Real Prayers

This small booklet is a treasury of prayers written by Wendell Frerichs, Luther Seminary Professor Emeritus of Old Testament. These prayers are called "real" because each one has been used, prayed at the beginning of one of Frerich's classes. They are real, too, because of their frankness and simplicity. There is no flowery langauge found here. This compilation gives new life to these prayers. Use them for personal reflection and meditation, for praying with others, and for special occasions. It makes a wonderful gift, too.

Samples:

Lord, what a curious way you have of bringing life and hope into your world, of working peace and justice, of showing compassion and love for all of your creatures. No hands but the hands of us, your servants: no feet but ours; no protection but such as we provide; no money but ours; no friends unless it be we; no shelter except we build it; no institutions unless we found them. Since it does seem to be so: Lord, be in our minds and in our understanding; Lord, be in our hearts and give us compassion; Lord, be in our feet to run your service; Lord, be in our eyes and be our insight: Lord, be in our plans and be our hope; Lord, be in our present and give us a future.

Lord, you are everywhere, but to know that is not enough. Be with us, never far away. We know you are all powerful, but to know that is not enough. Use your power to save us and to keep us safe. Lord you are full of compassion and show mercy to us, though we do not deserve it. We know you have been faithful to a thousand generations, but to know that is not enough. Lord, be faithful to your promises to us, now and forever.