Trinity X Sunday - Devotion in semi-Exile

 Lection for Trinity X

1 Samuel 6:1-19      1 Corinthians 9:1-23 

Luther’s Small Catechism was written to equip ‘the head of the household’ to teach the basics of the Christian faith. After the “First Section” of the Catechism, what has come to be called “the Six Chief Parts,” we come to the second section. This section is entitled, “Daily Prayers” and is supposed to be just that, instruction on ho we should pray.
 It is true that too many people do not know what or how to pray, thinking the ex corde prayer (from the heart prayer) is what they are supposed to do. Well, maybe not – especially if being afraid to pray because we do not know what to pray, keeps us from praying altogether.
 In “Daily Prayers” Luther instructs how to pray in the morning, evening, and before meals (asking a blessing) and after meals (returning thanks).
 I pray you mark this devotion, or cut and paste it so that you can use it each day to instruct you in your daily prayers.

Daily Prayers
How the head of the family should teach his household to pray morning and evening
Morning Prayer
In the morning when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say:
In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Then go joyfully to your work, singing a hymn, like that of the Ten Commandments, or whatever your devotion may suggest.
Evening Prayer
In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say:
In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer.
 
How the head of the family should teach his household to ask a blessing and return thanks.
Asking a Blessing
The children and members of the household shall go to the table reverently, fold their hands, and say:
The eyes of all look to You, [O Lord,] and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Ps. 145:15–16).
Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
            Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Returning Thanks
Also, after eating, they shall, in like manner, reverently and with folded hands say:
            Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. [He] gives food to every creature. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. (Ps. 136:1, 25; 147:9–11)
Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:

We thank You, Lord God, heavenly Father, for all Your benefits, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.


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