All Saints to Advent

Introduction to the Season

No Christian is solitary. Through baptism we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death:

One family, we dwell in him,

one Church, above, beneath;

though now divided by the stream,

the narrow stream of death.

(Charles Wesley)

All Saints’ Day and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed on All Souls’ Day both celebrate this mutual belonging. All Saints’ Day celebrates men and women in whose lives the Church as a whole has seen the grace of God powerfully at work. It is an opportunity to give thanks for that grace, and for the wonderful ends to which it shapes a human life; it is a time to be encouraged by the example of the saints and to recall that sanctity may grow in the ordinary circumstances, as well as the extraordinary crises, of human living. The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed celebrates the saints in a more local and intimate key. It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith.

Redemption is a work of God’s grace; it is God who redeems us in Christ and there is nothing to be done beyond what Christ has done. But we still wait for the final consummation of God’s new creation in Christ; those who are Christ’s, whether or not they have passed through death, are joined in prayer that God’s kingdom will be revealed finally and in all its fullness. We also sense that it is a fearful thing to come before the unutterable goodness and holiness of God, even for those who are redeemed in Christ; that it is searing as well as life-giving to experience God’s mercy; and this instinct also is expressed in the liturgy of All Souls’ Day.

Remembrance Sunday goes on to explore the theme of memory, both corporate and individual, as we confront issues of war and peace, loss and self-gift, memory and forgetting.

The annual cycle of the Church’s year now ends with the Feast of Christ the King. The year that begins with the hope of the coming Messiah ends with the proclamation of his universal sovereignty. The ascension of Christ has revealed him to be Lord of earth and heaven, and final judgement is one of his proper kingly purposes. The Feast of Christ the King returns us to the Advent theme of judgement, with which the cycle once more begins.

Seasonal Material

Invitations to Confession

A1

Jesus says, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

So let us turn away from sin and turn to Christ,

confessing our sins in penitence and faith.

cf Matthew 4.17

A2

Christ calls us to share the heavenly banquet of his love

with all the saints in earth and heaven.

Knowing our unworthiness and sin,

let us ask from him both mercy and forgiveness.

A3

Let us confess to God the sins and shortcomings of the world;

its pride, its selfishness, its greed;

its evil distortions and hatreds.

Let us confess our share in what is wrong,

and our failure to seek and establish that peace

which God wills for all his children.

Kyrie Confessions

B1

Lord, you are gracious and compassionate:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

You are loving to all

and your mercy is over all your creation:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Your faithful servants bless your name

and speak of the glory of your kingdom:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B2

Turn to us again, O God our Saviour,

and let your anger cease from us:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Show us your mercy, O Lord,

and grant us your salvation:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Your salvation is near for those that fear you,

that glory may dwell in our land:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Confession

C1

Lord God,

we have sinned against you;

we have done evil in your sight.

We are sorry and repent.

Have mercy on us according to your love.

Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.

Renew a right spirit within us

and restore us to the joy of your salvation,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

cf Psalm 51

Gospel Acclamations

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven.

Alleluia.

Luke 19.38

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Alleluia.

Matthew 5.3

G3

Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead;

to him be glory and power for ever and ever.

Alleluia.

cf Colossians 1.18

G4

Alleluia, alleluia.

Stay awake, praying at all times

for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of man.

Alleluia.

cf Luke 21.34

Intercessions

H1

We pray for the coming of God’s kingdom.

You sent your Son to bring good news to the poor,

sight to the blind,

freedom to captives

and salvation to your people:

anoint us with your Spirit;

rouse us to work in his name.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to bring help to the poor

and freedom to the oppressed.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to tell the world

the good news of your healing love.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to those who mourn,

to bring joy and gladness instead of grief.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Send us to proclaim that the time is here

for you to save your people.

Father, by your Spirit

bring in your kingdom.

Lord of the Church,

hear our prayer,

and make us one in mind and heart

to serve you in Christ our Lord. Amen.

H2

Jesus our exalted Lord has been given all authority.

Let us seek his intercession,

that our prayers may be perfected by his prayer.

Jesus Christ, great high priest, living for ever to intercede for us:

pray for your Church, your broken body in the world …

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, King of righteousness,

enthroned at the right hand of the majesty on high:

pray for the world, and make it subject to your gentle rule …

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, Son of man, drawing humanity into the life of God:

pray for your brothers and sisters in need, distress or sorrow …

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, pioneer of our salvation,

bringing us to your glory through your death and resurrection:

pray for all who are dying,

that they may trust in your promises …

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, Lord of all things,

ascended far above from the heavens and filling the universe:

pray for us who receive the gifts you give us for

work in your service …

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Jesus Christ, first-fruits of the new creation,

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit

and in the bond of peace,

until you bring the whole created order to worship at your feet;

for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

H3

United in the company of all the faithful

and looking for the coming of the kingdom,

let us offer our prayers to God,

the source of all life and holiness.

