Sundays at All Hallows (October 25, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday, October 25, 2026, is the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity. Next Saturday is All Hallows Eve, commonly called Hallowe’en, a contraction of Hallow Even, the first eve of All Hallows Day, or Hallowmas, also known as All Saints’ Day, which falls this year on a Sunday.
This Sunday, October 25, 2026, is the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity. Next Saturday is All Hallows Eve, commonly called Hallowe’en, a contraction of Hallow Even, the first eve of All Hallows Day, or Hallowmas, also known as All Saints’ Day, which falls this year on a Sunday.
Feast days and Sundays begin at sunset on the previous day so Hallowe’en once the sun dips beneath the horizon is the beginning of a holy day.
Hallowe’en, All Hallows Day, and All Souls Day (November 2) form together the season of Hallowtide in which we honor that great cloud of witnesses of past generations as well as those of the faithful who recently departed this life.
All Hallows Day, or Hallowmas, is the namesake of All Hallows Murray and its patronal festival.
This Sunday’s message takes a look at what The Book of Common Prayer with Additions and Deviation Proposed in 1928 calls “Our Lord’s Summary of the Law,” also known as the Greatest Commandments.
Just a reminder. The MP3s of the simple piano accompaniment for the metrical versions of the Benedictus and the Te Deum for the remaining Sunday for Trinitytide, the Season after Trinity, contains no vocals, just the tune played on the piano. Each accompaniment begins with a brief introduction. The tunes, KINGSFOLD and TALLIS’ CANON(EIGTH TUNE), were picked for their wide use in hymnals and other collections of sacred music and the greater likelihood of familiarity to the singer.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Douglas Mears’ Prelude on KING'S WESTON for mixed instruments.
Silence
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105: 3-4
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins,
God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
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.
This Sunday’s message takes a look at what The Book of Common Prayer with Additions and Deviation Proposed in 1928 calls “Our Lord’s Summary of the Law,” also known as the Greatest Commandments.
Just a reminder. The MP3s of the simple piano accompaniment for the metrical versions of the Benedictus and the Te Deum for the remaining Sunday for Trinitytide, the Season after Trinity, contains no vocals, just the tune played on the piano. Each accompaniment begins with a brief introduction. The tunes, KINGSFOLD and TALLIS’ CANON(EIGTH TUNE), were picked for their wide use in hymnals and other collections of sacred music and the greater likelihood of familiarity to the singer.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Douglas Mears’ Prelude on KING'S WESTON for mixed instruments.
Silence
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105: 3-4
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins,
God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
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 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.
Silence
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.
Silence
To you we come, O Lord,
the true goal of all human desiring,
beyond all earthly beauty,
gentle protector, strong deliverer;
in the night you are our confidence:
from first light be our joy. Amen.
Open this link 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 Leviticus.
Leviticus 19: 1-4, 11-18
The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.
‘“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.
‘“Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.
‘“Do not steal.
‘“Do not lie.
‘“Do not deceive one another.
‘“Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.
‘“Do not defraud or rob your neighbour.
‘“Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
‘“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling-block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.
‘“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.
‘“Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
‘“Do not do anything that endangers your neighbour’s life. I am the Lord.
‘“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbour frankly so that you will not share in their guilt.
‘“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.
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 First Letter to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8
You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
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 22: 34-46
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’
Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, ‘What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?’
‘The son of David,’ they replied.
He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him “Lord”? For he says,
‘“The Lord said to my Lord:
‘Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.’”
If then David calls him “Lord”, how can he be his son?’ No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Silence
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Matthew 22: 34-46, Jesus lays out in two commandments taken from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian’s Old Testament, one of his key teachings, a teaching which the Prayer Book Catechism and Anglicans, Methodists, and other Christians recognize to be the duty of every Christian towards God and towards their neighbor.
Duty may not be a word that has as wide a currency as it once did, but it describes how Christians are bound by these two commandments. They are not helpful suggestions. They are instructions given by God on the right way for us to behave towards God and towards our neighbor. They were given to guide us in our relationship with God and our relationship with our fellow human beings.
The first of these two commandments is “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” from the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Prayer Book Catechism offers this description of what obeying this commandment entails:
“My duty towards God is to believe in him, to fear him, and to love him, with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength; to worship him, to give him thanks, to put my whole trust in him, to call upon him, to honour his holy Name and his Word, and to serve him truly all the days of my life.”
Christians who genuinely love God will not seat anyone or anything in God’s place in their hearts nor will they encourage their fellow Christians to do so. They will honor and reverence God above all else, and they will encourage their fellow Christians to do likewise.
