Sundays at All Hallows (November 15, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday, November 15, 2026, is the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity and the Second Sunday before Advent. The days are growing colder and the nights longer. The ground is blanketed with fallen leaves, and the scent of wood smoke fills the air. Thursday, November 26, 2026, the week after next, is Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. All Hallows will be marking the day with a special Thanksgiving Day service. In this Sunday’s message we take a look at 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11 and how the apostle Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonian believers are applicable to twenty-first century Christians.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Theodore A. Beck’s prelude on FANG DEIN WERK from Piano Prelude Series: Lutheran Service Book, Vol. 4 FG.
Silence
Thus says the Lord, I know the plans I have for you,
plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a
future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
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 Zephaniah.
Zephaniah 1: 7, 12-18
Be silent before the Sovereign Lord,
for the day of the Lord is near.
The Lord has prepared a sacrifice;
he has consecrated those he has invited.
At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
and punish those who are complacent,
who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, “The Lord will do nothing,
either good or bad.”
Their wealth will be plundered,
their houses demolished.
Though they build houses,
they will not live in them;
though they plant vineyards,
they will not drink the wine.’
The great day of the Lord is near –
near and coming quickly.
The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter;
the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.
That day will be a day of wrath –
a day of distress and anguish,
a day of trouble and ruin,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and blackness –
a day of trumpet and battle cry
against the fortified cities
and against the corner towers.
‘I will bring such distress on all people
that they will grope about like those who are blind,
because they have sinned against the Lord.
Their blood will be poured out like dust
and their entrails like dung.
Neither their silver nor their gold
will be able to save them
on the day of the Lord’s wrath.’
In the fire of his jealousy
the whole earth will be consumed,
for he will make a sudden end
of all who live on the earth.
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 Lesson to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
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 25: 14-30
‘Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
‘After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. “Master,” he said, “you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.”
‘His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
‘The man with two bags of gold also came. “Master,” he said, “you entrusted me with two bags of gold: see, I have gained two more.”
‘His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
‘Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. “Master,” he said, “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.”
‘His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
‘“So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Silence
Children of the Light, Children of the Day
May be you have overheard someone complaining to a friend that her boss always keeps her and her fellow employees in the dark. In other words, she and her fellow employees are not kept informed about things that might be useful.
In this Sunday’s New Testament reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle is saying something akin to this expression. However, the darkness about which he is writing is a spiritual one. It blinds those who have not heard the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ, and whom the Holy Spirit has not quicken to new life in Christ, to their spiritual condition. They are not aware of the great danger that they are in.
They are like children playing on the seashore, unaware that the retreating ocean that is laying bare the vast stretches of sand previously covered by seawater is a sign of an impending tsunami, a great tidal wave that will drown them and many other people who are on the beach and farther inshore.
Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that they know what is going to happen and they must prepare for it, for the day of the Lord.
Paul instructs them to stay awake and to stay sober. From all appearances Paul is speaking figuratively. He is warning them against being lulled into complacency, feelings of self-satisfaction with their situation, which will keep them from preparing for the day of the Lord, and against becoming intoxicated by the things of this life which will distract them from what they need to do and which also will leave them unprepared for that day.
Paul goes on to instruct them to armor themselves with faith and love and the hope of salvation.
Paul further instructs the Thessalonian believers “to encourage one another and build each other up,” noting that they already doing what he is instructing them to do.
The tone of this passage suggests that Paul believed that the day of the Lord was not far off.
Jesus himself denied knowledge of when he would come again. He told his disciples many things would happen before his return, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues. All these things would be like the pains a mother experiences before she goes into labor and gives birth to her child. A mother may experience these pains long before she gives birth. It is called “false labor.” Jesus did tell his disciples that he would not return until his gospel had been preached to all the peoples on the earth. In other words, he would not return until salvation had been offered to all the earth’s peoples, something that is yet to happen.
Staying awake and staying sober, as Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers, is an even greater challenge in our day than it was in Paul’s time. So is armoring ourselves with faith and love and the hope of salvation and encouraging each other and building each other up. There have been many “false alarms” since Paul’s day, prophesies of Jesus’ imminent return which proved to be untrue. We also live in a world filled with far more distractions than the Thessalonian believers faced.
As disciples who believe in Jesus and trust what he said, we take him at his word. One day our Lord will return as he said. Until then we would be wise to do what Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers.
We would also be wise to follow the example of the two servants in the parable in this Sunday’s Gospel reading who used the bags of gold their master had given them to make a profit for their master. Whatever God has given us, we can use it in the service of our Lord to spread the gospel and to make more disciples.
A third thing that we can do is pray daily for ourselves and each other and to ask God for his special gracious help to do these things.
Like the Thessalonian believers, we too are children of the light and children of the day. We no longer belong to the night or to the darkness. We are in the words of the apostle Peter a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Paul instructs them to stay awake and to stay sober. From all appearances Paul is speaking figuratively. He is warning them against being lulled into complacency, feelings of self-satisfaction with their situation, which will keep them from preparing for the day of the Lord, and against becoming intoxicated by the things of this life which will distract them from what they need to do and which also will leave them unprepared for that day.
Paul goes on to instruct them to armor themselves with faith and love and the hope of salvation.
Paul further instructs the Thessalonian believers “to encourage one another and build each other up,” noting that they already doing what he is instructing them to do.
