Hear the words of the angel to Joseph:
“You shall call his name Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.”
Therefore let us seek the forgiveness of God
through Jesus the Saviour of the world. cf Matthew 1.21
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.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Blessed are they who dwell in your house;
they will always be praising you.
Praise to you, O Christ,
King of eternal glory.
Let us pray for the Church and God’s world
and, inspired by the example of Saint Joseph,
for grace to grow in faith and holiness
and to follow ever more closely in the way of Christ.
Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born,
who is called the Messiah:
may we value our family life at home and in the wider family of the Church.
We pray for . . . [Church universal/local etc]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Joseph was not afraid to take Mary as his wife when he learned that the child conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit:
may we have no fear of taking those opportunities for service offered us by the Lord.
We pray for . . . . [Vocations to ministry/religious life/public service etc]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Joseph was a righteous man and unwilling to expose Mary to public disgrace:
may we live lives of integrity and be concerned for the reputation of others.
We pray for . . . . [Leaders/those in public life etc]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Joseph named his son, Jesus, the One who will save his people from their sins:
may we make known to others the salvation he came to bring.
We pray for those who have not heard the gospel of Christ.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Joseph protected the child Jesus and his mother from the wrath of Herod:
may we always seek to shield those who are weak and vulnerable:
We pray for . . . . [Sick, suffering, helpless etc]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Joseph took his family and returned to his native land:
We pray for those who have died recently . . . . . . .
May we, with them and all the faithful departed, be welcomed
to the banquet of eternal life.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Almighty God,
we give you thanks for Joseph
and 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;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
they shall be called children of God.
We meet in the name of Christ and share his peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Lord our God,
grant that as Saint Joseph faithfully cared for your only Son,
born of the Virgin Mary,
so we may serve you with pure and loyal hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And now we give you thanks because in his earthly childhood
you entrusted him to the care of a human family.
In Mary and Joseph you give us an example
of love and devotion to him,
and also a pattern of family life.[i]
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Today we honour Saint Joseph,
the just man whom you gave as husband
to the Virgin Mother of your Son,
the wise and faithful servant whom you placed over your household.
With a father’s love he cared for Jesus, your only Son,
conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.
Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the powers of heaven
worship in awe before your presence.
May our voices blend with theirs
as they sing with joy the hymn of your glory:[ii]
Heavenly Father,
whose Son grew in wisdom and stature
in the home of Joseph the carpenter of Nazareth
and on the wood of the cross
perfected the
work of the world’s salvation:
help us, strengthened by this sacrament of his passion,
to count the wisdom of the world as foolishness,
and to walk with him in simplicity and trust;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised:
there is no end of his greatness.
One generation shall praise your works to another:
and shall declare your power.
All your works praise you, Lord:
and your faithful servants bless
you.
They make known the glory of your kingdom:
and speak of your power.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord:
let all flesh bless his holy name
for ever and ever.
May the love of the Holy Family surround you.
May the joy that was Mary’s refresh you.
May the faithfulness that was Joseph’s encourage you.
May the peace of the Christ Child fill your lives. Amen.
Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born,
who is called the Messiah. Matthew 1.16
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1.20
Joseph made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled. Matthew 2.23
Who is the faithful and prudent servant the Lord has put in charge of his household? cf Luke 12.42
When Joseph and Mary had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.”
Let us confess our sins and failings to God our merciful Father.
We have done what was wrong in your sight
and chosen what has displeased you.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
As a mother comforts her child so shall you comfort us.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Let us return to you for you know our every deed and thought.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment
of what was spoken to her by the Lord. Luke 1.45
Alleluia.
Steadfast love and faithfulness have met;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other. cf. Psalm 85.10
God of mercy,
accept our gifts and all we bring before you
as you accepted the love of Mary,
the mother of your Son Jesus Christ,
who is Lord, now and for ever.[iii]
And now we give you thanks
because in choosing the blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son
you have exalted the humble and meek.
Your angel hailed her as most highly favoured;
with all generations we call her blessed
and with her we rejoice and magnify your holy name.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
almighty Father, ever-living God,
to proclaim the wonders you have worked in all your saints,
and on this feast of Mary, ever blessed,
to echo her praise of your loving kindness.
For you have truly done great things
and holy is your name,
and your mercy is on those who fear you
in every generation.
When you looked with favour on your lowly servant
you remembered your promise of mercy
and gave the world through her
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Through him the hosts of heaven adore you
and rejoice in your presence for ever.
