Sundays at All Hallows (September 6, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday, September 6, 2026, is the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.
For this Sunday’s Invitatory Psalm, you have a choice as you did last two 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.
In this Sunday’s message we take a look at what Christians are called to do when someone endangers their relationship with God, particularly a brother or sister in Christ.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Arthur Robson’s “Trio on Saffron Walden.”
Jesus said: I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12
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 John L. Bell’s “O God, You Are My God Alone” (Psalm 63).
1 O God you are my God alone,
whom eagerly I seek,
though longing fills my soul with thirst
and leaves my body weak.
2 Just like a dry and barren land
awaits a freshening shower,
I long within your house to see
your glory and your power.
3 Your faithful love surpasses life,
evoking all my praise,
through every day
to bless your name,
my hands in praise I'll raise.
4 My deepest needs you satisfy
as with a sumptuous feast.
So, on my lips and in my heart,
your praise has never ceased.
5 Throughout the night,
I lie in bed,
and call you Lord to mind,
In darkest hours I meditate,
how God my strength is kind.
6 Beneath the shadow of your wing,
I live and feel secure;
and daily, as I follow close,
your right hand keeps me sure.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Eric Routley’s “New Songs of Celebration Render” (Psalm 98).
1 New songs of celebration render
to God who has great wonders done;
love sits enthroned in ageless splendor;
come and adore the Mighty One.
God has made known the great salvation
which all the saints with joy confess.
God has revealed to every nation
truth and unending righteousness.
2 Joyfully, heartily resounding,
let every instrument and voice
peal out the praise of grace abounding,
calling the whole world to rejoice.
Trumpets and organs, set in motion
such sounds as make the heavens ring;
all things that live in earth and ocean,
sound forth the song, your praises bring.
3 Rivers and seas and torrents roaring,
honor the Lord with wild acclaim;
mountains and stones, look up adoring,
and find a voice to praise God's name.
Righteous, commanding, ever glorious,
praises be sung that never cease:
just is our God, whose truth victorious
establishes the world in peace.
Silence
O God, mindful of your promises, you have visited and redeemed your people: as we rejoice in the power of your victory, so hasten the day of your appearing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 33: 7-11
‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, “You wicked person, you will surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.
‘Son of man, say to the Israelites, “This is what you are saying: ‘Our offences and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?’” Say to them, “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?”
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 Romans.
Romans 13: 8-14
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time: the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
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 18: 15-20
‘If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that “every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. ‘Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’
Silence
It is tempting to conclude, “I’ll expound on loving your neighbor as you love yourself,” after reading the Old Testament lesson and the two New Testament lessons for this Sunday. We all could make a better effort to love our neighbor as ourselves and offering words of encouragement to that end is not in itself a bad thing. Encouraging Christians to live more deeply into the teachings of Jesus is a perennial task for every minister of the Word. But I would be overlooking what God is saying in the Old Testament lesson and the Gospel lesson. I would also be neglecting an important aspect of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Like Ezekiel we are tasked with warning those who are endangering their relationship with God to turn from what they are doing. When he sent out the twelve and then the seventy-two, Jesus instructed them to call people to repentance as he had done.
Now God is not telling us to become busybodies, pry into people’s lives, and ferret out every flaw in their character, every bad thing that they have done, every good thing that they have failed to do, and broadcast to the world whatever they have done or not done (or we have imagined them to have done or not to have done’ as the case may be).
When something does come to our attention, something that genuinely endangers their relationship with God, we should quietly take them aside and talk with them. We most likely do more listening than talking. We should also pray with them (not, however, until we have first obtained their permission.) We should allow time for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and minds, perhaps meeting with them several more times and praying for them between these meetings.
We should keep in mind the words with which James the Elder closed his letter.
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5: 19-20).
We should also be mindful of these three tendencies. The first is to imagine that things are far worse than they really are, to let our imaginations run away with us.
The second is to listen to the Accuser who delights to play upon our fears and stir up our prejudices.
The third is to allow our fears and prejudices to dominate our thoughts and influence our judgment.
