Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and theologian in Germany who was an outspoken opponent of Adolph Hitler and the Nazis. His wonderful book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” has influenced many people. He eventually was executed by means of hanging at the Nazi concentration camp of Flossenbürg on April 9, 1945.
I want to share with us a prayer that was written by this outstanding Christian . . . a wonderful prayer to offer to God before going to sleep for the evening.
“O Lord, my God, I thank you for the ending of this day. I thank you for the rest of body and mind. Your hand has been over me, guarding and preserving me. Forgive all my littleness of faith and all the wrong I have done this day, and help me to forgive all who have done wrong to me. Let me sleep in peace under your care, and keep me from the temptations of darkness. I commit to you all whom I love, all in this house, and myself, both body and soul. O God, praise be to your holy name. Amen.”
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
May God help us to do that each evening as we go to sleep . . . to think about God and to trust God with all of our heart.