Collects

• Almighty God, who endowed Aelred the abbot with the gift of Christian friendship and the wisdom to lead others in the way of holiness: grant to your people that same spirit of mutual affection, so that, in loving one another, we may know the love of Christ and rejoice in the eternal possession of your supreme goodness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the  Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

• Pour into our hearts, O God, the Holy Spirit's gift of love, that we, clasping each the other's hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with your servant Aelred draw many into your community of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
  

Readings

Old Testament: II Samuel 1:17a, 19 (20-22), 23-27 or Ruth 1:8, 14b-17

Psalm: 36:5-10 or 145:8-13

Epistle: Philippians 2:1-4

Alleluia Verse: Psalm 25:9,13

Gospel: John 15:9-17 or Mark 12:28-34a

Hymn Stanza Honoring St. Aelred

For use as 2nd stanza with Hymn 231, King's Lynn, or Hymn 232, Nyland, (The Hymnal 1982).

All praise for Abbot Aelred, our Patron Saint and gay, who found through joyful friendship, the path to Jesus lay. Like Aelred, may we mirror love, human and divine; and, clasping hands together, God's blest communion find.

by L. Paul Woodrum, 1987

A Prayer of Aelred of Rievaulx

Sweet Lord, release wisdom from the seat of your greatness that it may be with us, toil with us, work with us, speak in us; may it, according to your good pleasure, direct our thoughts, words, and all our works and counsels, to the honor of your Name, the profit of the community, and our salvation; through our friend Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Adapted from St. Aelred's Pastoral Prayer by L. Paul Woodrum

I have a question
Return to the home page