======================================================================== PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC (OR PRIVATE) USE ON DIVERS OCCASIONS by Robert W. Rodenmayer ======================================================================== Rodenmayer's collection of formal Christian prayers organized by topic and occasion, including prayers about the Cross, divine mercy, and various spiritual themes for both personal and congregational worship. Chapters: 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0. Prayers For Public (Or Private) Use On Divers Occasions 1. Part 1 2. Part 2 3. Part 3 4. Part 4 5. Part 5 ======================================================================== CHAPTER 0: PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC (OR PRIVATE) USE ON DIVERS OCCASIONS ======================================================================== ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: PART 1 ======================================================================== Section 1: Opening And Closing Prayers 292—Fire Of Love Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Whose Son Jesus Christ came to cast fire upon the earth: grant that by the prayers of Thy faithful people a fire of burning zeal may be kindled, and pass from heart to heart, till all our hardness is melted in the warmth of Thy love; through Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. G. C. Binyon 293—Worship High and holy Lord God Almighty, Who art the fountain of all true thoughts and right resolves, be pleased to still the tumult of earthly cares within our breasts, and fill our minds with deep devotion; that for a little while we may rise above the jar and fret of daily life, and join with grateful hearts in that pure worship, which from spirits higher and holier than ours for ever ascends before Thy throne, giving praise and thanks and honour unto the Lamb that was slain, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory both now and ever. W. Gray Blmslie 294—Prayer And Life O God, Who art Spirit, and wiliest to be worshipped in spirit and in truth: grant to us that, loving Thee in all things and above all things, we may please Thee by our prayers and by our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Bright 295—Prayer And Service Remember, O Lord, what Thou hast wrought in us, and not what we deserve; and, as Thou hast called us to Thy service, make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson 296—The Spirit Of Prayer Holy Jesus, give me the gift and spirit of prayer; and do Thou by Thy gracious intercession supply my ignorances, and passionate desires, and imperfect choices; procuring and giving to me such returns of favour which may support my needs, and serve the ends of religion and the Spirit, which Thy wisdom chooses, and Thy passion bath purchased, and Thy grace loves to bestow upon all Thy saints and servants. Jeremy Taylor 297—Before Prayer O God, the glory of Thy saints, Who being above all, and through all, and in all, dost yet accept the sacrifice of the contrite and the incense of their prayers: grant that we may be hallowed in mind, fervent in spirit, and chaste in body; and that mortifying within us all ungodly and worldly lusts, we may offer to Thee the pure sacrifice of hearts uplifted in Thy praise and lives devoted to Thy service. Adapted from Gothic 298—Before Prayer God, our Father, Who dost call us to prayer, and wilt grant our petitions, if only, when we pray, we purpose in all things amendment of life: hear us, as we cry to Thee in our darkness, and stretch forth Thy right hand to help and deliver us; hold out Thy light before us; recall us from our wanderings; guide us and restore us to ourselves and to Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After St. Augustine 299—Before Prayer Blessed Jesu, lifting up holy hands perpetually for all mankind: breathe by Thy Spirit such love into the prayers we offer, that they may be taken into Thine, and prevail with Thine; to the glory of Thy holy Name. E. Milner-White 300—Before Prayer Lord, we beseech Thee, give ear to our prayers, and by Thy gracious visitation lighten the darkness of our hearts; by our Lord Jesus Christ. 1549 Prayer Book 301—Before Prayer O Lord, my good God and Father, blessed be Thy Name for ever: dispose my heart, open my lips, and guide me by Thy Holy Spirit to a truer acknowledgement of all my sins, that my prayer may be heard of Thee, in the Name of Thy Son Jesus Christ. So be it. Elizabethan 302—Before Prayer O Lord our God, Who hast given Thy peace to men, and didst send down the gift of Thy most Holy Spirit upon Thy disciples and apostles, and by Thy power didst open their lips with tongues of fire: open our sinful lips, and teach us how and for what we should pray; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Henry Vaughan 303—Before Prayer O Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, and from Whom no secrets are hid, Who hast declared that all such as shall draw nigh to Thee with their lips, when their hearts are far from Thee, are an abomination unto Thee; cleanse, we beseech Thee, the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that no wandering, vain, nor idle thoughts may put out of our minds that reverence and Godly fear that becomes all those who come in Thy presence. Dean Swift 304—Before Prayer Incline Thine ear, O Lord, to our prayers, and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation: that in Thy light we may see light and walk in Thy truth without stumbling, and at last attain to the light of life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Adapted from Sarum 305—Before Prayer O Lord, take away from us all coldness, all wanderings of the thoughts, and fix our souls upon Thee and Thy love, O merciful Lord and Saviour, in this our hour of prayer. Archbishop Benson 306—Before Prayer O Lord, open Thou our lips, that we may bless Thy holy Name; cleanse our hearts from all vain, evil, and wandering thoughts; enlighten our understandings, enkindle our affections, that we may worthily and devoutly offer up our prayers and praises to Thee, and so be meet to be heard in the presence of Thy divine Majesty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 307—Before Prayer Give me, O God, the spirit of true devotion, such as may give life to all my prayers, so that they may find acceptance in Thy sight. By Thy Almighty power, O King of