The Feast of All Saints is a holy day of the Church honoring all saints, known and unknown. Protestants don’t typically celebrate this day, but it is highly regarded in the Catholic and Orthodox tradition. This is much like the American holidays Veterans Day and Presidents Day, where many people are honored on one day. While we have information about many saints, and we honor them on specific days, there are many unknown or unsung saints, who may have been forgotten, or never been specifically honored. On All Saints Day, these saints of the Lord are celebrated, and asked for their prayers and intercessions. The whole concept of All Saints Day is tied in with the concept of the Communion of Saints. This is the belief that all of God’s people, on heaven, earth, and in the state of purification (called Purgatory in the West), are connected in a communion. In other words, Catholic and Orthodox Christians believe that the saints of God are just as alive as you and I, and are constantly interceding on our behalf. Remember, our connection with the saints in heaven is one grounded in a tight-knit communion.
Traditional Scottish Prayer
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
Prayer Against Evil
Christ Our Lord
You suffered and were tempted.
You are powerful to come to the aid
of those who are assailed by the devil,
For you are the support of Christian people.
O Lord, protect with Your Right Hand
those who trust in Your Name.
Deliver them from the Evil One,
and grant them everlasting joy. Amen
St. Gregory of Khandzta (759-861)
A Prayer for Protection in Christ
Almighty Father,
Even though we walk
through the valley of
the shadow of death,
we fear no evil,
for Your Son
our Lord Jesus Christ,
has conquered
evil and death,
illuminating even the darkest valley.
Therefore, we beg you:
Protect us from the enemy,
Defend us from all evil,
and give us the grace,
to walk in the light of your Son,
who lives and reigns,
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
David Bennett
Even though we walk
through the valley of
the shadow of death,
we fear no evil,
for Your Son
our Lord Jesus Christ,
has conquered
evil and death,
illuminating even the darkest valley.
Therefore, we beg you:
Protect us from the enemy,
Defend us from all evil,
and give us the grace,
to walk in the light of your Son,
who lives and reigns,
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
David Bennett