Sundays at All Hallows (September 27, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday, September 27, 2026, is the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Last Tuesday, September 22, was the Autumn Equinox and the first day of Fall. The days and the nights have already grown cooler, a welcome relief from the summer heat.
Beginning this Sunday, we will be using new service music for the remainder of the Season after Trinity, as was announced last Sunday. The MP3 of the simple piano accompaniment for the new metrical versions of the Benedictus and the Te Deum contains no vocals, just the tune played on the piano. Each accompaniment begins with a brief introduction.
The settings are widely used hymn tunes, KINGSFOLD and TALLIS’ CANON (EIGHTH TUNE). KINGSFOLD is a folk tune set to a variety of texts in England and Ireland. Ralph Vaughan Williams introduced it as a hymn tune in The English Hymnal (1906) as a setting for Horatius Bonar's “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.” TALLIS’ CANON (EIGHTH TUNE) is one of nine tunes which Thomas Tallis contributed to Archbishop Matthew Parker’s The whole Psalter translated into English metre, an early English metrical psalter published in 1560. It is the tune to which Bishop Thomas Ken’s evening hymn, “Glory be to God this night” is set and with which that hymn is generally associated.
TALLIS CANON (EIGHTH TUNE) is also a round which, according to the Psalter Hymnal Handbook (1988)—
“…most congregations can easily sing in two parts, especially when women sing the first part and men sing the second. The congregation could also sing the hymn as a four-part round (each entry at four beats). Try also to sing unaccompanied (organists could sound the first phrase of each entry and then sing along).”
In this Sunday’s message we take a look at Philippians 2: 1-13 and what that passage teaches us about humility.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear the early music and traditional music ensemble Hesperus’ rendition of two American folk hymn tunes, ROCKPORT and GARDEN HYMN.
Silence
All that you have done to us, Lord, you have done in true judgment; for we have sinned in all things and have not obeyed your commandments; give glory to your Name, O Lord, and deal with us in your forbearance. Song of the Three Young Men 8,17,20,19
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 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 in a new tab to hear Kiran Young Wimberly’s “Sing a Joyful Song” (Psalm 66).
1 Sing a joyful song unto our God
All earth, be glad and sing
Sing out of all God’s gracious ways
Of all the blessings shown
We will raise our voices, sing our praise
Give thanks with grateful hearts
For our loving God has heard our prayers
And answered when we called
2 You have turned the sea into dry land
And led us from fire and storm
You have kept our feet from stumbling
Led us to a spacious place
May the sound of thanks ring strong and clear
For God has come to help
I will bring to God my offering
My heart, my life, my soul
3 O Come and hear, and I will tell
What God has done for me
I cried aloud when I was lost
You came to comfort me
You heard my prayer and listened well
When I was all alone
Blessed be our God who hears us now,
Whose love will never cease
[Instrumental interlude]
Sing a joyful song unto our God
All earth be glad and sing
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.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Kiran Young Wimberly’s paraphrase of Psalm 67, “May God Be Gracious.”
May God be gracious unto us
Make God’s face shine on to us
That your way be known on earth
And your power among all nations
Let the peoples praise you, God
All the peoples praise you, God
And be glad and sing for joy
Guide the peoples of all nations
God, our God, has blessed us kindly
Blessed us and sustained us kindly
God be gracious unto us
And God’s face shine on all nations
May God be gracious unto us
May God’s face shine on to us
God be gracious unto us
And God’s face shine on all nations
Silence
In the face of Jesus Christ,
your light and glory have blazed forth
to all the nations, O God;
with all your people,
may we make known your grace
and live out your ways of peace. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
A reading from the Book of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 18: 1-4, 25-32
The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:
“‘The parents eat sour grapes,
and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
“As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.
“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die. Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
Silence
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.
A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.
Philippians 2: 1-13
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death –
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.
Silence
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.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 21: 23-32
Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you this authority?’
Jesus replied, ‘I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism – where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?’
They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will ask, “Then why didn’t you believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”– we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’
So they answered Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’
Then he said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
‘What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.”
‘“I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
‘Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go.
