All Hallows Evening Prayer for Saturday Evening (October 29, 2022)
This evening’s service includes a reading from the Apocrypha (or Deuterocanonical Books) of the Bible. Catholics recognize these books as canonical; Protestants, with the exception of Anglicans and Lutherans, do not. Anglicans and Lutherans read them because of the examples they provide of heroic lives and faithful conduct; but Anglicans and Lutherans do not use these books to establish any doctrine. I have placed the reading in brackets [ ], and it may be read or omitted.
A lamp or candle may be lit.
The Lord is my light and my salvation:
my God shall make my darkness to be bright.
The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you
and also with you.
Blessed are you, Lord God, creator of day and night:
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As darkness falls you renew your promise
to reveal among us the light of your presence.
By the light of Christ, your living Word,
dispel the darkness of our hearts
that we may walk as children of light
and sing your praise throughout the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessed be God for ever.
Other candles may be lit as the following is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear F. Bland Tucker’s translation of the evening hymn Phos hilaron, “O Gracious Light.”
1 O Gracious Light, Lord Jesus Christ,
In you the Father’s glory shone.
Immortal, holy, blest is he,
And blest are you, his holy Son.
2 Now sunset comes, but light shines forth,
the lamps are lit to pierce the night.
Praise Father, Son, and Spirit: God
Who dwells in the eternal light.
3 Worthy are you of endless praise,
O Son of God, Life-giving Lord;
Wherefore you are through all the earth
And in the highest heaven adored.
As Psalm 141 — A Song of the Evening Sacrifice, is sung, incense may be burned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Peter Inwood’s setting of Psalm 141, “O Lord, Let My Prayer Rise Before You Like Incense.”
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
1. Lord, I am calling:
hasten to help me.
Listen to me as I cry to you.
Let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
2. Lord, set a guard at my mouth,
keep watch at the gate of my lips.
Let my heart not turn to things that are wrong,
to sharing the evil deeds done by the sinful.
No, I will never taste their delights.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
3. The good may reprove me,
in kindness chastise me,
but the wicked shall never anoint my head.
Ev’ry day I counter their malice with prayer.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
4 To you, Lord, my God, my eyes are turned:
in you I take refuge;
do not forsake me.
Keep me from the traps they have set for me,
from the snares of those who do evil.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
5 Praise to the Father, praise to the Son,
all praise to the life-giving Spirit.
As it was, is now and shall always be
for ages unending. Amen.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you as incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
This opening prayer is said.
That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
PSALMODY
Open this link in a new tab to hear Songs in His Presence responsorial setting of Psalm 118, “Give Thank to the Lord for He Is Good.”
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
I was hard pressed and I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the Lord has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
Silence is kept.
Saving God,
open the gates of righteousness,
that your pilgrim people may enter
and be built into a living temple
on the cornerstone of our salvation,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Jessica Greedy’s version of the magna et mirabilia, “Great and Marvelous Are All Your Deeds.”
Great and marvelous are all your deeds
Lord our God Almighty.
Just and true are all your ways and
You are King throughout all ages,
Throughout all ages.
We your people now proclaim You
And sing your glorious praise:
(Women) Blessing and honor,
glory and power
(Men) Blessing, honor, glory, power
(All) Be to our God, forever
(Women) Blessing and honor,
glory and power
(Men) Blessing, honor, glory, power
(All) Be to our God, forever
Amen!
Who will not fear You, O Lord,
and bring glory to your Name?
You are Holy.
All the nations will bow down
and worship at your Throne,
your glorious Throne.
We your people now proclaim You,
And sing your glorious praise:
(Women) Blessing and honor,
glory and power
(Men) Blessing, honor, glory, power
(All) Be to our God, forever
(Women) Blessing and honor,
glory and power
(Men) Blessing, honor, glory, power
(All) Be to our God, forever
(Women) Blessing and honor,
glory and power
(Men) Blessing, honor, glory, power
(All) Be to our God, forever
Amen!
