Lord Jesus Christ, you were poor and wretched, captive and forsaken as I am. You know all human need; you remain with me when no one stands by me; you do not forget me and you seek me; you want me to know you and to turn to you. Lord, I hear your call and follow. Help me! Holy Spirit, give me the faith that saves me from despair and vice. Give me the love for God and for others that destroys all hatred and bitterness; give me the hope that frees me from fear and faintheartedness. Teach me to know Jesus Christ and to do his will.
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945), Theologe und Widerstandskämpfer
Topics: Prayer & Silence, Loneliness & Abandonment, Hope & Confidence
Occasions: Comfort, Morning & Evening
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) war ein deutscher lutherischer Theologe, Pfarrer und führender Vertreter der Bekennenden Kirche, der unter anderem in Berlin, London und Finkenwalde wirkte. Er prägte den Begriff der „teuren Gnade“ und schloss sich aus christlicher Überzeugung dem Widerstand gegen das nationalsozialistische Regime an, weshalb er 1945 im Konzentrationslager Flossenbürg ermordet wurde. Seine Schriften fordern Bibelleser bis heute heraus, theologische Erkenntnis mit gelebter Nachfolge und ethischer Zivilcourage in Krisenzeiten zu verbinden.
All quotes by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (630)
When we pray, the circumstances often remain the same, but we become different.
Oswald Chambers
Prayer does not change God, but the one who prays.
Søren Kierkegaard
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Corrie ten Boom
To pray is to draw breath from God.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson