Johann Gerhard's Sacred Meditations, first published in 1606 when the author was only twenty-two years old, is perhaps his best-known work. This volume is considered a classic of Christian devotion, and has been translated into numerous languages over the last four centuries. While Gerhard is often considered the most influential dogmatician of the Lutheran church, this book demonstrates that he is also among the greatest devotional writers.This book is divided into a series of fifty-one devotions. These short chapters cover a breadth of topics in both theology and the Christian's daily life. He begins with meditations on the cross and repentance, and brings the reader throughout the Christian life, ending with a treatment of the eternal bliss which awaits the saints.