As the concluding petition of the General Thanksgiving in The Book of Common Prayer in the 1662 and subsequent editions puts it, “And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days….” For Christians who genuinely love God, this will be their heart-felt prayer.
The second of these two commandments is “love your neighbour as yourself” from the Book of Leviticus (Leviticus 19:18). John Wesley’s first two General Rules for Methodist Societies are based on Scripture and provide guidance on how Methodists and other Christians can frame and fashion their lives according to this teaching. The first two General Rules urge members of a Methodist Society to “continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind…” and “Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men.”
Christians who truly love their neighbour as they love themselves do not steal from their neighbour. They do not lie to their neighbour or tell lies about them. They do not spread unfounded rumors or malicious gossip about their neighbour, slandering their neighbour and damaging their neighbour’s reputation. They do not try to deceive their neighbour or mislead their neighbour. They do not cheat or defraud their neighbour. They do not pervert justice but judge their neighbour fairly. They do nothing that endangers their neighbour’s life. They do not harbour ill-will and hatred towards their neighbour. Nor do they seek revenge or nourish a grudge against their neighbour.
Rather Christians who truly love their neighbour as they love themselves live by what seventeenth century Anglican divines dubbed the Golden Rule: they treat others as they would wish others to treat them—with compassion, with forgiveness, with generosity, with kindness, with respect. They are considerate of the feelings of others and lend a helping hand when one is needed.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus instructs his disciples to love their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), Jesus draws to the attention of an expert in the law seeking to justify himself and to ourselves that our neighbors are not just people like ourselves but all people.
Here is the rub, what makes loving God and loving our neighbour challenging. It is not natural for us. We cannot do it on our own. We need God’s special gracious help. The Prayer Book Catechism instructs those preparing for Confirmation to call for this special grace by diligent prayer.
Our love of God springs from our faith in Jesus Christ, from our trust and confidence in his suffering and death on the cross as having put us right with God. It is God’s grace, the Holy Spirit working in us, which enables us to have such trust and confidence. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
The Holy Spirit brings about a change in us comparable to being reborn spiritually and begins the work of renovating our thoughts, attitudes, and character so we become more like Jesus in obedience, holiness, and righteousness. Among what the apostle Paul described as “fruit,” which the Holy Spirit produces in us, is love (Galatians 5:22). This process theologians call “sanctification” and is marked by the growth and deepening of our love for God and our love for our neighbour.
Simply put—we have a loving God who graciously enables us both to will and do what he has intended for our good (Philippians 2:13).
We are able to love God and our neighbour because God love us.
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 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,
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 God,
whose Son has taught us
that love is the fulfilment of your law;
stir up within us the fire of your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts your greatest gift of love,
so that we may love you with our whole being,
and our neighbours as ourselves;
through Jesus Christ our 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 Jack Copley Winslow’s “Lord Of All Power.”
1 Lord of all power I give you my will,
In joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom your service is song
And held in your keeping my weakness is strong.
2 Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
Rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find,
What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
Is taught by your spirit and shines from your word.
3 Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;
I praise and adore you for all you impart:
Your love to inspire me, your counsel to guide,
Your presence to cheer me, whatever betide.
4 Lord of all being, I give you my all;
For if I disown you I stumble and fall;
But, sworn in glad service your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
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 Concordia Chöre’s metrical version of the Grace, “And the Grace of God our Father.”
And the grace of God, our Father,
and the love of Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit’s union be with us forevermore.
the true goal of all human desiring,
beyond all earthly beauty,
gentle protector, strong deliverer;
in the night you are our confidence:
from first light be our joy. Amen.
Open this link 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 Leviticus.
Leviticus 19: 1-4, 11-18
The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.
‘“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.
‘“Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.
‘“Do not steal.
‘“Do not lie.
‘“Do not deceive one another.
‘“Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.
‘“Do not defraud or rob your neighbour.
‘“Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
‘“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling-block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.
‘“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.
‘“Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
‘“Do not do anything that endangers your neighbour’s life. I am the Lord.
‘“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbour frankly so that you will not share in their guilt.
‘“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.
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 First Letter to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8
You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
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 22: 34-46
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’
Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, ‘What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?’
‘The son of David,’ they replied.
He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him “Lord”? For he says,
‘“The Lord said to my Lord:
‘Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.’”
If then David calls him “Lord”, how can he be his son?’ No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Silence
Our Lord’s Summary of the Law
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Matthew 22: 34-46, Jesus lays out in two commandments taken from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian’s Old Testament, one of his key teachings, a teaching which the Prayer Book Catechism and Anglicans, Methodists, and other Christians recognize to be the duty of every Christian towards God and towards their neighbor.
