An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
BEFORE MEAT.
PP _Before meat, the members of the family surrounding the table reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_ The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. PP _Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_ Prayer: O Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless unto us these Thy gifts, which of Thy tender kindness Thou hast bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PP _After meat, reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_ O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that tear Him; in those that hope in His mercy, PP _Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_ Prayer: We give thanks, to Thee, O God. Our Father, for all Thy benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. Amen. * * * * * _Or, certain passages of the Scriptures, selected for various orders and conditions of men, wherein their respective duties are set forth._
A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre: but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice, but holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.--I Tim. 3:2-6; Tit. 1:9.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.