Post date: Oct 29, 2011 5:11:35 PM
Reformation Sunday
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.
Dear God, we praise you for your mercy which raised up Martin Luther as a zealous and able reformer. Through the gospel which declares salvation by grace through faith, a precious truth you brought again to light through Luther, you reached out to us, and drew our hearts in faith to Christ. Now we are your children. Now we are rescued from the slavery of sin. Do not let us trust in our works to merit heaven. Fill us with zeal for your Word so that we eagerly proclaim it.
O God, our Shield, protect us now as you have in the past from the deceptions of Satan. Cause us to cherish the blessings of your pure Word as our fathers in faith have delivered it to us. We are truly thankful for the gift of pastors and teachers. Give them courage, wisdom and zeal to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Give us the desire to support the work of your kingdom with the talents and means you have provided. Stir up the hearts of our sons and daughters to eager service in your church. Send laborers into your harvest. And give your Word free course to bring the joy of salvation to the many who are yet in darkness.
Please speak aloud or silently in your heart the names of those that you would like to raise up in prayer at this time.....
Lord, thank you for the gift of our staff. Through their hard work and talents, we are able to sustain this congregation and bring the Word of God to this community. Be with them and this congregation through the next year as we call a new pastor.
We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.