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READING[S]
[Sirach 28:14-26 A Warning Against a Slanderous Tongue
Slander has shaken many,
and scattered them from nation to nation;
it has destroyed strong cities,
and overturned the houses of the great.
Slander has driven virtuous women from their homes,
and deprived them of the fruit of their toil.
Those who pay heed to slander will not find rest,
nor will they settle down in peace.
The blow of a whip raises a welt,
but a blow of the tongue crushes the bones.
Many have fallen by the edge of the sword,
but not as many as have fallen because of the tongue.
Happy is one who is protected from it,
who has not been exposed to its anger,
who has not borne its yoke,
and has not been bound with its fetters.
For its yoke is a yoke of iron,
and its fetters are fetters of bronze;
its death is an evil death,
and Hades is preferable to it.
It has no power over the godly;
they will not be burned in its flame.
Those who forsake the Lord will fall into its power;
it will burn among them and will not be put out.
It will be sent out against them like a lion;
like a leopard it will mangle them.
As you fence in your property with thorns,
so make a door and a bolt for your mouth.
As you lock up your silver and gold,
so make balances and scales for your words.
Take care not to err with your tongue,
and fall victim to one lying in wait.
Silence is kept.]
John 14: 15-31 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Why Singing and What We Sing Matters
It has been a number of years since I have seen a car with a bumper sticker saying, “Honk if you love Jesus.” They appeared to have been a passing fad. I occasionally see a bumper sticker with “I,” a red heart, and “Jesus” on it. Religious bumper stickers are not as common today as they were, let us say, twenty-five years ago. Nowadays people are less likely to advertise their feelings or opinion about Jesus as they once did. Or so it appears. This may be a result of what sociologists tell us in a growing cultural attitude that religion is a private, personal matter, and we should keep our religious sentiments and opinions to ourselves and not make a public display of them. I cannot say that for certain.
Go online on a Sunday and watch one of the many livestreamed church services and we will notice that worship songs of the “I love you, Jesus” variety continue to be standard fare in what is labeled “contemporary worship,” in which the vocalists in the praise band express how they feel about Jesus and why they feel that way. What is noticeable about these songs is the emphasis that they place on what the singer feels rather than Jesus. They may be said to reflect the spirit of the age with its emphasis upon self. Those who wrote these songs seem unable to remove themselves from the picture and focus on who Jesus claimed to be and what he did and taught. They are more about their feelings than they are Jesus.
If a congregation is present, it is not unusual to see only a few of its members singing. One of the reasons is that songs are not particularly congregational. They were written to be performed by the vocalists in the praise band and they are often outside the range of an average singer in a congregation. They are not particularly easy to sing in other ways.
The theory is that listening to these songs will put the congregation in the right frame of mind to hear the sermon, which is viewed as the main event of the service. The praise band is warming up the congregation for that event. Their performance is like the opening act at a concert.
As the vocalists sing, we may be prompted to question in our own minds whether the vocalists are giving voice in the songs to feelings that they themselves feel much less the congregation feels. We are particularly prompted to ask this question when the vocalists’ facial expressions, their body language, their gestures, and the energy with which they sing do not fit with the lyrics that they are singing. They are mouthing the words of the songs, but they do not give the appearance of being moved by the words they are singing.
Three times in today’s New Testament reading, John 14: 15-31, Jesus draws to the attention of the disciples that those who love him will accept his commandments and obey them. They will follow his teaching. Jesus also points to their attention that those who do not love him will not obey him. It is clear from what he says in this passage, that for Jesus loving him was more than a feeling or an opinion about him but a way of behaving in response to him, in response to who he claimed to be and to what he did and taught.
What Jesus says in this passage has definite implications for us, for not only how we live our lives as his followers but also for what we do when we gather on a Sunday or whatever day of the week on which our church regularly meets.
