Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

‘Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.’ (Psalm 33:22)

Hymn: Who are these like stars appearing...

2 Esdras 2: 42-48

As we celebrate the joy of the saints, let us confess our sins:

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.

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the day: 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. Amen.

Matthew 5:1-12

Please see the message from the minister.

Let us join in prayer, asking for God’s loving presence to be known to everyone:

We pray for the Church, that all people will be drawn together by God’s love;

We pray for the world, that compassion and loving kindness will grow in people’s hearts;

We pray for our communities as we share God’s love, building relationships;

We pray for people who are sick or suffering, that they will know God’s healing presence.

We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn. We especially think today of our own loved ones who have gone before us and all those who have passed away recently.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught Peter and all of the saints:

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.

Hymn: For all the saints who from their labours rest...

May the love of our Lord Jesus draw us to himself, the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service, the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our hearts: and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.