Happy Reformation Day

Today is a significant day in the history of the church. Maybe not as significant as the first Good Friday and Easter, but nevertheless it is a significant day. Today is Reformation Day! It marks the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the Wittenberg Church doors in 1517.

It got me thinking about reformation. Reformation is about change and transition. It is about bringing back truth and clarifying direction. It is about taking what is already formed and giving it a new shape and vision. Reformation is about repentance and tearing down idols.

Reformation starts with an individual. In 1517 the Reformation started with Martin Luther.

Reformation requires boldness and courageousness. Luther was bold to post the Theses on the Church door. It was not about what people thought, but about what was true.

Reformation requires trust. Standing for the truth, Martin Luther put his life on the line. He put his life in God's hand that God would protect him and enable him to do the work to which he had been called.

Reformation requires sacrifice. No doubt, Martin Luther gave up a tremendous amount for the sake of reformation. But he received so much more in return.

My prayer today is a prayer for reformation. First, I pray that God would reform me. I pray he would change my heart. I pray he would remove my hesitancy to depart from the old ways. I pray for an openness to the new and fresh things God is calling me to. I pray for boldness and courage to trust and to step forward with courage. I pray that I would be filled with the His Holy Spirit to assume the role of leadership I have been called to. Finally, I pray for a clear focus, to not be distracted by all the things that so off divert my attention and energy.

Second, I pray for reformation for God's local church - Lord of Life. I pray for passion and enthusiasm for the things of God. I pray for worship that is spontaneous, that is filled with Spirit and truth. I pray that we would be struck with a sense of wonder and awe, left speechless, without words in the presence of God. I pray for a light to shine from this hill like never before. That this is no ordinary place, but this is the place where God lives and dwells in and among his people. No more apathy, no more timidity! That it is all about him. That it is our hearts desire to worship and praise him above all things. That we hunger and thirst to know him in his Word. That we obediently serve him as stewards of the blessings he has poured out into our life.