In his teaching Jesus gave particular emphasis to two commandments in the Hebrew Bible, which is our Old Testament, but which was the Bible for the Jews of Jesus’ day and is the Bible for Jews of our time. These two commandments are sometimes called the Great Commandment or the Summary of the Law:
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 23: 37-40 NLT)
Jesus also taught that we should show compassion and mercy toward other people in the same way that God shows compassion and mercy to us, imitating God as children imitate their parents. We should love our enemies, pray for those who treat us badly, bless those who curse us, and treat other people as we would wish to be treated ourselves. He taught that we should be slow to anger and should not let our anger get the better of us. We should forgive the failings of others and not hold grudges against them. If someone has something against us, we should quickly make peace with them. We should go out of our way to be reconciled with them.
Jesus further taught that we should not be severe in our judgment of other people, and we should make allowances for them. We should examine ourselves for faults and correct them before we draw other people’s faults to their attention and offer to help them correct them.
Jesus taught those who were considering following him to weigh what it might cost them before they made that decision. He instructed his disciples to love one another as he loved them and to show by their love for each other that they were his disciples. He commissioned his disciples, not just the apostles but all future generations of his followers, to proclaim the good news and to make more disciples, baptizing them and teaching them what he commanded.
What else Jesus taught is found in the Gospels.
Our love for Jesus is not so much something that we express with words as it is something that we express with our actions. We show our love for him by embodying what he taught. When we show our love for Jesus in this way, we are emulating Jesus himself in the way that he showed his love, the Son’s love for the Father: he obeyed the Father.
Every day presents us with opportunities to represent Jesus’ teaching in our transactions with other people—kin, friends, colleagues, and strangers. When we come together as a Christian community, we have a special opportunity to embody Jesus’ teaching—to show our love for each other, the love which Jesus taught would be a distinguishing characteristic of his disciples. When we embody this love, we show far more love for Jesus than a vocalist in a praise band can express in a song on the platform in front of a congregation of passive spectators. Our actions will have a far greater transforming effect on each other than the vocalist's song.
Loving one another, however, goes beyond behaving in a courteous, pleasant, and kind way toward each other. We give expression to our love for each other in what we choose to do when we gather as Christian community and how we choose to do it. When we choose songs that are not difficult for members of the congregation to sing and in which they are not only able to participate but also are expected to participate, we affirm the members of the congregation as valuable contributors to the gathering. We do the same when we invite them to read Scripture, lead prayer, gather the people’s offerings, give their testimony, and distribute the communion elements. This has a positive psychological, emotional, and physical effect on them as well as a positive spiritual effect.
The act of singing itself and the act of singing as a part of a social group, psychologists tell us is far more beneficial to us that listening to someone else sing. While listening to someone else can be inspiring, the act of singing itself produces positive changes in our brain chemistry, which can not only relieve stress and elevate our mood but also lead to positive changes in our behavior. The act of singing as a social group reinforces and strengthens our identification with that social group, our acceptance of its values and interests.
When the songs we sing at our gatherings draw attention to the nature of God, to God’s mighty deeds, to God’s attributes; to the person, work, and message of Jesus, to his character, and to his teaching; to the person and work of the Holy Spirit and to the Spirit’s fruit, they help to increase our knowledge and love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. When they offer praise and thanksgiving to God, they help us to develop this attitude toward all three persons of the Holy Trinity. In these ways the Holy Spirit can use the words of the songs to transform us.
This is not likely to happen if we are relegated to the role of a listener. We absorb more from a song when we sing it than we do listening to it. If we repeatedly sing the song over a period of time, we will internalize what it is saying. The thoughts and attitudes expressed in the song will become our own.
For these reasons whoever is responsible for choosing the songs that will be sung at our gatherings and where they will be sung should exercise great care in their selection and placement. It is not necessary that every song should have a connection to the sermon, but each song should fit with the time or place in the gathering at which it is sung, and the lyrics of the song should not conflict with the message of the sermon. Every song should be Biblically and theological sound.
The presence of children at the gathering should also be given consideration in the choice of songs. Young children are able to join in songs that have simple lyrics or refrains and repetitions.
While the initial song of this evening’s service is set to one of the simpler and more familiar settings to which this song may be sung—the TALLIS CANON. The last verse is sung as a two or three part round. With a rehearsal or two a congregation can also learn to sing the third verse in the same way. The setting can be embellished with bells, chimes, and violin. The two psalms and the two canticles have refrains and repetitions in which adults and children can join. If these songs are used frequently and repeatedly, a congregation will also learn the verses and join in them.
The congregation in whose music ministry I was involved for several years learned to sing the verses as well as the refrain of Michael Joncas’ “On Eagle’s Wings,” Jack Noble White’s “Surely It is God Who Saves Me,” Robert E. Kreutz’s “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart with Gifts of Finest Wheat,” Dan Schutte’s “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky,” also known as “Here I Am Lord,” and a number of other songs after the choir introduced them to the congregation. We made a point of repeating them with enough frequency that the congregation was able to master both the verses and the refrain.
This evening’s closing song has simple lyrics and a melody which is easy to learn and remember. It is an example of another type of song in which both children and adults are able to join. We used a number of them too.
When we make use of music in our gatherings that is friendly to all present, adults and children, we are showing our love for them and in turn, by obeying Jesus’ commandment, our love for him. Too often those responsible for planning the music of a gathering can lose sight of this important consideration and are tempted to select music that showcases the talents of the choristers in the choir or the vocalists in the praise band. While there is nothing wrong with sometimes affirming these individuals by putting their talents on display, what is far more important is engaging the gathered Christian community in song.
Singing together can have a positive impact on a Christian community as not only individuals but also as a group. It can bind a Christian community together as well as transform it. We should not only not give up meeting together, as the author of the Letter to Hebrews urges us, but we also should not give up singing together.
The songs we sing as a gathered community are one of the ways that we transmit our faith to others—to guests as well as our children and grandchildren. This includes not only our beliefs and values but also our attitudes toward God, our fellow human beings, and each other.
When we do not have a core repertoire of well-chosen songs which we use on most Sundays or whenever we gather, we are like a rudderless ship drifting according to the vagaries of wind and current. Sooner or later, we are likely to hit a rock or run aground and founder.
On the other hand, when we have such a repertoire, it is like building a house on solid rock. “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” We have provided the house with a strong foundation.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link to hear James J. Chepponis’ setting of the Magnificat, “Proclaim the Greatness of God.”
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
Our love for Jesus is not so much something that we express with words as it is something that we express with our actions. We show our love for him by embodying what he taught. When we show our love for Jesus in this way, we are emulating Jesus himself in the way that he showed his love, the Son’s love for the Father: he obeyed the Father.
Every day presents us with opportunities to represent Jesus’ teaching in our transactions with other people—kin, friends, colleagues, and strangers. When we come together as a Christian community, we have a special opportunity to embody Jesus’ teaching—to show our love for each other, the love which Jesus taught would be a distinguishing characteristic of his disciples. When we embody this love, we show far more love for Jesus than a vocalist in a praise band can express in a song on the platform in front of a congregation of passive spectators. Our actions will have a far greater transforming effect on each other than the vocalist's song.
Loving one another, however, goes beyond behaving in a courteous, pleasant, and kind way toward each other. We give expression to our love for each other in what we choose to do when we gather as Christian community and how we choose to do it. When we choose songs that are not difficult for members of the congregation to sing and in which they are not only able to participate but also are expected to participate, we affirm the members of the congregation as valuable contributors to the gathering. We do the same when we invite them to read Scripture, lead prayer, gather the people’s offerings, give their testimony, and distribute the communion elements. This has a positive psychological, emotional, and physical effect on them as well as a positive spiritual effect.
