Martin of Tours
Martin was born about 330 at Sabaria, the modern Szombathely in Hungary. His early years were spent in Pavia in Italy. After a term of service in the Roman army, he traveled about Europe, and finally settled in Poitiers, whose bishop, Hilary, he had come to admire. According to an old legend, while Martin was still a catechumen, he was approached by a poor man, who asked for alms in the name of Christ. Martin, drawing his sword, cut off part of his military cloak and gave it to the beggar. On the following night, Jesus appeared to Martin, clothed in half a cloak, and said to him, “Martin, a simple catechumen, covered me with this garment.”
Hilary ordained Martin to the presbyterate sometime between 350 and 353, and Martin, inspired by the new monastic movement stemming from Egypt, established a hermitage at nearby Ligugé. To his dismay, he was elected Bishop of Tours in 372. He agreed to serve only if he were allowed to continue his strict, ascetic habit of life.
Martin was unpopular with many of his episcopal colleagues, both because of his manner of life and because of his strong opposition to their violent repression of heresy. He was a diligent missionary to the pagan folk of the countryside near his hermitage, and was always a staunch defender of the poor and the helpless. Martin died on November 11, 397. HWHM
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/39panrbd
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life. John 8
Merciful God,
refuge in times of trouble,
our only hope in living,
and our only salvation in dying:
keep us in your care,
that we may always praise you
and faithfully proclaim your name before the nations;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ycn4djk5
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth will declare your praise.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me;
make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to you, O Christ, Alleluia!
HYMN: Ernest Shurtleff
Tune: Lancashire https://tinyurl.com/37kjck5h
1 Lead on, O King eternal,
the day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
thy tents shall be our home:
through days of preparation
thy grace has made us strong,
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
2 Lead on, O King eternal,
till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace;
for not with swords loud clashing,
nor roll of stirring drums,
but deeds of love and mercy,
the heavenly kingdom comes.
3 Lead on, O King eternal:
we follow, not with fears;
for gladness breaks like morning
where’er thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted o’er us;
we journey in its light:
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might!
PSALMS
Psalm 56 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y89cbz8u)
1 Be merciful unto me, O God, for man goeth about to devour me *
he is daily fighting, and troubling me.
2 Mine enemies are daily in hand to swallow me up *
for they be many that fight against me, O thou most Highest.
3 Nevertheless, though I am sometime afraid *
yet put I my trust in thee.
4 I will praise God, because of his word *
I have put my trust in God, and will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
5 They daily mistake my words *
all that they imagine is to do me evil.
6 They hold all together, and keep themselves close *
and mark my steps, when they lay wait for my soul.
7 Shall they escape for their wickedness *
thou, O God, in thy displeasure shalt cast them down.
8 Thou tellest my flittings ; put my tears into thy bottle *
are not these things noted in thy book?
9 Whensoever I call upon thee,
then shall mine enemies be put to flight *
this I know; for God is on my side.
10 In God’s word will I rejoice *
in the Lord’s word will I comfort me.
11 Yea, in God have I put my trust *
I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
12 Unto thee, O God, will I pay my vows *
unto thee will I give thanks.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death,
and my feet from falling *
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 57 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/yb9ln9xn)
1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me,
for my soul trusteth in thee *
and under the shadow of thy wings shall be my refuge,
until this tyranny be over-past.
2 I will call unto the most high God *
even unto the God that shall perform the cause which I have in hand.
3 He shall send from heaven *
and save me from the reproof of him that would eat me up.
4 God shall send forth his mercy and truth *
my soul is among lions.
5 And I lie even among the children of men, that are set on fire *
whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
6 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens *
and thy glory above all the earth.
7 They have laid a net for my feet, and pressed down my soul *
they have digged a pit before me,
and are fallen into the midst of it themselves.
8 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed *
I will sing, and give praise.
9 Awake up, my glory; awake, lute and harp *
I myself will awake right early.
10 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the people *
and I will sing unto thee among the nations.
11 For the greatness of thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens *
and thy truth unto the clouds.
12 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens *
and thy glory above all the earth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 58 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/y79vycco)
1 Are your minds set upon righteousness, O ye congregation *
and do ye judge the thing that is right, O ye sons of men?
2 Yea, ye imagine mischief in your heart upon the earth *
and your hands deal with wickedness.
3 The ungodly are froward, even from their mother’s womb *
as soon as they are born, they go astray, and speak lies.
4 They are as venomous as the poison of a serpent *
even like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ears;
5 Which refuseth to hear the voice of the charmer *
charm he never so wisely.
6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouths;
smite the jaw-bones of the lions, O Lord *
let them fall away like water that runneth apace;
and when they shoot their arrows let them be rooted out.
7 Let them consume away like a snail,
and be like the untimely fruit of a woman *
and let them not see the sun.
8 Or ever your pots be made hot with thorns *
so let indignation vex him, even as a thing that is raw.
9 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance *
he shall wash his footsteps in the blood of the ungodly.
10 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous *
doubtless there is a God that judgeth the earth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 56 (Gregorian Tone II.1)
1 Be merciful to me, O God,
for my adversaries are treading me down; *
they are daily fighting and troubling me.
2 My enemies go about hounding me daily, *
for there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
3 Nevertheless, though I am sometimes afraid, *
yet I put my trust in you.
4 In God whose word I praise,
in God I trust and fear not, *
for what can flesh do to me?
5 They daily distort my words; *
all that they imagine is to do me evil.
6 They all gather together and lie in wait, *
and mark my steps, while they seek after my life.
7 Shall they escape despite their wickedness? *
O God, in your displeasure cast them down.
8 You record my lamentation;
put my tears into your bottle. *
Are not these things noted in your book?
9 Whenever I call upon you,
then shall my enemies be put to flight; *
this I know, for God is on my side.
10 In God, whose word I praise, *
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11 In God have I put my trust; *
I will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me?
12 Unto you, O God, will I pay my vows; *
unto you will I give thanks.
13 For you have delivered my soul from death
and my feet from stumbling, *
that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 57 (Gregorian Tone II.1)
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for my soul trusts in you, *
and under the shadow of your wings shall be my refuge,
until this tribulation has passed.
2 I will call unto the Most High God, *
even unto the God who shall fulfill his purpose for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
he shall confound those who trample on me. *
God shall send forth his mercy and truth.
4 My soul is among lions that devour the people; *
their teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens; *
let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They have laid a net for my feet,
and brought down my soul; *
they dug a pit before me,
but have fallen into the midst of it themselves.
7 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my soul; awake, lute and harp; *
I myself will awaken the dawn.
9 I will give thanks unto you, O Lord, among the peoples, *
and I will sing praises unto you among the nations.
10 For the greatness of your mercy reaches unto the heavens, *
and your truth unto the clouds.
11 Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens; *
let your glory be over all the earth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 58 (Gregorian Tone II.1)
1 Do you indeed decree righteousness, O you rulers, *
and do you judge uprightly, O children of men?
2 No, you devise evil in your heart, *
and on the earth your hands deal out violence.
3 The ungodly err even from their mother’s womb; *
as soon as they are born, they go astray and speak lies.
4 They are as venomous as the poison of a serpent, *
even like the deaf adder that stops its ears,
5 Which refuses to hear the voice of the charmer, *
no matter how skillful his charming.
6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouths; *
smite the jawbones of the ungodly.
7 Let them fall away like water that runs off; *
let them wither like the grass that is trodden underfoot.
8 Let them melt away like a snail, *
and be like a stillborn child that does not see the sun.
9 Before they bear fruit, let them be cut off like a briar; *
let them be like thorns and weeds that are swept away.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when they see the vengeance; *
they shall wash their feet in the blood of the ungodly.
11 So that people shall say,
“Truly, there is a reward for the righteous; *
surely, there is a God who judges the earth.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
PRAYER
Merciful God, righteous judge,
give us the wisdom to perceive your Spirit in others,
and to examine our own conduct;
so that on the great and final day
we may approach you not with fear
but with trust in your boundless compassion;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BCW2018
THE WORD OF GOD
READING: Jeremiah 31:1-9
At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
Thus says the Lord:
The people who survived the sword
found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest,
the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O virgin Israel!
Again you shall adorn yourself with your tambourines
and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
Again you shall plant vineyards
on the mountains of Samaria;
the planters shall plant
and shall enjoy the fruit.
For there shall be a day when sentinels will call
in the hill country of Ephraim:
“Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.”
For thus says the Lord:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
“Save, O Lord, your people,
the remnant of Israel.”
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
those with child and those in labor together;
a great company, they shall return here.
With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back;
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path where they shall not stumble,
for I have become a father to Israel,
and Ephraim is my firstborn.
HYMN: George Wade Robinson
Tune: Everlasting Love https://tinyurl.com/3u88zjsa
1 Loved with everlasting love,
led by grace that love to know;
gracious Spirit from above,
Thou dost taught me it is so!
O this full and precious peace!
O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His and He is mine.
2 Taste the goodness of the Lord:
welcomed home to His embrace,
all His love, as blood outpoured,
seals the pardon of His grace.
Can I doubt His love for me,
when I trace that love’s design?
By the cross of Calvary
I am His and He is mine.
I am His and He is mine.
3 His forever, only his!
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
firstborn light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His and He is mine.
I am His and He is mine.
READING: Revelation 1:17-20
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last and the Living One. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
HYMN: James Montgomery
Tune: O Jesu Christ mein’s Lebens Licht https://tinyurl.com/8u8ybxa6
1 Lord, pour thy Spirit from on high,
and thine ordainèd servants bless;
graces and gifts to each supply,
and clothe thy priests with righteousness.
2 Within thy temple when they stand,
to teach the truth as taught by thee,
Saviour, like stars in thy right hand,
let all thy church’s pastors be.
3 Wisdom, and zeal, and faith impart,
firmness with meekness, from above,
to bear thy people in their heart,
and love the souls whom thou dost love.
4 To watch, and pray, and never faint,
by day and night their guard to keep,
to warn the sinner, cheer the saint,
to feed thy lambs, and tend thy sheep.
5 So, when their work is finished here,
may they in hope their charge resign;
so, when their Master shall appear,
may they with crowns of glory shine.
READING: Luke 17:20-25
Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”
Then he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, ‘Look there!’ or ‘Look here!’ Do not go; do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.”
CANTICLE Deuteronomy 32:1-12
Give ear, O heavens, while I speak;
let the earth hearken to the words of my mouth!
May my instruction soak in like the rain,
and my discourse permeate like the dew,
Like a downpour upon the grass,
like a shower upon the crops:
For I will sing the Lord’s renown.
Oh, proclaim the greatness of our God!
The Rock – how faultless are his deeds,
how right all his ways!
A faithful God, without deceit,
how just and upright he is!
Yet basely has he been treated by his degenerate children,
a perverse and crooked race!
Is the Lord to be thus repaid by you,
O stupid and foolish people?
Is he not your father who created you?
Has he not made you and established you?
Think back on the days of old,
reflect on the years of age upon age.
Ask your father and he will inform you,
ask your elders and they will tell you:
When the Most High assigned the nations their heritage,
when he parceled out the descendants of Adam,
He set up the boundaries of the peoples
after the number of the sons of God;
While the Lord’s own portion was Jacob,
His hereditary share was Israel.
He found them in a wilderness,
a wasteland of howling desert.
He shielded them and cared for them,
guarding them as the apple of his eye.
As an eagle incites its nestlings forth
by hovering over its brood,
So he spread his wings to receive them
and bore them up on his pinions.
The Lord alone was their leader,
no strange god was with him.
THE PRAYERS COS, alt.
God of faith and love,
by your grace alone
we are called to be your people.
As members of the Christian family in this place,
we pray for the whole Church of Jesus Christ.
Take from us all that disrupts our unity,
and make us faithful in your service.
May we so live in Christ and he in us,
that we may be his body in the world today.
We pray for the world which you love,
and for which Christ gave his life.
Guide the leaders of the nations
and all who strive for peace and justice.
Look in mercy on all who are powerless,
and shelter those who are homeless,
hungry, or oppressed.
Help us to care for our neighbours
and to cherish the life of your creation,
that your will may be done on earth.
We pray for our nation.
Grant that none in our land
may be despised or rejected,
and that your kingdom of love may prevail.
We pray for those in need,
for ill or distressed people,
and for those who draw near to death.
In the name of him who bears our griefs
and carries our sorrows,
bring them your comfort and peace.
We give you thanks
for all who have departed this life in faith.
Keep us with them in communion
with Christ our risen Lord,
and bring us at the last with all your saints
to eat and drink
in the glory of your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ,
to whom with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit,
be praise and honour for ever. Amen.
(Karin Simmons: https://tinyurl.com/y7vwp7dd)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Everloving God,
you called Martin from military service
to be a bishop in your church;
may we, following the example of his compassion,
care for the needy
and deal gently with all people,
that we may be clothed with righteousness;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. FATS
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
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BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
BCW2018 Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 2018
COS Common Order, © 1994 Church of Scotland
FATS For All the Saints, © The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, 2014
HWHM Holy Women, Holy Men © 2010 The Church Pension Fund.
The main scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language versions of the psalms are from Book of Common Prayer (2019), the version sung in the St Bernard Breviary https://www.bernardbreviary.com/chant-helps. The canticle is from Liturgy of the Hours as recorded for the Sing the Hours YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SingtheHours
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2026 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
