Eternal and Almighty God, we give you thanks for all your faithful people who have followed your will in a grand procession of praise throughout the world and down through the centuries, into our own time and place.

We hear their stories from the pages of scripture, in the records of history, and in the recollections of our families and in our own lifetime memories.

As we remember these people, inspire us by your Spirit to join them and to follow our Lord through life. To be bold as they were and brave as well, witnessing to your righteous truth and generous love.

Give us grace, O God, that we will leave a legacy of faithfulness to encourage and challenge those who follow us along the way of discipleship; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen