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Saint Matthew

21st September 2025

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Year C  /  Ordinary  /  Red

Holy Communion - Saint Matthew

Preparation for Communion

Jesus says: Come to me all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. (Matthew 11: 28)

God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that all who believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3: 16)

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall never be hungry and whoever believes in me shall never be thirsty. (John 6: 35)

Thanksgiving

Thank God for all the many blessings you have received, and for all that is at present being done for you; for all doctors and nurses; (for this hospital and all who work here).

Repentance

Ask God’s forgiveness for the ways in which you have failed him and others.

Intercession and petition

Pray for all those you love: (for the other patients in your ward;) (for all who will be receiving communion with you;) for all who look after you; for all in need; for yourself, that you may come closer to God and his healing power.

All Lord Jesus Christ, you came to the poor and powerless and gave them hope. Come to me in this wonderful sacrament and raise me up in love to you, for I am helpless without you.

Be calm in the knowledge that you are under the protection of Almighty God.

The following prayer may be used in place of the Collect for Purity:

God of peace, you teach us that in returning to you we shall be saved:
By the power of your Spirit lift us to your presence,
where quietness and confidence shall be our strength;
and where we may be still and know that you are God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Collect of the Day

O almighty God,
whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax-collector
to be an apostle and evangelist:
Give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain
and the possessive love of riches;
that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The Ministry of the Word

One or two readings

a gospel reading should normally be included.

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

Proverbs 3: 13-18

*51 - Awake, my soul, and with the sun
*643 - Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
*569 - Hark, my soul, it is the Lord
*34 - O worship the King all-glorious above
*595 - Safe in the shadow of the Lord
*596 - Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Psalm 119: 65-72

*432 - Love is his word, love is his way
*20 - The King of love my shepherd is

2 Corinthians 4: 1-6

684 - All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine
*11 - Can we by searching find out God
*52 - Christ, whose glory fills the skies
*613 - Eternal light, shine in my heart
*481 - God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year
*324 - God, whose almighty word
*6 - Immortal, invisible, God only wise
S67 - In the name of Christ we gather
*482 - Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light
*484 - Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
*S88 - Longing for light, we wait in darkness
*195 - Lord, the light of your love is shining
*228 - Meekness and majesty
*486 - People of God, arise
*341 - Spirit divine, attend our prayers
S135 - Spirit of God within me
S141 - Tagaimis le chéile os comhair an Ri
*490 - The Spirit lives to set us free
*601 - Teach me, my God and King
*491 - We have a gospel to proclaim
*493 - Ye that know the Lord is gracious
*S174 - Your words to me are life and health

Matthew 9: 9-13

*549 - Dear Lord and Father of mankind
460 - For all your saints in glory
417 - He gave his life in selfless love
*94 - In the name of Jesus
*584 - Jesus calls us! O'er the tumult
*130 - Jesus came, the heavens adoring
605 - Will you come and follow me

The priest says

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1: 8)

Let us confess our sins.

A short pause for self-examination.

All Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned in thought and word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may walk in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

The priest says

Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy on you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer

Those present may mention personal needs and thanksgivings. The laying on of hands and/or anointing with oil may take place here or after receiving Holy Communion

The Great Thanksgiving

The priest takes the bread and wine.

The Lord is here.

All His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

All We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All It is right to give our thanks and praise.

We give you thanks, our God and Father, for you have created us and you sustain us. Through your only Son Jesus Christ you have revealed your love and your care for all your people; you are ready to forgive and to save in time of need; so we proclaim your glory, saying

All Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night that he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks to you, he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup we do as Christ your Son commanded:

All we remember his passion and death, we celebrate his resurrection and ascension, and we look for the coming of his kingdom.

Accept through him our great high priest this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and, as we eat and drink these holy gifts, grant by the power of the life-giving Spirit, that we may be made one in your holy Church and partakers of the body and blood of your Son, that he may dwell in us and we in him:

Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

All all honour and glory are yours, Almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.

