Sundays at All Hallows (September 20, 2026)
This Sunday, September 20, 2026, is the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. Tuesday, September 22, is the Autumn Equinox and the first day of Fall. It is also Hobbit Day, a holiday declared by the American Tolkien Society in 1978 and observed by fans of hobbits and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was an Oxford don, a professor of Anglo-Saxon and English Literature. He was also a devout Catholic. While The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are not Christian allegories, they do reflect the influence of Tolkien’s faith, particularly the conflict between good and evil that is central both to The Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy.
Saturday, September 26 is the peak of the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox.
In the British Isles harvest festivals are celebrated in September or October, according to local tradition. These celebrations are variously called Harvest Festival, Harvest Home, Harvest Thanksgiving or Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving. They involve hymn-singing, prayer, and the decoration of churches with the fruits of the harvest, with shocks, or stooks of wheat and other seasonal grains, vegetables from the field and the garden, fruit from the orchard, and loaves of freshly baked bread.
For this Sunday’s Invitatory Psalm, you have a choice as you did last four Sundays, either the original version of Michael Perry’s metrical paraphrase of the Venite (Psalm 95), “Come Worship God,” or the inclusive language version. The organ accompaniment for both versions is the same-- Joseph Francis Thrupp’s hymn tune EPIPHANY.
Beginning next Sunday, September 27, we will be introducing new service music which we will use for the remainder of the Season after Trinity. To facilitate its introduction, links to a video of the new Venite and MP3s of the accompaniments of the new Benedictus and the new Te Deum have been posted with the new canticles’ lyrics after the service so anyone wishing to practice them beforehand can do so.
The topic of this Sunday’s message is God’s grace.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Gerard Le Feuvre’s arrangement of David Evans’ BE STILL for piano and strings.
Silence
Hear what the Lord says: “There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Saviour; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45: 21-22
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 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 in a new tab to hear the organ accompaniment to Michael Perry’s “Come, Worship God” (Psalm 95).
Organ accompaniment only. No vocals.
Original version:
1 Come, worship God who is worthy of honour,
enter his presence with thanks and a song!
He is the rock of his people's salvation,
to whom our jubilant praises belong.
2 Ruled by his might are the heights of the mountains,
held in his hands are the depths of the earth;
his is the sea, his the land, for he made them,
king above all gods, who gave us our birth.
3 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture,
he is our maker and to him we pray;
gladly we kneel in obedience before him
great is the God whom we worship this day!
4 Now let us listen, for God speaks among us,
open our hearts and receive what he says:
peace be to all who remember his goodness,
trust in his word and rejoice in his ways!
[Or inclusive language version:
1 Come worship God who is worthy of honor
enter God's presence with thanks and a song!
You are the rock of your people's salvation.
to whom our jubilant praises belong
2 Ruled by your might are the heights of the mountains,
held in your hands are the depths of the earth.
Yours are the sea, yours the land, for you made them,
God above all gods, who gave us our birth.
3 We are your people, the sheep of your pasture;
you are our Maker, and to you we pray.
Gladly we kneel In obedience before you;
Great is the one whom we worship this day!
4 Now let us listen for you speak among us;
open our hearts to receive what you say.
Peace be to all who remember your goodness
trust in your word, and rejoice in your way!]
Open this link in a new tab to hear Pacta Sancta’s arrangement of “The Lord Doth Reign,” Psalm 93 from the Scottish Metrical Psalter 1650.
1 The Lord doth reign, and clothed is he
with majesty most bright;
His works do show him clothed to be,
and girt about with might.
The world is also stablishèd,
that it cannot depart.
2 Thy throne is fixed of old, and thou
from everlasting art.
3 The floods, O Lord, have lifted up,
they lifted up their voice;
The floods have lifted up their waves,
and made a mighty noise.
4 But yet the Lord, that is on high,
is more of might by far
Than noise of many waters is,
or great sea-billows are.
5 Thy testimonies ev'ry one
in faithfulness excel;
And holiness for ever, Lord,
thine house becometh well.
Silence
You have established your throne, O Lord,
above the chaos of this world:
may your truth, which is for everlasting,
be ours, now and for ever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Greg McDonald’s “Sing unto the Lord a New Song” (Psalm 96).
1 Sing unto the Lord a new song
Sing unto the Lord all the earth
Sing to the Lord, bless his name
Tell of his salvation day by day.
2 Majesty and honour are his
Strength and beauty, glory and righteousness
Great is the Lord, and deserving of praise
He is to be feared above all gods.
Worship the Lord in holy array
Tremble before him all the earth
Our God reigns.
3 Let all the creation be glad
The earth and the sea sing for joy
Before the Lord, the judge of the earth
Who judges us in righteousness and truth.
Worship the Lord in holy array
Tremble before him all the earth
Our God reigns.
Worship the Lord in holy array
Tremble before him all the earth
Our God reigns.
Silence
Heaven and earth, O Lord, are full of your glory
and all creation resounds with your praise.
As your Son has appeared in the likeness of our flesh
so may all creation share in the beauty of holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the Book of Jonah.
