03/04/2004

Sindtflutgebet

In my research into the sacraments I ran across Luther's "Flood Prayer" that is used in the baptismal liturgy. I liked it a lot - really good biblical theology and the language is so evocative. I remember asking Pastor Meyers if we could use it for our new baby's baptism and he said - 'sure, we've used it several times for other baptisms'. So I guess I was late to the game of finding this prayer helpful. Here's what will be prayed this weekend at our new baby's baptism, Luther's "Flood Prayer":

Almighty eternal God, who according to your righteous judgment did condemn the unbelieving world through the flood and in your great mercy did preserve believing Noah and his family, and who did drown hardhearted Pharaoh with all his host in the Red Sea and did lead your people Israel through the same sea on dry ground, thereby prefiguring this bath of holy baptism, and who through the baptism of your dear Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, have consecrated and set apart the Jordan and all water as a salutary flood and a rich and full washing away of sins: We pray through your same unbounded mercy that you will graciously behold _____ _____ Barlow and bless him with true faith in the Spirit so that by means of this saving flood all that has been born in him from Adam and which he himself has added thereto may be drowned in him and engulfed, and that he may be sundered from the number of the unbelieving, preserved dry and secure in the holy ark of your Church, serve your Name at all times fervent in spirit and joyful in hope, so that with all believers he may attain eternal life according to your promise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.