Gracious and loving God:

On this Reformation Sunday, we celebrate all of those who have sought to reform our beloved church to make it more faithful. Rather than simply blessing tradition for tradition’s sake, or always insisting on change for change’s sake, may your spirit move your church to always strive for greater faithfulness.

• Help us to recognize when faithfulness is found in the preservation of what is good, and just, and holy, and loving, and encourage us to build upon that solid foundation.
• Help us to recognize when faithfulness calls us to transformation and give us the wisdom and courage and strength and love to move boldly into new ways of being the church.

As we continue to follow the call to be your church, the body of Christ, in this time and place, may we seek to be reformed and always reforming, according to your Holy Word. Amen.

Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett is Pastor and Head of Staff of First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska.