Martin Luther, reformer, 1546 Psalm 147.7-11(New King James Version) Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;   sing praises on the harp to our God, who covers the heavens with clouds,   who prepares rain for the earth,   who makes grass to grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food,   and to the young ravens that cry. He does … More Saints and Sinners – Saturday 31st October

Henri Dunant,founder of the Red Cross, 1910 2 Kings 24.18-25.12(New International Version) Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. It … More Saints and Sinners – Friday 30th October

James Hannington,bishop, martyr, 1885 Ephesians 6.10-20(New Revised Standard Version) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, … More Saints and Sinners – Thursday 29th October

St Simon and St Jude  Matthew 10.1-20(New International Version) Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and … More Saints and Sinners – Wednesday 28th October

Laurentius Petri, Reformer and First Lutheran Archbishop of Uppsala  2 Kings 22.1–2, 11-13, 18-19, ch 23.3(New Revised Standar Version) Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; he reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He did what was right in the sight of … More Saints and Sinners – Tuesday 27th October

Alfred the Great 2 Kings 21.1-18(New Revised Standard Version) Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, following the abominable practices of the nations that the Lord drove out before the … More Saints and Sinners – Monday 26th October

Crispin and Crispinian,Martyrs at Rome, c.287  Psalm 119.137-152(New Revised Standard Version) You are righteous, O Lord,   and your judgements are right.You have appointed your decrees in righteousness   and in all faithfulness.My zeal consumes me   because my foes forget your words.Your promise is well tried,   and your servant loves it.I am small and despised,   yet I do not forget your precepts.Your righteousness … More Saints and Sinners – Sunday 25th October

Rosa Parks, civil rights activist, 2005 1 Corinthians 12.4-11(New Revised Standard Version) Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord;and there are varieties of activities,but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of … More Saints and Sinners – Saturday 24th October

James the Just, Bishop of Jerusalem and Brother of Jesus Acts 15.12-21(New International Version) The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon has described … More Saints and Sinners – Friday 23rd October

The seven holy youths of Ephesus,3rd century Ephesians 3.14-end. (New Revised Standard Version) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your … More Saints and Sinners – Thursday 22nd October