Litany

A Litany for Reformation Sunday.

Christ has died and risen; through the Holy Spirit, Christ remains with his body the Church. In gratitude for this great gift and in hope of God’s coming kingdom, let us pray, saying:
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Eternal and ever loving God, you made yourself known fully in Jesus Christ. When he died and rose again, you sent the gift of your Spirit that a new child of God might be born, your church. We are here sisters and brothers of Jesus, and are given new life in God. Thanks to you, O Lord!
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Your Church, O Christ, has not always been an obedient child. Yet, you have not deserted us and have raised prophets and priests and ministers to bring us back to you. We therefore remember the Reformers. May we be faithful to their example: courageous, faithful,  true.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Give us the hearts of flame that you gave to them. Let us be reformed and ever reforming, drinking from the sources of your truth, honoring and loving your Word in our lives and worship. As goodness follows from truth, so may we never turn from any good thing you command, nor any new challenge. May we seek to add to our brothers and sisters in confidence that in this place you offer salvation.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all our sisters and brothers. The work of reformation is not done until that unity which is your will is made manifest in mission and at table. Grant, therefore, true unity to the Church the world over, that its divisions may be healed and its mission one. We pray also for those who are persecuted for the faith.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer

Eternal Word, the light and life of all people. Remain with the Church that you have made your dwelling here on earth. Strengthen it, purify it, give it the gifts of Your Spirit, that it may be ever faithful to you, seeking your will in the unity of that Spirit, until the day that your kingdom comes and all will be one. Amen.