An Explanation of Luther's Small CatechismLuther, Martin
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An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Luther, Martin
Lutheran Church -- Catechisms -- English
_Ans._ God gives indeed without our prayer even to the wicked also their
daily bread; but we pray in this petition that He would make us sensible
of His benefits, and enable us to receive our daily bread with
thanksgiving.
_What is implied in the words: "Our daily bread"?_
_Ans._ All things that pertain to the wants and the support of this
present life; such as food, raiment, money, goods, house and land, and
other property; a believing spouse and good children; trustworthy
servants and faithful magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and health;
education and honor; true friends, good neighbors, and the like.
FIFTH PETITION.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against
us.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ We pray in this petition, that our Heavenly Father would not
regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on account of them; for we are
not worthy of anything for which we pray, and have not merited it; but
that He would grant us all things through grace, although we daily
commit much sin, and deserve chastisement alone. We will therefore, on
our part, both heartily forgive, and also readily do good to those who
may injure or offend us.
SIXTH PETITION.
And, lead us not into temptation.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ God indeed tempts no one to sin; but we pray in this petition
that God would so guard and preserve us, that the devil, the world, and
our own flesh, may not deceive us, nor lead us into error and unbelief,
despair, and other great and shameful sins; and that, though we may be
thus tempted, we may, nevertheless, finally prevail and gain the
victory.
SEVENTH PETITION.
But deliver us from evil.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
_Ans._ We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Heavenly
Father would deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect the
body or soul, property or character, and, at last, when the hour of
death shall arrive, grant us a happy end, and graciously take as from
this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
CONCLUSION.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and
ever. Amen.
_What is meant by the word "Amen"?_
_Ans._ That I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to
our Heavenly Father, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded
us to pray in this manner, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen,
Amen, that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so.
PART IV.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM.
_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._
I. _What is Baptism?_
_Ans._ Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water comprehended in
God's command, and connected with God's Word.
_What is that Word of God?_
_Ans._ It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as it is recorded
in the last chapter of Matthew, verse 19: "Go ye, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost."
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