Blessed are you, O God,
for you are holy, gracious, and good,
the hope of all the faithful.
Empower the meek
and encourage the poor.
Comfort those who mourn
and fill humble hearts with gladness.
Give food to the hungry,
drink to the thirsty,
peace to the peacemakers,
mercy to the merciful,
and honor to the despised.
Sustain your saints in ministry,
until at last they see their reward:
the joy of eternal life with you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Matthew 5:1-12 / Year A)
Eternal God, hope of all who trust in you,
in Christ you weep with those who mourn
even as you cry out in triumph over the grave.
Unbind us from sin, release us from captivity,
and with Lazarus, raise us from death to life,
so that we may join that great crowd of saints
who forever sing praise to your holy name;
through Christ, the resurrection and the life. (John 11:32-44 / Year B)
Faithful God, source of every blessing:
teach us to love our enemies,
to bless those who curse us,
to pray for those who persecute us,
to turn the other cheek,
to share our possessions,
to give to those who are in need,
and to do to others
as we would have them do to us,
so that we may join that company of blessed saints
who feast with you in heaven;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Luke 6:20-31 / Year C)