A Simple Way to Pray - Martin Luther

Martin Luther’s 1535 treatise, A Simple Way to Pray, offers a practical method for daily devotion centered on the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed. Originally written for his barber, the work advocates for a fourfold meditative pattern consisting of instruction, thanksgiving, confession, and prayer to foster heartfelt conversation with God. This approach emphasizes Scripture-saturated devotion over rote repetition, encouraging believers to use biblical texts as a springboard for personal supplication. Historically, Luther’s method bridged the Reformation and German Pietism, influenced Puritan spirituality, and continues to be championed by modern evangelical leaders for its gospel-centered focus. By integrating the law and the gospel, the treatise provides a structured yet flexible framework that remains a cornerstone for navigating distraction and deepening Christian piety.