Today is All Saints Day.

The Book of Common Prayer calls saints, “the lights of the world in every generation”– people whose lives and deeds have shone brightly and helped others more closely follow Jesus. ‘The saints’ is a term that, in English Bibles, is a translation of ‘holy ones’ and so on All Saints Day we pray that we may follow their example in godly life.

There are saints who lived long ago and there are saints living and working in the world today, saints who are known by the church, and saints who are known only to God.

Why not spend today thinking about, talking about, or making a list of those Christians whose lives are (or were) an example to you, and pray in thanksgiving to God for the ways they inspire you.

A Prayer for All Saints Day

Heavenly Father,
we remember today all who have gone ahead of us
in the journey of faith,
running the race set before them,
and holding firm to the end.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember those you called at the beginning –
like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob –
examples of faith who have been an inspiration
to generations since.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember those you called to lead your people through adversity –
like Moses, Joshua, Gideon –
examples of commitment and determination against all odds.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember those you called to speak your word –
like Samuel, Elijah, Elisha –
examples of wisdom and insight into your will.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.
We remember those you called to rule your chosen nation –
like Saul, David, Solomon –
examples of human greatness and human fallibility.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember those you called
to proclaim judgement and renewal –
like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah –
examples of openness to your word
and courage in proclaiming it.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember these and so many more
leading up to the coming of Christ,
and we remember also your servants
who were a part of his ministry,
or a part of his Church.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember John the Baptist, the voice in the wilderness,
Mary, the mother of Jesus,
the twelve apostles, his friends and confidantes,
the women at the empty tomb, looking in vain for his body,
and all those countless individuals
who were touched by his earthly ministry.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember Peter, the Rock of the Church,
Paul, apostle to the Gentiles,
and those who have followed in their footsteps,
saints known and unknown, near and far,
yet each a part of the great company of your people
in heaven and on earth.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember those we have known,
those who have been part of our own church,
who have influenced our lives,
who have inspired and encouraged us through their lives.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

We remember those around us,
the churches of our town,
Christians across the country,
fellow-believers throughout the world.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

And we pray finally for those who will come after us,
all who will come to faith,
offer their service,
and live for Christ.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.

Loving God,
we remember today all who have gone before us
in the journey of faith.
Help us and all who follow to run the race as they did,
holding firm to the end.
Grant to them and to us your eternal blessing.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Revd Paul A. Carr and Nick Fawcett

The day after ALL SAINTS DAY is ALL SOULS DAY Also known as the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, it is a day we remember those who have died. Whether someone you knew has died recently or long ago. Lighting a candle can often help us pause, pray and think of them for a few moments. You can also light a candle online on The Church of England website at buff.ly/3U9n5j7