We thank you, O God, for the saints of all ages;

for those who in times of darkness

   kept the lamp of faith burning;

for the great souls who saw visions of larger truth

   and dared to declare it;

for the multitude of quiet and gracious souls

   whose presence has purified and sanctified the world;

and for those known and loved by us,

   who have passed from this earthly fellowship

   into the fuller light of life with you,

   where you live and reign,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

   for ever and ever, Amen.

Anonymous

____________________

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints