Sundays at All Hallows (February 22, 2026)

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent. During the season of Lent, Sundays are referred to being "in" the season due to their festal character and the season’s penitential nature. Every Sunday is a little Easter, a celebration of Jesus’ victory over death.

The topic of this Sunday’s message is temptation.

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

Open this link in a new tab to hear an organ arrangement of THE TRUTH FROM ABOVE (HEREFORDHHIRE CAROL).

Silence

We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9

So let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and humbly confess our sins.

Silence

Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and the desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly, righteous, and sober lives,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their
sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.

Open this link to James Quinn SJ’s paraphrase of the Jubilate Deo, “Sing All Creation.”

1 Sing, all creation, sing to God in gladness!
Joyously serve him, singing hymns of homage!
Chanting his praises, come before his presence!
Praise the Almighty!

2 Know that our God is Lord of all the ages!
He is our maker; we are all his creatures,
people he fashioned, sheep he leads to pasture!
Praise the Almighty!

3 Enter his temple, ringing out his praises!
Sing in thanksgiving as you come before him!
Blessing his bounty, glorify his greatness!
Praise the Almighty!

[Instrumental interlude]

4 Great in his goodness is the Lord we worship;
steadfast his kindness, love that knows no ending!
Faithful his word is, changeless, everlasting!
Praise the Almighty!

Open this link in a new tab to hear Andrea Sandefur’s arrangement of “O God, You Are My God Alone (Psalm 63).”

Verse 1
O God, you are my God alone,
whom eagerly I seek,
though longing fills my soul with thirst
and leaves my body weak.
Just like a dry and barren land
awaits a freshening shower,
I long within your house to see
your glory and your power.

Verse 2
Your faithful love surpasses life,
evoking all my praise.
Through every day, to bless your name,
my hands in joy I'll raise.
My deepest needs you satisfy
as with a sumptuous feast.
So, on my lips and in my heart,
your praise will never ceased.

Chorus
Rejoice my soul, praise him,
and again I say, “Rejoice!”
Rejoice my soul, praise him,
and again I say, “Rejoice!”

Verse 3
Throughout the night I lie in bed
and call you, Lord, to mind;
in darkest hours I meditate
how God, my strength, is kind.
Beneath the shadow of your wing,
I live and feel secure;
and daily, as I follow close,
your right hand keeps me sure.

Final Chorus
Rejoice my soul, praise him,
and again I say, “Rejoice!”
Rejoice my soul, praise him,
and again I say, “Rejoice!”
Rejoice my soul, praise him,
and again I say, “Rejoice!”
Rejoice my soul, praise him,
and again I say, “Rejoice!”

Silence

To you we come, O Lord,
the true goal of all human desiring,
beyond all earthly beauty,
gentle protector, strong deliverer;
in the night you are our confidence:
from first light be our joy. Amen.

Open this link to hear Nikko Villanueva’s “Sing a New Song to the Lord” (Psalm 98)

Chorus
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the earth
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the earth

Verse 1
Let our heavens rejoice
Let the earth be glad
How great are your works, O Lord, our God

Chorus
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the earth
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the earth

Verse 2
Proclaim His salvation day after day
Great is the Lord, praise His name

Chorus
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the Earth
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the Earth

Verse 3
Worship Him in His splendor
And His Holiness
Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns"

Chorus
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the Earth
Sing a new song to the Lord
Sing to the Lord, all the Earth

Outro
Sing to the Lord
(Lord, the Lord, sing to the Lord)

Silence

O God, mindful of your promises,
you have visited and redeemed your people:
as we rejoice in the power of your victory,
so hasten the day of your appearing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear David Preston’s “Shout with Joy to God, All Nations” (Psalm 66).

1 Shout with joy to God, all nations,
sing the glory of his name;
praise with loudest acclamations!
His tremendous deeds proclaim!
All his foes in fear and trembling
bow beneath his mighty arm,
while all earth with joy assembling
sounds his praise in song and psalm.

2 Come and see, with awe and wonder,
see displayed the power of God!
As he held the waves asunder
Israel crossed the sea dry-shod;
praise him, then, with jubilation,
who for ever rules by might,
keeping watch lest any nation
dare contest his sovereign right.

3 Praise him, who has stood beside us
and not let our footsteps slide!
In the fires of life you tried us
till, like silver, purified:
you sent fierce affliction to us,
conquerors trampled on our head,
yet through flame and flood you drew us
and to peace and freedom led.