Merciful Lord,

strengthen all Christian people by your Holy Spirit,

that we may live as a royal priesthood and a holy nation

to the praise of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Bless N our bishop and all ministers of your Church,

that by faithful proclamation of your word

we may be built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets

into a holy temple in the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Empower us by the gift of your holy and life-giving Spirit,

that we may be transformed into the likeness of Christ

from glory to glory.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Give to the world and its peoples

the peace that comes from above,

that they may find Christ’s way of freedom and life.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Hold in your embrace all who witness to your love in the

service of the poor and needy;

all who minister to the sick and dying;

and all who bring light to those in darkness.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Touch and heal all those whose lives are scarred by sin

or disfigured by pain,

that, raised from death to life in Christ,

their sorrow may be turned to eternal joy.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Remember in your mercy all those gone before us

who have been well-pleasing to you from eternity;

preserve in your faith your servants on earth,

guide us to your kingdom

and grant us your peace at all times.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Hasten the day when many will come

from east and west, from north and south,

and sit at table in your kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

We give you thanks

for the whole company of your saints in glory,

with whom in fellowship we join our prayers and praises;

by your grace may we, like them, be made perfect in your love.

Blessing and glory and wisdom,

thanksgiving and honour and power,

be to our God for ever and ever.

Amen.

(or)

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Introductions to the Peace

J1

To crown all things there must be love,

to bind all together and complete the whole.

Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

Colossians 3.14,15

J2

May the God of peace sanctify you:

may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness

that you may be blameless before him

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with his saints.

1 Thessalonians 5.23; 3.13

Prayer at the Preparation of the Table

K1

To you we come, Father of lights,

with angels and saints,

where heaven and earth unite.

May Jesus meet us in the breaking of the bread.

Amen.

Prefaces

L1

And now we give you thanks

that he is the King of glory,

who overcomes the sting of death

and opens the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

He is seated at your right hand in glory

and we believe that he will come to be our judge.

L2

And now we give you thanks

because in him you have received us as your sons and daughters,

joined us in one fellowship with the saints,

and made us citizens of your kingdom.

Extended Preface

M1

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

that we should always sing of your glory,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

For you are the hope of the nations,

the builder of the city that is to come.

Your love made visible in Jesus Christ

brings home the lost,

restores the sinner

and gives dignity to the despised.

In his face your light shines out,

flooding lives with goodness and truth,

gathering into one in your kingdom

a divided and broken humanity.

Therefore with all who can give voice in your creation

we glorify your name,

for ever praising you and saying:

Blessings and Ending

P1

Christ our King make you faithful and strong to do his will,

that you may reign with him in glory;

and the blessing ...

P2

May Christ who makes saints of sinners,

who has transformed those we remember today,

raise and strengthen you that you may transform the world;

and the blessing ...

P3

May God give to you and to all those whom you love

his comfort and his peace, his light and his joy,

in this world and the next;

and the blessing ...

P4

May God,

who kindled the fire of his love in the hearts of the saints,

pour upon you the riches of his grace.

Amen.

May he give you joy in their fellowship

and a share in their praises.

Amen.

May he strengthen you to follow them in the way of holiness

and to come to the full radiance of glory.

Amen.

And the blessing ...

P5

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,

the glory, the splendour and the majesty;

for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.

Yours, Lord, is the kingdom:

and you are exalted as head over all. Amen.

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

You have come to Mount Zion

and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,

to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.

Hebrews 12.22a,23b,24a

S2

Forsake me not, O Lord; be not far from me, O my God.

Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Psalm 38.21,22

S3

You will show me the path of life;

in your presence is the fullness of joy

and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16.10

S4

Let my supplication come before you;

deliver me, according to your promise.

Psalm 119.170

S5

The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures

and leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23.1,2

S6

‘When you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.

I will let you find me,’ says the Lord,

‘and I will restore your fortunes.’

Jeremiah 29.12,14

S7

‘Whatever you ask for in prayer,

believe that you have received it,

and it will be yours,’ says the Lord.

Mark 11.24

S8

Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honour and glory and blessing!

Revelation 5.12

S9

Know with certainty that God has made Jesus both Lord and Messiah.

God has highly exalted him

and gave him the name that is above every name.

Acts 2.36; Philippians 2.9

The Eucharist of All Saints

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

The president greets the people

Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you

All   and also with you.

Words of welcome or introduction may be said, including the following sentence

Rejoice, people of God, praise the Lord!

Let us keep the feast in honour of all God’s saints,

in whose victory the angels rejoice and glorify the Son of God.

Prayers of Penitence

A minister uses this Invitation to Confession or other suitable words

Since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,

looking to Jesus in penitence and faith.

Hebrews 12.1

Lord, you are gracious and compassionate:

Lord, have mercy.

All   Lord, have mercy.

You are loving to all

and your mercy is over all your creation:

Christ, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

Your faithful servants bless your name

and speak of the glory of your kingdom:

Lord, have mercy.

All   Lord, have mercy.

Or another authorized form of confession may be used.

The president uses this or another authorized absolution

Almighty God,

who forgives all who truly repent,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis or the Beatitudes

The Gloria in excelsis or (in Year B) A Song of the Blessed (Common Worship: Daily Prayer, page 606) may be used.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray that we may be strengthened by our communion with all the saints.

Silence is kept.

