May 2026

A reflection for Easter V 3rd May 2026 by Canon Dean Fostekew

Sometimes it is worth looking at different translations of the same piece of Scripture to see if they give a different perspective on a particular passage of phrase. In reading today’s gobbit from Acts, I was particularly struck by verse 27:

“²⁷so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him - though indeed he is not far from each one of us.”

The idea or process of ‘groping’ for God in the dark is I think very apt, and for me, a more descriptive translation that given in either the Jerusalem Bible...

Read more about A reflection for Easter V 3rd May 2026 by Canon Dean Fostekew

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LECTIONARY YEAR A

Advent Sunday 2025-Christ-the-King 2026
This year we follow the Year A readings which take St.Matthew’s Gospel as their guide.

3rd May Easter V

O God, who alone can bring harmony to the minds of your faithful people: give us grace to love the things you command, and to desire the things you promise; that, amid the uncertain changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.10th May Easter VI the Start of Christian Aid Week

Acts 17:22-31; 1Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

10th May Easter VI

O God, from whom all good things arise: grant such grace to those who call on you, that, by your inspiration, we may ponder those things that are right, and by your guidance, do them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Acts 17:22-31; 1Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

Wednesday 13th for St.Matthias

Almighty God, who in the pace of the traitor Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve: preserve your church from false apostles and, by the ministry of faithful pastors and teachers, keep us steadfast in your truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 1:15-end; John 15;9-17

Thursday 14th Ascension Day

O God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53

17th May Easter VII Sunday after the Ascension

O God, the King of Glory, hear our prayer: that as we believe your Son Jesus Christ to be exalted with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven; so also we may know his presence with us now, and to the end of time; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Acts 1:6-14; 1Peter 12:14 & 5:6-11; John 17:1-11

24th May Pentecost

O God, who on the day of Pentecost enlightened the hearts of your people by the fire of the Holy Spirit: give us wisdom and understanding, and lead us into all truth, that your Church may be kept in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Acts 2:1-21; 1Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23

31st May Trinity Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us grace in the profession of true faith to recognise the glory of the eternal Trinity: keep us steadfast in this faith and bring us to see you in perfect and eternal unity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Isaiah 40:12-17 & 27-31; 2Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20

7th June Trinity I Proper 10

O God, our hope and strength, the source and end of all our prayers: because our mortal nature is weak we can do nothing good without your help; support us with your grace, that in keeping your commandments, we may ever remain in your love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world with out end. Amen

Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13 & 18-26

Wednesday 10th for St.Barnabas

Bountiful God, giver of all gifts, who poured your Spirit upon your servant Barnabas and gave him grace to encourage others: help us, by his example, to be generous in our judgements and unselfish in our service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 11:19-end; John 15:12-17

14th June Trinity II Proper 11

O Lord, you always guide your people whom you build up on the foundation of your love: make us ever stand in awe of your Holy Name, and love you in equal measure; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Exodus 19:2-8a; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:23

21st June Trinity III Proper 12 Father’s Day

O Lord, in your mercy hear our prayers: and as you give us the desire to pray, grant us your help and protection; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Jeremiah 20:7-13; Tomans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39

Wednesday 24th Birth of John the Baptist

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant john-the-Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Saviour by the preaching of repentance: lead us to repent according to his preaching and, after his example, constantly to speak the truth, body to rebuke vice, and patiently to suffer for truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ yioyr Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Isaiah 40:1-11; Luke 1:57-66 & 80

28th June Trinity IV Proper 13

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing can be whole and nothing can be holy: increase your mercy towards us, that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so enjoy the good things of time, as to not lose the things of eternity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Jeremiah 28:5-9; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

5th July Trinity V Proper 14

O Lord, let the world be ordered in peace, according to your will; that your people may be free to worship you with joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Zechariah 9:9-12; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19 & 25-30

12th July Trinity VI Proper 15

O God, you have prepared for those who love you good things no eye has seen: pour into our hearts such love of you, that, by loving you in all things and above all things, we may be worthy of your promises, which surpass all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23

19th July Trinity VII Proper 16

O God, of power and might, all good things belong to you: sow in our hearts the love of your name, and make us grow in the life of faith; nurture the things that are good, and tend them with your loving care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world, without end. Amen

Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43

Wednesday 22nd St.Mary Magdalene

Almighty God, whose Son restored Mary Magdalene to wholeness of body, mind and spirit, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection; forgive us, heal us, and strengthen us by your grace, that we may serve you in the power of his risen life; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

2Corinthians 5:14-17; John 20:1-2 & 11-18

26th July Trinity VIII Proper 17

O God, whose providence orders all things in heaven and earth: keep us from everything harmfully and lead us to all that is good; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 1Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33 7 44-52

Wednesday 29th Ss.Mary, Martha & Lazarus

God our Father, whose Son enjoyed the love of his friends; Mary, Martha and Lazarus in learning, argument and hospitality: may we so rejoice in your love that the world may come to know the depths of your wisdom, the wonder of your compassion and your power to bring life out of death: through the merits of Jesus Christ, our friend and brother, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Isaiah 25:6-9; John 12:1-8

2nd August Trinity IX Proper 18

Grant to us, Lord, the spirit to think on those things that are right, and always to be ready to do them: that we, may have the strength to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Wednesday 5th August for the Transfiguration

Almighty and everliving God, who revealed the glory of your beloved Son when he was transfigured on the holy mountain: mercifully grant us such a vision of his divine majesty, that, being purified and strengthened by your grace, we may be transformed into his likeness, from glory to glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Daniel 7:9-10 &13-14; Luke 9:28b-36

