Here’s
a pastoral prayer suitable for use on All Saints Day (November 1 or the Sunday
closest). It was written by Rev. Richard
J. Hull II, and published on the website of the Christian Church Foundation.
All Saints: Pastoral Prayer
Holy
Being,
who
called all of us into life,
from
the first Adam and Eve
to
the babies born around the world this morning,
you
have labored and we have been born;
holy
is your name in all the earth.
We
thank you this day for all who have shown us your way.
Abraham
and Sarah heard your call and ventured new places,
even
when they were old.
We
listen for your call today. (Pause)
Miriam
and Moses danced and led your people
from
suffering toward a new promise.
We
await a vision of your burning fire today. (Pause)
Deborah
fought, Samuel prayed and they led in different ways.
We
are preparing to lead this day. (Pause)
David
and Bathsheba sinned and were forgiven.
We
confess our sin and long for your grace today. (Pause)
Amos
spoke and Esther stood tall for the sake of justice.
We
open ourselves to your strength today. (Pause)
Mother
Mary and Brother Jesus accepted your call.
We
attend to your word this day. (Pause)
Peter
and Paul, Magdalene and Lydia,
and
saints through the ages picked up their cross.
We
pray that we might faithfully follow today. (Pause)
Holy
Being,
who
called us to into life through the saints in our lives,
be
born anew to us,
that
we might serve all your saints;
the
hungry and thirsty,
the
sick and imprisoned,
the
naked and forgotten
to
honor to your holy name in all the earth. Amen.
~
from Celebrating All Saints Day:
Resources for Congregational Ministry and Worship, Rev. Richard J. Hull II,
Contributing Author. Published online by
Christian Church Foundation. http://www.christianchurchfoundation.org/userfiles/files/allsaintsdayworshipresource2012.pdf
