Little Prayer Book 1522 and a Simple Way to Pray 1535: The Annotated Luther Study Edition

This volume provides two of Martin Luthers most significant writings on prayer. In Little Prayer Book (1522) Luther seeks to reform the theology and practice of prayer in clear and understandable language for all people by encouraging simple direct prayer to God who promises to hear the one who prays. Luther focuses on the Ten Commandments Apostles Creed and Lords Prayer giving his treatment of prayer a catechetical feel that would later provide the structure of his catechisms.In A Simple Way to Pray (1535) Luther offers his barber and all other readers insights into his own prayer life. He organizes his comments around the seven petitions of the prayer Jesus taught to his disciples. He also uses the Ten Commandments and the Apostles Creed as resources for prayer. He sets out to kindle a fire in the heart and increase the readers eagerness for prayer.This volume is excerpted from The Annotated Luther series volume 4 (Pastoral Writings). Each volume and selection in the series contains new introductions extensive annotations illustrations and notes to help shed light on Luthers context and to interpret his writings for today.