February 24: Luther – Starting with Prayer

Dr. Martin Luther

We’ve been looking at practical advice on prayer from Dr. Martin Luther. How should we start our day?

It is good practice to begin and end the day with prayer. In this connection it is well not to entertain a deceptive idea such as this: “Wait a while, I’ll pray a little later. But first I’ll have to do this or that.” Such thoughts divert us from praying. Instead, all our attention is given to the thing at hand. And nothing comes of praying….

We must see to it that we do not lose the habit of prayer and deceive ourselves into thinking that other kinds of things are more important, when they are not. Then we might become careless and lazy, cold and indifferent when it comes to praying. The devil is neither lazy nor lax in our midst. Besides, our flesh is not too eager and desirous but is disinclined to the spirit of prayer.

A Simple Way to Pray, Martin Luther

The Psalmist also realized this!

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Psalm 55:17

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