The following were Martin Luther's recommendations for the way in which "the head of the family shall teach his household to say morning and evening prayers." (Small Catechism, part VII) Though nearly a half-millennium old, these recommendations remain useful toward our practicing the presence of God in daily life and framing each day with the remembrance of our baptism. It is toward these ends that we commend them.

The texts of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and Luther's morning and evening prayers are those used in the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Morning

In the morning, when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say [in remembrance of your baptism], "In the name of God, the Father, [+] the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer.

      I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

      I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
      He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried.
      He descended into hell.
      On the third day he rose again.
      He ascended into heaven,
      and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
      He will come to judge the living and the dead.

      I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic Church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen

          Our Father in heaven,
          hallowed be your name,
          your kingdom come,
          your will be done,
          on earth as in heaven.
          Give us today our daily bread.
          Forgive us our sins
          as we forgive those
          who sin against us.
          Save us from the time of trial
          and deliver us from evil.
          For the kingdom, the power,
          and the glory are yours,
          now and forever. Amen

Then you may say this prayer:

    "I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all danger and harm. I ask you to preserve and keep me, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds I may serve and please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the wicked one have no power over me. Amen"

After singing a hymn (possibly a hymn on the Ten Commandments) or whatever your devotion may suggest, you should go to your work joyfully.

Evening

In the evening, when you retire, make the sign of the cross and say [in remembrance of your baptism], "In the name of God, the Father, [+] the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen"

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer.

      I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

      I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
      He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried.
      He descended into hell.
      On the third day he rose again.
      He ascended into heaven,
      and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
      He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

      I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic Church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen

          Our Father in heaven,
          hallowed be your name,
          your kingdom come,
          your will be done,
          on earth as in heaven.
          Give us today our daily bread.
          Forgive us our sins
          as we forgive those
          who sin against us.
          Save us from the time of trial
          and deliver us from evil.
          For the kingdom, the power,
          and the glory are yours,
          now and forever. Amen

Then you may say this prayer:

    "I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have this day so graciously protected me. I beg you to forgive me all my sins and the wrong which I have done. By your great mercy, defend me from all the perils and dangers of this night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the wicked one have no power over me. Amen"

Then quickly lie down and sleep in peace.


Reprinted from THE BOOK OF CONCORD, edited by T. G. Tappert, copyright © 1959 Fortress Press. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

Augsburg Fortress also has given permission for the use of the texts of the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and Luther's morning and evening prayers as printed in the LUTHERAN BOOK OF WORSHIP, copyright © 1978.