Lutheran Book of Prayer

Order a Lutheran leather prayer book and was sent to Miami and no one knows we're it's at, so a replacement was sent 5-12 days delivery, not doing the rite thing sent it first class mail. So I won't deal with these merchants and let friends know.

This small, compact book is a very useful tool for not only Lutherans, but anyone of the Christian faith, who wants a closer walk with the Lord. Included are four weeks of Morning and Evening prayers,prayers for our Worship Life, and prayers for the different Festivals of the Church Year. There is a section of prayers for the Church and Her Work, and for every conceivable human situation. There are also suggestions of Psalms to read to give encouragement. Several Creeds are also included. The book is a comfort, and a reminder that God wants us to communicate with Him. It is money well-spent!

Though I'm not currently Lutheran, I have over the last few months been rapidly moving toward Lutheran theology. I bought this book with the hope that it would give me a glimpse of what prayer looked like to Luther. In short, my prayer life has been positively transformed through the prayers of this little book. Each prayer begins with a reminder of our standing before God, and moves into recognition of the awesomeness of God. I have left each prayer session with a renewed sense of my weakness and God's greatness. For those who are concerned that scripted prayers seem too contrived, I would provide a bit of advice. Don't simply read the prayers, but think about what you're saying as you read. Our Heavenly Father places far more stock in a sincerely offered pre-written submission than an off-the-cuff prayer that is devoid of any substance or humility.

I bought my first copy of this book nearly a year ago, and have used it almost daily since. It is a fabulous resource for both laity and clergy, providing well articulated and orthodox prayers for daily, and not so daily life. The daily prayers are sequenced in three, one week blocks, which helps minimize predictability. The prayers for more pointed times or events are easily referenced in the back for quick locating. Also included are the three great creeds, and some very important (Lutheran) commentary on Baptism and the Eucharist. I recommend this little book very highly, and will be purchasing them for my Confirmation classes from here on out.

First, let me say that I am not Lutheran. A few of the prayers have specific petitions on behalf of Lutheran pastors and congregations. I generally skip over those when I pray those prayers. Naturally, the prayers do reflect a Lutheran take on matters of doctrine. As I am considerably Lutheran in my understanding of a wide variety of doctrines, that is not a problem, but a benefit for me. For other Christians, it may be a detriment. With those caveats out of the way, I find the prayers in this book to be very moving and serious. They focus my prayers on whom I am, a sinner, and what I need, Christ. There are morning and evening prayers as well as prayers for special times in the Christian Year, special life events (e.g., births, marriages, deaths), special relationships (e.g., spouse, parents, children) and for God's work in the world. I cannot recommend highly enough this small, portable volume.

An excellent inspirational prayer book which guides all ages, even a young adult, in talking with God. Numerous prayers available for all holidays, special occasions, troubles, etc. I received this book as a Confirmation gift over 20 years ago and I now am buying this book for my niece for her confirmation.