Here’s a thanksgiving litany based on the Beatitudes (Luke 6: 20-26; Matthew 5: 3-12) suitable for use on All Saints Day (November 1, 2011). It was written by Sidney D. Fowler.
Thanksgiving Litany for the Blessed Ones
Jesus said:
"Blessed are you who are poor for yours is the dominion of God.
Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you, revile you,
and defame you on account of the Human One."
Jesus named the blessed ones.
On this day of remembrance,
let us recall and give thanks
for those blessed ones who have gone before us:
(Members may come forward and light a candle or pour water into the baptismal font. They simply say the name of the person who died or identify the person remembered by completing the following words.)
(Members may come forward and light a candle or pour water into the baptismal font. They simply say the name of the person who died or identify the person remembered by completing the following words.)
Blessed is [name] who [describe in a few words how they lived a faithful life].
Living God,
Living God,
we give you thanks for calling forth these blessed ones.
O God, keep them forever in your arms.
O God, keep them forever in your arms.
May they stay forever in our hearts.
Because of their living, teach us to live faithfully.
Amen.
Amen.
—written by Sidney D. Fowler in The Blessed Ones: A Celebration for All Saints Day, on the website of the United Church of Christ.
For more resources for All Saints Day (November 1), click on All Saints in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. For more resources on the Beatitudes, click on Beatitudes.