Jonah 3:10-4:11
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, ‘Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’
But the Lord replied, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’
Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, ‘It would be better for me to die than to live.’
But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?’
‘It is,’ he said. ‘And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.’
But the Lord said, ‘You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also many animals?’
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 Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.
Philippians 1: 21-30
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Fintan O’Carroll and Christopher Walker’s “Father, We Praise You as Lord” (Te Deum).
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
1 Father, we praise you as Lord,
all of the earth gives you worship,
for your majesty
fills the heavens, fills the earth.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
2 Blessed apostles sing praise;
prophets and martyrs give glory:
“For your majesty
praise the Spirit, praise the Son!”
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
3 You are the Christ everlasting,
born for us all of a Virgin,
you have conquered death,
opened heaven to all believers.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
4 Help those you saved by your blood,
raise them to life with your martyrs.
Save your people, Lord,
as their ruler raise them up.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 20:1-16
‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the market-place doing nothing. He told them, “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went.
‘He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, “Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?”
‘“Because no one has hired us,” they answered.
‘He said to them, “You also go and work in my vineyard.”
‘When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.”
‘The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. “These who were hired last worked only one hour,” they said, “and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.”
‘But he answered one of them, “I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
‘So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’
Silence
Our Gracious and Compassionate God
When my oldest grandnephew was a little boy, one of his favorite Bible stories was “Jonah and the Whale.” He particularly liked the part of the story where the whale, or great fish, spat Jonah onto dry land. He liked to imitate the whale regurgitating Jonah, making a loud spitting sound, something storytellers retelling the tale will encourage small children to do. “And the whale spate him out! Ptooey!”
If you are not familiar with the story of Jonah, the reluctant prophet, I recommend that you read the Book of Jonah. It is one of the shorter books of the Old Testament, found among the books of the lesser prophets, tucked between Obadiah and Micah. The narrative lends itself to oral retelling.
I must have told the story to my older grandnephew enough times that my family associated the story with me. One Christmas Dayor birthday I was given as a gift a blown glass whale with Jonah kneeling in prayer in the belly of the whale.
While Jonah’s miraculous deliverance tends to receive the most attention, the story is actually about God’s grace, the grace God shows Jonah and the grace God shows the people of Nineveh, the grace which is an unchanging, essential part of God’s character.
God’s grace is what connects this Sunday’s Old Testament reading from the Book of Jonah to this Sunday’s Gospel reading from the Gospel according to Matthew, to the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. It is also, as we shall see, what connects this Sunday’s Epistle reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians to these two readings.
What then is God’s grace? God’s grace may be described as God’s good will and favour to humankind. In his grace God is disposed to be friendly, helpful, and kind toward us. God is also willing to forgive us. God’s grace is wholly unmerited on our part. It is not something that we deserve or to which we are entitled. God’s grace is purely a gift.
Like Jonah and the workers in the vineyard who were first hired, we are inclined to limit God’s grace to those of our own choosing. God, however, like the owner of the vineyard was with his money, is free to be generous with his grace as he pleases.
When I reread the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, I thought about how some of the first Jewish Christians might have reacted to the news that Gentiles, non-Jews, were turning in repentance from their sins and in faith to Jesus and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. In their reckoning they had been God’s chosen people since God had made covenant with their ancestor Abraham. Yet here was God gifting his indwelling presence to those who were in their eyes outside that covenant and identifying them as his chosen people!
I recalled how the synagogue congregation at Nazareth had reacted when Jesus proclaimed it the year of Jubilee, the year of the Lord’s favour and then reminded those present how God had shown his favour to the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian, both of whom were Gentiles. His words so infuriated the people in the synagogue that they tried to kill him (Luke 4:14-30).
While we may not say it out loud, we ourselves may regard a particular group of people as being not worthy of God’s grace in our estimation. The truth, however, is that none of us is worthy of God’s grace. If God’s goodwill and favour depended upon our worthiness, it would not be grace!
How then does this Sunday’s Epistle reading, the reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians fit into this picture? In the reading the apostle urges the members of the Christian community at Philippi and ourselves, longtime Christians, new believers, and those exploring the Christian faith and life, regardless of our circumstance, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. In other words, Paul strongly advises us to adopt a way of life that befits, which is suitable or right for, the message of the gospel.
At the heart of the gospel message, its very essence, is the good news of God’s grace. God did not wait until we got our act together before coming among us in the person of the Son, as Jesus. God came to put things right between himself and humanity when we were a complete mess. Everything Jesus said and did was grace in action. We may not immediately recognize it as such, but when we reflect upon it, it is evident.
The way of life that Paul is urging us to adopt is one which embodies, which makes a part of our own character, what is an essential, unchanging part of God’s character—grace.
In his Letter to the Ephesians, the apostle puts it this way:
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 4:1-2).
Imitate and copy God. Pretty tall order, right? Easier said than done!
Further on in his Letter to the Philippians, the apostle draws this truth to our attention:
“…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
God does not take off to play endless rounds of golf on heaven’s greens while we struggle on, unassisted and unsupported. God knows that we have no power of our own to do what is pleasing and acceptable to him. Through Christ God not only gives us grace to desire to do these things and to enable us to do them but also that same grace continually works within us, maintaining that desire and ability. God gives us the gift of himself, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and to renew in us the image of God in whom we were made.
