A Prayer for Servants
A prayer from the Lutheran Treasury’s historical collection.
Historical edition. Historical claims and instructions are preserved as historical context.
O MERCIFUL GOD, Thou hast by the precious suffering and death of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, delivered and freed me from eternal bondage, from the power of sin, from the realm of darkness, and from the cruel tyranny of the devil, and hast made me lord over death and hell: I now pray Thee graciously to grant that I take no dislike to my position of dependence wherein Thou hast according to Thy will and pleasure, placed me in this world. May I never in impatience murmur against this Thy order, nor envy other people their superior station; but may I ever gladly and with my whole heart conform to this Thy will and walk as serving Thee, my God in heaven and not man on earth. Do Thou grant, therefore, O Lord God, that I may serve Thee, the highest Lord in heaven and on earth, in true knowledge and fear unfeigned, love Thee above all things, place all the hope of my salvation in Thee, and walk in Thy commandments without blame. Grant, furthermore, that I may, in due patience, be obedient to my master and mistress, not only if they be kind and lenient, but also if froward and whimsical, serving them in all things that are not against Thy commandments, with all fear, in simpleness of heart, as serving Christ, my Lord, – not to favor man, but from sincerity of heart and in line with Thy will and command. Bestow Thy grace that I may be found faithful in all things entrusted to me, not neglecting or wasting aught, or causing any damage by negligence of mine. And may I never covet what is not mine, or be dishonest in administering what has been placed in my charge. Preserve my health, strengthen my body, endow me with wisdom and understanding, that I may properly perform the work assigned me by master or mistress; increase their substance by Thy divine aid, and may they be blessed and grow apace through my industry. Finally may all I do and perform tend to Thy divine honor and to a blessed exercise of my faith, for Christ Jesus, Thy dear Son’s sake, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost to all eternity. Amen.