Prayer of Thanksgiving: Reformation Day

Thanks be to you, O God

for the many guiding theological and spiritual insights

that we have all received through the Reformation.

Thanks be to you for the good transformations and reforms

that were set in motion by the Reformation

or by struggling with its challenges.

Thanks be to you for the proclamation of the gospel

that occurred during the Reformation

and that since then has strengthened countless people

to live lives of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. 

~ from Common Prayer: From Conflict to Communion. Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017. Written by the Liturgical Task Force of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity. http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/Common_Prayer_for_Catholic-Lutheran_Commemoration_of__Reformation_2017.pdf

Call to Worship: Psalm 46

Here’s a call to worship from Thom Shuman’s Lectionary Liturgies website. It was written for Reformation Day (October 31), but could be used on many other occasions.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 46)

Be still!
We come to quiet ourselves in this haven of holiness.
Be still and know . . .
we come to discern the Word which can set us free.
Be still and know that God is
our Hope, our Help, our Refuge, and our Redeemer. 

~ written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/

Pastoral Prayer: Reformation Day

Here’s a pastoral prayer for Reformation Day (October 31). It comes from the Seasons Online website.

Pastoral Prayer

for Reformation Day

Reforming God,

we give you thanks

for your forgiveness and your blessing.

We pray for ourselves and your church throughout the world.

Fill us with a spirit of openness to your Spirit,

to hear and receive your promises

and to keep our covenant with you.

Where we are corrupt, purify us.

Where we are in error, direct us.

Where we are in need, provide for us.

Where we are divided, reunite us.

And where we are close-minded,

reform us and make us new.

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

~ in “Seasons of the Spirit – Reformation Day (Years A,B,C). Posted on Seasons Online. https://www.seasonsonline.ca/files/reformation-day_cong-life

A Mighty Fortress: Reformation Day Litany

Here’s a litany for Reformation Day (October 31). It comes from the PC(USA) website (see below for link).

The authors write: “This litany interweaves Martin Luther’s great Reformation hymn with the words from Scripture that inspired it, the words of Psalm 46.”

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A Litany for Reformation Sunday

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

[Sung]

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.

[Sung]

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus it is he,
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
God speaks and the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord!

God makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
God breaks the bow, shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.

[Sung]

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure,
one little word shall fell him.

Be still, and know that the Lord is God!

God is exalted among the nations;
God is exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our refuge.

[Sung]

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth;
let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still,
his kingdom is forever.

~ posted on the Presbyterian Mission website of the PC(USA). https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/worship-reformationsunday/worship-mightyfortresslitnany/

Reformation Day Litany

Here’s a litany for Reformation Day (October 31) from lutherjulia. It was posted on RevGalBlogPals.

Litany of Thanksgiving

for Reformation Day

We give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit

whose light brought new understanding

of both the Living Word and the written Scripture.

We give thanks

for the reminder of consistent grace and mercy

from God through Jesus Christ.

We are grateful for the inspiration

that lead to the printing press,

enabling the spread of information

and the sharing of the gospel in many languages.

We thank God for the technologies

that can be used for good

for the support of communities and individuals.

Generous God,

we thank you for open hearts

that were prepared to hear and receive the good news

of freedom in Christ.

We also thank you for our continued freedom in the Son

to share that same news of salvation

through your grace and Christ’s faithfulness.

We remember the lives that were lost

in the struggle to reform the church on earth –

those who were martyred,

those who died fighting,

those who perished in hiding,

and who were killed on all sides.

We remember also the lives that have been lost

throughout history in the name of religion

and for those who die today for daring to believe.

We thank you for the instruction that comes

through our church heritage –

the catechisms,

the understanding of the saints,

the gift of community,

and a deeper appreciation of God’s gift of Holy Communion

and Holy Baptism.

We thank you for the presence of Jesus Christ –

in us, with us, and for us –

and for the support of the Holy Spirit, ever-reforming us.

God of stability and change,

we thank you that true reformation is always your work

and always being done in us

out of your love for your whole creation.

We are ever reformed by the work of your love. 

We are ever reformed by the work of God’s love. 

~ written by lutherjulia, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.org/

Prayer of Confession: Reformation Day

Here’s a prayer of confession, written specifically for Reformation Day (October 31). It comes from a resource produced by the Liturgical Task Force of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity (see below for link).

Prayer of Confession

for Reformation Day

O God of mercy,

we lament that even good actions of reform and renewal

had often unintended negative consequences.

Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy)

We bring before you

the burdens of the guilt of the past

when our forbears did not follow your will

that all be one in the truth of the Gospel.

