November 2, 2025
All Saints Sunday
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Introduction
In holy baptism, God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communio,n God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today, we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath, we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.
Scripture Readings
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Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
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Psalm 149
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Ephesians 1:11-23
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Luke 6:20-31
Hymns:
427 For All Your Saints
787 On Eagles Wings
424 Ye Watchers and ye Holy Ones
Anthem:
"E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come" -P. Manz
Communion Hymns:
423 Shall We Gather At the River
595 Jesus Loves Me
Commentary
Wholly Saints
Who are the saints, and what do they have to say to us? Rather than being perfect Christians, the saints are people who have been made whole by the grace of God, through baptism into Christ. The communion of saints is a diverse array of witnesses who remind us of God’s continuing faithfulness, past, present, and future. In the picture painted by the gospel reading from Luke, the saints challenge us to embody the surprising, world-reversing ways of the reign of God.
Prayer for the Fall Season
Loving God, we give thanks for the gift of work and the many forms it takes to sustain our lives. We pray for all who labor, from those laboring in the fields to feed the world and for those who work in mines, factories and offices to those who care for families and communities, that their efforts may bring dignity and honor to Your name.
We ask for strength for the weary, wisdom for the diligent, and compassion for those who labor in difficult conditions or for less than fair compensation. Open our hearts to see the injustices that trouble you and to act with courage to create systems of work that are just and fair for every worker.
Guide us to treat one another with kindness and respect, building relationships that foster unity rather than division. Lead all people to embrace compassion for one another. Help us to listen and to share differing perspectives without retribution. May we remember our accountability to each other and be responsive to the call to serve our neighbors, both near and far.
We pray for children everywhere as they begin new school years. Already we have witnessed to the death of children as they were praying to you, another shooting at a high school resulting in more deaths and an assasination at a university event. Help us to have the courage to enact sane gun laws that protect all from unnecessary gun violence and death understanding that we do not have to give up our right to bear arms to make this world a safer place by revising and improving our gun laws.
You know all those things that weigh heavily upon us O Lord. Help us to find joy in little things, and hope to sustain us through the days ahead.
Draw us in love to you. Fill us up with your Spirit and your wisdom. Give us the energy and the will to follow you and to rise up against tyranny, injustice and hate. Make us generous and compassionate in our service to others.
We thank you for all those who minister and lead your people in praise, thanksgiving and faith. Bless their ministries and help us to appreciate their talents and gifts of service.
As we rest this day, we lift up our families and our communities. Grant us the grace to recognize the blessing in our labors and to live in a way that brings praise to you, in all we do, and in all the days to come.
Amen