Sunday, September 30, 2007

Strengthen my faith

I came across this prayer by Martin Luther while looking through The Oxford Book of Prayer, a very good anthology. Luther makes clear his [and our] complete dependence:

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in the faith; strengthen Thou me.
I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent that my love may go out to my neighbour.
I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust Thee altogether. O Lord, help me.
Strengthen my faith and trust in Thee. In Thee I have sealed the treasures of all I have.
I am poor; Thou art rich and didst come to be merciful to the poor.
I am a sinner; Thou art upright. With me there is an abundance of sin; in Thee is the fulness of righteousness.
Therefore, I will remain with Thee of whom I can receive but to whom I may not give.
Amen.

Martin Luther, 1483-1546

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