The following reading is from Revelation 7:9–17 interspersed with Psalm 34:1–10, 22. Throughout the reading, the verses from the psalm are read by the congregation. Revelation 7:9–17 could be read by a single voice or dramatically as laid out below. For the dramatic version you will need the narrator, John, and the elder. You will also need a group of people to be the multitude. The angel portion (Revelation 7:12) could be sung by a choir or read by a second group of people or even the same group as used for the multitude.
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John: |
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, |
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Multitude: |
“Salvation belongs to our God |
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Congregation: |
I will bless the Lord at all times; |
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John: |
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, |
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Angels: |
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom Or sing, “Here from All Nations” stanza 5 Revelation 7:12, Christopher Idle |
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Congregation: |
O magnify the Lord with me, |
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John: |
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, |
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Elder: |
“Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” |
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John: |
I said to him, |
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Elder: |
“These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; |
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Congregation: |
I sought the Lord, and he answered me |
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Elder: |
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
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Congregation: |
Look to him, and be radiant, |
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Elder: |
For this reason they are before the throne of God |
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Congregation: |
This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord |
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Elder: |
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. |
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Congregation: |
The angel of the Lord encamps |
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Elder: |
They will hunger no more and thirst no more; |
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Congregation: |
O taste and see that the Lord is good; |
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Elder: |
the sun will not strike them, |
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Congregation: |
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, |
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Elder: |
nor any scorching heat, |
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Congregation: |
The young lions suffer want and hunger, |
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Elder: |
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, |
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Congregation: |
The Lord redeems the life of his servants; |
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ALL: |
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom |
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Season after Pentecost—All Saints Day