The Reformation, far from being a tragedy—spare me—is cause for celebration.

In order to facilitate, here are two prayers of thanksgiving from Wilhelm Löhe‘s Seed-Grains of Prayer: A Manual for Evangelical Christians for the occasion of what Löhe calls “The Festival of the Reformation, or Saint Martin’s Day.”

The Festival of the Reformation, or Saint Martin’s Day

Rejoice in the Lord alway.

And again I say, Rejoice!

316.

ALMIGHTY and Most Gracious God, with our whole hearts we thank Thee, that Thou didst lead us and our fathers up out of the darkness of papacy, and in the latter days of this world gavest the Fatherland such a mighty instrument, Martin Luther, a great light kindled by Thee. In the might of Thy Spirit he cleansed the wells of Israel, faithfully translating the Scriptures, revealing Antichrist in all his hideousness, saving the rulers, and, doing many more great deeds unto the glory of Thy Name and the quieting of many anxious consciences. O give thanks unto the Lord of Sabaoth. He is gracious and bestoweth great gifts unto us. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Zion, praise thy God! He giveth us His Word, together with hosts of evangelists. Let all that fear the Lord say: “Mercy and Truth reign over us forever!” Thou, O God, hast hitherto maintained unto us the light of Thy Word against every storm of error and persecution. So establish it henceforth also, and conserve that fountain of salvation, Thy saving truth, unto us and our children, that the city of God remain glad with the river thereof. Awaken unto us all godliness that we hold fast what we have, and not fritter away our treasure through ingratitude; but, in true evangelical manner, live and move worthy of the same, and praise and magnify Thee, the Everlasting God, for all Thy great benefactions, both here and hereafter, for ever and ever. Amen.

317.

MERCIFUL, Everlasting God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, in the fulness of time gavest Thine only begotten Son unto us, Who, at first, personally, and afterward through the sacred office of the ministry, declared unto us what He heard in Thy bosom; we praise and give thanks to Thee, with hearts and voices, that Thou hast enkindled the light of Thy gracious Word, and hast redeemed us from the Babylonian captivity and darksome kingdom of the Antichrist, and hast graciously preserved until this day the good work which Thou didst begin through Thy servant, Martin Luther….years ago, that Thou hast given Thy Word power to withstand the rancor and opposition of the devil manifested in church and schools, and hast given to Thy poor flock pure and zealous teachers at all times. We confess that we are unworthy of these great benefits unto us; and, by our manifold sins we have merited that, according to righteousness of judgment, Thou shouldst have entirely removed from us the candlestick of Thy pure Word, and for our ingratitude, indifference, and hypocrisy shouldst have decreed a great famine of Thy Word. We beseech Thee, of Thine unfathomable grace, do not deal with us according to our sins, nor reward us according to our iniquities. Abide with us, dear Father, for the evening lowereth. Keep us and all posterity steadfast in the pure, saving gospel, and the right use of Thy Holy Sacraments. Let Thy temples be glorious in every land, that Thy kingdom increase, Thy Name be hallowed, Satan be trod under foot, and the son of perdition be finally slain by the spirit of Thy Word. Keep far from us all heresies, schisms, and false doctrines; and, let not ravening wolves, which spare not the flock, break into the fold of the Church Thine only begotten Son purchased at so terrible a price; but, send us, always, teachers who are able to bear the office of the New Testament, and be faithful stewards of Thy divine mysteries; that, by the light of Thy truth, we be sustained unto everlasting life. Amen.

(Translated by H.A. Weller.)