Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran, and he’s commemorated on 9 April by Lutherans and Anglicans. But Christians of every tradition read him, especially The Cost of Discipleship, where he warned against “cheap grace”: forgiveness that asks nothing of us. He lived what he wrote. He could have stayed safely in America in 1939; he went home to stand with the Church in Germany.
Historical Context
An April 9 Prayer for Courage
Lord Jesus, you call us to take up our cross and follow you.
On this day we remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
who chose to follow you into prison and death rather than stay silent.
Give me courage to speak the truth when it’s costly,
to stand with the weak,
and to obey you even when it’s not safe.
Amen.
For the Persecuted
Lord, be with Christians in prison for their faith today.
Give them strength and peace,
and bring justice to their persecutors.
Amen.
A Prayer Against Cheap Grace
Lord, I don’t want a faith that costs me nothing.
Show me what following you means today.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 9 April.
- When facing a choice between comfort and conscience.
- When praying for persecuted Christians.
Scripture Connection
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
Bonhoeffer built his life around this verse. The word “daily” is the hard part: discipleship isn’t one big moment but thousands of small ones.
Related prayers
For courage, see the Prayer of Fortitude. For the cross, the Holy Cross Prayer. For the month, the April Prayer Guide.