Bible Readings for Sunday 1st November

All Saints Day

Psalm 34:1–10

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

My soul shall glory in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.

O magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.

Look upon him and be radiant
and your faces shall not be ashamed.

This poor soul cried, and the Lord heard me
and saved me from all my troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him
and delivers them.

O taste and see that the Lord is gracious;
blessed is the one who trusts in him.

Fear the Lord, all you his holy ones,
for those who fear him lack nothing.

Lions may lack and suffer hunger,
but those who seek the Lord
lack nothing that is good.

© The Archbishops’ Council (2000) Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000)

Matthew 5:1–12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission. All rights reserved

Collect Prayer

God of holiness,
your glory is proclaimed in every age:
as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,
inspire us to follow their example
with boldness and joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.