Commemoration of Augustine of Hippo, Pastor and Theologian

Today our Synod remembers St. Augustine. From the Treasury of Daily Prayer:

Augustine was one of the greatest of the Latin Church Fathers and a significant influence in the formation of Western Christianity, including Lutheranism. Born in AD 354 in North Africa, Augustine's early life was distinguished by exceptional advancement as a teacher of rhetoric. In his book "Confessions" he describes his life before his conversion to Christianity, when he was drawn into the moral laxity of the day and fathered an illegitimate son. Through the devotion of his sainted mother, Monica, and the preaching of Ambrose, bishop of Milan (AD 339-97), Augustine was converted to the Christian faith. During the great Pelagian controversies of the fifth century, Augustine emphasized the unilateral grace of God in the salvation of mankind. Bishop and theologian at Hippo in North Africa from AD 395 until his death in AD 430, Augustine was a man of great intelligence, a fierce defender of orthodox faith, and a prolific writer. In addition to "Confessions," Augustine's book "City of God" had a great impact upon the Church throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

A prayer in his memory:
O Lord God, the light of the minds that know You, the life of the souls that love You, and the strength of the hearts that serve You, give us the strength to follow the example of Your servant Augustine of Hippo, so that knowing You we may truly love You and loving You we may fully serve You--for to serve You is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen