For all the saints who from their labours rest
For those we read about in the Old and New Testaments:
The Patriarchs, Judges and Kings
Psalmists and Prophets
For the apostles, those who witnessed Christ's life, death and resurrection
Lord we thank you for their faith in you..encourage us in ours... Silence
You were their rock, their fortress and their might
We thank you for strength which endured through testing and trial
And we thank you that despite their particular weaknesses you used them
Aware of our own weaknesses Lord, give us strength to endure... Silence
O may your soldiers, faithful, true and bold... fight..
and win the victor's crown of gold
For everyone who has served you in the fight against evil throughout history
For those who by their words and actions brought change in their generation..
We rejoice that they are found in your presence where their service is rewarded.
We thank you that this great crowd of witnesses cheers us on in our own time
So that we like them may fight the good fight, may finish our particular race
and receive a crown..... Silence
O blest communion, fellowship divine
We acknowledge that when we come together to praise you
we add our act of worship to that which is already going on in Heaven.
Help us to be conscious that we are part of a worldwide communion
spanning every barrier- of gender, race, age and ability.....Silence
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long
We pray for those members of Christ's body who experience persecution
For those who suffer hunger and homelessness
For those who are refugees, without land or status
And we ask for your help where we fight against apathy and indifference to you.. Silence
The golden evening brightens in the west..
soon to faithful warriors comes their rest
We remember all those known to us who have entered into your perfect rest.........Silence
We ask for those agencies who minister to the dying and their families:
The Hospice... Marie Curie... Cruise and all similar agencies
We ask for clergy and chaplains and all who provide support at times of loss.
But lo there breaks a yet more glorious day
Heavenly Father
Help us to keep in mind that this life is just the beginning
That our love and service is only a preparation for all that is to come.
That nothing- not even death itself can separate us from your love shown
to us in Christ Jesus... Silence
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's furthest coast
We look forward to that day when people from every tribe and tongue
people and nation
join with the angels of Heaven
in praise of the Lamb who was slain...
through gates of pearl, streams in the countless host
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Alleluia, alleluia!
I live in the UK, and attend an evangelical Church of England, where I am training as a Reader, (lay preacher). I support the work of a Christian Healing Centre, and enjoy writing, particularly poetry.
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