Below is a short liturgy that can be used as a vigil on All Hallows’ Eve to watch and prepare for All Saints’ Day. It may be led by anyone, and leadership can be spread out among family members or friends. Our family plans to light up our fire pit, roast some hot dogs for dinner, and do this service before heading out to Trick or Treat. You may use and adapt it however you like! If you missed my faithful beginner’s guide to All Hallows’ Eve, you can read that first here!

There are three options listed for the scripture readings: The Valley of the Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37), The Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28), and The War in Heaven (Revelation 12:7-12). Each reading depicts things that are “spooky” coming under the authority of God. For very young children, I recommend Revelation 12:7-12, which is both the shortest, and the least frightening (in my opinion). The Witch of Endor can be read as a “Readers Theater” with different people taking the parts of the narrator, Saul, the witch, and Samuel.

A Vigil For All Hallows’ Eve

Officiant Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Officiant Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bushel, but on a lampstand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellow people, so that they may see the deed you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Lord Christ, your saints have been the lights of the world in every generation: Grant that we who follow in their footsteps may be made worthy to enter with them into that heavenly country where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

People O gracious light,*

pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,

and our eyes behold the vesper light,

we sing your praises,

O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,

O Son of God, O Giver of Life,

and to be glorified through all the worlds.

Reader Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Valley of the Dry Bones), 1 Samuel 28:3-25 (The Witch of Endor), OR Revelation 12:7-12 (The War in Heaven)

Preacher A short lesson or homily may be added here if desired. (Feel free to use my guide to All Hallows Eve)

Officiant Let us pray.

O God, you have called your people to your service from age to age. Do not give us over to death, but raise us up to serve you, to praise you, and to glorify your Holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

People Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Officiant Let us bless the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

*This is an ancient Christian hymn known as the Phos Hilaron, translated to “O Gladsome Light.” It is often used in Anglican liturgies at the end of the day, as the sun goes down.

**This liturgy has been adapted from A Service for All Hallows’ Eve in The Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services (1994) as well as An Order of Worship for the Evening from the Book of Common Prayer (1979).