Frequently Asked Questions
A Description of Luther's Family Devotions for
Inquiring Minds
Below are some interesting questions and answers regarding
Luther's Family Devotions (LFD). LFD is a collection of writings
from The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther gathered under the theme of the
Gospel appointed for each week of the liturgical calendar. The
selection of these readings was made by a nineteenth century
pastor of the German Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other
states (now the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) for use as family
devotions for the German speaking Lutherans of his day. Each
daily devotion begins with a verse of Scripture followed by
Luther's masterful exposition of the text. LFD was translated
from the work of Luther/Link by the Rev. Joel R. Baseley. The
book became available through Pastor Baseley's Publishing
Company, Mark V Publications, in August of 1996. The book is
about 690 pages in length. It is hard bound and smyth sewn for
durability. The book contains extensive Scriptural and Topical
indices, making LFD a good resource as a Bible Study aid and as a
single volume in the genre of a "Luther Says"
reference. To date over 1100 copies have been placed into
circulation and the book is about to enter into its 3rd printing.
- How were the daily readings in LFD selected?
- The readings were selected by the Rev. Georg Link in 1876
from some of the best writings from Luther. The readings
for each week are tied in theme to the Gospels selected
for the historical (one year) lectionary that was used in
all churches until the 1960's. The Sunday readings are
generally from the sermons of Martin Luther and during
the week readings are gathered from commentaries,
lectures and other works of Luther.
- Have these works been published elsewhere or are
they newly translated into English?
- Yes and yes. Many of these readings are available in the
American Edition of Luther's Works published by
Fortress/CPH. However these are also new translations
from the German of Link's volume. Where possible,
citations to the full works in the American Edition are
given so that the reader can find the work in total.
- How long are the readings?
- Each day's reading begins with a Bible verse and two to
four solid, meaty paragraphs from Luther's masterful
treatment of the passage is given, followed by a hymn
verse that can be prayed or sung. Selections are two or
three times longer each day than in other comparable
available works. The more Luther the better!
- Was this work written by Luther to be used for
Family Devotions?
- No. They were gathered in the nineteenth century by the
Rev. Georg Link for that purpose. These are meaty and
thought provoking readings that probably will find less
content suitable for young children.
If you could not find an answer to your question in
the information above, please e-mail us the question and we'll
respond promptly.
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