Prayer at Bedtime:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Guide me safely through the night,
and wake me in the morning light. Amen
Table Grace Song:
Be present at our table, Lord;
be here and everywhere adored.
These mercies bless and grant that we
may strengthened for thy service be. Amen
Traditional Table Grace:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
Let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen
Hebrew Table Grace:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen
Latin Table Grace:
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
English Table Grace:
God is great; God is good; let us thank him for our food. Amen
Some Basic Lutheran Resources ...
The Full Text of Luther's Small Catechism
Link: 2010 Version Online (from the Sola Publishing Website)
Luther's Morning Prayer:
We give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected us through the night from all danger and harm. We ask you to preserve us and keep us this day also, from all sin and evil -- that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds, we may serve and please you. Into your hands we commend our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Let your holy angels have charge of us, that the wicked one have no power over us. Amen
Luther's Evening Prayer:
We give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have this day so graciously protected us. We beg you to forgive us all our sins and the wrong which we have done. By your great mercy defend us from all the perils and dangers of this night. Into your hands we commend our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Let your holy angels have charge of us, that the wicked one have no power over us. Amen
Luther's Simple Way to Pray:
O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner. I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward you or to pray. But because you have commanded us all to pray and have promised to hear us and through your dear Son Jesus Christ have taught us both how and what to pray, I come to you in obedience to your word, trusting in your gracious promise. I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ together with all your saints and Christians on earth as He has taught us: Our Father who art in heaven...
(For the entire article click here: A Simple Way to Pray)
Bonhoeffer's Prayer from Tegel Prison:
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. Amen
PRAYERS DURING A HEALTH CRISIS
For the Sick
God of compassion, strengthen with your healing power those we bring to you in prayer. Look upon those who are sick and surround them with your love [especially …]. Bless the labors of those men and women who are skilled in using your good gifts of medicine. By your Spirit, move us to be among the instruments you use to offer comfort where we have the opportunity. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
For Those Who Seek Cures
God of life, direct the efforts of your servants who labor to seek a cure for the current virus that has swept across the world, which has sapped the strength and already claimed the lives of many. According to your gracious will, grant doctors and researchers success in what they do, that disease and despair may be replaced with newfound hope and joy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
For Strength and Healing
God of grace and comfort, stretch out your saving hand to touch the lives of those for whom we pray. Visit them with your almighty power and strengthen them with your eternal love. [We lift before you today the needs of … ] According to your gracious will, heal their illness, lead them to recovery, and bring your comfort to their spirit. In the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Those Who are Afraid
Come to the aid of all who are living in anxiety and fear in this time of world pandemic, especially those who are vulnerable to illness and those who are already suffering with health issues. Provide wisdom and skill to all in the health care profession so that they may be agents of your healing care. Help us all to act in a caring and responsible manner for the sake of others. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.