The act of singing itself and the act of singing as a part of a social group, psychologists tell us is far more beneficial to us that listening to someone else sing. While listening to someone else can be inspiring, the act of singing itself produces positive changes in our brain chemistry, which can not only relieve stress and elevate our mood but also lead to positive changes in our behavior. The act of singing as a social group reinforces and strengthens our identification with that social group, our acceptance of its values and interests.
When the songs we sing at our gatherings draw attention to the nature of God, to God’s mighty deeds, to God’s attributes; to the person, work, and message of Jesus, to his character, and to his teaching; to the person and work of the Holy Spirit and to the Spirit’s fruit, they help to increase our knowledge and love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. When they offer praise and thanksgiving to God, they help us to develop this attitude toward all three persons of the Holy Trinity. In these ways the Holy Spirit can use the words of the songs to transform us.
This is not likely to happen if we are relegated to the role of a listener. We absorb more from a song when we sing it than we do listening to it. If we repeatedly sing the song over a period of time, we will internalize what it is saying. The thoughts and attitudes expressed in the song will become our own.
For these reasons whoever is responsible for choosing the songs that will be sung at our gatherings and where they will be sung should exercise great care in their selection and placement. It is not necessary that every song should have a connection to the sermon, but each song should fit with the time or place in the gathering at which it is sung, and the lyrics of the song should not conflict with the message of the sermon. Every song should be Biblically and theological sound.
The presence of children at the gathering should also be given consideration in the choice of songs. Young children are able to join in songs that have simple lyrics or refrains and repetitions.
While the initial song of this evening’s service is set to one of the simpler and more familiar settings to which this song may be sung—the TALLIS CANON. The last verse is sung as a two or three part round. With a rehearsal or two a congregation can also learn to sing the third verse in the same way. The setting can be embellished with bells, chimes, and violin. The two psalms and the two canticles have refrains and repetitions in which adults and children can join. If these songs are used frequently and repeatedly, a congregation will also learn the verses and join in them.
The congregation in whose music ministry I was involved for several years learned to sing the verses as well as the refrain of Michael Joncas’ “On Eagle’s Wings,” Jack Noble White’s “Surely It is God Who Saves Me,” Robert E. Kreutz’s “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart with Gifts of Finest Wheat,” Dan Schutte’s “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky,” also known as “Here I Am Lord,” and a number of other songs after the choir introduced them to the congregation. We made a point of repeating them with enough frequency that the congregation was able to master both the verses and the refrain.
This evening’s closing song has simple lyrics and a melody which is easy to learn and remember. It is an example of another type of song in which both children and adults are able to join. We used a number of them too.
When we make use of music in our gatherings that is friendly to all present, adults and children, we are showing our love for them and in turn, by obeying Jesus’ commandment, our love for him. Too often those responsible for planning the music of a gathering can lose sight of this important consideration and are tempted to select music that showcases the talents of the choristers in the choir or the vocalists in the praise band. While there is nothing wrong with sometimes affirming these individuals by putting their talents on display, what is far more important is engaging the gathered Christian community in song.
Singing together can have a positive impact on a Christian community as not only individuals but also as a group. It can bind a Christian community together as well as transform it. We should not only not give up meeting together, as the author of the Letter to Hebrews urges us, but we also should not give up singing together.
The songs we sing as a gathered community are one of the ways that we transmit our faith to others—to guests as well as our children and grandchildren. This includes not only our beliefs and values but also our attitudes toward God, our fellow human beings, and each other.
When we do not have a core repertoire of well-chosen songs which we use on most Sundays or whenever we gather, we are like a rudderless ship drifting according to the vagaries of wind and current. Sooner or later, we are likely to hit a rock or run aground and founder.
On the other hand, when we have such a repertoire, it is like building a house on solid rock. “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” We have provided the house with a strong foundation.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link to hear James J. Chepponis’ setting of the Magnificat, “Proclaim the Greatness of God.”
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
1 For he has favored his lowly one,
and all shall call me blessed.
The almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
2 He favors those who fear his name,
in every generation.
