Praying Luther’S Small Catechism: A Devotional Aid

By Roy Beutel

The Small Catechism has served to teach basic Christian doctrine to baptized members of the Lutheran church since it was first published in May 1529. Many Lutheran congregations continue to use this book to instruct young people in preparation for Confirmation. The format of praying the Catechism may be useful as a reminder of and renewal of faith of Christians of all ages. The style is approached as a personal devotion form, but may be used as the basis for small discussion groups and for prayer concerns common to all generations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499021578

Roy Beutel

Roy Beutel is a retired Lutheran Pastor who was raised in Western New York on a small farm. His early faith training came in a Parochial School setting where bible study and faith formation were part of daily teaching. He graduated from Niagara Falls High School and did his undergraduate work at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. After attending the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary), he graduated in 1961. He served for 39 years in Parish Ministry, all in the East Coast Region, serving parishes in St. Petersburg and Gulf Breeze, FL, Baltimore, MD, and Arlington, VA from 1961 to 2000. He retired from Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington, VA, January 2000 after a 23 year ministry. He resides in Fredericksburg, VA and continues to be active in congregational life where he holds membership. His interest in Bible study and teaching led him to prepare two Bible studies published by Sola Publishing of New Brighton, MN, Who Is Jesus, and Portraits of Jesus. His most recent work: Praying Luther’s Small Catechism was published June 2014 by Xlibris. He continues to work on other projects of providing teaching aids for the Church.

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Copyright © 2014 by Roy Beutel.

ISBN:                  Softcover                        978-1-4990-2158-5

                            eBook                             978-1-4990-2157-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The Scriptural quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of The National Council of Churches of Christ in the U. S. A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Rev. date: 05/13/2014

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Background

Part I — The Ten Commandments

Part II — The Creed

Part III — The Lord’s Prayer

Part IV — The Sacrament Of Holy Baptism.

Part V — Confession And Absolution

Part VI — The Sacrament Of The Altar

Bibliography

Author

COAT%20OF%20ARMS.JPG

LUTHER’S COAT OF ARMS

A cross on a heart, resting on the center of the Messianic Rose and surrounded by a circle to symbolize eternity, was adopted by Luther as his own Coat of Arms and as an expression of trust in God.

DEDICATION

Praying Luther’s Small Catechism is dedicated to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Sanborn, NY; and the Reverend Edward Graubau, who instructed me in the Christian Faith in the Small Catechism.

October 31, 1517, a date often called the birthday of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther posted his ninety five theses which he wanted to debate in the church community. As we prepare to enter the decade of celebrating the 500th anniversary of posting the 95 theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, I thought it fitting to use the Small Catechism as a devotional aid for our enrichment.

INTRODUCTION

PRAYING THROUGH LUTHER’S SMALL CATECHISM

Martin Luther’s Small Catechism¹ has long been a standard teaching tool to inform Lutherans on some basic issues of the Christian faith. This format of praying trough the Catechism may be used as a personal devotional form to rethink daily life applications of the faith.

Each portion is designed with words from the Catechism to lead into a growing life experience, and then, some thoughts on the subject are presented. The prayer asks God for help and guidance in the process of growth in faith. This is followed by space provided to write down what you feel as your response entitled Personal Thoughts and Reflections. Some Scriptural References are also provided to enrich this as a resource for your thought. Every individual will be challenged through the time they spend in meditation and prayer in the use of this resource.

Muhlenberg Press—1959

Background and translation from The Book of Concord, pages 337-352.

BACKGROUND

Dr Martin Luther was dismayed over the ignorance