The Interpretation of John 17: Christ’s Prayer (Verses 1 and 2)

…6. However, my concern is that I am unable to emphasize what power,
resource, and virtue there are in prayer. For though it sounds
plain and simple, it is so deep, rich, and far-reaching that no
one is able to fathom it.

7. In the first place, when the evangelist says: “These words
spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven”, etc., Jesus
has extolled prayer so highly that it also affects his outward
behavior, when he confronts those wildly religious in his effort
to shut the mouths of those who assert that such externals so
not carry weight. For you see here that he is not merely praying
aloud, so that his disciples hear what he is saying, but also is
using such mannerisms as people are wont to use. Such as: Some
kneel, some fall on their face, some stand and look toward heaven…

8. Thus it is of no great consequence whether a person stands,
kneels, or prostrates himself, for there are customs neither
commanded nor forbidden. Just as there are still others who
lift head and eyes to heaven, fold their hands, smite their
breast. Nevertheless, we are not to look down on these customs
since Scripture and Christ himself have commanded them…

9. It is, however, true when it is purely external conduct, muttering
or babbling, as has been the case in the church up till now,
counting beads on the rosary, turning pages, wailing and howling
in the choir, that this, of course, is not praying. Heart and
soul are totally absent in such prayer. And it is not the
prayer of a person who is seriously thinking of requesting
something from God. But wherever such behavior, singing,
speaking, or reading occurs firm in purpose, where the heart is
set aglow, where desire and devotion to prayer are aroused, this
is very good and beneficial…

10. I do not know how strong others are in spirit; but so holy I
cannot ever become were I as learned and full of spirit as some
think themselves to be. But my experience always is that when
I am without the Word, when I do not think about it or am not
engrossed in it, then no Christian is at ease, yes, has no joy
and spirit. But as soon as I turn to a psalm or a passage from
Scripture, my heart is so illuminated and set aglow that mind
and spirit are completely transformed. I feel also that this
is something every person should daily experience for himself…. (ctsfw.edu)

—Martin Luther (1483-1546)