“Lord God, Thou hast made me a pastor and teacher in the Church. Thou seest how unfit I am to undertake this great and difficult office, and had I been without Thy aid and counsel, I would long since have ruined it all. Therefore do I cry unto Thee. I offer my mouth and my heart to Thy service. I desire to teach the people. I myself would learn ever more and diligently meditate upon Thy Word. Use me as Thy instrument, but do not forsake me; for if I am left alone, I shall easily bring it all to destruction.” *
__Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Source: Martin Luther, “A Prayer Before Preaching,” in Luther’s Prayers, ed. Herbert F. Brokering (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1984), 84.
Reflection: When I am entrusted with words that may influence others, do I approach that responsibility with humble dependence on God or with confidence in my own abilities?