Henry Marsh in from of the castle church door, Wittenberg

Martin Luther, one of the great figures in the Christian tradition. Father of the Protestant Reformation, brilliant theologian, man of deep piety. I must confess, for all I know about Luther, I have read embarrassingly little of his writings. I am struck by the clarity of these few pages on prayer (Devotional Classics, p. 115). As Richard Foster observes, "Luther's faith was lively, earthy and practical; his logic was powerful; and his leadership skill unparalleled. As you read the following devotional selection you will be sitting at the feet of one of the most influential men in the history of the church. More importantly, his experience of God was deep and abiding."

What is your response to this reading? A few questions to get you started...

• After finishing these few pages, what is your own personal reaction?
  
• What one phrase or insight do you find helpful?
• Is there anything here that leaves you questioning what Luther says?
• What do you think the churchmen of Luther's time would say about this passage?
• Jesus said, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours." (Mark 11) How does this compare or contrast with what Martin Luther teaches concerning prayer?

One of my favorite quotes from Luther: "The world does not consider labor a blessing, therefore it flees and hates it, but the pious who fear the Lord labor with a ready and cheerful heart, for they know God's command and will, they acknowledge his calling."

next week, Oct 26: Gregory of Nyssa, Devotional Classics, p. 123