October 29: Reformation Sunday
Revelation 14:6-7 (Angel with eternal Gospel: fear God, give glory, hour of judgment)
ELW/RCL, Jeremiah 31:31-34 (A new heart, engraved with God’s Word)
Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress is our God!)
Romans 3:19-28 (All have sinned, fallen short of God’s glory; but his righteousness is grasped
by faith, not works)
John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)
In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious pearl of great price, the Gospel of salvation. Thank you for the faith and zeal of reformers who sought to find, keep, and share it. Thank you for faithful people throughout history who have preferred nothing whatsoever to Christ Jesus, and him crucified. Keep us in their company. Keep our faith warm and pure through the life-giving fire of your most Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church. Make it your holy habitation. Keep it steadfast in your Word. Strengthen it in the face of temptation. Defend it from evil. Reform and purify it from sin and error. And bestow on it your saving peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be the refuge and strength of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Cause the enemies of the Gospel to repent of their sinfulness, that they may turn to you and live.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graciously protect and guide the people of this congregation, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love. Let our lives overflow with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Use us to refresh, nourish, instruct, and invite our neighbors into your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless the work of faithful theologians and teachers who establish dialog, clarify doctrine, correct misunderstandings, and strive to heal your Church. Direct their labors with your Spirit. Give them holy charity as they proclaim the truth of your holy Word. Keep their hearts and their work centered in the your Son, crucified and raised to forgive sin and to grant life and salvation to all who will receive him.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We long for you to break the bow, shatter the spear, and make war to cease throughout the world. Until that day, please strengthen, protect, and guide all who risk their life on our behalf. Be their very present help in times of trouble. Let all they do be in service to your will. Bring them home safely and soon.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your word to the leaders of the world. Establish among us that peace which the world cannot give. Teach us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We lift before you all are shaken by suffering of body or soul, including: {List}. Be in their midst, let them not be overthrown, and bring them your saving help. Say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ Restore them to health and hope. Let them proclaim the awesome things you have done.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Holy Father, thank you for the lives of all your faithful people: prophets, apostles, and martyrs; theologians and confessors; teachers and pastors; and all the ordinary saints whom you have redeemed through the precious blood of your dear Son. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps; boldly trust in your promises; faithfully live in your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. Bring us, through the merits of our Savior, into your eternal home. There with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the power of your most holy Spirit forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.