Christe eleison (Christ have mercy)

We confess our own ways of thinking and acting

that perpetuate the divisions of the past.

As communities and as individuals,

we build many walls around us:

mental, spiritual, physical, political walls

that result in discrimination and violence.

Forgive us, Lord.

Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy)

Psalm 130 [sung or read]

Christ is the way, the truth and the life.

He is our peace,

who breaks down the walls that divide, w

ho gives us, through the Holy Spirit,

ever-new beginnings.

In Christ, we receive forgiveness and reconciliation

and we are strengthened

for a faithful and common witness in our time. Amen. 

~ from Common Prayer: From Conflict to Communion. Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017. Written by the Liturgical Task Force of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity. http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/Common_Prayer_for_Catholic-Lutheran_Commemoration_of__Reformation_2017.pdf

Affirmation of Unity

Here’s an affirmation of faith, suitable for use anytime, but especially on Reformation Day (October 31), World Communion Sunday (first Sunday in October), and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25). It was written by Nolan Palsma.

Affirmation of Unity

We share one faith,

have one calling,

are of one soul and one mind;

have one God and Father,

are filled with one Spirit,

are baptized with one baptism,

eat of one bread and drink of one cup,

confess one Name,

are obedient to one Lord,

work for one cause,

and share one hope.

Together we come to know

the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ;

are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity;

know and bear one another’s burdens,

thereby fulfilling the law of Christ

that we need one another and up build one another,

admonishing and comforting one another;

that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness.

Together we pray; together we serve God in this world. 

~ written by Nolan Palsma, and printed in “Prayerful Preparation: Living God, Renew Us.” Published by the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and posted at http://wcrc.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/GC2017-PrayerfulPreparation-English.pdf. 

Benediction: Thanks Be to God!

Here’s a responsive benediction written for the Lutheran-Catholic Commemoration of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation…though it could be used on many different occasions.

Benediction

For all that God can do within us,

for all that God can do without us,

Thanks be to God!

For all in whom Christ lived before us,

for all in whom Christ lives beside us,

Thanks be to God!

For all the Spirit wants to bring us,

for where the Spirit wants to send us,

Thanks be to God!

The blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

be with you and on your way together,

now and forever.

Amen.

~ from Common Prayer: From Conflict to Communion. Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017. Written by the Liturgical Task Force of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity. http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/Common_Prayer_for_Catholic-Lutheran_Commemoration_of__Reformation_2017.pdf  

Prayer of Thanksgiving for All Saints

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving suitable for All Saints Day.  It was written by Nathan Decker.

Prayer for All Saints

You, Lord, have called us:

voices and grandfathered whispers off yellowed pages,

guides in the desert,

faceless faith still being shared.

You, Lord, have lifted us up by your hand:

wrinkled strong hands of grandmother’s grace,

quiet prayers spoken,

lifting us up from despair.

You, Lord, have shown us light:

the light of millions of candles sharing their faith.

The light of saints past,

the living tradition of the redeemed,

the resurrection retelling,

the passing of this flame

from generation to generation.

We remember,

and because of you in them,

we walk in the candlelight of Christ. Amen.

~ from “Remembering the Saints” by Rev. Nathan Decker.  Posted on the website of the Plainfield United Methodist Church in Plainfield, Illinois. http://plainfieldumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/11.3.13-8.30-Bulletin.pdf

A Prayer for the Church

Here’s a prayer for the church from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website.  It seemed an appropriate addition this week, as some congregations observe Reformation Day (October 31).

Prayer for the Church

Gracious Father,

we pray for your holy catholic church.

Fill it with all truth and peace.

Where it is corrupt, purify it;

where it is in error, direct it;

where in anything it is amiss, reform it;

where it is right, strengthen it;

where it is in need, provide for it;

where it is divided, reunite it;

for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

~ posted on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website. https://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Lectionary/Year-C/Time-after-Pentecost.aspx  

Litany for Reformation Day (October 31)

Here is a litany for Reformation Day (October 31).  It was written by lutherjulia and posted on RevGalBlogPals.

Reformation Litany

We give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit

whose light brought new understanding

of both the Living Word and the written Scripture.

We give thanks for the reminder

of consistent grace and mercy

from God through Jesus Christ.

We are grateful for the inspiration

that lead to the printing press,

enabling the spread of information

and the sharing of the gospel in many languages.

We thank God for the technologies

that can be used for good

for the support of communities and individuals.

Generous God,

we thank you for open hearts

that were prepared to hear and receive

the good news of freedom in Christ.

We also thank you

for our continued freedom in the Son

to share that same news of salvation

through your grace and Christ’s faithfulness.

