Martin Luther’s Simple Four-Step Prayer Format
Perhaps no single person has had greater influence in western culture in the past 1000 years than Martin Luther. Luther, the man most credited for igniting protestant reformation was a scholar, pastor and teacher. He most known for the 95 Thesis that he nailed to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. However, what could be considered some of his most practical advice was given to his barber who asked Luther how to pray effectively. It has been said that Luther encouraged his barber to pray using a simple format. Luther would read a passage of scripture, perhaps just simply a verse and pray in the following four-step process.
- Restate the truth of the passage.
- Thank God for the truth of the passage.
- Ask God to forgive him for violating the truth of the passage.
- Ask God for help in obeying the truth of the passage.
So, if we follow Luther’s model, a pray may go something like this…Read Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Restate the truth of the passage.
“Father, you tell us to love our enemies. You tell us that we are to pray for those who persecute us. You tell us that this is the attitude of the children of you. You do not discriminate. You provide the sun for both those who are righteous and as well as those who are unrighteous. Therefore, you set the example of being kind to enemies. We should love those who are not “our own people.” (see v. 47) God you ask us to be perfect as you are perfect.”
- Thank God for the truth of the passage.
“God, I thank you that you tell us to love our enemies. You ask us to to something that is uncommon in our world. You would only ask us to do that if you also gave us the ability and power to love our enemies. You set the example of loving your enemies when you died of us while we were your enemies. Thank you for the prompting and the power to love our enemies.”
- Ask God to forgive you for violating the truth of the passage.
“God, please forgive me for not loving my enemies. Please forgive me specifically for not loving _______________ (insert specific person or people). Please forgive me for trying to get back at ___________. Please forgive me for withdrawing my kindness from _________.” Be specific in your confession.
- Ask God for help in obeying the truth of the passage.
“God, would you please help me to love my enemies. I cannot do it without the power of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to love __________. Please help me to love by doing ______________. As always, this model is not the only way to pray-or even the best way to pray. However, when we need to get started, or even unstuck in our prayers, it can prove helpful.