Observance Of Events In The History Of The Christian Church

Almost all worshiping communities recall the anniversaries of important days in their history as occasions to bless and thank God for his faithfulness to them. Some of the events are important to entire worshiping traditions; others are significant in the life of individual congregations.

An Anniversary of the Local Church. One occasion for thanksgiving and prayer is the anniversary of the founding of a local congregation. Readings for such an occasion include 1 Kings 8:22–40; Psalm 84; 1 Peter 2:1–9; and John 10:22–30. An appropriate prayer is as follows:

O God, you have promised through your Son to be with your church forever. We give you thanks for those who founded this community of believers and for the signs of your presence in our congregation. Increase in us the spirit of faith and love, and make us worthy of our heritage. Knit us together in the communion of saints, and make our fellowship an example to all believers and to all nations. We pray through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Reformation. Prior to Vatican II, many Protestant churches celebrated Reformation Day, the anniversary of Luther's posting of his 95 theses on October 31, 1517. Since Vatican II, many churches have realized that celebrating such a day calls attention to the division in the church instead of its need for unity. This occasion is most meaningfully celebrated by calling the church to thank God for his faithfulness and by praying for and calling each other to remain faithful to the Word of God. Suggested readings include Jeremiah 31:31–34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19–28; and John 8:31–36. An appropriate prayer is as follows:

Almighty God, gracious Lord, pour out your Spirit upon your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the church your saving peace; through your Son, 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 World Communion Sunday. The twentieth century has witnessed unprecedented openness among Christians of various traditions. In order to celebrate the unity of the Christian church, Christians in many worshiping traditions have set aside the first Sunday in October as World Communion Sunday. On this occasion, churches could use hymns and songs from around the world. Almost every recently published hymnal includes fine examples of hymns from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. The following prayer is appropriate for this occasion.

Lord of languages and nations, we offer you our thanks for creating a new unity among the divided peoples of the earth. You have given Christians of every nation and language and race your Spirit, that your church might be one. We join Christians from around the world in voicing our praise to you. We ask that your Spirit may continue to work in us, so that the unity which we profess may be a unity which brings witness to the world. Amen.