“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ”
COLLECT: Eternal God, neither death nor life can separate us from your love: grant that we may serve you faithfully here on earth, and in heaven rejoice with all your saints who ceaselessly proclaim your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Prayer In Seeking an Archbishop for this Diocese:
It has been announced by Bishop Cameron Venable, Bishop Administrator of the Diocese of Brisbane, that Bishop Jeremy Greaves has been elected as the next Archbishop of Brisbane. He will commence his role as Archbishop in December 2023.
Prayer:
Loving God, bless Jeremy, now called to be Archbishop of Brisbane; fill him with your truth, and clothe him with holiness, that he may preach your word, and care for your people; give him compassion and wisdom, sustain him with your Spirit and inspire him with vision. We also pray for Jeremey’s family: his wife Josie, and his children: Kate, Hannah, and Thomas. We ask in the name of the one who calls, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Ukraine: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell: Archbishop of York.
Today’s Bible Readings
Feast of All Saints/All Souls
1st New Testament Reading : Revelation 7: 9-17
Psalm: 34: 1-10,22 (page 254 A.B.P.A.)
2nd New Testament Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12
Prayers
For The World: We pray for mercy on our broken and divided world. We pray for the conflict between Israel and Palestine, for the unrest in the Middle East. For those who are innocent victims of the conflict. Take away prejudice, cruelty and revenge. Grant that barriers which divide may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease. (We continue to pray for the unrest between Ukraine and Russia)
In the name of Christ Jesus, the hope of saints, let us offer our prayer to the Lord.
For our Church and parish family, that we may become a people of the Beatitudes - seeking God's presence and joy in all things:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For our regional bishop and Archbishop-elect Jeremy, for this congregation; and for all who serve the Church, that their ministry may build bridges from this life to the eternal life of God:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the nations and peoples of the world, that they may work together to establish God's peace:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For families and friends, that the saints and those who have gone before us may inspire them to seek the love of Christ in all things:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who work for equality and justice, for those who are persecuted and ridiculed for their beliefs, for those who give their lives in humble service to others, that their prophetic witness may make the New Jerusalem a reality in our world:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the prayers we now make in the silence of our hearts. [Pause . . .]:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We remember all who have died in the peace of Christ ……………………
We pray that the company of the saints has made them welcome into the kingdom of heaven:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, make us children of your light. May the lives of the saints give us hope that one day we might be among the blessed of your kingdom.
Give us the courage and resolve to be saints for our world, that one day this feast of All Saints and All Souls may be our feast day as well.
Hear the prayers we make to you in the name of your Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
Next Week’s Bible Readings
Pentecost 24 (Ord Sun 32)
Old Testament Reading: Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-25
Psalm: 78: 1-7 (page 301 A.B.P.A.)
New Testament Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-18
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13