Almighty God,

you have knit together your elect

in one communion and fellowship

in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:

grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints

in all virtuous and godly living,

that we may come to those inexpressible joys

that you have prepared for those who truly love you;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

(or)

God of holiness,

your glory is proclaimed in every age:

as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,

inspire us to follow their example

with boldness and joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Either one or two readings from Scripture precede the Gospel reading.

At the end of each the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

The psalm or canticle follows the first reading; other hymns and songs may be used between the readings.

Gospel Reading

This acclamation may herald the Gospel reading

Alleluia, alleluia.

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,

a holy nation, God’s own people,

called out of darkness into his marvellous light.

1 Peter 2.9

All   Alleluia.

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon
The Creed

An authorized translation of the Nicene Creed is used.

Prayers of Intercession

United in the company of all the faithful

and looking for the coming of the kingdom,

let us offer our prayers to God,

the source of all life and holiness.

Merciful Lord,

strengthen all Christian people by your Holy Spirit,

that we may live as a royal priesthood and a holy nation

to the praise of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Bless N our bishop and all ministers of your Church,

that by faithful proclamation of your word

we may be built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets

into a holy temple in the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Empower us by the gift of your holy and life-giving Spirit,

that we may be transformed into the likeness of Christ

from glory to glory.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Give to the world and its peoples

the peace that comes from above,

that they may find Christ’s way of freedom and life.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Hold in your embrace all who witness to your love in the

service of the poor and needy;

all who minister to the sick and dying;

and all who bring light to those in darkness.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Touch and heal all those whose lives are scarred by sin

or disfigured by pain,

that, raised from death to life in Christ,

their sorrow may be turned to eternal joy.

Lord, in your mercy

All   hear our prayer.

Remember in your mercy all those gone before us

who have been well-pleasing to you from eternity;

preserve in your faith your servants on earth,

guide us to your kingdom

and grant us your peace at all times.

Lord in your mercy

All   Hear our prayer.

Hasten the day when many will come

from east and west, from north and south,

and sit at table in your kingdom.

Lord in your mercy

All   Hear our prayer.

We give you thanks

for the whole company of your saints in glory,

with whom in fellowship we join our prayers and praises;

by your grace may we, like them, be made perfect in your love.

Blessing and glory and wisdom,

thanksgiving and honour and power,

be to our God for ever and ever.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

We are fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God, through Christ our Lord, who came and preached peace to those who were far off and those who were near.

Ephesians 2.19,17

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

This prayer may be said

As the grain once scattered in the fields

and the grapes once dispersed on the hillside

are now united on this table in bread and wine,

so, Lord, may your whole Church soon be gathered together

from the corners of the earth

into your kingdom.

All   Amen.

The president takes the bread and wine.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers.

One of the following Proper Prefaces may be used where appropriate

And now we give you thanks

for the glorious pledge of the hope of our calling

which you have given us in your saints;

that, following their example and strengthened by their fellowship,

we may run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

and with them receive the unfading crown of glory.

(or)

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And now we give you thanks, most gracious God,

surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses

and glorified in the assembly of your saints.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

We, your holy Church, acclaim you.

In communion with angels and archangels,

and with all who served you on earth

and worship you now in heaven,

we raise our voice to proclaim your glory,

for ever praising you and saying:

The Lord’s Prayer

With saints and martyrs through the ages,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

With saints and martyrs through the ages,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break this bread

to share in the body of Christ.

All   Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says this or another invitation to communion

I heard the voice of a great multitude crying, Alleluia.

The Lord our God has entered into his kingdom.

All   Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 181).

The president and people receive communion.

Authorized words of distribution are used and the communicant replies

Amen.

During the distribution hymns and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine and for disposing of what remains (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 182).

Prayer after Communion

Silence is kept.

This Post Communion or another suitable prayer is said

Lord of heaven,

in this eucharist you have brought us near

to an innumerable company of angels

and to the spirits of the saints made perfect:

as in this food of our earthly pilgrimage

we have shared their fellowship,

so may we come to share their joy in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All may say one of the prayers here.

¶    The Dismissal

A hymn may be sung and/or the following acclamation may be used

Acclamation

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised:

All   there is no end of his greatness.

One generation shall praise your works to another

All   and shall declare your power.

All your works praise you, Lord,

All   and your faithful servants bless you.

They make known the glory of your kingdom

All   and speak of your power.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord:

All   let everything bless his holy name for ever and ever.

The Dismissal Gospel

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said], ‘I have made your name known to those you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours.’

John 17.6-9

At the end the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

The Blessing

The president uses this or another blessing

May God,

who kindled the fire of his love in the hearts of the saints,

pour upon you the riches of his grace.

All   Amen.

May he give you joy in their fellowship

and a share in their praises.

All   Amen.

May he strengthen you to follow them in the way of holiness

and to come to the full radiance of glory.

All   Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

The Dismissal

Following God’s saints in the ways of holiness and truth,

go in the peace of Christ.

All   Thanks be to God.

The ministers and people depart.

Thanksgiving for the Holy Ones of God

Note

This Litany of Thanksgiving is appropriate for various occasions. It is particularly suitable for use at Morning or Evening Prayer at All Saints’ tide. It may also be used at services of Christian initiation in procession to or from the font.

The following responses may be said or sung

Let us bless the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

(or)

All   Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

For Abraham and Sarah, our ancestors in faith,

and all who journey into the unknown trusting God’s promises:

For Jacob, deceitful younger brother, yet chosen by God,

the father of all who are called by virtue not of their own:

For Moses the lawgiver and Aaron the priest,

and all who lead God’s people to freedom and newness of life: R

For Esther and Deborah, saviours of their nation,

and for all who dare to act courageously at God’s call:

For Hannah and Ruth, and all who through love and devotion

witness to the faithfulness of God:

For Isaiah, John the Baptist and all the prophets,

and all who speak the truth without counting the cost: R

For Mary the Virgin, the mother of our Lord and God,

and all who obey God’s call without question:

For Andrew and John and the first disciples,

and for all who forsake everything to follow Jesus:

For Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary,

first witnesses of the resurrection,

and for all who bear witness to Christ: R

For Peter and Paul [, N] and the apostles,

who preached the gospel to Jew and Gentile,

and for all who take the good news to the ends of the earth:

For Barnabas, Silas and Timothy,

and for all who bring encouragement and steadfastness:

In the following sections names may be added or omitted to reflect local traditions.

For the writers of the Gospels

and for all who bring the faith of Christ alive for each generation: R

For Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory and Jerome,

and for all who contend for the truth of the gospel:

For Basil, Gregory of Nazianzus, Athanasius and John Chrysostom,

and all who enable us to reflect on the mystery of Christ:

For Cyprian, Antony and Ephrem,

and for all who lead the Church into new paths of discipleship: R

For Stephen, Alban, Agnes, Lucy and the whole army of martyrs,

and all who have faced death for love of Christ:

For Augustine of Canterbury and Aidan, for Boniface and Patrick,

and for all who have carried the gospel to this and other lands:

For Aelred, Bernard and Cuthbert,

and for all who live and teach the love of God: R

For Anselm and Richard Hooker,

and for all who reveal to us the depths of God’s wisdom:

For Benedict and Francis, Hilda and Bede,

and for all who deepen our common life in Christ:

For Julian of Norwich, Bridget of Sweden and Teresa of Avila,

and for all who renew our vision of the mystery of God: R

For Thomas Cranmer

and all who reform the Church of God:

For Thomas More

and all who hold firm to its continuing faith:

For Gregory and Dunstan, George Herbert and John Keble,

and for all who praise God in poetry and song: R

For Lancelot Andrewes, John Wesley and Charles Simeon,

and for all who preach the word of God:

For William Wilberforce and Josephine Butler,

and for all who work to transform the world:

For Monica, and for Mary Sumner,

and for all who nurture faith in home and family: R

For the martyrs and peacemakers of our own time,

who shine as lights in the darkness:

For all the unsung heroes and heroines of our faith,

whose names are known to God alone:

For all those in our own lives

who have revealed to us the love of God

and shown to us the way of holiness: R

For NNR

Conclusion

Let us rejoice and praise them with thankful hearts

All   and glorify our God in whom they put their trust.

The following may be used

¶   The Lord’s Prayer

¶   The Collect of All Saints’ Day (here)

May the infinite and glorious Trinity,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

direct our life in good works,

and after our journey through this world,

grant us eternal rest with the saints.

All   Amen.

The Eucharist of the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)

Structure

    The Gathering

The Greeting

Prayers of Penitence

The Collect

    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Prayers of Intercession

    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Preparation of the Table

Taking of the Bread and Wine

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Giving of Communion

    The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

Acclamation

Commemoration

Prayer(s)

Prayer after Communion

    The Dismissal

The Blessing

The Dismissal

The Eucharist of the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)

¶    The Gathering

At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung.

The president may say

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

All   Amen.

The Greeting

Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you

All   and also with you.

Words of welcome or introduction may be said.

Prayers of Penitence

A minister uses this Invitation to Confession or other suitable words

God has shone in our hearts

to give the light of the knowledge of his glory

in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels

to show that the transcendent power belongs to God

and not to us.

As we acknowledge our human frailty,

we call to mind our sins of word, deed and omission,

and confess them before God our Father.

All   Father eternal, giver of light and grace,

we have sinned against you and against our neighbour,

in what we have thought,

in what we have said and done,

through ignorance, through weakness,

through our own deliberate fault.

We have wounded your love,

and marred your image in us.

We are sorry and ashamed,

and repent of all our sins.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

who died for us,

forgive us all that is past;

and lead us out from darkness

to walk as children of light.

Amen.

(or)

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

All   Lord, have mercy.

You bring pardon and peace to the broken in heart:

Christ, have mercy.

All   Christ, have mercy.

You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided:

Lord, have mercy.

All   Lord, have mercy.

The president uses one of the following, or another authorized absolution

May almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you your sins,

and bring you to everlasting life.

All   Amen.

(or)

Almighty God,

who forgives all who truly repent,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray for the peace and well-being of the whole Church.

Silence is kept.