As the apostle Paul wrote in this Sunday’s second lesson, “Love does no harm to a neighbour.” Love will not turn a blind eye when someone is endangering themselves. Love will not shrug their shoulders and say, “They are doing what they want to do, what feels right for them.” Love will not look the other way when a suicidal teen climbs a fence and throws themselves into the precipice. Love intervenes.
The God who sent his beloved Son into the world that all who believe might not perish but have eternal life is the same God who told Ezekiel, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”
Love intervened. We are called to follow God’s example.
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Almighty and eternal God, grant that we may grow in faith, hope,
and love; and that we may obtain what you promised, make us
love what you command; 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 Horatius Bonar’s “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.”
1 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon My breast.'
I came to Jesus as I was,
So weary, worn, and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.
2 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live.'
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream.
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.
3 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'I am this dark world's Light.
Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise
And all thy day be bright.'
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that Light of Life I'll walk
Till traveling days are done.
[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.
O Lord God,
enliven and preserve your Church
with your perpetual mercy.
Without your help, we mortals will fail;
remove far from us everything that is harmful,
and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour and 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 John Newton’s “Amazing Grace.”
1 Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.
3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
4 The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
5 Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
6 When I've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
I've no less days to sing God's praise
than when I'd first begun.
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.
And do this, understanding the present time: the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
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 18: 15-20
‘If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that “every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. ‘Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’
Silence
Love Intervenes
It is tempting to conclude, “I’ll expound on loving your neighbor as you love yourself,” after reading the Old Testament lesson and the two New Testament lessons for this Sunday. We all could make a better effort to love our neighbor as ourselves and offering words of encouragement to that end is not in itself a bad thing. Encouraging Christians to live more deeply into the teachings of Jesus is a perennial task for every minister of the Word. But I would be overlooking what God is saying in the Old Testament lesson and the Gospel lesson. I would also be neglecting an important aspect of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Like Ezekiel we are tasked with warning those who are endangering their relationship with God to turn from what they are doing. When he sent out the twelve and then the seventy-two, Jesus instructed them to call people to repentance as he had done.
Now God is not telling us to become busybodies, pry into people’s lives, and ferret out every flaw in their character, every bad thing that they have done, every good thing that they have failed to do, and broadcast to the world whatever they have done or not done (or we have imagined them to have done or not to have done’ as the case may be).
When something does come to our attention, something that genuinely endangers their relationship with God, we should quietly take them aside and talk with them. We most likely do more listening than talking. We should also pray with them (not, however, until we have first obtained their permission.) We should allow time for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and minds, perhaps meeting with them several more times and praying for them between these meetings.
We should keep in mind the words with which James the Elder closed his letter.
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5: 19-20).
We should also be mindful of these three tendencies. The first is to imagine that things are far worse than they really are, to let our imaginations run away with us.
The second is to listen to the Accuser who delights to play upon our fears and stir up our prejudices.
The third is to allow our fears and prejudices to dominate our thoughts and influence our judgment.
As the apostle Paul wrote in this Sunday’s second lesson, “Love does no harm to a neighbour.” Love will not turn a blind eye when someone is endangering themselves. Love will not shrug their shoulders and say, “They are doing what they want to do, what feels right for them.” Love will not look the other way when a suicidal teen climbs a fence and throws themselves into the precipice. Love intervenes.
The God who sent his beloved Son into the world that all who believe might not perish but have eternal life is the same God who told Ezekiel, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”
Love intervened. We are called to follow God’s example.
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Almighty and eternal God, grant that we may grow in faith, hope,
and love; and that we may obtain what you promised, make us
love what you command; 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 Horatius Bonar’s “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.”
1 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon My breast.'
I came to Jesus as I was,
So weary, worn, and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.
2 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live.'
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream.
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.
3 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'I am this dark world's Light.
Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise
And all thy day be bright.'
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that Light of Life I'll walk
Till traveling days are done.
[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.
O Lord God,
enliven and preserve your Church
with your perpetual mercy.
Without your help, we mortals will fail;
remove far from us everything that is harmful,
and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour and 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 John Newton’s “Amazing Grace.”
1 Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.
3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
4 The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
5 Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
6 When I've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
I've no less days to sing God's praise
than when I'd first begun.
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.
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