May our voices join with theirs
in the triumphant hymn of praise:
Gracious God,
who gave joy to Elizabeth and Mary
as they recognized the signs of redemption
at work within
them:
help us, who have shared in the joy of this eucharist,
to know the Lord deep within us
and his love shining out in our lives,
that the world may rejoice in your salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Your salvation is near
to those who fear you;
that glory may dwell in
our land.
Your salvation is
near to those who fear you;
that glory may dwell
in our land.
Mercy and truth have
met together;
righteousness and peace
have kissed each other.
That glory may dwell
in our land.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit.
Your salvation is
near to those who fear you;
that glory may dwell in our land.[iv]
Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he has done for my soul. Psalm 66.14
My heart exults in the Lord, my strength is exalted in my God.
1 Samuel 2.1
All generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1.48, 49
The Lord has filled the hungry with good things. Luke 1.53
John the Baptist proclaimed,
“Repent for the kingdom of God has come near.”
Let us turn to the Lord in penitence and faith
and humbly confess our sin.
Alleluia, alleluia!
You, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. Luke 1.76
Alleluia.
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.
Lord God,
who promised Zechariah a son
filled with the spirit and power of Elijah,
to prepare a people fit for the Lord
we pray for reconciliation between all people,
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God,
when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting
the baby leapt in her womb
may we bless among women she who believed your promise,
and proclaim with joy the good news of your Christ.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God,
at John's birth Zechariah proclaimed
he would be the prophet of the Most High
we pray for all who preach the Good News,
(especially the diocese of ...).
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God,
when your Son came to the Jordan and was baptized by John
he saw the heavens open and the Spirit descending as a dove
may we who are baptized into your Church
faithfully proclaim in the world the words of your beloved Son.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God,
John proclaimed your Son as 'the Lamb of God'
and John's disciples followed Jesus
help us to follow him too,
and by our words and deeds
to bring our families and friends closer to you.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God,
who sent John to witness to the light,
to be the voice of one crying in the wilderness
and to prepare the way of the Lord:
comfort your people
and bring your healing to the sick and needy
to the broken-hearted and the oppressed,
to prisoners and captives.
(Especially we pray for. . . . ),
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God,
John preached the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins
and suffered imprisonment and death for proclaiming your Law:
we pray with and for all who have died in your service,
joining our prayers with John the Baptist, and all the saints;
and grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
God our Father,
in your tender compassion
the dawn from on high has broken upon us.
Shine, Lord, on those who dwell
in darkness and the shadow of death
and guide our feet into the way of peace.
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen.
The Lord God of Israel has come to his people to set them free
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
God of our salvation,
as we praise you for your servant John Baptist,
accept all we bring to you this day,
and free us to worship you without fear,
in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.[v]
And now we give you thanks
because you prepared the way of your Son Jesus Christ
by the preaching of your servant John the Baptist,
who proclaimed him as the Lamb of God, our Saviour.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Among those born of women
you marked out John the Baptist with your special favour
as the one who prepared the way before your Son.
His birth brought great rejoicing;
even in the womb he leapt for joy, so near was our salvation.
Alone of all the prophets,
John hailed the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
He baptized Jesus, the author of baptism,
in waters made holy by the one baptized.
By shedding his blood
he gave his last and greatest witness to your Son.
And so with angels and archangels
and all the heavenly host
we proclaim your glory
and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Merciful Lord,
whose prophet John the Baptist
proclaimed your Son as the Lamb of God
who takes away
the sin of the world:
grant that we who in this sacrament
have known your
forgiveness and your life-giving love
may ever tell of your mercy and your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. You will have joy and gladness and many shall rejoice at his birth for he will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. cf. Luke 1.14-16
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.
Luke 1.68
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. Luke 1.76
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. Luke 1.78
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light. John 1.6,7
Alleluia, alleluia
Mary Magdalen announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord.”
Alleluia.
God of life and health,
in your Son Jesus Christ
we find the forgiveness of all that is past,
Grant that in this eucharist today
we may find the healing of all our sins.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.[vi]
or
Lord Jesus Christ,
grant that by the mystery of your body and blood,
we may watch at your cross,
weep at your tomb
and witness to your resurrection;
for you are alive for ever and ever.[vii]
And now we give you thanks that Mary Magdalen
who followed Christ in love
was first to announce to his apostles
that he had risen from the dead.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
to praise you, the all-powerful Father, in every season,
and on this holy day to celebrate the glory of your saints.
In Mary Magdalene you kindled a fire of love for Christ
whose word had set her free.
You gave her the courage of love
to follow him even to the cross.
Seeking her teacher after his death,
so great was her longing
that you made her the first to behold him
risen from the dead,
and the first to announce to the apostles
his new and glorious risen life.
Her words still ring throughout your Church,
to strengthen faith and encourage hope
in those who gather faithfully for prayer.
And so with her, and all the citizens of heaven,
we join our voices to acclaim your glory
in this their joyful hymn of praise:[viii]
God of life and
love,
whose risen Son called Mary Magdalene by name
and sent her to tell of his resurrection to his apostles:
in your mercy, help us,
who have been united with him in this eucharist,
to proclaim the good news
that he is alive
and reigns, now and for ever.
Jesus said to Mary Magdalen: “Go to my brothers and say to them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” John 20.17
Those who live, live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5.15
Go quickly and tell his disciples: Jesus has been raised from the dead. Matthew 28.7
We have done what was wrong in the Lord's sight
and chosen what displeased him.
Yet as a mother comforts her child,
so shall the Lord himself comfort us.
So let us come to him who knows our every deed and thought.
or
Born of a woman, born under the law,
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of sin:
let us come to him that he may heal us and set us free:
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father;
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
or
For our sake you were made to be sin who knew no sin.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Though you were rich,
yet for our sake you became poor that we might become rich.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
You emptied yourself taking the form of a servant
and became obedient unto death.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with
favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Alleluia. Luke 1.47, 48
or
Alleluia, Alleluia.
My soul magnifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
Alleluia. Luke 1. 46, 47
As we pray to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we say with Mary:
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
Your prophet of old foretold a day when a virgin would conceive
and bear a son who would be called God-with-us.
Help us to looked forward to your deliverance
and to seek the fullness of your kingdom.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
Your angel declared to Mary that she was to be
the mother of the Saviour.
Help (…and) every Christian person to be open to your world
and obedient to your will.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
Mary rejoiced with Elizabeth, and sang your praise,
‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.’
Help us to live joyful lives that sing your praise.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
Mary bore a son of David’s line,
a king whose reign would never end.
Bless (… and) all the nations of the world with Christ’s gift of peace.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
The child Jesus grew in wisdom and stature
in the home of Mary and Joseph.
Strengthen our homes and families,
and keep under your protection (… and) al those whom we love.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
At the foot of the cross of Christ stood his mother,
and from the cross she received his lifeless body in her arms.
Give comfort and healing to (… and) all who suffer
and all who watch the suffering of those they love.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
The apostle John saw a vision of a woman in heaven,
robed with the sun.
Bring us with (… and) all those who have died in the faith of Christ
to share the joy of heaven with Mary and all the saints.
Lord, have mercy on those who fear you.
Holy is your name.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who stooped to raise fallen humanity
through the child-bearing of blessed Mary:
grant that we, who have seen your glory
revealed
in our human nature
and your love made perfect in our weakness,
may daily be renewed in your image
and conformed to the pattern of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9.6
And now we give you thanks
because, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
he took our nature upon him
and was born of the Virgin Mary his mother,
that being himself without sin,
he might make us clean from all sin.
or
And now we give you thanks
because in choosing the blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son
you have exalted the humble and meek.
Your angel hailed her as most highly favoured;
with all generations we call her blessed
and with her we rejoice and magnify your holy name.
or
And now we give you thanks
that he is your eternal Son, the King of glory.
When he took our flesh to set us free
he did not abhor the Virgin’s Womb.
Seated at your right hand in glory,
he will come to be our judge
and to bring us with the saints to glory everlasting.
or
And now we give you thanks because
he shared our life in human form
from the warmth of Mary’s womb to the stillness of the grave.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
almighty Father, ever-living God,
to proclaim the wonders you have worked in all your saints,
and on the feast of Mary, ever blessed,
to echo her praise of your loving kindness.
For you have truly done great things
and holy is your name,
and your mercy is on those who fear you
in every generation.
When you looked with favour on your lowly servant
you remembered your promise of mercy
and gave the world through her
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Through him the hosts of heaven adore you
and rejoice in your presence for ever.
May our voices join with theirs
in the triumphant hymn of praise:
or
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
almighty Father, ever-living God,
to give you thanks and praise
as we give honour to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For by the overshadowing of your Holy Spirit
she conceived and bore the Word made flesh.
At the cross her vigil keeping
she accepted her Son’s last wish
and took to herself as sons and daughters
all those whom his death awakens to new life.
Joining her prayers with those of the apostles
she awaited his promised Spirit
and became the perfect pattern of the Church at prayer.
You raise her to the glory of your presence
and with a mother’s love she leads your pilgrim Church
in progress homeward
until the dawning of the day of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through him the choirs of angels and all powers of heaven
worship in awe before your presence.
May our voices blend with theirs
as they sing with joy the hymn of your glory:
or
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
almighty Father, ever-living God,
to give you thanks and praise
for in the greatness of your mercy you chose the Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your only Son.
In her obedience the day of our redemption dawned
when by the overshadowing of your Holy Spirit
he took our flesh and dwelt in the darkness of her womb.
In her your glory shines as in the burning bush,
and so with every generation we call her blessed.
Her heart of love, obedient to your will,
endured the piercing sword of sorrow.
With her we rejoice in your salvation
and ponder in our hearts the mystery of your love
that we like her may share the joy of heaven.
And now with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven
we join our praise with hers
and sing with joy the hymn of your glory:[ix]
See also Extended Preface for Christmastide, CW p303
See also Extended Preface for the Annunciation, CW p310
God most high,
whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh:
we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption
you visit us with your Holy Spirit
and overshadow us by your power;
strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience
and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
May the Father,
who has loved the eternal Son
from before the foundation of the world,
shed that love upon you his children. Amen.
May Christ,
who by his incarnation gathered into one
things earthly and heavenly,
fill you with joy and peace. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit,
by whose overshadowing Mary became the God-bearer,
give you grace to carry the good news of Christ. Amen.
And may blessing…
or
When the Word became flesh
earth was joined to heaven in the womb of Mary:
may the love and obedience of Mary be your example. Amen.
May the peace of Christ
rule in your heart and home. Amen.
May you be filled with the joy of the Spirit
and the gifts of your eternal home. Amen.
And the blessing…
or
Christ the Son of God, born of Mary,
fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will;
and the blessing …
or
May the love of the Holy Family surround you.
May the joy that was Mary’s refresh you.
May the faithfulness that was Joseph’s encourage you.
May the peace of the Christ Child fill your lives. Amen.
Blessed is she who had faith
that the Lord’s promise would be fulfilled.
All generations shall call her
blessed.
So tenderly has he looked upon his servant.
All generations shall call her
blessed.
Blessed is she among women and blessed is the fruit of her womb.
All generations shall call her
blessed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Holy is his name.
All generations shall call her
blessed.
Blessèd is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. Luke 1.45
Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1.38
Jesus said, "Blessèd are those who hear the word of God and obey it!" Luke 11.28
Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2.19
We have come to Mount Zion,
the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem,
to myriads of angels,
to God the judge of all,
and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Woe is me, for I am lost;
I am a person of unclean lips.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Our guilt is taken away,
and our sin is forgiven.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Father in heaven,
by his blood your Christ has ransomed us to you,
and has made us a kingdom and priests to you our God.
As the angels minister to you in heaven,
strengthen your Church to serve you here on earth.
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
Father in heaven,
when the angels greeted the birth of your Son
they sang for joy ‘Glory to God and peace on earth’.
Bless with Christ’s peace the nations of the world.
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
Father in heaven,
you Son has promised to your children
the care of the guardian angels who look upon your face.
Protect by your mercy our neighbours, families and friends.
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
Father in heaven,
you give your angels charge over those who trust in you
to guard them in all their ways.
Be with those in trouble…,
rescue them and show them your salvation.
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
Father in heaven,
your angel declares ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.’
‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘for they may rest fro their
labours, for they take with them the record of their deeds.’
Enfold in your love (…and) all who come in faith
to your judgement seat in heaven.
Lord, hear us,
Lord, graciously hear us.
Father in heaven,
the angels sing by day and night around your throne:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty.’
With Michael, prince of the angels, who contends by our side,
with Gabriel, your herald, who brings glad tidings,
and with the holy company of heaven,
we worship you, we give you glory,
we sing your praise and exalt you for ever. Amen.
Hear again the song of the angels:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.
Through him the archangels sing your praise,
the angels fulfil your commands,
the cherubim and seraphim continually proclaim your holiness;
the whole company of heaven glorifies your name
and rejoices to do your will.
