Commemorations Of Other Events Recorded In Scripture

The following events recording in Scripture have also been commemorated throughout the history of the church. These days of commemoration call the church's attention to events and portions of Scripture that otherwise may be overlooked.

Holy Innocents. On this commemoration, observed on December 28, the church recalls the slaughter of all the innocent children by Herod, in his attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Appropriate readings include Jeremiah 31:15–17; Psalm 124; 1 Peter 4:12–19; and Matthew 2:13–18. An appropriate prayer is as follows:

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by order of King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims, and by your great might, frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Confession of St. Peter. Observed on January 18, this observance recalls Peter's stirring confession of Jesus as Lord. It also recalls the Lord's promise to Peter and to his church. Thus, this is a day for remembering God's faithfulness to the church and to the promise Jesus made to Peter. Suggested readings include Acts 4:8–13; Psalm 18:1–7, 17–20; 1 Corinthians 10:1–5; and Matthew 16:13–19. An appropriate prayer is as follows:

Almighty God, you inspired Simon Peter to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God. Keep your church firm on the rock of this faith, that in unity and peace it may proclaim one truth and follow one Lord, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Conversion of St. Paul. Observed on January 25, this commemoration recalls the riveting conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus. This is an occasion to celebrate God's faithfulness to his church, to remember the vision for Christian mission that characterized Paul's ministry, and to pray for God's blessing on the current mission of the church. Suggested readings include Acts 9:1–22; Psalm 67; Galatians 1:11–24; and Luke 21:10–19. An appropriate prayer draws on themes from these readings:

Lord God, through the preaching of your apostle Paul, you established one church from among the nations. As we celebrate his conversion, we pray that we may follow his example and be witnesses to the truth in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Nativity of John the Baptist. Observed on June 24, this day recalls the birth of John the Baptist. Thus, it comes after the observance of the visitation described above. Lectionary texts include Malachi 3:1–4; Psalm 141; Acts 13:13–26; Luke 1:57–67. Worship on this day should include the singing of the Benedictus, the Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68–79).

A prayer that is based on this theme is as follows:

Almighty God, you called John the Baptist to give witness to the coming of your Son and to prepare his way. Grant to your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will, that we too may witness to Christ's coming and so prepare his way, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers from the Lutheran Book of Worship