Everlasting God, our maker and redeemer,

grant us, with all the faithful departed,

the sure benefits of your Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection,

that, in the last day,

when you gather up all things in Christ,

we may with them enjoy the fullness of your promises;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

Either one or two readings from Scripture precede the Gospel reading.

At the end of each the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

The psalm or canticle follows the first reading; other hymns and songs may be used between the readings.

Gospel Reading

This acclamation may herald the Gospel reading

Alleluia, alleluia.

‘It is the will of him who sent me,’ says the Lord,

‘that I should lose none of all that he has given me,

but raise them up on the last day.’

cf John 6.39

All   Alleluia.

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N.

All   Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All   Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon
Prayers of Intercession

Let us pray to the Lord, who has conquered death.

Jesus, bread from heaven,

you satisfy the hungry with good things:

grant us a share with all the faithful departed

in the banquet of your kingdom.

Hear us, risen Lord,

All   our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, the light of the world,

you gave the man born blind the gift of sight:

open the eye of faith

and bring us from darkness

to your eternal light and glory.

Hear us, risen Lord,

All   our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, Son of the living God,

you summoned your friend Lazarus from death to life:

raise us at the last to full and eternal life with you.

Hear us, risen Lord,

All   our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, crucified Saviour,

in your dying you entrusted each to the other,

Mary your mother and John your beloved disciple:

sustain and comfort all who mourn.

Hear us, risen Lord,

All   our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, our way and truth and life,

you drew your disciple Thomas from doubt to faith:

reveal the resurrection faith to the doubting and the lost.

Hear us, risen Lord,

All   our resurrection and our life.

May God in his infinite love and mercy

bring the whole Church,

living and departed in the Lord Jesus,

to a joyful resurrection

and the fulfilment of his eternal kingdom.

All   Amen.

¶    The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Jesus says:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

neither let them be afraid.

The peace of the risen Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

These words may be added

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn may be sung.

The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

This prayer may be said

Look upon us in mercy not in judgement;

draw us from hatred to love;

make the frailty of our praise

a dwelling place for your glory.

All   Amen.

The president takes the bread and wine.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The president uses one of the authorized Eucharistic Prayers.

One of the following Proper Prefaces may be used where appropriate

And now we give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In him who rose from the dead

our hope of resurrection dawned.

The sting of death has been removed

by the glorious promise of his risen life.

(or)

Blessed are you, gracious God,

creator of heaven and earth,

giver of life and conqueror of death.

By his death on the cross,

your Son Jesus Christ

offered the one true sacrifice for sin,

breaking the power of evil

and putting death to flight.

Through his resurrection from the dead

you have given us new birth into a living hope,

into an inheritance which is imperishable,

undefiled and unfading.

The joy of resurrection fills the universe,

and so we join with angels and archangels,

with all your faithful people,

evermore praising you and saying:

The Lord’s Prayer

Uniting our prayers with the whole company of heaven,

as our Saviour taught us, so we pray

All   Our Father in heaven …

(or)

Uniting our prayers with the whole company of heaven,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All   Our Father, who art in heaven …

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

Jesus is the living bread which came down from heaven:

if anyone eats of this bread, they will live for ever.

All   Lord, give us this bread always.

The Agnus Dei may be used as the bread is broken.

Giving of Communion

The president says this or another invitation to communion

‘I am the bread of life,’ says the Lord;

‘whoever comes to me will never hunger;

whoever believes in me will never thirst.’

‘I am the vine: you are the branches.’

All   May we dwell in him as he lives in us.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be used (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 181).

The president and people receive communion.

Authorized words of distribution are used and the communicant replies

Amen.

During the distribution hymns and anthems may be sung.

The Common Worship provision is followed for consecration of additional bread and wine and for disposing of what remains (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, page 182).

¶    The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honour and power.

All   For you have created all things,

and by your will they have their being.

You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain,

and by your blood you ransomed for God

saints from every tribe and language and nation.

All   You have made them to be a kingdom and priests

serving our God,

and they will reign with you on earth.

The names of those to be remembered may be read aloud. Silence may be kept after each name, or group of names, or after all the names have been read.

These words are used

Either

This is the will of him that sent me,

that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me,

All   and I will raise them up at the last day.

Lord God, creator of all,

you have made us creatures of this earth,

but have also promised us a share in life eternal.

According to your promises,

may all who have died in the peace of Christ

come with your saints to the joys of your kingdom,

where there will be neither sorrow nor pain,

but life everlasting.

All   Alleluia. Amen.

Grant to us, Lord God,

to trust you not for ourselves alone,

but for those also whom we love

and who are hidden from us by the shadow of death;

that, as we believe your power to have raised our Lord Jesus Christ

from the dead,

so may we trust your love

to give eternal life to all who believe in him;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All   Amen.

Or

All   Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with the saints:

where sorrow and pain are no more,

neither sighing, but life everlasting.

You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all:

and we are mortal, formed from the dust of the earth,

and unto earth shall we return.

For so you ordained when you created me, saying:

‘Dust you are and to dust you shall return.’

All of us go down to the dust,

yet weeping at the grave, we make our song:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

All   Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with the saints:

where sorrow and pain are no more,

neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Hear us, O merciful Father,

as we remember in love

those whom we have placed in your hands.

