The Christian faith is meant to shape our whole life: what we believe, whom we trust, how we pray, and how we love our neighbors. Use this book as a companion to Scripture, returning often to the truths and promises that center your life in Jesus Christ.

Begin with God’s gracious invitation. Through Jesus, you have access to the Father. You do not need impressive words or strong feelings to pray. You come as his beloved child, trusting that he hears you for Jesus’ sake.

Choose a small portion: one statement from the Gospel outline, a paragraph from the biblical story, one commandment with its explanation, or a petition of the Lord’s Prayer. Read the accompanying Scripture passages in their biblical context when possible.

Pause over what you have read. What does it reveal about God? What does it uncover about your life? What promise does it give you to trust? Let God’s Law expose your sin, and let his Gospel direct you to Christ’s forgiveness and saving work.

There is no need to finish a certain number of pages. A few words received in faith may give you enough to ponder and pray throughout the day.

In A Simple Way to Pray, Martin Luther described turning the commandments into instruction, thanksgiving, confession, and prayer. You can use this pattern with the teachings and Scripture passages throughout this book:

Instruction: What is God teaching me? Consider his commands, promises, gifts, and saving work.

Thanksgiving: What can I thank him for? Name the gifts and mercies this reading brings to mind.

Confession: Where have I sinned in thought, word, or deed? Speak honestly, trusting the forgiveness Christ won for you.

Prayer: What help do I need? Ask God to strengthen your faith, guide your life, and care for others.

This is a helpful guide, not a rigid formula. If one thought leads you into heartfelt prayer, remain with it.

“You shall have no other gods.”

Consider what it means to fear, love, and trust God above all things. Then turn that teaching into prayer:

Heavenly Father, you alone are my God. Everything I have comes from your goodness, and my life rests in your hands.

Thank you for creating and sustaining me, for giving your Son to save me, and for welcoming me as your child.

Forgive me for trusting money, approval, my own abilities, or my plans more than you. Forgive me for allowing fear to govern my heart.

For Jesus’ sake, strengthen my faith. Teach me to trust your promises when I cannot understand your ways. Help me use your gifts without making them my gods. Give those I love the same confidence in your care. Amen.

Set aside a few minutes in the morning or evening, alone or with your household. Read, reflect, and pray. Include the needs of your family, congregation, neighbors, and the world. Close with the Lord’s Prayer or Luther’s morning or evening prayer.

Return to the Creed to remember who God is and what he has done for you. Remember your Baptism when confessing sin and beginning anew. Let the teaching on the Lord’s Supper prepare you to receive Christ’s body and blood with faith and thanksgiving.

When you miss a day, begin again in grace. Your hope rests in Christ’s faithfulness. Through his Word, the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen your faith and lead you into a life of prayer and love.