in Thee above all things, O my Creator and Redeemer; and that I may, next to Thee, fear, love and honor my husband, and desire none other besides him. Help, that according to Thy command, my will be in subjection to my husband, to obey him with all readiness, and that I, in the innermost of my heart, may ever be adorned with a meek and quiet spirit and many virtues, like unto the holy women of olden times who trusted in God, being in subjection to their own husbands. Grant that I may lead a chaste and pure life in fear and humility, that I may in all godliness and with kind and modest words restrain and subdue the anger and ill-humor of my husband, and be enabled to meet him with indulgence; that I may, in meekness, train my children and servants unto the praise and honor of Thy holy name, and that they may, with willing hearts, obey me in those things which are good and righteous before Thee. Help that I may be a faithful helpmeet unto my husband, that I may with care guard over the blessings which Thou hast graciously bestowed upon us and not squander them, but that I may work and assist, as is becoming me in this my calling, that I may be able to give unto the needy and extend a helping hand unto the poor. Protect us against unfaithful and wicked servants, who neglect and waste our property. Give me grace that I may patiently bear the cross in married life, and not so soon become discouraged or intimidated whenever afflictions come upon us; for our faith must be tested through trials and adversities. O Lord God! Into Thy almighty power I commend myself, my dear husband, all my children and servants, do Thou preserve us from sin, disgrace and all afflictions, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

24. Prayer of an aged Person.

Lord God, Thou our refuge forevermore, our life and length of years by whose hands our days are numbered, behold, I have reached the years, of which I can say that they are not pleasing to me. Since my strength has perceptibly decreased in this my old age, and many troubles and weaknesses come upon me, I humbly beseech Thee who hast so graciously and fatherly guided me from the beginning of my life, and hast been my hope from the days of youth until now, Thou wouldst not forsake me in old age, when I am gray-headed and weak, but continue to bear and deliver me unto a happy end of my life. But especially do I pray Thee, O merciful Father, to guide and direct me by Thy holy and good Spirit, that I may spend the rest of my life in a Christian walk with praying and sighing in true devotion to Thee, and that I may more and more prepare myself like a true Christian for a happy death, so that, if to-day or to-morrow my time should come, I may depart in peace like the aged Simeon, and leaving this world, may enter upon the joys of eternal life. Amen.

25. Prayer for a proper Performance of One's Duties.

Merciful and faithful God! Thou hast commanded, that every man should pursue a certain calling and be faithful in the same. Thou seest and knowest, therefore, omniscient Lord, what my duties are, and that I can do nothing without Thy grace, power and blessing, but that I can err in various ways; therefore I sincerely pray Thee, to strengthen my reasoning faculties, to bestow upon me bold and undaunted courage, that I may act reasonably and overcome all rising difficulties, and thus accomplish through Thy paternal guidance a desirable and blessed object. O my God, I trust in Thee, let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me, yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed. Show me Thy ways, O Lord, teach me Thy paths; for Thou art the God of my salvation, on Thee do I wait all the day. Preserve my soul, deliver me and sustain me in my troubles. Let me not be ashamed, for I trust in Thee. O my God, be not far from me, make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Amen. Amen. Amen.

26. Prayer before Labor.

Eternal and Merciful God! I would now take up my work anew, and cheerfully lay hold upon the task of my proper calling, into which Thou hast placed me Thy servant, and thus labor according to my talents received from Thee, that I might through them serve my neighbor and earn my daily bread. I would therefore pray Thee with all my heart, to bestow upon me knowledge, prudence, understanding and health for the performance of my labor and work, according to Thy grace-abounding promise, and to further and bless the same, that not only its beginning be well done, but that I may also, through Thy paternal assistance and in Thy name, profitably finish it, and at all times perform the duties of my calling in Thy fear with a good conscience. Into Thy hands I commend my work; grant that my undertakings be successful, and that I may accomplish the work begun in Thy name, that the light may ever be shining upon my path, unto Thy honor and praise and the welfare of myself and friends and neighbors, through Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. O Lord Jesus, in Thy name and upon Thy Word I will let down my net. O Lord, help, O Lord, let my work prosper. Amen.

27. Prayer for Divine Blessing upon the Work of One's Calling.

Lord God! Thou hast assigned work to every man according to his abilities, and it is Thy will, that we should eat our daily bread in the sweat of our face, until we return again unto dust, and that we should live by the work of our hands and prosper; behold, upon Thy word I will begin anew the work of my calling, grant that my efforts and labors be not in vain, but help that I may work with my hands the thing which is good, that I may have to give to him that needeth. Bestow upon me Thy favor and blessing at all times, for upon it depend all things, that I may accomplish my work and do wrong to no one, so that I may honor the Lord with my substance and provide for those near to me, especially for my own household. Bless us more and more, bless our substance and all that we have, for Thy blessing enriches us without the anxieties of the busy hand. Lord, gladden my heart and make cheerful my countenance, give me health, life and Thy blessing. All this, however, I ask of Thee in submission to Thy holy will, Lord, hear my prayer. Into Thy hands I commend my ways, in Thee I hope, Thou wilt do all things well. The Lord be praised daily. Amen.

28. Luther's Prayer based on the Scriptural Passage: Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.

Heavenly Father! Thou art indeed my Lord and God, who hast made me out of nothing and redeemed me through Thy Son. Thou hast commanded and appointed me to perform these my duties and labors, which I, however, cannot accomplish as I desire, and many troubles there be that frighten and oppress me, so that I am, as to my own power, without help and consolation; therefore I commend all things into Thy hands, do Thou help and console me, and be Thou all in all. Amen.

29. Prayer before beginning any Important Work.

Lord, Thou doest great things, which are unconceivable, and wonders innumerable, Thou whose strength is mighty in weakness; I call upon Thee, the Most High, to prosper the work of my hands and graciously help me to accomplish this work, which I have undertaken with entire confidence in Thee. Lord God, strengthen me in this hour, and depart not from Thy servant, whose hope is in Thee, and without Thee can do nothing. Prepare me with strength from on high, and give me the wisdom which is continually about Thy throne, that it may be with me and direct my labors. All depends upon Thy divine blessing; wherefore remember me, O Lord, and bless all I do and all I leave undone, in order that I may begin and accomplish my work prudently and successfully. May my actions be pleasing unto Thee, assist me by Thy advice, in order that I may be able most profitably to begin, continue and finish my work. For unto Thee do I commit the beginning and the accomplishment of my labors, and unto Thee will I thankfully ascribe all praise for prospering the work of my hands. Amen. In Jesus name, Amen, Amen!

30. Thanks returned after Labor.