Foundational Thoughts Bring Me Peace

I have been thinking a lot about the subject of "Change" lately. And all of the changes going on around me have caused me to think about some foundational thoughts from our past and to look to some of the folks who have shaped our doctrine and theology. One of those "shapers" is Martin Luther, the great reformer. Below is his morning prayer as recorded in his Small Catechism.

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 in 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.

Nothing gives me more peace in the midst of life's many changes than being able to put myself into God's hands on a daily basis. This prayer is marvelous in its simplicity. It covers all of the bases.

• It has an acknowledgment of who God is and who His Son is.
• It offers thanks for his protection.
• It calls upon the only One who can truly help us.
• It places us into the hands of a loving God.
• And it asks for God's power and protection.

That's pretty powerful for such few words. I think I'll give it a try tomorrow morning.