heaven, for the glory of Thy Name, and for the love of a Father, grant me all those blessings which Thy Son taught us to pray for. Bishop Thomas Wilson 308—Before Prayer Give me grace, O my Father, to be utterly ashamed of my own reluctance. Rouse me from sloth and coldness, and make me desire Thee with my whole heart. Teach me to love meditation, sacred reading, and prayer. Teach me to love that which must engage my mind for all eternity. Cardinal Newman 309—Before Prayer Almighty God, Who art ready at all times to hear the prayers of those who call upon Thee, open our hearts and lips to bless and glorify Thy Name. Uppingham Prayer 310—Before Prayer Look graciously upon us, O Holy Spirit, and give us our hallowing thoughts that pass into prayer, prayers that pass into love, and love that passeth into life with Thee for ever. E. Milner-White 311—Submission in Prayer Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what I need; Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself. Father, give Thy child what he himself knows not how to ask; I presume not to ask either for crosses or consolations; in simplicity I present myself before Thee and open my heart to Thee. Regard Thou the needs which I myself know not: behold and do according to Thy tender mercy. Smite or heal: depress me or raise me up; I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them. I keep silence, and offer myself as a sacrifice to Thee: I yield myself to Thee, and I would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. Teach me to pray: pray Thyself in me; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Fénelon 312—After Prayer Almighty Father, well-spring of life to all things that have being, from amid the unwearied praises of Cherubin and Seraphin, who stand about Thy throne of light which no man can approach unto: give ear, we humbly beseech Thee, to the supplications of Thy people who put their sure trust in Thy mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Book of Deer 313—After Prayer O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, incline Thine ear, we beseech Thee, to these our prayers which we offer in His Name; and grant that Thy will may be done through us on earth as it is in heaven; through the same Christ our Lord. Unknown 314—After Prayer Lord, I humbly beseech Thee to hear and accept my prayers for myself, and for Thy people which call upon Thee; and grant that we may perfectly know what things we ought to do and also have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same. Archbishop Laud 315—After Prayer O gracious Lord, since Thou hast promised that, where two or three are gathered together in Thy Name, Thou wilt be in the midst of them to grant their request, grant to us who are met in Thy Name ‘that those requests, which in the utmost sincerity and earnestness of our hearts we have now made (on behalf of this Thy distressed servant, and of ourselves), may effectually be answered; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Dean Swift 316—After Prayer Good God, say amen to my prayers, if it be Thy gracious will; but if in anything I have asked or done amiss, pardon mine infirmities, and answer my necessities, for Jesus and His mercies’ sake. Bishop Thomas Wilson Section 2: General Confession 317—Confession We confess to God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, through our fault, our own fault, our own most grievous fault. Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us. Office of Compline 318—ALMIGHTY Father, Lord of heaven and earth: we confess that we have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us after Thy great goodness; according to the multitude of Thy mercies, do away our offences: wash us throughly from our wickedness, and cleanse us from our sins; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Canadian Prayer Book 319—Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I confess to Thee all the hidden and open sins of my heart and mind, which I have committed unto this day. Wherefore I beg of Thee, the merciful and righteous Judge, forgiveness and grace to sin no more. Eastern Orthodox 320—O Thou Who art the life of souls, having life in Thyself: O life of my soul, it is a good thing to make my confession unto Thee, O God of my heart, and say, Have mercy upon me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee; and let me never abuse Thy mercy and take it for a license to sin, but remember Thy words, Behold, thou art made whole, sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thee. For Who art Thou, O our God, but the very well-spring of righteousness, Who renderest to every man according to his works; and a broken and contrite heart Thou wilt not despise. St. Augustine 321—O Lrd my God, Thou judge of my conscience, before Thee is my heart and my remembrance: set my errors before my face, that I may see and hate them. Behold, Thou lovest the truth and he that doeth truth cometh to the light; and I would do this in my heart as I confess before Thee. What could be hidden in me from Thee, O Lord, to Whose eyes the abyss of man’s conscience is uncovered? For I would hide Thee from me, and not me from Thee. To Thee, therefore, O Lord, I open whatever I am, and I confess unto Thee, not with words of the flesh but with the words of my soul, and the cry of my thought, which Thine ear knoweth. O Lord, have mercy upon me according to Thy great mercy, for Thine own Name’s sake, and forsake not in any way what Thou hast begun, but make perfect what is imperfect in me. Let me know Thee, O Lord, Who knowest me: let me know Thee as I am known. O power of my soul, enter into it and fit it for Thee, that without spot or wrinkle thou mayest have it and hold it. St. Augustine 322—O Lover of men, very tenderly pitiful, Father of mercies, rich in mercy toward all that call upon Thee: I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, neither am I worthy to be called a son, neither am I worthy to be made a hired servant, no, not the lowest of them all. But I repent, alas, I repent: help Thou mine impenitence: be merciful to me a sinner. Lancelot Andrewes 323—Almighty God, and most merciful Father, all merciful, mercy itself; I have erred willingly and strayed willingly, nay run from Thy ways, more like an untamed heifer than a lost or wandering sheep. I have followed too much, even altogether, the absurd devices and brutish desires of my own heart, I have offended against, nay been offended at, Thy holy, most holy, laws. I have left undone, not done at all, those things which I ought to have done. And I have done, done nothing else, but those things which I ought not to have done. And there is no health, no hope of health in me. But Thou, Lord, have mercy upon me miserable, most miserable sinner, the greatest sinner, and most unthankful for so great grace. Spare me, and all them that confess their faults. Restore me, and all them that be penitent, that desire to be penitent, that wish they were, would be glad if they were; that fear that they are not enough, and are sorry they are not more. Archbishop Laud 324—We confess unto Thee, O heavenly Father, as Thy children and Thy people, our hardness, and indifference, and impenitence; our grievous failures in Thy faith and in pure and holy living; our trust in riches, and our misuse of them, our confidence in self, whereby we daily multiply our own temptations. We confess our timorousness as Thy Church and witness before the world, and the sin and bitterness that every man knoweth in his own heart. Give us all contrition and meekness of heart, O Father; grace to amend our sinful life, and the holy comfort of Thy Spirit to overcome and heal all our evils; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archbishop Benson 325—Hear, O Lord, and have mercy, O Almighty God, heavenly Father, Who forgivest iniquity and transgression; O Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sin of the world; O Holy Spirit, Who helpest the infirmities of those that pray: receive my humble confession. Give me true repentance and sincere faith in Thee. Do away mine offences, and give me grace to live hereafter more worthily of our Christian calling, for the glory of Thy great Name. After Bishop Westcott 326—Almighty God, long-suffering and of great goodness: we confess to Thee, we confess with our whole heart: our neglect and forgetfulness of Thy commandments: our wrong-doing, speaking, and thinking: the hurts we have done to others: and the good we have left undone: O God, forgive Thy people that have sinned against Thee: and raise us to newness of life. E. Milner-White 327—Almighty and most merciful God, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed; that we have not loved Thee with all our heart and soul, with all our mind and strength; and that we have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. We beseech Thee, O God, to be forgiving to what we have been, to help us to amend what we are, and of Thy mercy to direct what we shall be, so that the love of goodness may ever be first in our hearts, that we may always walk in Thy commandments and ordinances blameless, and follow unto our life’s end in the footsteps of Jesus Christ our Lord. John Hunter 328—O God our Father, from Whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named, graciously behold this Thy family. Thou art ever merciful and makest Thy sun to rise on the just and on the unjust: but we have misused Thy gifts, marred Thy work, and robbed one another of our daily bread. Help us to see and feel our share in the guilt of the world, and grant us Thy grace to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mrs. Reinhold Niebuhr 329—O God, most good, Father of mercies, be pleased to have pity upon us, and pardon our sins for the love of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Vouchsafe unto us also, and increase continually within us, the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit; that we may ever more readily acknowledge our misdoings, and being deeply affected by them, renounce them with our whole heart, and bring forth fruits of righteousness and holiness acceptable to Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. French Reformed Liturgy 330—O Lord, with heartfelt sorrow we repent and deplore our offences. We condemn ourselves and our evil ways, with true penitence entreating that Thy grace may relieve our distress. Be pleased to have compassion upon us, O most gracious God, Father of all mercies, for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And as Thou dost remove our guilt and our pollution, grant us the daily increase of the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that acknowledging from our inmost hearts our own unrighteousness, we may be touched with sorrow that shall work true repentance, and that, mortifying all sins within us, Thy Spirit may produce the fruits of holiness and righteousness well-pleasing in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Liturgy of Geneva 331—Lord Jesus, merciful Saviour, Who art touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and hast been at all points tempted even as we are, yet without sin: we have done amiss and dealt wickedly; we have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed. Look with compassion upon our weakness, cleanse us from our sins, forgive us both what we have done and left undone; and give us grace to amend our lives, to Thy glory Who hast called us out of darkness into Thy light and love; we ask it for Thy sake and in Thy Name. 332—Almighty God, rich in mercy and plenteous in loving-kindness, Who searchest us out and knowest altogether the thoughts and inclinations of our hearts: we humbly acknowledge our sins and wickedness, and confess that we have done evil in Thy sight. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, we beseech Thee; cast us not away from Thy presence, and do away our offences; cleanse us from the stains of our transgressions; break the power of evil within us; and give us grace to put away all hurtful things; that, being freed from the bondage of our sins, we may bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and serve Thee faithfully to our lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 333—O God, most gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, Who thinkest upon us for good and art ready to pardon those who truly repent: forgive, we beseech Thee, us Thy servants who so often and so grievously sin against Thee, in thought, word, and deed; receive us who do truly acknowledge and confess our misdoings; renew within us the peace of Thy salvation; and so make haste to help and deliver us, that we may henceforth walk before Thee with a perfect heart, and, this life ended, may serve Thee with Thy saints for ever, where Thou reignest in Thy love and glory everlasting; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. 334—Penitence Lover of mankind, since Thou desirest to dwell within me, I make bold to draw near. Thou dost bid me open the door which Thou Thyself hast made, that when Thou comest, as Thou wilt, Thou canst bring light into my darkened mind. Thou didst not reject the harlot when she came to Thee in tears, neither refuse the publican when he repented, nor die robber when he sought entrance into Thy kingdom, nor turn away the persecutor when he repented; but Thou didst number all who came to Thee in penitence among Thy friends, for Thou alone art blessed, now and for ever. St. Chrysostom 335—Penitence O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. Give rather to me Thy servant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love. Grant me, my Lord and King, to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed for ever and ever. Ephraem of Edessa 336—Penitence Lord, I bring Thee my sorrows and miseries and sins, beseeching Thee to clothe me with some portion of Thy holiness, and to give me of Thy joy. I bring Thee of my emptiness; do Thou give me of Thy fullness. I bring Thee a broken heart; do Thou remake it, and bind it up, that it may be remade, as a vessel of Thy glory to contain Thee. Feed me with Thy Body, which Thou didst take that it might be broken for us. Wash me with Thy Blood, which Thou sheddest for the remission of our sins. Gladden me with the new wine of Thy Spirit, so that I may go forth out of myself new-born as a little child in Thy Childhood: dying in Thy death: living by Thy life in me, to rise again through Thy Resurrection, Who art our Resurrection and our Life, on that glorious morrow which setteth not. To which do Thou of Thy mercy bring me, a sinner, Thou, our only Saviour and Redeemer. Edward Bouverie Pusey 337—Fruits of Penitence O merciful God, make me to lift up my heart oft-times to Thee, and, when I fall, make me to think on Thee, and be sorry with a steadfast purpose of amendment. My God, make me humble without feigning, merry without lightness, sad without mistrust, sober without dullness, true without doubleness, fearing Thee without desperation, trusting in Thee without presumption, telling my neighbour’s faults without dissimulation, teaching them with words and examples without mockings, obedient without arguing, patient without grudging, and pure without corruption. St. Thomas Aquinas 338—Repentance O merciful God, full of compassion, long-suffering, and of great pity, Who sparest when we deserve punishment, and in Thy wrath thinkest upon mercy: make me earnestly to repent, and heartily to be sorry for all my misdoings; make the remembrance so burdensome and painful, that I may flee to Thee with a troubled spirit and a contrite heart; and, O merciful Lord, visit, comfort, and relieve me; cast me not out from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me, but excite in me true repentance; give me in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and confidence in Thy mercy, and in the world to come life everlasting, for the sake of our Lord and Saviour, Thy Son Jesus Christ. Dr. Johnson 339—Repentance Almighty God, Who by Thy grace and providence hast brought my great and crying sins to light, I most humbly beseech Thee to continue Thy grace and mercy to me, that my conscience being now awakened, I may call my ways to remembrance, and confess, and bewail and abhor all the sins of my life past. And, O merciful God, give me true repentance for them, even that repentance to which Thou hast promised mercy and pardon, that even the consequences of my wrongdoing may bring a blessing to me, and that in all I may find mercy at Thy hands, through the merits and mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bishop Thomas Wilson 340—Amendment of Life Grant, I beseech Thee, merciful Lord, that the designs of a new and better life, which by Thy grace I have now formed, may not pass away without effect. Incite and enable me, by Thy Holy Spirit, to improve the time which Thou shalt grant me; to avoid all evil thoughts, words, and actions; and to do all the duties which Thou shalt set before me. Hear my prayer, O Lord, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Dr. Johnson 341—Pardon May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant unto me pardon and remission of all my sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. 342—Pardon Lord, for Thy tender mercies’ sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive that is past, and give us grace to amend our lives; to decline from sin and incline to virtue, that we may walk with a perfect heart before Thee, now and evermore. John Lydney 343—Forgiveness We make our prayer unto Thee, O God of our life. So long as we live will we magnify Thee, and lift up our hands in Thy Name. Let our prayer be set forth in Thy sight as the incense. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, the God of our fathers, Who hast created the changes of day and night. Deal not with us after our sins, neither reward us after our iniquities: and look mercifully upon our infirmities for the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Lancelot Andrewes 344—Forgiveness Lord, of Thy great goodness I beseech Thee give me true repentance, and forgive me all my sins, negligences, and ignorances, and endue me with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may amend my life according to Thy holy Word. Archbishop Laud 345—Forgiveness Forgive me my sins, O Lord; the sins of my present the sins of my past, the sins of my soul and the sins of my body, the sins which I have done to please myself and the sins which I have done to please others. Forgive me my casual sins and my deliberate sins, and those which I have laboured so to hide that I have hidden them even from myself. Forgive me them, O Lord, forgive them all; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Bishop Thomas Wilson 346—Forgiveness O Lord our God, our Creator and our Judge, provoked every day, yet strong and patient: forgive, we beseech Thee, our rebellion against Thy will, our forgetfulness of Thy law, our complacent apathy, our culpable ignorance, our tolerance of intolerable wrongs. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, and turn our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Unknown 347—Pardon and Renewal Blot out, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, our past transgression; forgive our negligence and ignorance; help us to amend our mistakes and to repair our misunderstanding; and so uplift our hearts in new love and dedication, that we may be unburdened from the grief and shame of past faithlessness, and go forth to serve Thee with renewed courage and devotion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 348—Pardon and Cleansing O Lord, the house of my soul is narrow; enlarge it that Thou mayest enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it! It displeases Thy sight; I confess it, I know. But who shall cleanse it, or to whom shall I cry but unto Thee? Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord, and spare Thy servant from strange sins. St. Augustine 349—Pardon and Purity O God, the glory of Thy saints and the rewarder of the faithful, Who despisest not the sacrifice of a contrite heart and acceptest the prayer of the humble: grant that we, and all for whom we pray, may mortify our worldly lusts, and with pure hearts and minds offer unto Thee the incense of our praise and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Section 3: The Christian Year 350—Eve of Advent Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of Thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gregorian Sacramentary 351—Advent Stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, O Lord, and come: that through Thy protection we may be delivered from the dangers which overhang us by reason of our sins, and through Thy liberation of us we may be saved; Who livest and reignest with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for evermore. Sarum 352—O Lord, raise up, we pray Thee, Thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be honour and glory, world without end. 1549 Prayer Book 353—Stir up our hearts, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to make ready the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that, when He cometh He may find us watching; and attentive to meet Him with minds that wait for His presence; through Christ our Lord. 354—Stir up Thy power, O Lord, and come, and mercifully fulfill Thy promise to Thy Church unto the end of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 355—O Thou, Who hast foretold that Thou wilt return to judgement in an hour that we are not aware of: grant us grace to watch and pray always; that whether Thou shalt come at even, or at midnight, or in the morning, we may be found among the number of those servants who shall be blessed in watching for their Lord; to whom be all glory now and for evermore. Non-Jurors’ Prayer Book 356—O God, Who didst send Thy messengers and prophets to prepare the way of Thy Son before Him: grant that our Lord when He cometh may find in us a dwelling prepared for Himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who came to take our nature upon Him that He might bring many sons unto glory; Who now liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Anon. 357—O Thou Who when Thou comest wilt take account of Thy servants: remember for good Thine eternal pact and promise in Thy Cross and Resurrection; in judgement forget not mercy; take not from us the help and comfort of Thy Holy Spirit; and suffer us not at that last hour to fall from Thee; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 358—O great and glorious God, holy and immortal, Who searchest out the policies of nations and triest the hearts of men: some, we pray Thee, in judgement, upon the nations of the world; come and bring to destruction all that is contrary to Thy holy will for mankind, and cause the counsels of the wicked to perish. Come, O Lord, into our hearts, and root out from them all that Thou seest, and we cannot see, to be unlike the Spirit of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Harold Anson 359—O Lord Jesus Christ, let the love of Thine appearing so continually dwell within us that our hearts may never depart from Thee; and so number us now with those for whom Thou dost intercede in heaven, that in the last day we may not be ashamed before Thee when Thou comest to judge the world; Who livest and reignest with Thy Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Mozarabic 360—Almighty Father, Whose blessed Son at His coming amongst us brought redemption unto His people and peace to men of goodwill: grant that, when He shall come again in glory to judge the world and to make all things new, we may be found ready to receive Him, and enter into His joy; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Frederick B. Macnutt 361—The Great Account O Lord Jesus Christ, before Whose judgement seat we must all appear and give account of the things done in the body: grant, we beseech Thee, that, when the books are opened in that day, the faces of Thy servants may not be ashamed; through Thy merits, O blessed Saviour, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Altus of St. Columba 362—Advent and Christmas O Day-Spring, splendour of the light eternal, Sun of Righteousness: come, enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. O King of nations, Whom they long for, Corner-stone Who makest all one, come and save mankind, whom Thou didst fashion out of the dust. O Emmanuel, our King and Law-giver, Desire of all nations and their Saviour: come and save us, O Lord our God. 363—Christmas Eve O Lord God Almighty, Who by the incarnation of Thy only-begotten Son hast banished the darkness of this world, and by His glorious birth didst enlighten this most holy night: drive away from us, we beseech Thee, the darkness of sin, and continue ever to enlighten our hearts with the glory of Thy grace, which Thou hast given unto us in the same, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 364—Christmas Eve O God, Who hast hallowed this sacred night with the joyful tidings of the Word made flesh: grant that we, beholding here on earth as through a veil the mystery of His glory Who was born among us, at last may see Him face to face, where there is no more need of light from lamp or sun, in the fullness of Thine eternal glory in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 365—Christmas Eve O Lord, we beseech Thee, incline Thine ear to our prayers, and lighten the darkness of our hearts by Thy gracious visitation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gregorian Sacramentary 366—Christmas Eve Almighty Father, Who hast given Thine only begotten Son to take our nature upon Him and as at this time to be born of the Virgin Mary, His mother; grant that He may be born in our hearts; that as by His most glorious Incarnation He became the Firstborn of many brethren, so by His renewing presence He may give us the right to become the sons of God; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be given all praise and love, all loyalty and adoration, for ever and ever. Anon. 367—Christmas Almighty God, Who didst wonderfully create man in Thine own image, and didst yet more wonderfully restore him: grant, we beseech Thee, that, as Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ was made in the likeness of men, so we may be made partakers of the divine nature; through the same Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. 