Blessed Martin Luther, Renewer of the Church

February 18 – Blessed Martin Luther, Renewer of the Church – (10 November 1483 – 18 February 1546).

Almighty God, we praise you for the men and women you have sent to call the Church to its tasks and renew its life such as your servant Martin. Raise up in our own day teachers and prophets inspired by your Spirit, whose voices will give strength to your Church and proclaim the reality of your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

~Martin Luther, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553)