We remember the lives that were lost

in the struggle to reform the church on earth –

those who were martyred,

those who died fighting,

those who perished in hiding,

and who were killed on all sides.

We remember also

the lives that have been lost throughout history

in the name of religion

and for those who die today for daring to believe.

We thank you for the instruction that comes

through our church heritage –

the catechisms,

the understanding of the saints,

the gift of community,

and a deeper appreciation

of God’s gift of Holy Communion

and Holy Baptism.

We thank you for the presence of Jesus Christ –

in us, with us, and for us –

and for the support of the Holy Spirit,

ever-reforming us.

God of stability and change,

we thank you that true reformation is always your work

and always being done in us

out of your love for your whole creation.

We are ever reformed by the work of your love. 

Semper Reformanda

We are ever reformed by the work of God’s love. 

Semper Reformanda.

~ written by lutherjulia, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.org/

Prayer: Our Mighty Fortress

Here’s a prayer inspired by Psalm 46.  It was written by Rev Abi.

Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 46:1)

God you are our safe place to hide.

You are our mighty fortress.

You are our ever present help in time of need.

We can and do turn to you in the midst of our troubles.

And Lord our world is full of difficulties.

Lord we may feel afraid, but it does not overcome us

Because we know we can put our trust in you.

Your love and grace are like streams of water in the desert.

Your joy comes splashing down upon us.

Your refresh and renew us like rain coming down on the earth.

Bring your water of life to those who are thirsty

and living in a dry and weary land.

Where there are wars, bring your peace.

Where there is starvation, fill the empty bellies.

Where there is despair, bring your hope.

Where there is animosity, bring your reconciliation.

Where there is abuse, bring your tender mercies,

Where there is poverty, bring your charity.

Where there is illness, bring your healing.

Where there is grief, bring your gentleness.

Where there is injustice, bring your justice.

Lord you are mighty fortress, our strong deliverer.

In you we put our trust and release ourselves into your hands.

Amen.

~ written by Rev. Abi, and posted on A Place for Prayer.

Call to Worship based on Psalm 46

Here’s a call to worship based on Psalm 46.  It was written by Joanna Harader.  She writes: *A note on the last line of the call to worship: Psalm 46:10 is generally translated as, “Be still and know that I am God.” The Hebrew term translated as “be still” (raphah) more accurately means “let drop, let go, abandon.” It is a call for disarmament, not a request for silent meditation.”

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 46)

The earth shakes, the mountains quake—tempting our hearts to fear.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Storms rage, winds swirl—destroying schools, hospitals, homes.
Still, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Violence comes to light in our communities

and violence continues around the world—

causing us to wonder if our prayers for peace are futile.
Yet God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
For those mourning and rebuilding after the storms,
God is their refuge.
For those living in fear of their neighbors,
God is their strength.
For those dreading the hiss of a drone-fired missile,
God is present.
For the distraught and displaced and dismembered in Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere,
God is a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear.
Therefore, we will lay down our weapons and worship our God.

~ written by Joanna Harader, and posted on Spacious Faith. http://spaciousfaith.com/2013/05/21/call-to-worship-psalm-46/

Litany: Psalm 46

Here is a responsive litany from Psalm 46: 1-3, 6-11.

Responsive Litany

(Psalm 46: 1-3, 6-11)

God is our refuge and our strength,

an ever-present help in distress.

Though the earth trembles,

and mountains slide into the sea,

we will not fear.

Waters may rise and roar,

and mountains shake at their surging;

but the God of hosts is with us--

our stronghold, the God of Israel.

Even if nations are in chaos, and kingdoms fall,

God's voice resounds; the earth melts away.

Yahweh is with us;

the God of Israel is our stronghold.

Come!  See the deeds of the Most High,

the marvellous things God has done on earth;

all over the world, God has stopped wars--

breaking bows, splintering spears,

burning the shields with fire.

"Be still! and know that I am God,

exalted among the nations, exalted upon the earth."

The Most High is with us;

our stronghold is the God of Israel.

Responsive Call to Worship: Psalm 46: 1-3, 11

God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come,

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

The Lord Almighty is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

Call to Worship: Psalm 46: 1, 7

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

The Lord of hosts is with us!

The God of Jacob is our fortress!

Reformation Day Worship Index

Here’s a list of worship resources on this blog suitable for use on Reformation Day (October 31).Note that 2017 marked the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral.

Calls to Worship

Call to Worship and Prayer: Reformation

Call to Worship based on Psalm 46
Call to Worship: Psalm 46
Call to Worship: Psalm 46:1,7
Litany: Psalm 46

Opening Litany for Reformation Day

Opening Litany: Reformation Sunday
Responsive Call to Worship: Psalm 46:1-3, 11

Prayers

A Prayer for Reformation Sunday

Closing Prayer: Reformation Sunday

Intercessions:Reformation Sunday

Litany for Unity and Reconciliation

Opening Invocation: Reformation
Pastoral Prayer: Reformation Day

Prayer for Reformation Sunday

Prayer for the Church
Prayer Litany for Reformation Day
Prayer of Invocation

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Reformation

Prayer of the Day: Reformation

Prayers of the People: Reformation

Prayer: Our Mighty Fortress (Psalm 46)
Prayers of the People: Reformation Day

Reformation Day Litany
Reformation Day: Opening Prayer

Confession and Assurance

Confession: Reformation Sunday
Pastoral Prayer: Reformation Day
Prayer of Confession for Reformation Day

Prayer of Confession: Have Mercy

Benedictions

A Mighty Fortress: Reformation Day Litany
Benediction: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Benediction: Reformation/All Saints
Benediction: Thanks Be to God!

Miscellaneous posts

Affirmation of Unity
Litany of Commitment: Reformation Day

Readers’ Theatre: Reformation

Reformation Dialogue for Two Voices

Prayers of the People: Reformation Day

Here’s a prayer of intercession written by Rev. Abi for Reformation Day (October 1).

Prayer of Intercession: Reformation Day

Dear Lord,

On this Reformation Sunday,

we thank you for those persons you have poured your spirit into

that then set about reforming your church.

We thank you that you are still at work in the life of the church

reforming us reshaping us,

and remaking us into your image.

One of the ways we reflect your image, Lord,

is how we care for one another with love, care and prayer.

We pray for those who are in the hospitals today.

We pray for those at home with illnesses,

and recovering from treatments and/or surgeries.

We pray for those in nursing homes

and those who are home bound.

We pray for their families during these times.

We pray for those who are facing death.

We pray for those who have died and for those who are grieving.

We pray for their Doctors, nurses,

health care workers and care takers.

Lord may we reflect your image in our love, care and prayer

that we put to action for these your children.

We reflect your image in how we love, care and pray for the world.

We pray for those around the world

who as Christians face imprisonment and martyrdom.

We pray for those who countries torn by civil war.

We pray for those living in poverty.

We pray for those who live in starvation.

We pray for those who are being used in slave labor, child labor and sex labor.

We pray for those who have been affected by disasters.

We pray for those in disaster areas who face outbreak of diseases.

Lord, may we put into action our love, care and prayers for the world.

Lord, we pray for your church

that we be a beacon of hope, grace, love and light in this world.

May our open doors reflect your open arms to all.

May our arms and hands reaching out to those in need reflect your love for all.

May our forgiveness of one another reflect your forgiveness for all.
Amen.

— written by Rev Abi, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/   

Prayer of Confession: Have Mercy

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by Mark 10:46-52, where Jesus heals Bartimaeus of blindness.

Prayer of Confession

(based on Mark 10:46-52)

When we want to be a church ever-reforming,

yet cling to comfortable ways:

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!

When we want to honor your “still speaking voice”,

but are fearful of insights which challenge old assumptions:

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!

When we want to live into Jesus’ dream of oneness,

but fail to listen to voices of difference:

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!

Words of Assurance

Take heart, get up; Jesus is calling to us!

We trust in the one who has guided the church for two millennia.

Through Christ, God forgives us our failings,

and continues to call us into a community of mutual love and forgiveness. 

Let us celebrate this mercy of God

by greeting each other with a sign of Christ’s peace. 

~ written by the Rev. Bonnie Tarwater, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.  http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Call to Worship, Prayer: Jeremiah 31

Here’s a contemporary call to worship and opening prayer based on Jeremiah 31:7-9.  It was written by Rev. Bonnie Tarwater.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Jeremiah 31:7-9)

One:     Sing aloud with gladness:

Many:   God is gathering the people!

One:     From the farthest parts of the earth we come:

Many:   All who struggle; all who labor with new life!

One:     Those who are weeping, God will console;

Many:   Those who get lost find a clear path home.

One:     Let us worship the God who gathers us!

Prayer of Invocation

Ever-calling God,

We give thanks that you have gathered us into your church

and graced us with your faithful presence.

We ponder our history, ancient and still developing,

and marvel at the many expressions of your church.

Grant us the vision to be a part of a new reformation for the Church

that will bring ever more joy and justice to the world.

Continue to gather us, the diverse lot of us, 

into Jesus’ vision and dream

that your faithful people may be one in you.  Amen

~ written by the Rev. Bonnie Tarwater, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.  http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/