‘Which of the two did what his father wanted?’
‘The first,’ they answered.
Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Silence
A Christian Is Humble
When my oldest niece was a toddler and my grandfather was still alive, my mother had a black tomcat whom we called “Tom.” Calling a tomcat “Tom” may not be very imaginative but for some reason, long forgotten, this name suited him.
Tom was a much loved tomcat. Like all tomcats, Tom liked to mark his territory. Among the places he marked was my grandfather’s workshop. He would saunter into the workshop, back up to the workbench, raise his tail, and spray urine on the bench, eliciting an expletive or two from my grandfather who was working at the bench. On occasion he backed up to my grandfather’s trouser leg, raised his tail, and marked my grandfather as his too!
My grandfather must have uttered these expletives in my niece’s hearing because she was overheard exclaiming, “damn cat, damn cat” while petting Tom on her way to visit her grandmother. My grandfather and my mother lived next door to her and her parents and she often visited them.
Now my grandfather was not someone who made free use of invectives. He had been a Methodist in his younger days, played the organ at his church, and taught the young men’s Bible class. English Methodists of his generation made an effort to live according to John Wesley’s three general rules, which included not using profanity or drinking alcoholic beverages.
Now my grandfather was not someone who made free use of invectives. He had been a Methodist in his younger days, played the organ at his church, and taught the young men’s Bible class. English Methodists of his generation made an effort to live according to John Wesley’s three general rules, which included not using profanity or drinking alcoholic beverages.
My grandparents did own a horse that was treated to a bucket of beer at the end of a day’s work, putting its head through the open window of a local pub. My grandmother sold insurance policies, making her rounds in a horse-drawn trap, a small, two-wheeled light carriage, and collecting weekly premiums. My grandfather, on the other hand, drank nothing stronger than ginger beer which, like root beer, has no alcohol content.
Small children will copy whatever adults do or say, the bad things as well as the good. We can teach good behavior to children but unless we ourselves practice what we teach, they will notice the inconsistency between what we say and what we do and may be more influenced by our actions than our words.
Non-Christians also notice the inconsistency between what Christians say and do, and they are likely to be more influenced by our actions than our words just as young children are. These inconsistencies are apt to shape their perceptions of us more than anything else. Human beings tend to pay more attention to negative information about other people than positive information regardless of how they receive that information—from direct contact with a particular individual or second hand from someone else. They are also inclined to seek confirmation of their prejudices.
When our words and actions match each other they are likely to have greater impact than when we say one thing and do another.
The word “Christian” means to belong to Christ. We show that we are Christ’s by fashioning and framing our lives according to the teaching and example of Jesus. True disciples follow the teaching and example of the one that they call Lord to the point that they themselves embody what he taught and modeled. It becomes a part of them, and they become a reflection of their Lord.
In this Sunday’s reading from his letter to the Christian community at Philippi the apostle Paul urges its members to adopt the same mindset as Christ’s in their relationships with each other and display the same kind of humility that he displayed. He strongly advises them against thinking solely of their own advantage and always putting their desire for success, achievement, power, or wealth first, being too interested in themselves, and their own actions and abilities and too proud of themselves, what they have done, and what they are able to do. This includes exaggerating or lying about the qualities of their character, what they have accomplished, and their powers or skills to do things, projecting an image of themselves that is for most part, if not entirely, a figment of their imagination and not their true self. It includes claiming other people’s successes as their own and refusing to accept responsibility for their own failures and blaming these failures on someone else.
I suspect that we all can think of individuals with these traits and we may recognize a number of them in ourselves.
Paul goes on to urge the members of the Christian community at Philippi value others above themselves. He tells them to look to the interests of others instead of looking to their own interests. Put another way, he is telling them to serve each other and not themselves.
Jesus himself taught that he came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:25–28) and that the greatest among his disciples would be the servant of all (Matthew 23:11–12). He pointed to the disciples’ attention that those who humbled themselves would be exalted and those who exalted would be humbled. We would do well to take his words to heart. Being humble means tending not to consider ourselves as having any special importance, inclined not to have an overinflated opinion of ourselves and to be puffed up with pride. When we humble ourselves, we recognize that we are not as important or special as we thought we were. We change our minds about ourselves. This is essentially what the first son in Jesus’ parable did. He had a change of heart. He humbled himself and did his father’s will. He repented. He not only changed his mind but also changed his behavior: He went to work in the vineyard.
Learning to be humble in our relationships with our fellow Christians also helps us to learn to be humble in our relationship with God. One of the three things that the prophet Micah tells us that God requires of us is to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8), that is, to live our lives in obedience to God’s will. In Jesus’ words we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). We are to humble ourselves and to surrender ourselves wholeheartedly and without reservation to Jesus and obey him whatever may come our way.
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, we pray that your grace may always uphold and encourage
us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; 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 John Greenleaf Whittier’s “Immortal Love, for ever full.”
1 Immortal Love for ever full,
for ever flowing free,
for ever shared, for ever whole,
a never-ebbing sea.
2 Our outward lips confess the name
all other names above;
love only knoweth whence it came
and comprehendeth love.
3 We may not climb the heavenly steeps
to bring the Lord Christ down;
in vain we search the lowest deeps,
for him no depths can drown:
4 But warm, sweet, tender, even yet
a present help is he;
and faith has still its Olivet,
and love its Galilee.
5 The healing of his seamless dress
is by our beds of pain;
we touch him in life's throng and press,
and we are whole again.
6 Through him the first fond prayers are said
our lips of childhood frame;
the last low whispers of our dead
are burdened with his name.
7 Alone, O Love ineffable,
thy saving name is given;
to turn aside from thee is hell,
to walk with thee is heaven.
[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,
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.
Grant, O merciful God,
that your people may have that mind
that was in Christ Jesus,
who emptied himself,
and took the form of a servant,
and in humility became obedient even to death.
For you have exalted him
and bestowed on him a name
that is above every name,
Jesus Christ, the Lord;
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 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 John Ernest Bode’s “O Jesus, I Have Promised.”
1 O Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end;
be thou for ever near me,
my Master and my Friend:
I shall not fear the battle
if thou art by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel thee near me:
the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but, Jesus, draw thou nearer,
and shield my soul from sin.
3 O let me hear thee speaking
in accents clear and still
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
thou guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, thou hast promised
to all who follow thee,
that where thou art in glory
there shall thy servant be;
and, Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end:
O give me grace to follow,
my Master and my Friend.
5 O let me see thy foot-marks,
and in them plant mine own;
my hope to follow duly
is in thy strength alone:
O guide me, call me, draw me,
uphold me to the end;
and then in heaven receive me,
my Saviour and my Friend.
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 the parting benediction, “May the Lord, Mighty God.”
1 May the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you forever;
grant you peace, perfect peace,
courage in every endeavor.
2 Lift up your eyes and see God's face,
full of grace forever;
may the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you forever.
3 May the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you forever;
grant you peace, perfect peace,
courage in every endeavor.
Small children will copy whatever adults do or say, the bad things as well as the good. We can teach good behavior to children but unless we ourselves practice what we teach, they will notice the inconsistency between what we say and what we do and may be more influenced by our actions than our words.
Non-Christians also notice the inconsistency between what Christians say and do, and they are likely to be more influenced by our actions than our words just as young children are. These inconsistencies are apt to shape their perceptions of us more than anything else. Human beings tend to pay more attention to negative information about other people than positive information regardless of how they receive that information—from direct contact with a particular individual or second hand from someone else. They are also inclined to seek confirmation of their prejudices.
When our words and actions match each other they are likely to have greater impact than when we say one thing and do another.
The word “Christian” means to belong to Christ. We show that we are Christ’s by fashioning and framing our lives according to the teaching and example of Jesus. True disciples follow the teaching and example of the one that they call Lord to the point that they themselves embody what he taught and modeled. It becomes a part of them, and they become a reflection of their Lord.
