Meditations on Divine Mercy: A Classic Treasury of Devotional Prayers

by Johann Gerhard

Book Overview

Meditations on Divine Mercy is a book of 45 prayers that Johann Gerhard wrote prior to 1612. Translated from the German by Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, this book is available for English readers to enjoy and appreciate. Additional features include a chapter on the purpose and benefits of prayer, as well as an explanation of the blessing and historic aspects of daily meditation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758603878
• ISBN13: 9780758603876
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.8" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Focus your devotions and prayers on what Christ has done

This small "Treasury of devotional prayers" does indeed provide a richness in devotional material that is lacking in much of the popular devotional books for Christians. What makes "Meditations on Divine Mercy" so rich is the clear focus on how God has worked for us and is working for us in Christ Jesus. Gerhard beautifully weaves together Scriptural language into daily prayers that resonate with our own personal condition. Through these prayers, the reader's eyes are opened by the Word of God to recognize the depth of their own sinfulness, and to cling to Christ alone who died to atone for our sinfulness. The prayers lead us in a litany of thankfulness for all of God's gifts, taking time to ponder each blessing that has been given to us. And finally they alert us to our own need, and to our neighbor's need, asking God to provide for us and our neighbor. The beauty of this prayerbook does not come from empty, flowery language, but from the richness of God's own Word as it teaches us, convicts us of sin, and leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. These short prayer-meditations would be an excellent daily devotion, and one would also benefit to look up the Bible verses referenced throughout the prayers and use the prayer as a guide to meditation on those words of Scripture. This book offers a true "Spirituality of the Cross", a spirituality that finds its source in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus for our salvation!

Worthy of Reading and Using

5 stars is not adequate for this tome. Matt Harrison is an excellent translator from the German of Gerhard's period. I am most thankful to Concordia Publishing House (CPH) for reprinting what Matt Harrison I believe first did in '93. In any event, it is wonderful that it is now available in mass printing. It is not a "pop-Christianity" item, but a truly Scripturally based work of prayer and meditation for those looking for Scriptural truth and comfort in this "Post-Modern" world. Yes, I said truth! Despite what some false teachers might tell you, it is logical that there are absolute truths and not just "pick what you like" which will not profit you. This is a book you also buyfor family and friends.

Valuable New Devotional Resource

This is important new devotional resource for Christians. Many who are Lutherans and of other confessional bodies will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith by this contribution.It is meditational prayers written by Johann Gerhard, a 17th Century Lutheran theologian and pastor. This collection of prayers is organized into four parts, Meditation On: Sins, God's Gifts, Our Need, Our Neighbor's Needs. What I find attractive about these wonderful meditations is the depth of Gerhard's insights and mining of the Holy Scriptures. Many Biblical references are given throughout and thus provide for great devotional work in looking them up and meditating on them.The range is broad and covers so much that can enrichen and enliven one's time in devotion, meditation on Scriptures and prayer.As the translator's preface states the purpose of this publication: "the stark message of the Law will drive you to the Savior's arms. It is my prayer that in His embrace you will bask in the sweet sunshine of the Gospel. Finally, I pray that as a church that has received mercy, we will be empowered and set aflame with passion to "fight, work, and pray" for the multitudes within and without the church who need Christ and His mercy."