Readings for All Souls / All Faithful Departed:
Psalm 130 or 116:10 to17
Wisdom 3:1to9 or Isaiah 25:6 to 9;1st Thessalonians 4:13to18 or 1 Corinthians 15:50to58; and John 5:24to27
“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5; 24)
So our Lord Jesus, while so wanting us to prosper in eternal life, that he dedicated his earthly life to the end that we continue to learn and to love and to transition our lives into that perfect realm where with the Creator we all truly live “happily ever after.” He has conquered death for us and we, by our faith will have everlasting life.
Our Episcopal and Anglican Church holds a day apart specifically to commemorate the faithful departed. Our Church, on the second of November, today, remembers and prays for our departed family and friends whom we love.
Yes we remember September 11th, (9/11) 2001 and other tragic days. These were sad days. However, I personally object to letting a few sick minds pick a day that I am going to commemorate my lost loved ones every year. Our Church already has such a day. There are individual days set aside for certain people of scripture and of the Church wherein we remember them. And while I understand that most people in America do not belong to the Episcopal Church, I am personally thankful that I do and that my Church provides a time for me and my Anglican family to collectively remember those whom God has blessed us with, but who have now gone on to be with our Lord.
Below I am providing two prayers for your convenience. In the first, please insert the name or names of loved ones you miss where I have inserted a blank. And then I will close with another prayer. Both are found in our Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
Let us Pray:
Father of all, we pray to you for those we love,[________] but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 504)
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 505)
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 