Thursday Evening at All Hallows (March 5, 2026)
Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.
This Thursday evening’s message is the third in the series on the means of grace, the ways which God meets us and works in our lives. The topic of this Thursday evening’s message is the ministry of the Word.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Opens this link in a new tab to hear Mark A. Henry’s arrangement of DUNLAP’S CREEK for solo piano.
Silence
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51: 17
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
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
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 we may be cleansed from all our 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.
Opens this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s “Light of Gladness, Lord of Glory” (Phos hilaron).
Organ accompaniment only. Introduction; no vocals.
1 Light of gladness, Lord of glory,
Jesus Christ our king most holy,
shine among us in your mercy:
earth and heaven join their hymn.
2 Let us sing at sun's descending
as we see the lights of evening,
Father, Son, and Spirit praising
with the holy seraphim.
3 Son of God, through all the ages
worthy of our holiest praises,
yours the life that never ceases,
light which never shall grow dim.
Open this link in a new to hear David W. Music’s arrangement of Timothy Dudley-Smith’s “Come Quickly, Lord (Psalm 141).”
1 Come quickly, Lord, and hear the cries
my heart and hands uplifted raise;
and let my prayer as incense rise,
an evening sacrifice of praise.
Guard now the lips that speak your Name,
lest they, and I, be put to shame.
2 And if my steps should go astray
and from the path of truth I move,
restore me to your narrow way
and in your mercy, Lord, reprove;
from love of self my soul defend,
and wound me as a faithful friend.
3 We fix our eyes upon you, Lord,
and tune our ears to hear your voice;
our hearts by faith receive your word
and in your promises rejoice.
Till morning breaks and night is gone,
in God we trust, and journey on.
Silence
Lord God, our protector and guide,
who made us knowing both good and evil:
receive our prayer and, by your wisdom,
help us to discern and desire all that is good,
that the offering of our lives may be acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ,
who suffered the darkness of torment and trial
and now is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link to hear Andrea Sandifer’s “Call Me In” (Psalm 143).
1 Lord, I seek you
I trust in you
My faith is in you, Lord
Lead me far from my heart’s desire
My understanding, Lord
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
2 The dawn of morning
Sheds light on your unfailing love
Yet, my soul seeks out
My days ordained
Secured in heaven above
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
3 On holy knees, Lord,
prayers lifted
Jesus sought your will removed
Yet body weak and spirit willing
Your plan shone through
4 Forgive me my desire
To clearly see
What lies before me,
No, Spirit lead me on level ground
The way that I should go
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
Silence
God of justice,
we fail to act justly
and depend upon the power of righteousness:
look with compassion upon those surrounded by danger
and guide us all along the path of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy.
2 Timothy 3
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Second on the list of six “ordinances,” or means of grace, given in John Wesley’s General Rules for Methodist Societies is “the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.,” the topic of this Thursday evening’s message. The means of grace are ways that God invigorates, strengthens, and confirms our faith. The Holy Spirit works in our lives through these means as well as directly in us. The Holy Spirit enables us not only to trust God more whole heartedly but also to obey God more fully.
By “the ministry of the Word” Wesley meant the public reading and expounding of Scripture passages at a service of public worship or some other gathering. This particular ministry could take a variety of forms. Like Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, the sixteenth century English Reformer, Wesley recognized the value of the bare reading of Scripture without its exposition. It would still by the power of the Holy Spirit have a transformative effect upon the hearts and lives of those who are listening. For this reason, Cranmer required that parish clergy read the services of Morning Payer and Evening Prayer daily and ring the church bell, so their parishioners could join them.
In his Notes on St. Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy, Wesley points to the reader’s attention--
“The Spirit of God not only once inspired those who wrote it, but continually inspires, supernaturally assists, those that read it with earnest prayer. Hence it is so profitable for doctrine, for instruction of the ignorant, for the reproof or conviction of them that are in error or sin, for the correction or amendment of whatever is amiss, and for instructing or training up the children of God in all righteousness.”
Wesley also recognized the value of explaining the meaning of a passage of Scripture and its application to the lives of those who were listening. He took to heart St. Paul’s words in Romans 10:14-17—
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
“But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Preaching played a central role in Wesley’s own ministry. The primary source for what Wesley understood the Bible to teach are his sermons.
Sermons are not the only way that the meaning of Scripture and its application to our lives may be explained. Lectures and Sunday school lessons can be used for this purpose.
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
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 we may be cleansed from all our 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.
Opens this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s “Light of Gladness, Lord of Glory” (Phos hilaron).
Organ accompaniment only. Introduction; no vocals.
1 Light of gladness, Lord of glory,
Jesus Christ our king most holy,
shine among us in your mercy:
earth and heaven join their hymn.
2 Let us sing at sun's descending
as we see the lights of evening,
Father, Son, and Spirit praising
with the holy seraphim.
3 Son of God, through all the ages
worthy of our holiest praises,
yours the life that never ceases,
light which never shall grow dim.