Duty may not be a word that has as wide a currency as it once did, but it describes how Christians are bound by these two commandments. They are not helpful suggestions. They are instructions given by God on the right way for us to behave towards God and towards our neighbor. They were given to guide us in our relationship with God and our relationship with our fellow human beings.
The first of these two commandments is “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” from the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Prayer Book Catechism offers this description of what obeying this commandment entails:
“My duty towards God is to believe in him, to fear him, and to love him, with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength; to worship him, to give him thanks, to put my whole trust in him, to call upon him, to honour his holy Name and his Word, and to serve him truly all the days of my life.”
Christians who genuinely love God will not seat anyone or anything in God’s place in their hearts nor will they encourage their fellow Christians to do so. They will honor and reverence God above all else, and they will encourage their fellow Christians to do likewise.
As the concluding petition of the General Thanksgiving in The Book of Common Prayer in the 1662 and subsequent editions puts it, “And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days….” For Christians who genuinely love God, this will be their heart-felt prayer.
The second of these two commandments is “love your neighbour as yourself” from the Book of Leviticus (Leviticus 19:18). John Wesley’s first two General Rules for Methodist Societies are based on Scripture and provide guidance on how Methodists and other Christians can frame and fashion their lives according to this teaching. The first two General Rules urge members of a Methodist Society to “continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind…” and “Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men.”
Christians who truly love their neighbour as they love themselves do not steal from their neighbour. They do not lie to their neighbour or tell lies about them. They do not spread unfounded rumors or malicious gossip about their neighbour, slandering their neighbour and damaging their neighbour’s reputation. They do not try to deceive their neighbour or mislead their neighbour. They do not cheat or defraud their neighbour. They do not pervert justice but judge their neighbour fairly. They do nothing that endangers their neighbour’s life. They do not harbour ill-will and hatred towards their neighbour. Nor do they seek revenge or nourish a grudge against their neighbour.
Rather Christians who truly love their neighbour as they love themselves live by what seventeenth century Anglican divines dubbed the Golden Rule: they treat others as they would wish others to treat them—with compassion, with forgiveness, with generosity, with kindness, with respect. They are considerate of the feelings of others and lend a helping hand when one is needed.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus instructs his disciples to love their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), Jesus draws to the attention of an expert in the law seeking to justify himself and to ourselves that our neighbors are not just people like ourselves but all people.
Here is the rub, what makes loving God and loving our neighbour challenging. It is not natural for us. We cannot do it on our own. We need God’s special gracious help. The Prayer Book Catechism instructs those preparing for Confirmation to call for this special grace by diligent prayer.
Our love of God springs from our faith in Jesus Christ, from our trust and confidence in his suffering and death on the cross as having put us right with God. It is God’s grace, the Holy Spirit working in us, which enables us to have such trust and confidence. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
The Holy Spirit brings about a change in us comparable to being reborn spiritually and begins the work of renovating our thoughts, attitudes, and character so we become more like Jesus in obedience, holiness, and righteousness. Among what the apostle Paul described as “fruit,” which the Holy Spirit produces in us, is love (Galatians 5:22). This process theologians call “sanctification” and is marked by the growth and deepening of our love for God and our love for our neighbour.
Simply put—we have a loving God who graciously enables us both to will and do what he has intended for our good (Philippians 2:13).
We are able to love God and our neighbour because God love us.
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 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,
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 God,
whose Son has taught us
that love is the fulfilment of your law;
stir up within us the fire of your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts your greatest gift of love,
so that we may love you with our whole being,
and our neighbours as ourselves;
through Jesus Christ our 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 Jack Copley Winslow’s “Lord Of All Power.”
1 Lord of all power I give you my will,
In joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom your service is song
And held in your keeping my weakness is strong.
2 Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
Rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find,
What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
Is taught by your spirit and shines from your word.
3 Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;
I praise and adore you for all you impart:
Your love to inspire me, your counsel to guide,
Your presence to cheer me, whatever betide.
4 Lord of all being, I give you my all;
For if I disown you I stumble and fall;
But, sworn in glad service your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
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 Concordia Chöre’s metrical version of the Grace, “And the Grace of God our Father.”
And the grace of God, our Father,
and the love of Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit’s union be with us forevermore.
And the grace of God, our Father,
and the love of Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit’s union be with us forevermore.
and the love of Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit’s union be with us forevermore.
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