St David's Day Resources
“Brothers and sisters, be joyful and keep your faith and your creed and do the little things that you heard and seen of me. As for me, I shall walk the way which our forebears went.
The last words of Saint David
On this page
- Readings
- The Collect of the Day
- Post-Communion Prayer
- Intercessions
- Hymns
- How to say St David's last words
The readings, the Collect, prayers, intercessions and hymns are also available as a download.
Readings
Readings for the Eucharist
- Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6 or Jeremiah 1:4-10
- Psalm 16: 3, 5-8
- I Thessalonians 2: 2b-12
- Matthew 16:24-27
Readings for Morning or Evening Prayer
- Psalm 92
- Ezekiel 2:1-7
- II Timothy 4:1-8
The Collect
God our Father,
you gave Saint David to the people of Wales
to uphold the faith:
encouraged by his example,
may we joyfully hold fast to the things
which lead to eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honour and glory,
now and for ever. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer
Almighty God,
awaken in us the zeal of your servant David
that we may follow you in singleness of heart;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intercessions
Saint David said: “Be joyful, keep your faith and your creed, and do the little things”.
Today, as we remember David, patron saint of Wales, let us pray to God who calls people in every generation to be faithful witnesses to his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Help your church to walk joyfully and hopefully in her faith in the gospel. Strengthen those who lead the church…. As we proclaim the good news in this generation help us to do the little things that bring the light and love of Christ to the lives of others.
Lord, in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
As we rejoice in our rich heritage and the cultural diversity that is a part of the fabric of Wales today, we ask for your guidance and wisdom on all who influence the life of this nation; for the members of the Welsh Parliament and the leaders of our local councils so that understanding and unity within our communities may increase and work towards the common good.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
You have created a variety of nations, peoples and languages on the earth, and yet we are all a part of the same humanity created in your own image. We join with the cry of all your children who suffer because of war…climate change…natural disasters…. May the simplicity of David’s life inspire us to live in harmony with one another and the whole of creation.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
In our daily dealings with one another, help us to be faithful witnesses to the joy we have in our trust of your Son, Jesus Christ amongst the members of our families, neighbours and work colleagues,
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Following in the foot-septs of your Son Jesus Christ David went about showing care and concern for all who suffered. Bless all who work in our National Health Service and for all who care for others. We hold before you all who suffer this day in body, mind or spirit…..praying that you will keep them safe in your love.
Lord, in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Hear us as we remember those who in this life have kept the faith, and have fought the good fight, and have finished the race and died in your peace…. May they rest in your eternal care.
Lord, in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of Saint David and all your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Endings
Almighty Father,
you have built up your Church
through the love and devotion of your saints:
inspire us to follow the example of David,
whom we commemorate today,
that we may at last rejoice with him
in the vision of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Hymns
A selection of hymns are available to download. Adnoddau ar gyfer Gwyl Ddewi St David's Day resources
How to say Saint David's last words.
Arglwyddi, frodyr a chwiorydd,
Lords, brothers and sisters,
byddwch lawen
be joyful
a chedwch eich ffydd a'ch cred,
keep your faith and your creed
a gwnewch y pethau bychain a welsoch ac a glywsoch gennyf i'.
and do the little things that you have seen and heard me do.
Learn more church Welsh
Click here to learn Welsh to use in churchPhotos: Copyright © Martin Crampin from the book: Welsh Saints from Welsh Churches by Martin Crampin. Available from Y Lolfa.