Open this link in a new to hear David W. Music’s arrangement of Timothy Dudley-Smith’s “Come Quickly, Lord (Psalm 141).”
1 Come quickly, Lord, and hear the cries
my heart and hands uplifted raise;
and let my prayer as incense rise,
an evening sacrifice of praise.
Guard now the lips that speak your Name,
lest they, and I, be put to shame.
2 And if my steps should go astray
and from the path of truth I move,
restore me to your narrow way
and in your mercy, Lord, reprove;
from love of self my soul defend,
and wound me as a faithful friend.
3 We fix our eyes upon you, Lord,
and tune our ears to hear your voice;
our hearts by faith receive your word
and in your promises rejoice.
Till morning breaks and night is gone,
in God we trust, and journey on.
Silence
Lord God, our protector and guide,
who made us knowing both good and evil:
receive our prayer and, by your wisdom,
help us to discern and desire all that is good,
that the offering of our lives may be acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ,
who suffered the darkness of torment and trial
and now is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Open this link to hear Andrea Sandifer’s “Call Me In” (Psalm 143).
1 Lord, I seek you
I trust in you
My faith is in you, Lord
Lead me far from my heart’s desire
My understanding, Lord
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
2 The dawn of morning
Sheds light on your unfailing love
Yet, my soul seeks out
My days ordained
Secured in heaven above
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
3 On holy knees, Lord,
prayers lifted
Jesus sought your will removed
Yet body weak and spirit willing
Your plan shone through
4 Forgive me my desire
To clearly see
What lies before me,
No, Spirit lead me on level ground
The way that I should go
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
Call me in
Lift my soul
Be my guide
Spirit alone
Call me in
Draw me close
Father, God
Your will alone
Silence
God of justice,
we fail to act justly
and depend upon the power of righteousness:
look with compassion upon those surrounded by danger
and guide us all along the path of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy.
2 Timothy 3
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
The Ministry of the Word: A Channel of God’s Grace
Second on the list of six “ordinances,” or means of grace, given in John Wesley’s General Rules for Methodist Societies is “the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.,” the topic of this Thursday evening’s message. The means of grace are ways that God invigorates, strengthens, and confirms our faith. The Holy Spirit works in our lives through these means as well as directly in us. The Holy Spirit enables us not only to trust God more whole heartedly but also to obey God more fully.
By “the ministry of the Word” Wesley meant the public reading and expounding of Scripture passages at a service of public worship or some other gathering. This particular ministry could take a variety of forms. Like Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, the sixteenth century English Reformer, Wesley recognized the value of the bare reading of Scripture without its exposition. It would still by the power of the Holy Spirit have a transformative effect upon the hearts and lives of those who are listening. For this reason, Cranmer required that parish clergy read the services of Morning Payer and Evening Prayer daily and ring the church bell, so their parishioners could join them.
In his Notes on St. Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy, Wesley points to the reader’s attention--
“The Spirit of God not only once inspired those who wrote it, but continually inspires, supernaturally assists, those that read it with earnest prayer. Hence it is so profitable for doctrine, for instruction of the ignorant, for the reproof or conviction of them that are in error or sin, for the correction or amendment of whatever is amiss, and for instructing or training up the children of God in all righteousness.”
Wesley also recognized the value of explaining the meaning of a passage of Scripture and its application to the lives of those who were listening. He took to heart St. Paul’s words in Romans 10:14-17—
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
“But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Preaching played a central role in Wesley’s own ministry. The primary source for what Wesley understood the Bible to teach are his sermons.
Sermons are not the only way that the meaning of Scripture and its application to our lives may be explained. Lectures and Sunday school lessons can be used for this purpose.
Bishop John Charles Ryle, a nineteenth century Evangelical Anglican leader and the first bishop of Liverpool, authored a series of papers explaining the meaning of the four Gospels, section by section, and the application of the truths and principles in each section to everyday life. Like a number of Bishop Ryle’s works, these papers were intended to be read aloud in Sunday school classes and other gatherings. Bishop Ryle recognized that these papers, solidly grounded in Scripture, when they were read aloud to a group of people, could be a channel of grace to those who heard them. The Holy Spirit could use them to speak to the hearts and minds of those to whom they were read and transform their lives.
In his Notes on St. Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy Wesley puts his finger on how we can get the most from hearing the public reading and expounding Scripture. We approach it with earnest prayer, with the expectation that God will speak to us.
On one hand, we may come away with a clear idea of how God wants us to put into practice what we have heard. On the other hand, we may not hear God right away during the reading of the text or the explanation of the text’s meaning and its application to our lives. We may hear from the Lord later on as we are musing over what we heard. For this reason, I recommend jotting down what caught our attention and reflecting upon it and praying about it at a later time. God may have spoken to us, but we are resisting hearing him. Or God may be directing our attention to something that to which we need to attend.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Kate Bluett’s paraphrase of the Magnificat, “Mary’s Hymn of Praise.”