Acknowledge, we pray, the sheep of your own fold,

lambs of your own flock,

sinners of your own redeeming.

Enfold them in the arms of your mercy,

in the blessed rest of everlasting peace,

and in the glorious company of the saints in light.

All   Amen.

Prayer after Communion

Silence is kept.

This Post Communion or another suitable prayer is said

God of love,

may the death and resurrection of Christ

which we have celebrated in this eucharist

bring us, with all the faithful departed,

into the peace of your eternal home.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,

our rock and our salvation,

to whom be glory for time and for eternity.

All   Amen.

All may say one of the prayers here.

¶    The Dismissal

A hymn may be sung.

The Blessing

The president says one of these blessings

May God give you

his comfort and his peace,

his light and his joy,

in this world and the next;

and the blessing …

(or)

The God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

make you perfect in every good work to do his will;

and the blessing …

(or)

God the Father,

by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,

open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.

All   Amen.

God the Son,

who in bursting the grave has won a glorious victory,

give you joy as you share the Easter faith.

All   Amen.

God the Holy Spirit,

whom the risen Lord breathed into his disciples,

empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace.

All   Amen.

And the blessing …

The Dismissal

Go in the peace of Christ.

All   Thanks be to God.

(or)

Neither death nor life

can separate us from the love of God

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

The ministers and people depart.

An Order of Service for

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in November, generally the Sunday nearest to 11 November.

An Order of Service for Remembrance Sunday has been prepared by a group representing the churches and convened through Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), working in partnership with the Royal British Legion and the Joint Liturgical Group. It is commended on behalf of the churches by the presidents of CTBI and replaces the service that has been in use since 1968. It has been approved by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York under Canon B 4 for use in their respective provinces.

Notes
1  Act of Public Remembrance

Advice on the use of this service as an act of public remembrance may be found in the booklet published by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland – in the Introduction and in the Notes to the section ‘Responding in Hope and Commitment’. The booklet also contains a Note on Music.

2  The Gathering

Local custom will determine whether standards are to be brought and presented.

If so, this should happen before any words are spoken.

If several sentences are used, they may be interspersed with silence or music.

The amount of material used will need to take account of the time available.

If used in full, the Gathering section takes roughly four minutes. If the two-minute silence is to be observed at 11 a.m., the service should therefore be scheduled to begin at 10.55 a.m.

3  Binyon’s Lines

When the service begins other than shortly before 11 a.m., local custom may suggest that the Remembering section should come later in the service, immediately prior to the laying of wreaths and other tokens. If so, before Binyon’s words ‘They shall grow not old …’ an introductory sentence will be required: ‘In peace let us remember.’

It will often be appropriate for the younger person reading the second sentence to be a relative – perhaps the grandchild – of the older reader. In some places local custom will require that both sets of words are said by the same reader.

4  The Silence

The beginning of the Silence may be signalled by the chimes of a clock or bell, playing of the Last Post, or some other aural signal. In some places the radio broadcast of the chimes of Big Ben is used.

    The completion of the Silence may be signalled by the chimes of a bell, playing of reveille and/or a lament, the reading of the Kohima Epitaph (if it is not to be used later), or some other aural signal.

5  Penitence

A note of penitence runs throughout the service. If, however, a specific act of penitence is required, it would fit most naturally after the prayer ‘Ever-living God’. For the Act of Penitence from the 1968 service, see here.

6  Readings

In introducing the readings, the book may be named, e.g. ‘Hear these words from the Gospel of John … and these words from the Letter of James.’

According to local circumstances, it may be appropriate to substitute one of the following for the reading set:

Psalm 23The Lord is my Shepherd

John 14.1-8Do not let your heart be troubled

John 15.9-17Love one another, as I have loved you

Romans 8.31-39Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God

1 Thessalonians 4.13-18You need not grieve like those who have no hope

2 Thessalonians 2.13-16Stand firm

Revelation 21.1-7Death will be no more

7  Hymn

The hymn before the Act of Commitment should be an expression of commitment to service in the cause of justice and peace, of the kind expressed in the traditional hymn ‘I vow to thee my country’.

An Order of Service for Remembrance Sunday

¶    The Gathering

All gather in silence. The presiding minister reads one or more of the following sentences

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46.1

I lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence will my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121.1,2

This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning.

Lamentations 3.21-23

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary

they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40.31

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice,

and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6.8

The presiding minister continues

We meet in the presence of God.

We commit ourselves to work

in penitence and faith

for reconciliation between the nations,

that all people may, together,

live in freedom, justice and peace.

We pray for all

who in bereavement, disability and pain

continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror.

We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow

those whose lives,

in world wars and conflicts past and present,

have been given and taken away.

¶    Remembering

An older person says

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old;

age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

A younger person may reply

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning,

we will remember them.

All affirm

All   We will remember them.

The beginning of the two-minute silence may be signalled.

Silence is kept.

The completion of the silence may be signalled.

The following prayer is said (for an alternative Prayer of Commemoration, see here)

Ever-living God,

we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war

into the peace of your presence;

may that same peace calm our fears,

bring justice to all peoples

and establish harmony among the nations,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

An Act of Penitence may follow (see Note 5 and here).