He has shown the might and strength of his arm,
and scattered the proud of heart.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
3 He has cast the mighty from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with all good gifts,
and sent the rich away.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
4 He has helped his servant Israel,
Remembering his mercy.
He promised his mercy to Abraham
And his children for evermore.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
1 For he has favored his lowly one,
and all shall call me blessed.
The almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
2 He favors those who fear his name,
in every generation.
He has shown the might and strength of his arm,
and scattered the proud of heart.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
3 He has cast the mighty from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with all good gifts,
and sent the rich away.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
4 He has helped his servant Israel,
Remembering his mercy.
He promised his mercy to Abraham
And his children for evermore.
Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!
(Proclaim the greatness of God; rejoice in God my Savior!
Rejoice in God my Savior!)
Proclaim the greatness of God, rejoice!
(Proclaim his greatness, rejoice!)
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Particular intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered before any section.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Blessed are you eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for ever.
Heavenly Father, hear us as we pray for the unity of the Church.
May we all be one that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve you,
that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
We remember those who have died.
Father, into your hands we commend them.
(Remembering N)
We praise you for all your saints
who have entered your eternal glory.
May we also come to share your heavenly kingdom.
Have compassion on those who suffer from sickness,
grief or trouble.
In your presence may they find strength.
Look with your kindness on our homes and families.
Grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Make us alive to the needs of our community.
Help us to share one another’s joys and burdens.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority
in the nations of the world.
Guide us and all people in the way of justice and peace.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name.
Give us courage to proclaim your Gospel.
We pray in silence for our own needs and the needs of others...
Praise to you, abundant God,
for when we ask, you give;
when we seek, you show the way.
When we knock, you answer.
Praise to you for your unfailing grace.
Make us now your faithful people.
Amen.
THE COLLECTS
Lord of the Church,
you have called us to witness in every nation.
May we do your work and bear your cross,
await your time and see your glory.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carey Landry’s “Abba Father.”
Abba, Abba Father
You are the potter,
We are the clay the work of Your hands.
Mold us, mold us and fashion us
Into the image of Jesus Your Son,
Of Jesus your Son.
Father, may we be one in You,
May we be one in You,
As He is in You and You are in Him.
Glory, Glory and praise to You,
Glory and praise to You,
Forever, Amen, Forever Amen.
Abba…
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
Rejoice in God my Savior!)
Proclaim the greatness of God, rejoice!
(Proclaim his greatness, rejoice!)
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Particular intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered before any section.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Blessed are you eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for ever.
Heavenly Father, hear us as we pray for the unity of the Church.
May we all be one that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve you,
that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
We remember those who have died.
Father, into your hands we commend them.
(Remembering N)
We praise you for all your saints
who have entered your eternal glory.
May we also come to share your heavenly kingdom.
Have compassion on those who suffer from sickness,
grief or trouble.
In your presence may they find strength.
Look with your kindness on our homes and families.
Grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Make us alive to the needs of our community.
Help us to share one another’s joys and burdens.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority
in the nations of the world.
Guide us and all people in the way of justice and peace.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name.
Give us courage to proclaim your Gospel.
We pray in silence for our own needs and the needs of others...
Praise to you, abundant God,
for when we ask, you give;
when we seek, you show the way.
When we knock, you answer.
Praise to you for your unfailing grace.
Make us now your faithful people.
Amen.
THE COLLECTS
Lord of the Church,
you have called us to witness in every nation.
May we do your work and bear your cross,
await your time and see your glory.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carey Landry’s “Abba Father.”
Abba, Abba Father
You are the potter,
We are the clay the work of Your hands.
Mold us, mold us and fashion us
Into the image of Jesus Your Son,
Of Jesus your Son.
Father, may we be one in You,
May we be one in You,
As He is in You and You are in Him.
Glory, Glory and praise to You,
Glory and praise to You,
Forever, Amen, Forever Amen.
Abba…
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
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