1 My soul proclaims God’s greatness,
rejoicing in the Lord
who looks upon my meekness,
as ages will behold.
Now God does great things for me,
and holy is God’s name.
My spirit sings God’s wonders,
and oh! my soul proclaims!
2 In every generation
God pours such mercy down,
shows might before the nations,
and scatters all the proud.
God lifts up all the humble,
casts princes down in shame.
My spirit sings God’s wonders,
and oh! my soul proclaims!
3 Rejoice now in God’s promise
to Sarah and Abraham
and all of their descendants,
to keep us in God’s hand.
God fills the poor and hungry
and sends the rich away.
My spirit sings God’s wonders,
and oh! my soul proclaims!
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe 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, we confess that we have no power of ourselves to
help ourselves: keep us outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in
our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may
happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault
and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have
made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the
God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, from whom all holy desires, all good purposes,
and all just works proceed: give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to
obey your commandments, and that free from the fear of our
enemies we may pass our time in trust and quietness;
through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great
mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Margaret Old’s “Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind."
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
1 You spoke to us - long, long ago -
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God's voice is heard.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
[Instrumental interlude]
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
2 Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
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.
Open this link to hear John Cawood’s “Almighty God, Thy Word Is Cast.”
[Solo:]
Almighty God, your Word is cast
like seed into the ground;
now let the dew of heav'n descend,
and righteous fruits abound
and righteous fruits abound.
[Instrumental introduction]
1 Almighty God, your Word is cast
like seed into the ground;
now let the dew of heav'n descend,
and righteous fruits abound
and righteous fruits abound.
2 Let not the foe of Christ and man
this holy seed remove,
but give it root in ev'ry heart,
to bring forth fruits of love
to bring forth fruits of love.
3 Let not the world's deceitful cares
the rising plant destroy,
but let it yield a hundredfold,
the fruits of peace and joy
the fruits of peace and joy.
[Instrumental interlude]
4 Whene'er the precious seed is sown,
life-giving grace bestow
that all whose souls the truth receive,
its saving pow'r may know
its saving pow'r may know.
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.
In his Notes on St. Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy Wesley puts his finger on how we can get the most from hearing the public reading and expounding Scripture. We approach it with earnest prayer, with the expectation that God will speak to us.
On one hand, we may come away with a clear idea of how God wants us to put into practice what we have heard. On the other hand, we may not hear God right away during the reading of the text or the explanation of the text’s meaning and its application to our lives. We may hear from the Lord later on as we are musing over what we heard. For this reason, I recommend jotting down what caught our attention and reflecting upon it and praying about it at a later time. God may have spoken to us, but we are resisting hearing him. Or God may be directing our attention to something that to which we need to attend.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Kate Bluett’s paraphrase of the Magnificat, “Mary’s Hymn of Praise.”
1 My soul proclaims God’s greatness,
rejoicing in the Lord
who looks upon my meekness,
as ages will behold.
Now God does great things for me,
and holy is God’s name.
My spirit sings God’s wonders,
and oh! my soul proclaims!
2 In every generation
God pours such mercy down,
shows might before the nations,
and scatters all the proud.
God lifts up all the humble,
casts princes down in shame.
My spirit sings God’s wonders,
and oh! my soul proclaims!
3 Rejoice now in God’s promise
to Sarah and Abraham
and all of their descendants,
to keep us in God’s hand.
God fills the poor and hungry
and sends the rich away.
My spirit sings God’s wonders,
and oh! my soul proclaims!
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe 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, we confess that we have no power of ourselves to
help ourselves: keep us outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in
our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may
happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault
and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have
made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the
God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, from whom all holy desires, all good purposes,
and all just works proceed: give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to
obey your commandments, and that free from the fear of our
enemies we may pass our time in trust and quietness;
through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great
mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Margaret Old’s “Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind."
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
1 You spoke to us - long, long ago -
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God's voice is heard.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
[Instrumental interlude]
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
2 Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove:
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour's love!
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
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.
Open this link to hear John Cawood’s “Almighty God, Thy Word Is Cast.”
[Solo:]
Almighty God, your Word is cast
like seed into the ground;
now let the dew of heav'n descend,
and righteous fruits abound
and righteous fruits abound.
[Instrumental introduction]
1 Almighty God, your Word is cast
like seed into the ground;
now let the dew of heav'n descend,
and righteous fruits abound
and righteous fruits abound.
2 Let not the foe of Christ and man
this holy seed remove,
but give it root in ev'ry heart,
to bring forth fruits of love
to bring forth fruits of love.
3 Let not the world's deceitful cares
the rising plant destroy,
but let it yield a hundredfold,
the fruits of peace and joy
the fruits of peace and joy.
[Instrumental interlude]
4 Whene'er the precious seed is sown,
life-giving grace bestow
that all whose souls the truth receive,
its saving pow'r may know
its saving pow'r may know.
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.
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