The following hymn, or another that similarly expresses hope in God and trust for the future, may be sung

O God, our help in ages past,

our hope for years to come,

our shelter from the stormy blast,

and our eternal home;

Under the shadow of thy throne

thy saints have dwelt secure;

sufficient is thine arm alone,

and our defence is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,

or earth received her frame,

from everlasting thou art God,

to endless years the same.

A thousand ages in thy sight

are like an evening gone;

short as the watch that ends the night

before the rising sun.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

bears all its sons away;

they fly forgotten, as a dream

dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past,

our hope for years to come,

be thou our guard while troubles last,

and our eternal home.

¶    Listening for the Word from God

The reader says

Hear these words from the New Testament.

Either one or more of the following are read

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

John 14.27

The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

James 3.17,18

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.

1 John 1.5

Or the following is read

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of

evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they

persecuted the prophets who were before you.’

Matthew 5.1-12

¶    Praying Together

Prayer is led (for alternative Intercessions, see here)

Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict,

and ask that God may give us peace:

for the service men and women

who have died in the violence of war,

each one remembered by and known to God;

may God give peace.

All   God give peace.

For those who love them in death as in life,

offering the distress of our grief

and the sadness of our loss;

may God give peace.

All   God give peace.

For all members of the armed forces

who are in danger this day,

remembering family, friends

and all who pray for their safe return;

may God give peace.

All   God give peace.

For civilian women, children and men

whose lives are disfigured by war or terror,

calling to mind in penitence

the anger and hatreds of humanity;

may God give peace.

All   God give peace.

For peacemakers and peacekeepers,

who seek to keep this world secure and free;

may God give peace.

All   God give peace.

For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership,

political, military and religious;

asking for gifts of wisdom and resolve

in the search for reconciliation and peace;

may God give peace.

All   God give peace.

O God of truth and justice,

we hold before you those whose memory we cherish,

and those whose names we will never know.

Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world,

and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.

As we honour the past,

may we put our faith in your future;

for you are the source of life and hope,

now and for ever.

All   Amen.

All join together in the Lord’s Prayer

All   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,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

¶    Responding in Hope and Commitment

Representatives and other members of the public come forward to lay wreaths, light candles or offer other symbols of remembrance and hope, such as single flowers or crosses.

The Kohima Epitaph is said

When you go home

tell them of us and say,

for your tomorrow

we gave our today.

A hymn may be sung.

The Act of Commitment is made (for an alternative Act of Commitment, see here)

Let us commit ourselves to responsible living and faithful service.

Will you strive for all that makes for peace?

All   We will.

Will you seek to heal the wounds of war?

All   We will.

Will you work for a just future for all humanity?

All   We will.

Merciful God, we offer to you the fears in us

that have not yet been cast out by love:

may we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people,

and live lives of justice, courage and mercy;

through Jesus Christ our risen redeemer.

All   Amen.

The National Anthem is sung.

The following blessing is used

God grant to the living grace,

to the departed rest,

to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all people,

unity, peace and concord,

and to us and all God’s servants,

life everlasting;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All   Amen.

Additional Resources

¶    Texts appended to

An Order for Remembrance Sunday

The following texts from the 1968 service may be used at the points indicated in the present order.

A Prayer of Commemoration

Almighty and eternal God,

from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted,

either by death or life:

hear our prayers and thanksgivings

for all whom we remember this day;

fulfil in them the purpose of your love;

and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

An Act of Penitence

Let us confess to God the sins and shortcomings of the world;

its pride, its selfishness, its greed;

its evil divisions and hatreds.

Let us confess our share in what is wrong,

and our failure to seek and establish that peace

which God wills for his children.

After a short silence, all say

Most merciful God,

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

we confess that we have sinned

in thought, word and deed.

We have not loved you with our whole heart.

We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.

In your mercy

forgive what we have been,

help us to amend what we are,

and direct what we shall be;

that we may do justly,

love mercy,

and walk humbly with you, our God.

Amen.

Almighty God,

who forgives all who truly repent,

have mercy upon you,

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,

and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Alternative Intercessions

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

We pray for the leaders of the nations,

that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,

that they may have discipline and discernment,

courage and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,

that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

We pray for the wounded and the captive,

the grieving and the homeless,

that in all their trials they may know your love and support.

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Most holy God and Father,

hear our prayers for all who strive for peace

and all who fight for justice.

Help us, who today remember the cost of war,

to work for a better tomorrow;

and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,

bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

An Act of Commitment

Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God

and our fellow men and women:

that we may help, encourage and comfort others,

and support those working for the relief of the needy

and for the peace and welfare of the nations.

Lord God our Father,

we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind,

in the cause of peace,

for the relief of want and suffering,

and for the praise of your name.

Guide us by your Spirit;

give us wisdom;

give us courage;

give us hope;

and keep us faithful now and always.

Amen.

A Prayer for the Armed Forces

Almighty God,

stretch forth your mighty arm

to strengthen and protect the armed forces:

grant that meeting danger with courage

and all occasions with discipline and loyalty,

they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace;

to the honour of your holy name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

¶    Supplementary Resources

The following supplementary resources are provided for use in services on Remembrance Sunday in the Church of England.