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.
Lord, let your continual pity cleanse and defend your church, and
because it cannot continue in safety without your aid, keep it
evermore by your help and goodness; 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 Love Maria Whitcomb Willis’s
“Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer.”
1 Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.
2 Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.
3 Not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.
4 Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.
[Let us pray for all in civil authority.]
Almighty God, you rule over the kingdoms of the world: We
commend to your merciful care the people of this land, that,
being guided by your providence, they may dwell secure in
your peace. Grant to [here the appropriate persons in government
are named] and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know
and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
that they may serve your people faithfully to your honour and glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[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,
inthe 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.
Loving and righteous God,
your boundless generosity exceeds
all that we can desire or deserve,
and you give to the last worker
all you promised to the first:
liberate us from all jealousy and greed,
that we may be free to love and serve others,
and in your service may find our true reward;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 Kate Barclay Wilkinson’s “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior.”
1 May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by His love and pow'r controlling
all I do and say.
2 May the word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through His pow'r.
3 May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in everything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.
4 May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.
5 May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.
6 May His beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only Him.
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.
The Lord bless us and keep us.
The Lord make his face to shine upon us
and be gracious to us.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon us
and give us peace. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Nancy Raabe’s choral arrangement of Shirley Erena Murray’s “Go Gently, Go Lightly.”
Go gently, go lightly,
go safe in the Spirit,
live simply, don’t carry
much more than you need:
go trusting God’s goodness,
go spreading God’s kindness,
stay centered on Jesus
and where he will lead.
Go gently, go lightly,
go safe in the Spirit,
live simply, don’t carry
much more than you need:
go trusting God’s goodness,
go spreading God’s kindness,
stay centered on Jesus
and where he will lead.
Go singing, go bringing
the gifts of the Spirit,
go hopefully searching
for things that are true:
in living, in loving,
whatever befalls you,
God keep you, God bless you
in all that you do.
God keep you, God bless you
in all that you do.
The Service Music for the Remaining Sundays of Trinitytide
Below you will find the lyrics for the Venite, Benedictus, and Te Deum for the remaining Sundays of the Season after Trinity and links to accompaniment for each canticle. The simple piano accompaniment for the Benedictus and the Te Deum has no vocals, just the tune. The settings for these canticles, KINGSFOLD and TALLIS’ CANON (EIGHTH TUNE) are widely-used, KINGSFOLD for “I heard the voice of Jesus say” and TALLIS’ CANON (EIGHTH TUNE) for “Glory be to God this night” and “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” and were selected for their likelihood of being familiar. If you are not familiar with the tune, listen to it first, then listen to it again while reading the words of the canticle, and on listening to the tune a third time, try singing the words to the tune. Once you get the hang of it, practice singing the canticle several more times. Humming the tune will also help you learn the melody.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Come Let Us Praise the Lord (Psalm 95).”
1 Come, let us praise the Lord,
with joy our God acclaim,
his greatness tell abroad
and bless his saving Name.
Lift high your songs
before his throne
to whom alone
all praise belongs.
2 Our God of matchless worth,
our King beyond compare,
the deepest bounds of earth,
the hills, are in his care.
He all decrees,
who by his hand
prepared the land
and formed the seas.
3 In worship bow the knee,
our glorious God confess;
the great Creator, he,
the Lord our Righteousness.
He reigns unseen:
his flock he feeds
and gently leads
in pastures green.
4 Come, hear his voice today,
receive what love imparts;
his holy will obey
and harden not your hearts.
His ways are best;
and lead at last,
all troubles past,
to perfect rest.
Open this link to hear a simple piano accompaniment of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ KINGSFOLD, the setting for Ruth Duck’s “Now Bless the God of Israel (Benedictus).
1 Now bless the God of Israel who comes in love and power,
who raises from the royal house deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm,
to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2 Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year.
And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy,
that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
3 In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high,
our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
Open this link to hear a simple piano accompaniment of Thomas Tallis’
TALLIS’ CANON (EIGHTH TUNE), the setting of David Mowbray’s
“Great Is the Lord We Now Acclaim” (Te Deum).
1 Great is the Lord we now acclaim
God everlasting is his name:
let heaven and earth with music ring,
and 'Holy, holy, holy' sing!
2 Let prophets and apostles join
with martyrs in triumphant line
to echo the angelic cry
and celebrate God's mystery.
3 We praise God's true and only Son,
for ever with the Father one;
we praise the Spirit at their side,
the Church's advocate and guide.
4 When once the time had fully come
Christ did not scorn the Virgin's womb;
our Lord the sting of death defied
and flung the gate of heaven wide!
5 He shed his blood to pay sin's price,
the full and perfect sacrifice;
as Saviour, reigns eternally,
as Judge of all, presides on high.
6 Lord God, protect us all from sin,
our hearts to love and goodness win;
that we yet firm in faith, shall stay
unshaken in the last great day.
Comments
Post a Comment