Losung

Losung is a term used in German to refer to the daily Bible verse selected for devotional reading within certain Protestant traditions. It is most closely associated with the Herrnhuter Losungen, the long-running daily devotional practice of the Moravian Church based in Herrnhut, Saxony. Each day presents two scripture passages: the Losung and the Lehrtext. The Losung is typically a short verse from the Old or New Testament, chosen to reflect a theme for the day, while the Lehrtext is a related, longer text that provides a further teaching or context. The two texts are published together, commonly in calendars, booklets, or other devotional formats, and are distributed in various languages and media.

Origins and publication: The Losung tradition originated in the Moravian Church at Herrnhut in the 18th century. The annual publication of Losungen and Lehrtexte has been a central feature of German-speaking devotional life since the early modern period and has since expanded to international editions, including translations and digital formats.

Usage: The Losung serves as a daily meditation prompt for individuals, families, and congregations. It is used for personal devotions, in church services, and in religious publications. The two-text structure aims to encourage daily engagement with Scripture and to pair a concise verse with a broader teaching passage for reflection.

Impact and formats: Today, Losungen appear in printed calendars and books, as well as online, in apps, and in other media. The tradition remains a widely recognized element of Protestant devotional practice in German-speaking communities and beyond. See also Moravian Church, Herrnhut, Lehrtext, daily devotional.