Therefore we pray that our voices may be heard with theirs,
for ever praising you and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord …
or
And now we give you thanks and praise you holy name
because the splendour of your faithful angels and archangels
shows us your greatness,
which surpasses in goodness the whole of creation.
So as the hosts of angels rejoice in your glory,
we give you, their Creator, glory and worship.
In adoration and joy we make their hymn of praise our own:
Holy, holy, holy Lord …
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.
God keep you in the fellowship of his saints.
Christ protect you by the ministry of the angels
The Spirit make you holy in God’s service;
and the blessing…
or
God bring you to the home
that Christ prepares for all who love him.
Amen.
God give you the will to live each day
in life eternal.
Amen.
God make you citizens of heaven,
with the whole company of the redeemed.
Amen.
And the blessing…
or
Blessing and honour and thanksgiving and praise
more than we can utter, more than we can conceive,
be to you, most holy and glorious Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
from all angels, and all people, all creations
for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Lord commands his angels
to keep you in all your
ways.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels, mighty in power,
who fulfil his command and
heed the voice of his word.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts,
his servants that do his
will.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his works,
in every place where he rules,
my soul give thanks to the
Lord.
For he commands his angels,
to keep you in all your
ways.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you his angels; praise him all his host. Psalm 148
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19.9
Mortals ate the bread of angels;
the Lord sent them food in plenty. Psalm 78.25
We run the race set before us,
surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
Therefore let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which clings so closely,
bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.
or
Jesus said to his apostles,
‘You are my friends if you obey my commands’
Let us now confess our disobedience to him.
You were sent to preach the good news of light in the darkness of the world:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
You were sent to plant in our hearts the seed of eternal life:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
You were sent to reconcile us to yourself
by the shedding of you blood:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
or
Lord Jesus, in your love you invite us to be your friends:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, in your joy you choose us to go out and bear fruit:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, in your power you send us to be your faithful witnesses:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Alleluia, alleluia.
I do not call you servants but friends,
because I have made known to you
everything that I have heard from my Father. John 15.15
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
I appoint you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.
Alleluia. John 15.16
Encouraged by our fellowship with all the saints,
let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, your Son called men and women to leave the past behind them and to follow him as his disciples in the way of the cross. Look with mercy upon those whom he has called today, marked with cross and made his disciples with the Church…
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Your Son told his disciples not be afraid and at Easter breathed on them his gift of peace. Look with mercy upon the world into which he sent them out, and give it that peace for which it longs…
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Your Son formed around him a company who were no longer servants but friends, and he called all those who obeyed him his brother and sister and mother. Look with mercy upon our families and our friends and upon the communities in which we share…
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Your Son promised to those who followed him that they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel and would share the banquet of the kingdom. According to your promise, look with mercy on those who have walked with Christ in this life and now have passed through death…
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Almighty God,
you have built your Church upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets
with Jesus Christ himself as the chief corner-stone:
so join us together in unity of spirit by their doctrine,
that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And now we give you thanks
because your Son Jesus Christ after his resurrection
sent forth his apostles and evangelists
to preach the gospel to all nations
and to teach us the way of truth.
or
And now we give you thanks
because you formed your Church on the apostles
to stand firm for ever,
as a sign of earth of your infinite holiness
and the living gospel for all to hear.
Almighty God,
who on the day of Pentecost
sent your Holy Spirit to the apostles
with the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame,
filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel:
by the power of the same Spirit
strengthen us to witness to your truth
and to draw everyone to the fire of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
or
Lord God, the
source of truth and love,
keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread,
and one in joy and simplicity of heart,
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
God, who has prepared for you a city with eternal foundations,
bring you, with all the saints,
to his eternal and triumphant joy;
and the blessing…
or
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.
Amen.
The Lord is righteous and delights in righteous deeds;
the just shall see his face.
The Lord is righteous and
delights in righteous deeds;
the just shall see his face.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?
The just shall see his face.
His eyes behold the inhabited world;
his piercing eye weighs our worth.
The just shall see his face.
The Lord weighs the righteous as well as the wicked,
but those that delight in violence he abhors.
The just shall see his face.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Lord is righteous and
delights in righteous deeds;
the just shall see his face.
Jesus said to the disciples, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation." Mark 16.15
Do not be afraid: you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; you will see him, just as he told you.
Mark 16. 6,7
Jesus said, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28.20
Jesus said to his disciples, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14.13
Alleluia, alleluia.