In this Sunday’s reading from his letter to the Christian community at Philippi the apostle Paul urges its members to adopt the same mindset as Christ’s in their relationships with each other and display the same kind of humility that he displayed. He strongly advises them against thinking solely of their own advantage and always putting their desire for success, achievement, power, or wealth first, being too interested in themselves, and their own actions and abilities and too proud of themselves, what they have done, and what they are able to do. This includes exaggerating or lying about the qualities of their character, what they have accomplished, and their powers or skills to do things, projecting an image of themselves that is for most part, if not entirely, a figment of their imagination and not their true self. It includes claiming other people’s successes as their own and refusing to accept responsibility for their own failures and blaming these failures on someone else.
I suspect that we all can think of individuals with these traits and we may recognize a number of them in ourselves.
Paul goes on to urge the members of the Christian community at Philippi value others above themselves. He tells them to look to the interests of others instead of looking to their own interests. Put another way, he is telling them to serve each other and not themselves.
Jesus himself taught that he came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:25–28) and that the greatest among his disciples would be the servant of all (Matthew 23:11–12). He pointed to the disciples’ attention that those who humbled themselves would be exalted and those who exalted would be humbled. We would do well to take his words to heart. Being humble means tending not to consider ourselves as having any special importance, inclined not to have an overinflated opinion of ourselves and to be puffed up with pride. When we humble ourselves, we recognize that we are not as important or special as we thought we were. We change our minds about ourselves. This is essentially what the first son in Jesus’ parable did. He had a change of heart. He humbled himself and did his father’s will. He repented. He not only changed his mind but also changed his behavior: He went to work in the vineyard.
Learning to be humble in our relationships with our fellow Christians also helps us to learn to be humble in our relationship with God. One of the three things that the prophet Micah tells us that God requires of us is to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8), that is, to live our lives in obedience to God’s will. In Jesus’ words we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). We are to humble ourselves and to surrender ourselves wholeheartedly and without reservation to Jesus and obey him whatever may come our way.
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, we pray that your grace may always uphold and encourage
us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; 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 John Greenleaf Whittier’s “Immortal Love, for ever full.”
1 Immortal Love for ever full,
for ever flowing free,
for ever shared, for ever whole,
a never-ebbing sea.
2 Our outward lips confess the name
all other names above;
love only knoweth whence it came
and comprehendeth love.
3 We may not climb the heavenly steeps
to bring the Lord Christ down;
in vain we search the lowest deeps,
for him no depths can drown:
4 But warm, sweet, tender, even yet
a present help is he;
and faith has still its Olivet,
and love its Galilee.
5 The healing of his seamless dress
is by our beds of pain;
we touch him in life's throng and press,
and we are whole again.
6 Through him the first fond prayers are said
our lips of childhood frame;
the last low whispers of our dead
are burdened with his name.
7 Alone, O Love ineffable,
thy saving name is given;
to turn aside from thee is hell,
to walk with thee is heaven.
[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,
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.
Grant, O merciful God,
that your people may have that mind
that was in Christ Jesus,
who emptied himself,
and took the form of a servant,
and in humility became obedient even to death.
For you have exalted him
and bestowed on him a name
that is above every name,
Jesus Christ, the Lord;
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 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 John Ernest Bode’s “O Jesus, I Have Promised.”
1 O Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end;
be thou for ever near me,
my Master and my Friend:
I shall not fear the battle
if thou art by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel thee near me:
the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but, Jesus, draw thou nearer,
and shield my soul from sin.
3 O let me hear thee speaking
in accents clear and still
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
thou guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, thou hast promised
to all who follow thee,
that where thou art in glory
there shall thy servant be;
and, Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end:
O give me grace to follow,
my Master and my Friend.
5 O let me see thy foot-marks,
and in them plant mine own;
my hope to follow duly
is in thy strength alone:
O guide me, call me, draw me,
uphold me to the end;
and then in heaven receive me,
my Saviour and my Friend.
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 the parting benediction, “May the Lord, Mighty God.”
1 May the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you forever;
grant you peace, perfect peace,
courage in every endeavor.
2 Lift up your eyes and see God's face,
full of grace forever;
may the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you forever.
3 May the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you forever;
grant you peace, perfect peace,
courage in every endeavor.
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