The tone of this passage suggests that Paul believed that the day of the Lord was not far off.
Jesus himself denied knowledge of when he would come again. He told his disciples many things would happen before his return, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues. All these things would be like the pains a mother experiences before she goes into labor and gives birth to her child. A mother may experience these pains long before she gives birth. It is called “false labor.” Jesus did tell his disciples that he would not return until his gospel had been preached to all the peoples on the earth. In other words, he would not return until salvation had been offered to all the earth’s peoples, something that is yet to happen.
Staying awake and staying sober, as Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers, is an even greater challenge in our day than it was in Paul’s time. So is armoring ourselves with faith and love and the hope of salvation and encouraging each other and building each other up. There have been many “false alarms” since Paul’s day, prophesies of Jesus’ imminent return which proved to be untrue. We also live in a world filled with far more distractions than the Thessalonian believers faced.
As disciples who believe in Jesus and trust what he said, we take him at his word. One day our Lord will return as he said. Until then we would be wise to do what Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers.
We would also be wise to follow the example of the two servants in the parable in this Sunday’s Gospel reading who used the bags of gold their master had given them to make a profit for their master. Whatever God has given us, we can use it in the service of our Lord to spread the gospel and to make more disciples.
A third thing that we can do is pray daily for ourselves and each other and to ask God for his special gracious help to do these things.
Like the Thessalonian believers, we too are children of the light and children of the day. We no longer belong to the night or to the darkness. We are in the words of the apostle Peter a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
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, absolve your people from their offences; that
through your bountiful goodness we may be set free from the
chains of those sins which in our frailty we have committed:
grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our
Lord and Saviour. 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 Charles Wesley’s “Soldiers of Christ, Arise.”
1 Soldiers of Christ, arise,
and put your armour on,
strong in the strength which God supplies,
through his eternal Son;
Strong in the Lord of Hosts,
and in his mighty power:
who in the strength of Jesus trusts
is more than conqueror.
2 Stand then in his great might,
with all his strength endued;
and take, to arm you for the fight,
the panoply of God.
To keep your armour bright
attend with constant care,
still walking in your Captain's sight,
and watching unto prayer.
3 From strength to strength go on,
wrestle and fight and pray;
tread all the powers of darkness down,
and win the well-fought day;
That, having all things done,
and all your conflicts past,
ye may o'ercome, through Christ alone,
and stand complete at last.
[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.
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to
destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
Grant that we, having this hope,
may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory,
we may be made like him
in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for 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 James E. Seddon’s "Church of God, Elect and Glorious."
1 Church of God, elect and glorious, holy nation, chosen race,
called as God's own special people, royal priests and heirs of grace;
know the purpose of your calling, show to all his mighty deeds,
tell of love that knows no limits, grace that meets all human needs.
2 God has called you out of darkness into his most marvelous light,
brought his truth to life within you, turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you that God's name is glorified
and all find fresh hope and purpose in Christ Jesus crucified.
3 Once you were an alien people, strangers to God's heart of love,
but he brought you home in mercy, citizens of heaven above.
Let his love flow out to others, let them feel the Father's care,
that they too may know his welcome and his countless blessings share.
4 Church of God, elect and holy, be the people he intends,
strong in faith and swift to answer each command your Master sends.
Royal priests, fulfill your calling through your sacrifice and prayer;
give your lives in joyful service, sing his praise, his love declare.
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.
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, absolve your people from their offences; that
through your bountiful goodness we may be set free from the
chains of those sins which in our frailty we have committed:
grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our
Lord and Saviour. 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 Charles Wesley’s “Soldiers of Christ, Arise.”
1 Soldiers of Christ, arise,
and put your armour on,
strong in the strength which God supplies,
through his eternal Son;
Strong in the Lord of Hosts,
and in his mighty power:
who in the strength of Jesus trusts
is more than conqueror.
2 Stand then in his great might,
with all his strength endued;
and take, to arm you for the fight,
the panoply of God.
To keep your armour bright
attend with constant care,
still walking in your Captain's sight,
and watching unto prayer.
3 From strength to strength go on,
wrestle and fight and pray;
tread all the powers of darkness down,
and win the well-fought day;
That, having all things done,
and all your conflicts past,
ye may o'ercome, through Christ alone,
and stand complete at last.
[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.
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to
destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
Grant that we, having this hope,
may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory,
we may be made like him
in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for 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 James E. Seddon’s "Church of God, Elect and Glorious."
1 Church of God, elect and glorious, holy nation, chosen race,
called as God's own special people, royal priests and heirs of grace;
know the purpose of your calling, show to all his mighty deeds,
tell of love that knows no limits, grace that meets all human needs.
2 God has called you out of darkness into his most marvelous light,
brought his truth to life within you, turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you that God's name is glorified
and all find fresh hope and purpose in Christ Jesus crucified.
3 Once you were an alien people, strangers to God's heart of love,
but he brought you home in mercy, citizens of heaven above.
Let his love flow out to others, let them feel the Father's care,
that they too may know his welcome and his countless blessings share.
4 Church of God, elect and holy, be the people he intends,
strong in faith and swift to answer each command your Master sends.
Royal priests, fulfill your calling through your sacrifice and prayer;
give your lives in joyful service, sing his praise, his love declare.
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.
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