The Language of Prayer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

By Chris Tiegreen

The German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is probably best known for his classic The Cost of Discipleship—and for opposing the Nazi party at the cost of his life. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that his prayers reflected considerable tension. While in prison for his role in a plot to overthrow Hitler, Bonhoeffer wrote his famous “Morning Prayers” for his fellow inmates. They are filled with an awareness of the world’s darkness—and a deep sense of dependence on Christ.

Bonhoeffer believed that true prayer originates in the heart of God and is revealed in His Word. We breathe the language of prayer because the Spirit Himself teaches it to us. Bonhoeffer also believed that prayer was a crucial aspect of community. Therefore, he reasoned, prayer isn’t just the impulse of an individual human heart. It can be several voices rolled into one: the Spirit and the fellowship of believers influencing and harmonizing with the self—a chorus, not a solo.

As someone who has a lot of private conversations with the Lord, I need to be reminded that true prayer isn’t just about me. It’s prompted by God’s Word, inspired by His Spirit, modeled by Jesus, and expressed in concert with His body—the church. I’m fully convinced that God enjoys any kind of communication from us, but He also guides us into deep and specific conversation with Him. Bonhoeffer learned the nuances of this holy language well, and he inspires me to do the same.

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Chris Tiegreen is the author of The One Year Experiencing God’s Presence Devotional, Creative Prayer, and Violent Prayer, as well as the new 90 Days Thru the Bible devotional.