Early Morning Prayer

In Sunday School we've been studing the topic, Vital Truth. In my preparations last week, I read up on a man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German professor and theologian that was hung for speaking out against the Hitler and Hitler's involvement in the German church. I found a prayer during my research that was written by Mr. Bonhoeffer while he was in prison in Berlin. I wanted to share with you this morning.

O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray and gather my thoughts to you, I cannot do it alone. In me it is dark, but with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not desert me; My courage fails me, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace;in me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me. Father in Heaven praise and thanks be to you for the night’s rest, Praise and thanks be to you for the new day. Praise and thanks be to you for all your loving-kindness and faithfulness in my past life.You have shown me so much goodness; let me also accept what is hard to bear from your hand.You will not lay a heavier burden on me than I can carry.You make all things serve for the best for your children. Lord, whatever this day brings, your name be praised.

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, [A prayer written in Tegel prison, Berlin]

What is your prayer for today?

Comments

Jim said…
Thanks for sharing that prayer. It's even more incredible to think where this man was when praying this prayer, and what he was going through. Kind of helps me put things in perspective.
April 18, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Egypt Update #5

Just a quick update - I was able to talk with Jim earlier today. He said "Things are going well. Please tell everyone to keep doing what they're doing." So, keep praying! God is good and I can't wait to share with you all once he gets home all that He has done! Love you!
Read more

Post Script to Holy vs. Hypocritical

I thought I should define why I am lonely because for those that know me, I am very blessed. I have a wonderful husband, amazing kids, and a loving, supportive family but there are times when a woman needs a woman friend with whom she can confide. I had that and lost it. Never have I felt more secure in a friendship than with her. Then there was a turning point and it all changed. When I look back and try to figure out what went wrong, I go over scenarios in my head and what-ifs but I always come up with the fact that it really doesn’t matter how it came about but that it has happened. I must deal with it. Yet, every Sunday I grieve like one whose family member has died. Certain songs I hear just bring the hurt back to mind and I find myself grieving all the more. I compare many women I meet to her and they come up short. I’ve heard the saying, “Time heals all wounds” and have foolishly said it once or twice myself. However, I am not sure that it will ever heal...I can only pray that o...
Read more

All Things

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 How often do we wonder what God's plans are? How often do we think that He is not paying attention to the "trivialities" in our lives? I confess ... I am confident in the message of Romans 8 but yet I am weak and doubt time and time again. God, help my unbelief. Infuse me with your Spirit; grant me confidence each day.
Read more