A Prayer to Commemorate Reformation Day
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Listen or Read Below:
Although I grew up in church as a pastor’s kid, I wasn’t familiar with Reformation Day. We weren’t Lutheran, where pre-teens go through confirmation and learn about Church history.
It wasn’t until I took a college course on a secular campus that I discovered more about Reformation Day and Martin Luther.
It’s essential for every believer to be aware of Luther, his journey, and his impact, as well as the significance of commemorating him today on Reformation Day.
Not a Rebel, or a Revolutionary, but a Truth Seeker
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, and went on to become a catalyst for the Reformation. Some call him a rebel, but he was more a truth seeker and corrector of doctrine.
As a devoted monk, he believed his efforts would earn him a way into heaven. His zealous studying of the Scriptures led to the Holy Spirit revealing the truth to him that the just shall live by faith. None of his self-afflictions would justify him before God, but only come through faith in Jesus Christ, as he found in Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
With hopes of sparking an academic debate and reform, Luther shared his revelation concerning salvation on October 31, 1517. He nailed his Ninety-five Theses, outlining the errors in the Church, to the door of the Wittenberg, Germany, Cathedral for all to see, a common practice at the time. He also shared his findings via the newly invented printing press throughout Germany, sparking considerable controversy, which led to the Church Council in 1521 demanding that Luther recant his thesis.
Luther Put the Bible into the Hands of the Masses
Luther’s refusal to recant led Pope Leo X to excommunicate him from the Catholic Church in 1521. Declared an outlaw and heretic because of his unwavering stand, he had to run for his life, ultimately finding refuge under an assumed name with Fredrick the Wise at Wartburg Castle.
While there, Luther translated the Bible into German, making the written Word of God accessible for the common people to read for themselves. Luther ushered in a new era, referred to as the Reformation, in which God’s Word was placed in the hands of individuals, giving rise to the Protestant Churches.
Providing individuals with the opportunity to read the Bible for themselves has led to many lives being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Luther understood that people need to read and study God’s Word for themselves, believing wholeheartedly what 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Today, on Reformation Day, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for the life of Martin Luther, for his unwavering faith and commitment to the truth of Your Word.
Thank you for all You did to reveal the truth to him, and, through him, to bring the truth of our salvation by grace, a gift from You through Jesus Christ, and not through any works or efforts on our own.
Help us to proclaim it from our rooftops and spread this Good News to all we meet who may not know of Your gracious gift.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum!
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/SebastianHamm
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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