The one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10.22
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever would become my followers,
let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Alleluia. Matthew 16.24
Now in union with Christ Jesus
you who once were fare off
have been brought near
through the shedding of Christ blood;
for he is our peace.
God of faithfulness,
your servant N praised you in his/her death.
Receive all we bring before you this day,
and give us the strength of will
to proclaim your righteousness and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.[x]
For one martyr
And now we give you thanks
that in the witness of your martyr N
who followed Christ even to death
you reveal your power made perfect in our human weakness.
or for many martyrs
And now we give you thanks,
glorified in the assembly of your saints,
for your martyrs who bless you and praise you,
confessing before the powers of this world
the great name of your only Son.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
For following the example of your Son,
your holy martyr N shed his/her blood for the glory of your name.
His/her death reveals your power made perfect in our human frailty.
You choose the weak and make them strong
in bearing witness to you
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
With joyful hearts we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory without end.[xi]
or
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God
and to praise the wonder of your work
revealed in the lives of N (N) and all your holy martyrs.
Before the foundation of the universe
you chose them in Christ as your witnesses,
to glorify your name
and reveal before the world the light of your truth.
By the holy Spirit you gave them great courage
so that in the very weakness of this mortal body
they might conquer death and overcome its power.
And so we join with them and all the powers of heaven
to glorify your holy name
in this their joyful hymn of praise:[xii]
Eternal God,
who gave us this holy meal
in which we have celebrated the glory of the cross
and the victory of your martyr N:
by our communion with Christ
in his saving death and resurrection,
give us with all your saints the courage to conquer evil
and so to share the fruit of the tree of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
or
God our
redeemer,
whose Church was strengthened by the blood of your martyr N:
so bind us, in life and death, to Christ’s sacrifice
that our lives, broken and offered with his,
may carry his death and proclaim his resurrection in the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God give you grace to follow his saints
in faith and love and steadfastness
And the blessing . . . .
Jesus said, "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it." Mark 8.35
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38, 39
Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12.24
If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
John 6.8
Alleluia, alleluia.
You are the light of the world:
no one after lighting a lamp puts it under a basket
but on the lampstand and it gives light to all. Matthew 5.14
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever keeps the commandments and teaches them
will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.19
Alleluia.
God of truth,
whose Wisdom set her table
and invited us to eat the bread and drink the wine
of the kingdom:
help us to lay aside all foolishness
and to live and walk in the way of insight,
that we may come with N
to the eternal
feast of heaven;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Wisdom will open his mouth in the midst of the assembly. He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing. Ecclesiasticus 15.5, 6
Jesus said, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the a householder who brings out of the treasury what is new and what is old." Matthew 13.52
Let your heart hold fast my words; get wisdom; do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
Proverbs 4.4,6
Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour." John 12.26
Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured. Titus 2.7,8
Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd: I know my own and my own know me.
Alleluia. John 10.14
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
Make disciples of the nations: baptising and teaching them,
as I have commanded you. Matthew 27.19,20
Alleluia.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Today we honour N, who in your loving providence
enabled your Church to grow in spirit as the body of Christ.
To your children he faithfully proclaimed the good news of salvation
and nourished them by ministering your sacraments.
Through a pastor’s love he led your people to share your grace
and witness to the world
in the communion of one true faith
and in the work of selfless charity.
On this his feast, we join with him to praise you
and in the company of angels and all the host of heaven
we sing forever of your glory:[xiii]
God, shepherd of
your people,
whose servant N revealed the loving
service of Christ
in his/her ministry as a pastor of your
people:
by this eucharist in which we share
awaken within us the love of Christ
and keep us faithful to our Christian calling;
through him who laid down his life for us,
but is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news; he has sent me to proclaim release to the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour. Luke 4.18, 19
Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. Acts 20.28
You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. John 15.16
Jesus said, "Blessèd is that servant whom the master will find at work when he arrives." Matthew 24.46
Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who is the very image of God. 2 Corinthians 4.4
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news. Isaiah 52.7
Alleluia.
Merciful God,
who gave such grace to your servant N
that he/she served you with
singleness of heart
and loved you above all things:
help us, whose communion with you
has been renewed in
this sacrament,
to forsake all that holds us back from following Christ
and to grow into his likeness from glory to glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I will meditate on your commandments and give attention to your ways, O Lord. Psalm 119.15
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God. Isaiah 61.10
Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19.29
Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12.32
Alleluia, alleluia.
