MARTIN LUTHER'S ORDINATION PRAYER
Oh, Lord God,
Thou hast made me a pastor and teacher in the Church.
Thou seest how unfit I am to administer rightly this great and responsible Office;
and had I been without Thy aid and counsel I would surely have ruined it all
long ago.
Therefore, do I invoke Thee.
How gladly do I desire to yield and consecrate
my heart and mouth to this ministry!
I desire to teach the congregation.
I, too,
desire ever to learn and keep Thy Word my constant companion, and to meditate
thereupon earnestly.
Use me as Thy instrument in Thy service,
Only do not Thou
forsake me, for if I am left to myself, I will certainly bring it all to destruction.
AMEN.