A Simple form for Devotions
Adapted from Luther’s Small Catechism
As soon as you get out of bed in the morning or before bed, you should bless yourself with the sign of the Holy Cross and say:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pray the Psalm for the day:
Morning 93-95 Evening 96-100
The Daily Lectionary is read:
Joshua 23:1-16
Romans 15:25-33
Matthew 27:11-23
Read the Devotion
A leader in Christian Europe in the first half of the eleventh century A.D., Bernard (1090-1153) is honored in his native France and around the world. Born into a noble family in Burgundy, Bernard left the affluence of his heritage and entered the monastery of Citeaux at the age of twenty-two. After two years he was sent to start a new monastic house at Clairvaux. His work there was blessed in many ways. The monastery at Clairvaux grew in mission and service, eventually establishing some sixty-eight daughter houses. Bernard is remembered for his charity and political abilities, but especially for his preaching and hymn composition. The hymn texts "O Jesus, King Most Wonderful" and "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" are part of the heritage of the faith left by Saint Bernard. [From "Commemorations Biographies," Lutheran Service Book, LCMS Commission on Worship]
Then, kneeling or standing, Pray the Apostle’s Creed:I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church,* the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Pray The Lord's Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen
If you wish, you may then pray this little prayer as well:
In the Morning
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.
In the Evening
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.
After that, with joy go about your work and perhaps say the Ten Commandments or sing a hymn. At night, go to sleep immediately with joy.
I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11b
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