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5.17
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
The kingdom of God has come near to you. Luke 10.9
Alleluia.
And now we give you thanks that your servant N
was called by your Spirit
to preach the Gospel to the nations
and to bring to your people
the glorious light of your truth.
It is indeed right and good,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christ has never ceased to call disciples;
he sends them to bring salvation to the nations
by the light of the Gospel.
For this work your servant N was set apart by the Spirit;
in faith and obedience he went to peoples far away.
You called him to be all things to everyone
as a minister of your Word,
so that in your sight the nations might become
a holy sacrifice, acceptable to you.
And so we join with all your saints
to sing of your great glory
in this their joyful hymn of praise:
Holy Father,
who gathered us here around the table of your Son
to share this meal with the whole household of God:
in that new world where you reveal
the fullness of
your peace,
gather people of every race and language
to share with N and all your saints
in the eternal banquet of Jesus Christ our Lord.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52.7
Proclaim to the city the message that I tell you. Jonah 3.1
The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those who bore the tidings Psalm 68.11
Jesus said, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation." Mark 6.15
God has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has enlisted us in this service of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5.18
The saints were faithful unto death
and now dwell in the heavenly kingdom for ever.
As we celebrate their joy,
let us bring to the Lord our sins and weaknesses,
and ask for his mercy.
or
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.
Let judgement for me come forth from your presence,
and let your eyes discern the right:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Search my heart and visit me;
try me by fire:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me under the shadow of your wings:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
or
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 your glory of your kingdom:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
or
You give your kingdom to the poor in spirit:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
You satisfy those who hunger for righteousness and justice:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
You give joy and gladness to those who mourn:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Alleluia, alleluia.
I have called you friends, says the Lord,
for all that I have heard from my Father
I have made known to you. cf John 15.15
Alleluia.
or, in Lent
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
I have called you friends, says the Lord,
for all that I have heard from my Father
I have made known to you. cf John 15.15
Praise to you, O Christ,
King of eternal glory.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessèd are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5.8
Alleluia.
or
Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessèd are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Alleluia. Matthew 5.9
Not every section of this intercession need be used on every occasion.
In every age you have raised up holy men and women
to reflect the light of Christ and to teach us the way of holiness.
We thank you for those who have been teachers
in the school of Christ:
give understanding to those who study
the faith the Church has handed on,
and clarity to those who communicate the gospel
in a changing world…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for those who have been shepherds of your people:
give a pastoral heart to deacons, priests and bishops,
and the needful gifts to all your people in their ministry…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for those who have been Christian rules in the world,
and for those who carried the good news
to lands where it had not been before:
give wisdom to all who have power and influence among the nations,
and establish God’s sovereignty among people of every race…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for those whom you have called to live in community:
establish mutual love among those drawn into fellowship
in your service,
and bless with Christ’s presence all the communities to which we relate…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for those
who have lived out their vocation in family life:
give your grace to all who nurture children
and all who care for the aged,
and enfold in your love all your sons and daughters…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for those who have brought wholeness
through the medicine of the gospel:
give skill to all who minister healing and reconciliation in your name,
and comfort all who cry out to you from any sort of distress…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you for the noble army of martyrs
by the shedding of whose blood the Church has been enriched:
keep under your protection those who are persecuted for the cause of Christ,
and acknowledge, we pray,
those who have passed through death trusting your promises…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
[We thank you today for…
As we celebrate his/her memory and rejoice in his/her friendship,
we ask you to bless…
Keep in one communion and fellowship all those for whom Christ died.]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Hasten, Lord, the day when people will come from east and west,
from north and south,
and sit at table in your kingdom,
and we shall see your Son in his glory.
Merciful Father….
or
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 Christ Jesus our Saviour.
Lord, have mercy.
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, have mercy.
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, have mercy.
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, have mercy.
Hold in your embrace all who witness to your love
in the service of the poor and needy;
all those who minister to the sick and dying;
and all who bring light to those in darkness.
Lord, have mercy.
Touch and heal all those whose lives are scarred by sin and pain,
that, raised from death to life in Christ,
their sorrow may be turned to eternal joy.
Lord, have mercy.
Remember in your mercy those gone before us
who have been well-pleasing to you from eternity;
preserve us who live here in your faith,
guide us to your kingdom, and grant us your peace at all times.
Lord, have mercy.
Hasten the day when those who fear you in every nation
will come from east and west, from north and south,
and sit at table in your kingdom.
Lord, have mercy.
