Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1520
Lord God, heavenly Father,
we know that we are dear children of yours
and that you are our beloved Father,
not because we deserve it,
nor ever could we merit it,
but because our dear Lord,
your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
wills to be our brother,
and of his own accord
offers and makes this blessing known to us.
Since we may consider ourselves his brothers and sisters
and he regards us as such,
you will permit us to become and remain
your children for ever.
Amen.
Martin Luther, 1483 – 1546, German reformer
________________
Yet some people accepted him
and put their faith in him.
So he gave them the right
to be the children of God.
They were not God’s children
by nature
or because
of any human desires.
God himself was the one
who made them his children.
prayer & verse 
