Saints Are?

 

Romans 8:23 He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

If you’re anything like me, when you hear the word saint, you probably think of anybody but yourself. We picture stained glass windows depicting Peter, Paul, or Mary. We think of modern-day heroes like Mother Teresa who å to transcend the rest of humanity. Yet the word saint is innately human; it tells the story of people so devoted to the person of Å Jesus that they served him with their whole selves, their true selves. The word saint has a deep-rooted history within the story of God’s redemption and the fullness of life that he has for each one of us. A saint is someone who has been redeemed and found worthy by a perfect Saviour.

…Claiming the identity of saint is not about how good a person each of us is—it is about the One who gave his life for us, who deserves our worship, who loves us in all our humanity. Saints is a charge to become more devoted followers of Jesus by encouraging us to expand our view of God and surrender our tendency toward self-worship and control. By expanding our view of God and allowing more space for wonder and mystery, we experience the world through God’s divine perspective; we begin to see our lives as glorious moments of God’s grace. Saints: Becoming More Than "Christians" by Addison D. Bevere

We praise and bless you, God of Life.

Bless us with your presence each day of our lives.

We have seen you and have felt your presence

in the history of your people.

God, be present in our history,

in our communities

and be part of our lives.

With love and mercy, you have cared, led, inspired and sustained

your daughters and sons in all generations.

Shine within us, inspire us,

use us to make visible your peace, justice and truth.

You, who are holy for all eternity

sanctify our lives with your blessing. Amen