And so 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.
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
And now we give you thanks
that your glory is revealed in [N and] all the saints.
In their lives you have given us an example of faithfulness to Christ.
In their holiness we find encouragement and hope.
In our communion with them we share the unity of your kingdom.
or
And now we give you thanks
for the work of your grace in the life of Saint N
and that by the same grace you lead us in the way of holiness setting before us the vision of your glory.
or
And now we give you thanks
for the hope to which you call us in your Son,
that following in the faith of all your saints,
we may run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
and with them receive the unfading crown of glory.
or
And now we give you thanks
because in him you have received us as your sons and daughters,
joined un in one fellowship with the saints,
and made us citizens of your kingdom.
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 your Son our Lord.
We rejoice in the glorious splendour of your majesty
for you have given us a share with N
in the inheritance of the saints in light.
In the darkness of this passing age
they proclaim the glory of your kingdom.
Chosen as lights in the world,
they surround our steps as we journey on
towards the city of eternal light
where they sing the everlasting song of triumph.
In communion with angels and archangels
and all who have served you on earth
and worship you now in heaven,
we raise our voices to proclaim your glory,
for ever praising you and saying:
Faithful God,
who called N to serve you
and gave him/her joy in walking the path of
holiness:
by this eucharist,
in which you renew
within us the vision of your glory,
strengthen us all to
follow the way of perfection
until we come to see
you face to face;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
or
God our
redeemer,
who inspired N to witness to your love
and to work for
the coming of your kingdom:
may we, who in
this sacrament share the bread of heaven,
be fired by your
Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living
and never to
rest content until your kingdom come,
on earth as it
is in heaven;
through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
or
Father,
from whom every
family in heaven and on earth takes its name,
your servant N revealed your goodness
in a life of
tranquillity and service:
grant that we
who have gathered in faith around this table
may like him/her know the love of Christ
that surpasses
knowledge
and be filled
with all your fullness;
through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
or
God, the source
of all holiness and giver of all good things:
may we who have
shared at this table
as strangers and
pilgrims here on earth
be welcomed with
all your saints
to the heavenly
feast on the day of your kingdom;
through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
God give you grace to follow his saints
in faith and hope and love;
and the blessing…
or
God give you grace to share the inheritance
of his saints in glory;
and the blessing…
or
God give you grace to follow his saints
in faith and truth and gentleness;
and the blessing …
or
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…
or
God,
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation,
to know the hope to which he has called you.
Amen.
God,
who has shown you a pattern of holy living and holy dying
in the lives of the saints,
bring you to share their glorious inheritance.
Amen.
God,
who calls you no longer strangers
but fellow citizens with the saints,
set your hearts and minds on things above,
where Christ is seated at God’s right hand.
Amen.
And the blessing…
or
May God the Father bring us to the home
which his Son prepares for all who love him.
Amen.
May God the Son give us the will
to live for him each day in life eternal.
Amen.
May God the Holy Spirit give us the assurance
that our citizenship is in heaven
with the blessed and beloved,
and the whole company of the redeemed.
Amen.
And the blessing…
or
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 and fellowship and share in their joy.
Amen.
May he strengthen you to walk in the way of holiness
and to come to the full radiance of glory.
Amen.
And the blessing…
or
May God, who has given you in the lives of the saints patterns of holy living and victorious dying,
strengthen you to follow them in the way of holiness.
Amen.
May God, who has kindled the fire of his love
in the hearts of the saints,
pour upon you the riches of his grace.
Amen.
May God, who calls you no longer strangers and aliens
but fellow-citizens with all the saints,
bring you to your home in heaven.
Amen.
And the blessing. . .
or
The Lord God almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
the holy and undivided Trinity,
guard us, save us,
and bring us to the heavenly city,
where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
Great is the Lord and greatly to praised:
there is no end of his
greatness.
One generation shall praise your works to another:
and shall declare your
power.
All your works praise you, Lord:
and your faithful servants
bless you.
They make known the glory of your kingdom:
and speak of your power.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord:
let all flesh bless his
holy name for ever and ever.
or
In the city of God, night shall be no more:
the people of God need no light of lamp or sun.
For the Lord God will be their light:
and they will reign for ever and ever.
The righteous shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and a just reward from the God of their salvation. Psalm 24.5
If you come forward to serve the Lord, set your heart right and be steadfast. Ecclesiasticus 2.1
Jesus said, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
Matthew 25.35
Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give up his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10.45