368—O God, Whose blessed Son Jesus Christ became man that we might become the sons of God: grant, we beseech Thee, that being made partakers of the divine nature of Thy Son, we may be conformed to His likeness; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Scottish Prayer Book 369—We pray Thee, O Lord, to purify our hearts that they may be worthy to become Thy dwelling place. Let us never fail to find room for Thee, but come and abide in us that we also may abide in Thee, Who as at this time wast born into the world for us, and dost live and reign, King of kings and Lord of Lords, now and for evermore. William Temple 370—Lord Jesus, Child of Bethlehem, for love of men made man: create in us love so pure and perfect that whatsoever our heart loveth may be after Thy will, in Thy Name and for Thy sake. E. Milner-White 371—O God, Who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of Thine only Son Jesus Christ: grant, that as we joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold Him, when He shall come to be our Judge; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Gelasian Sacramentary 372—O God, to Whom glory is sung in the highest, while on earth peace is proclaimed among men of goodwill: grant that goodwill to us Thy servants; cleanse us from evil, and give peace to all Thy people; through Thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, Who dost live and govern all things, world without end. Mozarabic 373—O Father, Who hast declared Thy love to men by, the birth of the holy Child at Bethlehem: help us to welcome Him with gladness and to make room for Him in our common days; so that we may live at peace with one another, and in goodwill with all Thy family; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 374—Good Jesu, Who didst empty Thyself of Thine eternal glory and become a little child for love of me: empty me wholly of myself, and make me a little child, that I may love Thee wholly, as Thou didst love me infinitely. Edward Bouverie Pusey 375—New Year’s Eve Most gracious God, Who hast been merciful unto us in the year that is past, and hast guided and upheld us through all the years of our life on earth: we beseech Thee to pardon our sins and to make us abound in faith and love; fashion in us those virtues which are acceptable unto Thee, and grant that we may serve Thee more faithfully in the year that is to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 376—New Year O Eternal Lord God, Who inhabitest eternity, and hast brought Thy servants to the beginning of another year: pardon, we beseech Thee, our sins in the past; graciously abide with us all the days of our life; direct our goings in Thy ways, and guard us from evil in the years that are to come; that we may finish our course with joy and at last become partakers of the inheritance of Thy saints in light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 377—Almighty God, Who alone art without variableness or shadow of turning, and hast safely brought us through the changes of time to the beginning of another year: we beseech Thee to pardon the sins that we have committed in the year which is past; and give us grace that we may spend the remainder of our days to Thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Church of Ireland Prayer Book 378—O God, Who art the Beginning and the End of all things, grant us so faithfully to pass through the coming year, that we may think and do always such things as shall please Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 379—Eternal God, Who makest all things new, and abidest for ever the same: grant us to begin this year in Thy faith, and to continue it in Thy favour; that, being guided in all our doings, and guarded all our days, we may spend our lives in Thy service, and finally, by Thy grace, attain the glory of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. W. E. Orchard 380—The Name Of Jesus O Almighty God, Who hast given unto Thy Son Jesus Christ the Name which is above every name, and hast taught us that there is none other whereby we may be saved: mercifully grant that as Thy faithful people have comfort and peace in His Name, so they may ever labour to proclaim it unto all nations; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book 381—The Name Of Jesus O God, Who hast made the glorious Name of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be exceeding lovable to Thy faithful servants: mercifully grant that all who devoutly venerate the Name of Jesus on earth may in this life receive Thy holy comfort, and at the last attain to Thine unending joy; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Sarum 382—The Name Of Jesus O God, Who didst send forth Thine only-begotten Son to be the Saviour of mankind, and didst ordain that He should be called Jesus: mercifully grant that as we love and honour His holy Name on earth, we may also enjoy the vision of His glory in heaven; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 383—Forgetting Things Behind Eternal Father, Who alone canst control the days that are gone and the deeds that are done: remove from my burdened memory the weight of past years, that being set free from the glamour of complacency and the palsy of remorse, I may reach forth unto those things which are before, and press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Bishop Brent 384—Children of Time Almighty Father, Who dwellest eternal in the heavens, and hast appointed unto us our habitation in this world of change and time: stir up our wills, we beseech Thee, so to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom; grant that our lives may be filled with