Prayer for Reformation Day

O God of mercy, we lament that even good actions of reform and renewal had often unintended negative consequences. Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy).

We bring before You the burdens of the guilt of the past when our forbears did not follow Your will that all be one in the truth of the Gospel. Christe eleison (Christ have mercy).

We confess our own ways of thinking and acting that perpetuate the divisions of the past. As communities and as individuals, we build many walls around us: mental, spiritual, physical, political walls that result in discrimination and violence. Forgive us, Lord. Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy).

Christ is the way, the truth and the life. He is our peace, Who breaks down the walls that divide, Who gives us, through the Holy Spirit, ever-new beginnings. In Christ, we receive forgiveness and reconciliation and we are strengthened for a faithful and common witness in our time. Amen. 

~ from Common Prayer: From Conflict to Communion. Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017. Written by the Liturgical Task Force of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity.