St Matthew

‘The Gospel’ is not confined only to the four books we call ‘Gospels’ but is found in the whole Bible: as the promise of the coming of Christ in the Old Testament and as a witness in the New Testament to what he did when he came. The following beautiful canticle, written by a Congregationalist minister and taken from the Church’s Common Worship is an excellent meditation on Jesus and what he does for us.

Saviour of the World

Jesus, Saviour of the world,

come to us in your mercy:

we look to you to save and help us.

By your cross and your life laid down,

you set your people free:

we look to you to save and help us.

When they were ready to perish, you saved your disciples:

we look to you to come to our help.

In the greatness of your mercy, loose us from our chains,

forgive the sins of all your people.

Make yourself known as our Saviour and mighty deliverer;

save and help us that we may praise you.

Come now and dwell with us, Lord, Christ Jesus:

hear our prayer and be with us always.

And when you come in your glory:

make us to be one with you

and to share the life of your kingdom.

Collect

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,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.