Thy praise and service, and make us to be numbered at last with Thy saints in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 385—In the Midst of the Years Grant, Almighty God, that, since the dullness and harshness of our flesh is so great that it is needful for us in various ways to be afflicted, we may patiently bear Thy chastisement, and under a deep feeling of sorrow flee to Thy mercy displayed to us in Christ; and that not depending upon the earthly blessings of this perishable life, but relying only upon Thy Word, we may go forward in the course of our calling; until at length we be gathered to that blessed rest which is laid up for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. John Calvin 386–Epiphany O God, Who by the leading of a star didst manifest Thy only-begotten Son to the nations: mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith may so follow the light of Thy truth revealed in Him that we may attain at last to the vision of Thy glory in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 387—Almighty God, Who at the baptism of Thy blessed Son Jesus Christ in the river Jordan didst manifest His glorious Godhead: grant, we beseech Thee, that the brightness of His presence may shine in our hearts, and His glory be set forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John Dowden 388—O Father everlasting, the light of faithful souls, Who didst bring the nations to Thy light and kings to the brightness of Thy rising: fill the world with Thy glory, we beseech Thee, and show Thyself unto all the nations; through Him Who is the true light and the bright and morning star, Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord. Gothic Missal 389—Almighty God, Who to wise men who sought Him didst manifest the Incarnation of Thy Son by the bright shining of a star: grant that, as they presented unto Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh, so we also out of our treasures may offer to Him ourselves, a living sacrifice acceptable in Thy sight; through Him Who for our sakes was born on earth a little child, Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 390—Lord Jesus, our Master, go with us while we travel to the heavenly country: that, following Thy star, we may not wander in the darkness of this world’s night, while Thou, Who art our Way, and Truth, and Life, dost shine within us to our journey’s end; for Thy mercy’s sake. 391—Almighty and everlasting God, Who didst make known the Incarnation of Thy Son by the bright shining of a star, and when the wise men beheld it they adored Thy majesty and presented costly gifts: grant that the star of righteousness may always shine in our hearts; and that we may freely give ourselves and all that we possess to Thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 392—Ash Wednesday O God, Who through Thy blessed Son hast gloriously reconciled mankind to Thyself; grant us to keep such a fast as he has chosen; that following the example of our Lord, we may obey Thee with faithful hearts, and serve one another in holy love; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 393—Lent O God, Who by Thy care and counsel for mankind hast moved Thy Church to appoint this holy season wherein the hearts of those who seek Thee may receive Thy help and healing: we beseech Thee, Saviour of our souls and bodies, to purify us by Thy discipline, that, abiding in Thee and Thou in us, we may grow in grace and in the faith and knowledge of Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 394—Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that by the observance of this Lent we may advance in the knowledge of the mystery of Christ, and show forth His mind in conduct worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 395—Into Thy hands, O Lord our God, we commend our souls and bodies this Lent. Draw nigh to us as we draw nigh to Thee, and enlighten us by Thy Holy Spirit. Be present with us in our worship, and abide with us amidst the cares and duties of our daily lives; and draw us after Thee to follow whithersoever Thou wilt lead us in Thy way of faith and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 396—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst take upon Thyself the form of a servant, humbling Thyself and accepting death for us, even the death of the Cross: grant that this mind may be also in us; so that we may gladly take upon ourselves the life of humility and service, and taking up our cross daily may follow Thee in Thy Cross-bearing in Thy suffering and death, that with Thee we may attain unto the power of Thy endless life. Grant this, O Christ, our Saviour and our King. Harold Anson 397—Mastery of the Flesh O God, Who art Spirit, the Spirit in us prays to Thee for mastery of the flesh, that living without fear for ourselves, we may abound in help to others; so shall we quicken the hope and increase the knowledge of Thy heaven, where spirit is Lord of matter, as love is Lord of spirit, now and for ever. A. Clutton Brock 398—Lent O Lord and heavenly Father, Who hast given unto us Thy people the true bread that cometh down from heaven, even Thy Son Jesus Christ: grant that throughout this Lent our souls may so be fed by Him that we may continually live in Him and He in us; and that day by day we may be renewed in spirit by the power of His endless life, Who gave Himself for us, and now liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Frederick B. Macnutt 399—Holy Week O God, Who didst send Thy Son Jesus Christ into the world for our salvation, that He might humble Himself to our estate and call us back to Thee: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may prepare a way of faith for Him in our hearts and minds, and daily follow the example of His self-giving love; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 400—Holy Week O God, Whose blessed Son for our sake endured the Cross that Thou mightest liberate us from the power of our enemy: grant to us Thy servants grace that we may attain unto the glory of His Resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. After Sarum 401—The Maundy Lord Jesus Christ, Who when Thou wast able to institute Thy Holy Sacrament at the Last Supper, didst wash the feet of the Apostles, and teach us by Thy example the grace of humility: cleanse us, we beseech Thee, from all stain of sin, that we may be worthy partakers of Thy holy mysteries: Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. The