The priest breaks the bread, saying

The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.

All We, being many, are one body for we all share in the one bread.

Communion

After all have received, silence is kept for a space and the priest says

Let us pray.

Post Communion Prayer

God of mercy and compassion,
we have shared the joy of salvation
that Matthew knew when Jesus called him.
Renew our calling to proclaim the one
who came not to call the righteous but sinners to salvation,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice. Strengthen us by the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.

The Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding,
keep your heart and mind
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Principal Service Continuous

Collect One

Almighty and everlasting God,
Give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity;
and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise,
make us to love that which thou dost command;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect Two

Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence:
Give us pure hearts and steadfast wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The First Reading

The Psalm

The Second Reading

The Gospel Reading

View readings

Post Communion Prayer

Lord God,
the source of truth and love:
Keep us faithful to the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread,
and one in joy and simplicity of heart,
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect Of The Word

O God,
you call us to serve you:
enable us to be faithful in minor tasks
so that we may be entrusted
with your true riches.
We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

Jeremiah 8: 18 - 9: 1

*62 - Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
*618 - Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy

Psalm 79: 1-9

*569 - Hark, my soul, it is the Lord

1 Timothy 2: 1-7

*518 - Bind us together, Lord
*319 - Father of heaven, whose love profound
*419 - I am not worthy, holy Lord
*81 - Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided
*619 - Lord, teach us how to pray aright
673 - O Christ our hope, our heart's desire
*366 - Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
*8 - The Lord is king! Lift up your voice
*540 - To thee our God we fly

Luke 16: 1-13

*643 - Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
*567 - Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go
*352 - Give thanks with a grateful heart
*81 - Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided
638 - O for a heart to praise my God
*593 - O Jesus, I have promised
*527 - Son of God, eternal Saviour
*597 - Take my life, and let it be
*601 - Teach me, my God and King
*S164 - Who is on the Lord's side?

Daily Prayer (Morning)

Preparation

A Sentence of Scripture

The righteous will be remembered for ever; the memory of the righteous is a blessing. Psalm 112: 6, Proverbs 10: 7

Versicles and Responses

O Lord, open our lips

All and our mouth will proclaim your praise.

O God, make speed to save us.

All O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

All as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.

Praise the Lord.

All The Lord’s name be praised.

The Word of God

A Psalm

One or two readings

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

The Gospel Canticle

Benedictus

1 Blessèd be the Lord the God of Israel,
who has come to his people and set them free.

2 The Lord has raised up for us a mighty saviour,
born of the house of his servant David.

3 Through the holy prophets God promised of old
to save us from our enemies,
from the hands of those who hate us,

4 to show mercy to our forebears,
and to remember his holy covenant.

5 This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies.

6 Free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous before him all the days of our life.

7 And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

8 To give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of all their sins.

9 In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

10 To shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen

The Apostles’ Creed

Prayer

Kneel

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy

All Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy

The Collect of the Day

O almighty God,
whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax-collector
to be an apostle and evangelist:
Give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain
and the possessive love of riches;
that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Alternative collects

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.

Going out as God’s people

The Lord be with you

All and also with you.

Let us bless the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.

All Amen

To the King of Ages, immortal, invisible, the only God

be honour and glory for ever and ever.

All Amen

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the Holy Spirit

you may abound in hope.

All Amen

Principal Service Paired

Collect One

Almighty and everlasting God,
Give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity;
and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise,
make us to love that which thou dost command;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect Two

Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence:
Give us pure hearts and steadfast wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The First Reading

The Psalm

The Second Reading

The Gospel Reading

View readings

Post Communion Prayer

Lord God,
the source of truth and love:
Keep us faithful to the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread,
and one in joy and simplicity of heart,
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect Of The Word

Keep your Church, O Lord,
in your perpetual mercy;
and because without you we cannot but fall,
preserve us from all things hurtful,
and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation;
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