Introduction to an Act of Remembrance

Let us remember before God,

and commend to his safe keeping,

those who have died for their country in war;

[those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure;]

and all who have lived and died

in the service of the peoples of the world.

A list of those to be remembered by name may then be read.

Introduction to the Peace

Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.’

John 14.27

Christ the King

Invitation to Confession

A1

Jesus says, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ So let us turn away from sin and turn to Christ, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.

cf Matthew 4.17

Kyrie Confession

B1

The kingdom is yours,

but we turn away from your just rule:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

The power is yours,

but we trust in our own power and strength:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

The glory is yours,

but we fall short of the glory of God:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Confession

C1

O King enthroned on high,

filling the earth with your glory:

holy is your name,

Lord God almighty.

In our sinfulness we cry to you

to take our guilt away,

and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Collects

F1

Eternal Father,

whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven

that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace,

and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

F2

God the Father,

help us to hear the call of Christ the King

and to follow in his service,

whose kingdom has no end;

for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, one glory.

Amen.

Gospel Acclamations

G1

Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven.

Luke 19.38

Alleluia.

G2

Alleluia, alleluia.

You, Christ, are the King of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

Alleluia.

Intercession

H1

Let us with confidence present our prayers and supplications to the throne of grace.

We pray for all those in positions of power,

that they may govern with wisdom and integrity,

serving the needs of their people.

May your reign come;

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church, the sign of your reign,

that it may extend your welcome to people of every

race and background.

May your kingdom come;

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for Christians of every denomination,

that together we may come to understand

the royal priesthood you bestowed on us in baptism.

May your dominion come;

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those whose commitment to truth

brings them into conflict with earthly powers,

that they may have the courage to endure.

May your rule come;

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for this community of faith,

that attentive to your word

we may always worship in spirit and in truth.

May your reign come;

Lord, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Loving God,

you have taught us that the power of the heart

is greater than the power of wealth and might.

Hear us as we pray for the fulfilment of your reign.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our King;

to him be glory and power for ever.

Amen.

Introduction to the Peace

J1

To crown all things there must be love,

to bind all together and complete the whole.

Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

cf Colossians 3.14,15

Prayer at the Preparation of the Table

K1

Blessed be God,

who enthrones us with Christ in the heavenly realms.

May we feed upon the bread of God

and drink the royal wine of heaven.

Blessed be God for ever.

Prefaces

L1

And now we give you thanks

because you anointed Jesus Christ, your only Son,

as priest and King.

Crowned with thorns, he offered his life upon the cross,

that he might draw all people into that kingdom

where he now reigns in glory.

L2

And now we give you thanks

because you anointed Jesus Christ, your only Son,

as the eternal priest and King of all.

As a priest he offered up his life on the cross,

that by his one sacrifice he might present to you an eternal kingdom;

a kingdom of truth and life;

a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

Extended Preface

M1

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

For with the oil of gladness

you have anointed Christ the Lord, your only Son,

to be our great high priest and king of all creation.

As priest, he offered himself once for all upon the altar of the cross

and redeemed the human race by this perfect sacrifice of peace.

As king he claims dominion over all your creatures,

that he may bring before your infinite majesty

a kingdom of truth and life,

a kingdom of holiness and grace,

a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

And so with angels and archangels

and all the heavenly host,

we proclaim your glory

and join their unending hymn of praise:

Post Communion

N1

Stir up, O Lord,

the wills of your faithful people;

that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,

may by you be plenteously rewarded;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Blessings

P1

Christ our exalted King pour upon you his abundant gifts

and bring you to reign with him in glory;

and the blessing …

P2

Christ our King make you faithful and strong to do his will,

that you may reign with him in glory;

and the blessing …

P3

God the Father,

who has given to his Son the name above every name,

strengthen you to proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord.

Amen.

God the Son,

who is our great high priest passed into the heavens,

plead for you at the right hand of the Father.

Amen.

God the Holy Spirit,

who pours out his abundant gifts upon the Church,

make you faithful servants of Christ our King.

Amen.

And the blessing …

Acclamation

R1

Lift up your heads, O gates;

be lifted up, you everlasting doors;

and the King of glory shall come in.

‘Who is the King of glory?’

‘The Lord, strong and mighty,

the Lord who is mighty in battle.’

Lift up your heads, O gates;

be lifted up, you everlasting doors;

and the King of glory shall come in.

‘Who is this King of glory?’

‘The Lord of hosts,

he is the King of glory.’

Short Passages of Scripture

S1

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming!

Mark 11.9,10

S2

The Lord sits enthroned as king for evermore.

The Lord shall give strength to his people;

the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

Psalm 29.9b,10

S3

Your throne is God’s throne, for ever;

the sceptre of your kingdom is the sceptre of righteousness.

Psalm 45.6

S4

Now have come the salvation and the power

and the kingdom of our God

and the authority of his Christ.

Revelation 12.10

S5

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.

Matthew 28.18,19

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2006 and published by Church House Publishing.

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