“Give us devout and faithful preachers who communicate the wealth of your divine Word in truth and clarity.  Graciously guard us against divisions and heresies.  Do not focus on our ingratitude, by which we have long deserved that you take your word away from us.  Do not punish us as severely as we deserve.  Again we ask you to give us thankful hearts that we may love your holy Word, prize it highly, hear it reverently, and improve our lives accordingly…”

From Luther’s Prayers, Herbert F. Brokering (ed.)