Amos 8: 4-7

*535 - Judge eternal, throned in splendour
*486 - People of God, arise
*S146 - The kingdom of God is justice and joy
*509 - Your kingdom come, O God

Psalm 113

501 - Christ is the world's true Light
*360 - Let all the world in every corner sing
718 - O praise the Lord, ye servants of the Lord
719 - Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
*712 - Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
*73 - The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended

1 Timothy 2: 1-7

*518 - Bind us together, Lord
*319 - Father of heaven, whose love profound
*419 - I am not worthy, holy Lord
*81 - Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided
*619 - Lord, teach us how to pray aright
673 - O Christ our hope, our heart's desire
*366 - Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
*8 - The Lord is king! Lift up your voice
*540 - To thee our God we fly

Luke 16: 1-13

*643 - Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
*567 - Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go
*352 - Give thanks with a grateful heart
*81 - Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided
638 - O for a heart to praise my God
*593 - O Jesus, I have promised
*527 - Son of God, eternal Saviour
*597 - Take my life, and let it be
*601 - Teach me, my God and King
*S164 - Who is on the Lord's side?

Daily Prayer (Evening)

Preparation

Penitence

All say

Heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault;
by what we have done
and by what we have failed to do.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for us,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name. Amen.

The priest pronounces the absolution.

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy on you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

If no priest is present the absolution is omitted and the following prayer may be said:

Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Versicles and Responses

O Lord, open our lips

All and our mouth will proclaim your praise.

O God, make speed to save us.

All O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

All as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.

Praise the Lord.

All The Lord’s name be praised.

A Psalm

One or two readings

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

The Gospel Canticle

Magnificat

1 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

2 who has looked with favour on his lowly servant;
from this day all generations will call me blessèd;

3 the Almighty has done great things for me
and holy is his name.

4 God has mercy on those who fear him,
from generation to generation.

5 The Lord has shown strength with his arm
and scattered the proud in their conceit,

6 casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.

7 God has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.

8 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel
to remember the promise of mercy,

9 The promise made to our forebears,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory

Kneel

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy

All Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy

The Collect of the Day

may be said or one of the following alternative collects

O almighty God,
whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax-collector
to be an apostle and evangelist:
Give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain
and the possessive love of riches;
that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Alternative collects

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.

The Ending

The Lord be with you

All and also with you.

Let us bless the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.

All Amen

To God, who by the power at work within us,

is able to do far more abundantly

than all we ask or think,

to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus

to all generations for ever and ever.

All Amen

To the King of Ages, immortal, invisible, the only God

be honour and glory for ever and ever.

All Amen

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the Holy Spirit

you may abound in hope.

All Amen

Second Service

Collect One

Almighty and everlasting God,
Give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity;
and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise,
make us to love that which thou dost command;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect Two

Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence:
Give us pure hearts and steadfast wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Psalm

The First Reading

The Gospel Reading

View readings

Post Communion Prayer

Lord God,
the source of truth and love:
Keep us faithful to the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
united in prayer and the breaking of bread,
and one in joy and simplicity of heart,
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

Psalms (128)

*649 - Happy are they, they that love God
536 - Lord, while for all the world we pray
539 - Rejoice, O land, in God thy might
*712 - Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord

129

*635 - Lord, be my guardian and my guide

Ezra 1

*346 - Angel voices, ever singing
*326 - Blessèd city, heavenly Salem (Christ is made the sure foundation)
*327 - Christ is our corner-stone
*330 - God is here! As we his people
*343 - We love the place, O God

John 7: 14-36

*259 - Christ triumphant, ever reigning
*649 - Happy are they, they that love God
*382 - Help us, O Lord, to learn
*94 - In the name of Jesus
*583 - Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all
*338 - Jesus, stand among us
*424 - Jesus, stand among us at the meeting of our lives
*99 - Jesus, the name high over all
*103 - O Christ the same, through all our story's pages
*112 - There is a Redeemer
*117 - To the name of our salvation

Calendar

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