4 What thank-offering shall I render,
my most solemn vows to pay,
made to you, my strong defender,
when I faced the evil day?
Here I offer on your altar
all I am and have to do;
may my purpose never falter,
all my life be spent for you.

5 Come and listen, all who fear him,
hear what God has done for me:
with my praises I drew near him,
and poured out my urgent plea;
had I cherished sin within me,
God would not have heard my prayer;
praise him for the answer given:
in his gracious love and care.
Had I cherished sin within me,
God would not have heard my prayer;
praise him for the answer given me:
in his gracious love and care.

Silence

How generous is your goodness, O God,
how great is your salvation,
how faithful is your love!
Help us to trust in you in trial,
to praise you in deliverance
and to rejoice before you with overflowing hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

A reading from the Book of Genesis.
Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Silence.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s “Bless the Lord, Our Fathers' God”

Piano accompaniment only (3 verses; no introduction)

1 Bless the Lord, our fathers' God,
bless the name of heaven's king;
bless him in his holy place,
tell his praise, his glories sing.

2 Bless the Lord who reigns on high
throned above the cherubim;
bless the Lord who knows the depths,
show his praise and worship him.

3 Bless the Lord for evermore,
bless the Holy Trinity;
bless the Father, Spirit, Son,
sing his praise eternally!

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans
Romans 5: 12-19

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Perry’s "O Bless the God of Israel" (Benedictus)

1 O bless the God of Israel,
who comes to set us free,
who visits and redeems us
and grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy,
of rescue and release,
God shall fulfil his promise
and bring his people peace.

2 He comes! The Child of David,
the Son whom God has given;
he comes to live among us
and raise us up to heaven.
Before him goes his servant,
forerunner in the way,
the prophet of salvation,
the herald of the Day.

3 Where once were fear and darkness
the sun begins to rise-
the dawning of forgiveness
upon the sinner’s eyes.
He guides the feet of pilgrims
along the paths of peace:
O, bless our God and Saviour,
with songs that never cease!

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 4: 1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Tempted

The temptations which the Book of Genesis tells us Adam and Eve faced and to which they succumbed, and temptations which the Gospel of Matthew tells us that Jesus faced and which he overcame are not unlike the temptations that we face.

After forty days and forty nights without food, Matthew tells us, Jesus was hungry. The devil sought to take advantage of his hunger and to tempt him to turn stones into bread. While we may not be personally tempted by the devil himself as Jesus was, we may be similarly tempted in moments of weakness—by our own desires or by others. We may be tempted to gratify some particular need or want without regard to the consequences of our actions to ourselves or others and at someone else’s expense. We may be fully aware of what we are doing and the consequences, but we let our desires get the better of ourselves, even lying to ourselves or choosing to listen to the lies of others and believe them even though we know them to be lies.

The Book of Genesis account of the fall of Adam and Eve illustrates not only how others can deceive us but also how we can deceive ourselves. Both Adam and Eve chose to believe the serpent because they wanted to believe the serpent. They desired to taste the forbidden fruit. They had no reason to doubt God’s warning. Rather than heed it, they lied to themselves and gave rein to their desire. The consequences for them would prove disastrous.

The second way which Matthew tells that the devil tempted Jesus was to take him to the highest point of the Temple at Jerusalem and to invite Jesus to throw himself down from that great height. What the devil urged Jesus to do was to put God’s Word to the test. Jesus refused.

In the Book of Genesis account of the fall of Adam and Eve the serpent does the same thing, casting doubt on the truth of what God had told them. Adam and Eve choose to believe the serpent rather God, doubting the veracity of God’s warning. They do what Jesus refused to do. They put God’s Word to the test.

We are tempted to do what the Book of Genesis tells us Adam and Eve did—to doubt God’s Word especially when we see it as an obstacle to our desires, what we want to do, what we want to possess. We may say to ourselves, “God didn’t say that. God didn’t mean that.” We may choose to act as if God does not exist. We may even go as far as denying God’s existence.

The third way which Matthew tells us that the devil tempted Jesus was to offer the kingdoms of the world to him if he worshiped the devil. Jesús refuses and the devil leaves him. In the Book of Genesis account of the fall of Adam and Eve the serpent tells them that if they eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they will become like God. We face a similar temptation—to dominate and control others, to put ourselves before everyone else, to always get our way, to have others to cater to our every whim and to never have anyone say “no” to us.

