Category: Devotional Classics

Johann Arndt's True Christianity: Books I-IV (Devotional Classics)

10/20/2020

Johann Arndt’s True Christianity was the most popular devotional work within the Lutheran tradition in the century following the Reformation. This book went through a number of editions in Germany, and has been translated into dozens of languages. Through a series of meditations, Arndt discusses the Christian life in practical terms, which were meant to be understood by the average layperson.

Arndt’s writing was influenced by the Theologia Germanica, John Tauler’s sermons, and Thomas A Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ, along with the writings of Martin Luther. Significantly, Arndt mentored Johann Gerhard, who continued Arndt’s promotion of practical piety, while also providing a rigorous academic defense of Lutheran thought.

This series is printed in three volumes
Book I
Print: $16.00

Book II
Print: $16.00

Books III-IV
Print: $14.00

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Meditations on the Life and Passion of Christ (Devotional Classics)

9/23/2020

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John Tauler (1300-1361) was a German Dominican theologian, preacher, and devotional writer. He had a profound influence in his own time on both clergy and laity. Tauler was a man of profound spiritual devotion, and he preached against a purely external Christianity defined by empty ritual. Faith, for Tauler, included a personal relationship between the Triune God and the believer. Luther cited Tauler as one of the foremost influences upon his thinking. Later devotional writers such as John Arndt and Johann Gerhard would similarly draw heavily on the works of the medieval mystic. The reason for Tauler’s popularity, particularly among heirs of the Reformation, is apparent in this work, titled Meditations on the Life and Passion of Christ. This book is a Christ-centered devotional masterpiece, throughout which the author contemplates various elements of Christ’s life and passion. Throughout, he expresses the Christian’s own sins and sole reliance upon Christ for salvation. This is an ideal work for Lenten devotions.

Print: $16.00
Kindle: $9.99

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The Theologia Germanica (Devotional Classics)

4/23/2020

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Martin Luther said of this work: "Next to the Bible and St. Augustine, no book has ever come into my hands from which I have learnt more of God and Christ, and man and all things that are." The reformer published an edition of this work in 1516, and several other editions were released throughout his life. Though John Calvin referred to the book as full of "poison," resulting in a rejection of this work among many Protestants, it has remained a popular text among Lutherans. This volume inspired the popular devotional writing of figures such as Johann Arndt and Johann Gerhard.The text itself comes from an unknown source, but shows several characteristics of a strand of German mysticism which was prominent in the fourteenth-century. This book was likely written by a disciple of the popular preacher John Tauler. Throughout 54 brief chapters, the author describes the nature of sin, salvation, and union with God.

Print: $14.00
Kindle: $9.99

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Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard (Devotional Classics)

3/7/2020

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Johann Gerhard's Sacred Meditations, first published in 1606 when the author was only twenty-two years old, is perhaps his best-known work. This volume is considered a classic of Christian devotion, and has been translated into numerous languages over the last four centuries. While Gerhard is often considered the most influential dogmatician of the Lutheran church, this book demonstrates that he is also among the greatest devotional writers.

This book is divided into a series of fifty-one devotions. These short chapters cover a breadth of topics in both theology and the Christian's daily life. He begins with meditations on the cross and repentance, and brings the reader throughout the Christian life, ending with a treatment of the eternal bliss which awaits the saints.

Print: $14.00
Kindle: $9.99

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Hours of Spiritual Refreshment by Henry Müller (Devotional Classics)

3/3/2020

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Henry Müller's Hours of Spiritual Refreshment was one of the most broadly used devotional texts in seventeenth century Lutheranism. Müller writes in the tradition of Johann Gerhard and Johann Arndt, along with other prominent devotional writers within the Lutheran tradition. This is one of the greatest examples of the practical and devotional nature of the theology of the Reformation as defined in the Lutheran Confessions. The book consists of a number of short devotions which are centered on Christ's person and work for the forgiveness of sins. Also included are some practical instructions for the Christian life. This work continues to profoundly affect the lives of those who read it, in pointing Christians to the love and grace of their Savior.

Print: $14.00
Kindle: $9.00

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Seed Grains of Prayer by Wilhelm Loehe

9/20/2019

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Wilhelm Loehe's Seed-Grains of Prayer was an immensely popular devotional resource in nineteenth-century Lutheranism. This volume includes a large number of prayers for a variety of occasions. These include prayers for sickness, marriage, church services, as well as prayers written for specific times of the church year. Originally written in German, this edition was translated in the early twentieth century by H.A. Weller, and includes an introduction by Henry Eyster Jacobs.

Loehe was one of the most influential proponents of Confessional Lutheranism in Germany throughout the mid nineteenth-century. He sponsored various Lutheran missions, and was involved in the founding of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the United States. Loehe was also involved in liturgical renewal and the promotion of a strong Eucharistic piety.

Print: $14.00
Kindle: $9.00

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The Lutheran Prayer Book by Benjamin Kurtz

9/20/2019

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The Lutheran Prayerbook is a compilation of prayers from a variety of Lutheran resources, compiled by Benjamin Kurtz. This volume contains a large selection of prayers on a multiplicity of subjects, along with prayers and suggested readings for each day of the week. It also includes a small catechism on family worship in the beginning. While Kurtz intended this book to be utilized by individuals, he also desired for its use in the daily practice of family worship. This handbook of prayer remains a beneficial resource for Christ’s church.

Print: $18.00
Kindle: $9.99

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Johann Arndt's True Christianity: Books I-IV (Devotional Classics)

Meditations on the Life and Passion of Christ (Devotional Classics)

The Theologia Germanica (Devotional Classics)

Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard (Devotional Classics)

Hours of Spiritual Refreshment by Henry Müller (Devotional Classics)

Seed Grains of Prayer by Wilhelm Loehe

The Lutheran Prayer Book by Benjamin Kurtz

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