A Prayer for the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul
Matthew 16:13–19 / By Esaias Heidenreich
Lord Jesus Christ, at all times in the world and among the people, manifold and detestable sayings go forth about You, Your beloved preaching office, and the use of the most worthy Sacrament, whereby Your honor, omnipotence, and name are greatly diminished, and the world reveals its folly. We beseech You: Preserve the true, saving knowledge of Your Word and name purely and clearly; may Your Christendom and congregation—which, with Peter, regards You as their Christ, that is, King, Savior, Mediator, and Son of the living God—firmly withstand all the gates of hell; and grant that we, together with our little children, may be and remain true and elect members of Your little fold. Do not divide or separate us from You and Your congregation. Preserve us also by Your mighty arm—in Your protection and safekeeping—against the power and might of the devil and all error. Amen.
Esaias Heidenreich, Betbüchlein (1572)
El Greco, Saint Peter and Saint Paul (c. 1590)