If we are to be true disciples of Jesus, we must be prepared to resist temptation as he did. This means learning to recognize temptation for what it is when we experience it, identifying our own particular vulnerabilities, and proactively taking steps to keep from falling victim to temptation. As followers of Jesus, we can expect to face temptation throughout our walk with him. We will catch ourselves desiring what we know is wrong or unwise, wishing to do or have something that we know we should not do or have.

One of the steps we can take is to pray for ourselves and others for grace to resist the temptations of this life. The more we focus our hearts, minds, and lives on God, the less we will experience the desires that tempt us. They may initially grow worse but if we persevere they will begin to disappear.

Like old habits, these tempting desires may try to reassert themselves. The thing is to keep persevering and not to become discouraged. Here participation in a covenant discipleship group, a gathering of 5 to 7 people who agree to meet together weekly for mutual accountability and support for living the Christian life can be invaluable. These weekly meetings may be face to face, by Zoom or some other  video conferencing platform, by telephone, or a combination of the three.

Jesus did not intend that we should follow him alone. An important part of loving one another as Jesus commanded is to help one another to walk more closely with our Lord.

Silence

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

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,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
Give us grace to discipline ourselves
in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, the author and lover of peace, in knowledge of whom
stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom;
defend us your servants in all assaults of our enemies,
that, surely trusting in your defense, we may not fear the power
of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Herman G. Stuempfle’s “Jesus, Tempted in the Desert.”

1 Jesus, tempted in the desert,
lonely, hungry, filled with dread:
“Use your pow’r,” the tempter tells him.
“Turn these barren rocks to bread!”
“Not alone by bread,” he answers,
“can the human heart be filled.
Only by the Word that calls us
is our deepest hunger stilled!”

2 Jesus, tempted at the temple,
high above its ancient wall:
“Throw yourself from lofty turret;
angels wait to break your fall!”
Jesus shuns such empty marvels,
feats that fickle crowds request:
“God, whose grace protects, preserves us,
we must never vainly test.”

3 Jesus, tempted on the mountain
by the lure of vast domain:
“Fall before me! Be my servant!
Glory, fame, you’re sure to gain!”
Jesus sees the dazzling vision,
turns his eyes another way:
“God alone deserves our homage!
God alone will I obey!”

4 When we face temptation’s power,
lonely, struggling, filled with dread,
Christ, who knew the tempter’s hour,
come and be our living bread.
By your grace, protect, preserve us
lest we fall, your trust betray.
Yours, above all other voices,
be the Word we hear, obey.

[Let us pray for the Church]


Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels:
send down your life-giving Spirit of grace on our bishops and other clergy, and on the congregations which they serve; and, in order that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Let us pray for all people according to their needs]

God of providence, God of love,
we pray for all people: make your way known to them, your saving power
among all nations.
We pray for the welfare of your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern it by your Holy Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians
may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed
in mind, body, or circumstances (especially…). Relieve them according to their needs, giving them patience in their sufferings, and deliverance in their afflictions. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

[Let us pray for ourselves and others.]

Silence

Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.

Eternal God,
grant to us this day and every day
such readiness and delight in following Christ,
that whether our lives are short or long
we shall have lived abundantly. Amen.

[Let us give thanks to God for his goodness.]

Almighty God and merciful Father,
we give you heart-felt thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness to us
and to all people.
We bless you for our creation and preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful,
and that we praise you,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in your Son’s name: mercifully accept us who
have now made our prayers to you; and grant us those things
which we have asked in faith according to your will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Benjamin Webb’s translation of Thomas à Kempis’ “O Love, How Deep.”

1 O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
beyond all thought and fantasy,,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals' sake!

2 He sent no angel to our race,
Of higher or of lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame,
And to this world Himself He came.

3 For us baptized, for us he bore
his holy fast and hungered sore;
for us temptations sharp he knew;
for us the tempter overthrew.

4 For us he prayed; for us he taught;
for us his daily works he wrought:
by words and signs and actions, thus
still seeking not himself, but us.

5 5 For us by wicked men betrayed,
For us, in crown of thorns arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death;
for us gave up his dying breath.

6 For us he rose from death again;
for us he went on high to reign;
for us he sent his Spirit here
to guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.

7 All glory to our Lord and God
for love so deep, so high, so broad;
the Trinity whom we adore
for ever and for evermore.

THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE

The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Open this link in a new tab to hear St. Aidan’s Community’s "The Grace" (2 Corinthians 13:14).

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.