Wednesday, November 2, 2005
James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
BEHOLD, HE PRAYS
At Worms in April of 1521 Martin Luther was given no opportunity to defend himself. Instead he was told to recant or else. Apparently taken aback by this approach of the Imperial Diet, Luther asked for 24 hours to think about his answer. He knew his life was on the line (remember Huss!) and he would likely not leave Worms alive.
What did Martin Luther do that night before he gave his answer? There is no indication that he contemplated compromise or considered flight. Instead, he prayed. Here is part of that prayer:
"O Almighty and Everlasting God! How terrible is this world! Behold, it opens its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee! How weak is the flesh, and Satan how strong! If it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust, all is over . . . My last hour is come, my condemnation has been pronounced . . . O God! O God! O God! Help me against all the wisdom of the world! I call upon You to do this . . . for this is not my work, but Yours . . . I have nothing to do here, nothing to contend for with these great ones of the world! I should desire to see my days flow on peaceful and happy. But the cause is Yours and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord! Help me! Faithful and unchangeable God! In no man do I place my trust. It would be vain! All that is of man is uncertain; all that comes of man fails. O God, my God, do You not hear my prayer? My God, are You dead! No! You cannot die! You only hide Yourself! You have chosen me for this work . . . I know it well! . . . Act, then, O God! . . . stand at my side, for the sake of Your well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower. I am ready. I am ready to lay down my life for Your truth . . . patient as a lamb. For it is the cause of justice -- it is Yours . . . I will never separate myself from You -- neither now nor through eternity! . . . And though the world should be filled with devils, though my body, which is still the work of Your hands, should be slain, be stretched upon the pavement, be cut in pieces . . . reduced to ashes . . . my soul is Yours! Yes! Your Word is my assurance of it. My soul belongs to You! It shall abide for ever with You. Amen! O God! Help me. Amen!"