9th August Trinity X Proper 19

Open your merciful ears, O Lord, to the prayers of your humble servants: and, that you would graciously grant what we ask, make us desire what is pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

1Kings 19:9-18; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33

16th August Trinity XI Proper 20

O God, you make known your loving power in your merciful compassion: increase your mercy towards us; that we, being eager for your promises, may inherit the treasures of heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Isaiah 56:1 & 6-8; Romans 11:1-2a & 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28

23rd August Trinity XII Proper 21

Almighty and eternal God, by your generous love you grant to those who pray more than is desired or deserved: pour down your mercy upon us, forgiving what our conscience fears, and granting what we dare not ask; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Isaiah51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8; Mathew 16:13-20

30th August Trinity XIII Proper 22

Almighty and merciful God, by whose grace alone your faithful people offer you service and praise: grant that we may hasten without stumbling towards the things that you promise; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen

Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Wednesday 2nd September Martyrs of Papua New Guinea

Heavenly Father, whose servants Vivian Redlich and the martyrs of Papua New Guinea gave their lives in faithful witness to the love of Christ: help us endure to the end, strengthened by the grace of him who gave his life for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Romans 8:35-end; Matthew 16:24-26

6th September Trinity XIV Proper 23

Almighty and eternal God, make us grow in faith, hope and charity: and that we may be worthy of your promises, cause us to love what you command; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Wednesday 9th for the Birthday of Mary

Almighty and everlasting God, who stooped to raise fallen humanity through the child-bearing of blessed Mary: grant that we, who have seen our glory revealed in or human nature and your love made perfect in our weakness, may daily be renewed in your image and conformed to the pattern of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Micah 5:2-4; Matthew 1:18-23

13th September Trinity XV Proper 24

Guard your Church, O Lord, with your perpetual mercy: and since without your aid we lose our way, draw us always, by your help, away from harm and steer us towards salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen

Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Wednesday 16th St.Ninian of Whithorn

Almighty God, through the preaching of your servant Ninian you made the light of the Gospel shine in our land: may we prove to you our thankfulness for his life and labours by following the example of his zeal and patience: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 13:46-49; Mark 16:15-end

20th September Trinity XVI Proper 25

O Lord, let your constant compassion cleanse and strengthen your Church: and since, without you, we cannot continue in safety, may we ever be governed by your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Jonah 3:10-4:11; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

27th September Trinity XVII Proper 26 HARVEST FESTIVAL

Creator of the fruitful earth, you made us your stewards of all things. Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness, and steadfast wills to use your bounty well, that the whole human family, today and in generations to come, may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

Deuteronomy 8:7-18; 2Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 12:16-30

Wednesday 30th for Michaelmas

Everlasting God, who ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order: grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven, so, at your command, they may help and defend us on earth: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Revelation 12:7-12; John 1:47-51

4th October Trinity XVIII Proper 27

O Lord, we beseech you: give your people grace to turn away from evil; and to follow you, the only God, in pureness of heart and mind; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

11th October Trinity XIX Proper 28

O Lord, since without you we cannot please you: let the work of your mercy in all things guide our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 25:1-9; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

18th October Trinity XX Proper 29

Almighty and merciful God: in your goodness keep from us all that is harmful;

that, being ready both in body and soul, we may freely accomplish your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 45:1-7; 1Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

25th October Trinity XXI Proper 30 Bible Sunday

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:

help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Nehemiah 8:1-12; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 24:30-35

Wednesday 28th Ss.Simon & Jude

Almighty God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude. As they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so may we with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen

Ephesians 2:13-22; John 15:17-27

1st November Trinity XXII Proper 31 for All Saints & All Souls

Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son: grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

2Esdras 2:42-48; Hebrews 12:18-24; Matthew 5:1-12

Monday 2nd November All Souls Day

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love but see no longer. Grant them your peace, let light perpetual shine upon them and in your loving wisdom and power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Wisdom 3:1-9 John 6:37-40

8th November Trinity XXIII Proper 32 Remembrance Sunday

Eternal God, in whose perfect realm no sword is drawn but the sword of justice, and no strength known but the strength of love: guide and inspire all who seek your kingdom, that peoples and nations may find their security in the love which casts out fear; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Micah 4:1-8; Revelation 21:1-6a; Luke 1:68-79

15th November Trinity XXIV Proper 33 (2 before Advent)

O Lord, forgive the transgressions of your people: and by your goodness release us from the snare of sin, in which, by our frailty, we have been caught; through Jesus Christ our Lord who live and reigns with in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Zephaniah 1:7 7 122-18; 1Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Wednesday 18th St.Hilda of Whitby

Eternal God, who made the abbess Hilda to shine like a jewel her time and through her holiness and leadership blessed your Church with new life and unity: help us , like her, to yearn for the Gospel of Christ and to reconcile those who are divided;

through him who reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-6; Luke 14: 7-14

22nd November Christ-the-King

Everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in the kingdom of your well-beloved Son: mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Collect for the week

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people: that they, richly bearing the fruit of good works, may by you be richly rewarded; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Ezekiel 34:11-16 & 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Next Event

Christian Aid Sunday Murrayfield Churches Together Joint Service

Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

On Sunday 10th May we join our sisters and brothers in Murrayfield Churches Together for a joint service of worship at Saughtonhall URC at 12 Noon. The worship will be

Ascension Day

On Zoom

Details to follow for the Zoom link for Morning Prayer on Zoom to celebrate Ascension Day