Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayers Transcend Generations
From genealogical information gathered by a cousin, I believe some of my ancestors were from Wittenberg, Germany and were part of the Protestant Reformation, which began when Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church October 31, 2017. Today’s post includes Martin Luther’s morning and evening prayers * as well as photos from my own meaningful ancestral discovery.
Luther’s Morning Prayer
(making the sign of the cross) In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Many generations ago, in the 1600’s, a man and his wife, who I feel were probably my great (X14) grandparents immigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania. Following the Revolutionary War, the family moved to Waynesboro, Virginia, where their influence remains evident today. When we visited Virginia in 2018, very distant relatives took us to the family cemetery, and I learned that my family name, Coyner, was originally spelled Koiner.
In all my growing up years, I had never encountered a person with the last name “Coyner” unless I knew they were related. Connections are important to me, and seeing this park sign bearing my family’s name was significant.
Luther’s Evening Prayer
(making the sign of the cross) In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
*These prayers were submitted by Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State in 2017 on the 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. lutheranpennstate.org/2017/10/prayers-from-martin-luther/
May you be blessed morning, evening, and all the hours in between,
