Prayer · Alltag · gemischt

Morning Prayer (Classic: "God Be With Me")

Original Prayer

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 all evil,

that all my doing 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.

Context (Old Covenant)

Lutheran morning prayer (16th century). Formulated after the Reformation, but partly still uses Old Covenant language ("keep me from"). Needs adjustment.

What it teaches

Dependence; request for guidance and success.

Realization in the New Covenant

Luther's morning prayer (16th century) asks for protection "from sins" and that "all my deeds may please you." In the New Covenant this looks different:

  • ›God dwells IN you (1Cor 3:16; 6:19), you don't ask for closeness, you HAVE it
  • ›You don't please God through your deeds, but through Christ (Eph 1:6)
  • ›The Holy Spirit guides you from within, not from outside (Rom 8:14)
  • ›Instead of "protect me from sin": I am righteous in Christ and decide from the Spirit

Prayer in the New Covenant

Father, thank you that you dwell in me. I set my mind on you and receive wisdom, peace, and strength today. Guide my decisions through your Spirit. I walk into this day as your child. Amen.
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