The Prayer of the Day for All Saints Sunday
Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the body of Christ our Lord: Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
We follow..."in lives of faith and commitment." In our weekly confirmation class, we are reading the stories of the unfolding of the people of Israel as they emerge from the lives of Abraham and Sarah to their children. The storytelling keeps circling around the faith of Abraham. Was he better than other people of the day...was he more upright...did he live the most commendable life? No. He trusted...he lived by faith and he and Sarah were committed to the promise made by God. We walk by faith into the moment at hand and we are open to the "inexpressible joys" that crack open before us as we trust in the one who calls us and forms us and promises to be for us the very breath of our lives. I really appreciate and honor the remembrance of the saints who have gone before us and those who are a living witness of faithfulness as they enter our lives even now. It is as though I am drawn up into a new life...molded...shaped...encouraged...supported...by those who are also stumbling and yet call upon our God for all things. Saints are not isolated individuals. They are members of communities of saints who prayerfully engage life within the blessed assurance of God's graceful love for us.
Connection: Sometimes we need to take the time to remember how has given us this day. The saints of God help one another stay focused and leaning on the everlasting arms of our God.
O God, for all the many witnesses who have pointed to the new life you bring to all your children, we give you thanks. Continue to be present as our paths cross the ways of others so that we may all be a part of the blessed event call the community of saints each day. Amen.
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