Royal Maundy 402—The Third Hour O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who at the third hour of the day wast led forth to the pain of the Cross for the salvation of the world: we humbly beseech Thee, that by the virtue of Thy most sacred passion Thou wouldest blot out all our sins, and mercifully bring us to the glory of Thy blessedness; Who livest and reignest, God, world without end. Sarum: Terce 403—The Ascent of Calvary Lord, Thou goest forth alone to Thy sacrifice: Thou dost offer Thyself to death, whom Thou art come to destroy. What can we miserable sinners plead, who know that for the deeds that we have done Thou dost atone? Ours is the guilt, Lord: why then must Thou suffer torture for our sins? Make our hearts so to share in Thy passion, that our fellow-suffering may invite Thy mercy. This is that night of tears, and the three days’ eventide of sadness, until the day break with the risen Christ, and with joy to those that mourn. May we so suffer with Thee, Lord, that we may be partners of Thy glory, and our three days’ mourning shall pass away and become Thine Easter joy. Peter Abelard 404—The Crucifixion O Lord Jesus Christ! Son of the living God! Who for the redemption of mankind didst vouchsafe to ascend the wood of the Cross, that the whole world which lay in darkness might be enlightened: we beseech Thee, pour such light into our souls and bodies, that we may be enabled to attain to that light which is eternal, and through the merits of Thy passion, may after death joyfully enter within the gates of paradise; Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Sarum 405—Before The Cross O my Redeemer, Deliverer, and Saviour, draw me to Thee, that being always mindful of Thy death, trusting always in Thy goodness, and being always thankful for Thine unspeakable benefits, I may be made partaker of so great bountifulness, and not be separated from Thee through my own unthankfulness, so that Thou shouldest not have been born in vain, in respect of me, and in vain have suffered so many torments, yea, and even most bitter death, of Thine own accord, for my sake. Ludovicus Vives 406—To Christ Crucified O Loving wisdom of the living God, O living word and power of the Father everlasting: grant what Thou hast promised, and give us, unworthy though we are, what we most earnestly desire; that Thy passion may be our deliverance, Thy death our life, Thy Cross our redemption, and Thy wounds our healing; and that, being crucified with Thee, Thy grace may lift us up on high to Thy Father; with Whom Thou livest and reignest, one God, world without end. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: PART 2 ======================================================================== 407—The Cross: Divine Attraction O Lord Jesu Christ, take us to Thyself, draw us with cords to the foot of Thy Cross; for we have not strength to come, and we know not the way. Thou art mighty to save, and none can separate us from Thy love: bring us home to Thyself; for we are gone astray. We have wandered; do Thou seek us. Under the shadow of Thy Cross let us live all the rest of our lives, and there we shall be safe. Archbishop Frederick Temple 408—The Cross Lord Jesus, Who on this holy day of Thy passion didst stretch out Thine arms upon the hard wood of the Cross, that all men might be brought within their saving embrace; draw us unto Thyself with the bands of Thy love, that we may be found of Thee and find Thee; and grant that, evermore being bound unto Thee as Thy faithful servants, we may take up our cross daily and follow Thee, and at last attain to Thine eternal joy; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Unknown 409—The Cross Grant, O Lord, that in Thy wounds I may find my safety, in Thy stripes my cure, in Thy pain my peace, in Thy Cross my victory, in Thy Resurrection my triumph, and a crown of righteousness in the glories of Thy eternal kingdom. Jeremy Taylor 410—The Cross O Christ, our God, Who for us sinners didst endure the Cross, and so didst enlighten the world’s darkness: visit our hearts, we beseech Thee, with Thy heavenly light, and open the eyes of our minds to know Thee as Thou art, Thou lover of souls; Who through death didst destroy death and ever livest to make intercession for us; and with the Father and the Holy Spirit art one God, for ever and ever. 411—Lux Crucis O Lord, Who for our sake didst endure the bitterness of death and despise the shame, and in Thy Cross and passion dost draw all men unto Thyself: kindle in our hearts the vision of Thy love, and shed abroad the light of Thy victory in the darkness of the world; Who now livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and art loved, worshipped, and adored, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 412—When the Even Was Come O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who at this evening hour didst rest in the sepulchre and didst thereby sanctify the grave to be a bed of hope to Thy people: make us so to abound in sorrow for our sins, which were the cause of Thy passion, that when our bodies lie in the dust, our souls may live with Thee; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Office of Compline 413—Easter Even O God, Whose loving-kindness is infinite, mercifully hear our prayers: that, as in this life we are united in the mystical body of Thy Church; and in death are laid in holy ground with hope of resurrection, so at the last day we may rise again with all Thy blessed saints; through Him Who died and rose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. 414—Easter Even My God, my lover, I thirst after Thee, I hunger after Thee. As I can, not as I ought, having in mind Thy passion, Thy buffetings, Thy scourgings, Thy wounds, remembering how Thou wast slain for my sake, how Thou wast embalmed, how and where Thou wast buried, I sit with Mary at the sepulchre in my heart weeping. Where faith hath laid Thee, hope seeketh to find Thee, love to anoint Thee. Come now, O Lord, reveal Thy face to me, show Thy mercy to those that implore it. We know that Thy Resurrection is accomplished: manifest to our eyes Thy blessed incorruption. Abide with us, abide with us until the morning. Let us enjoy Thy presence; let us be glad and rejoice in Thy Resurrection. The darkness thickens, the evening cometh fast. May our sun, the Light eternal, Christ our God, show us the light of His countenance! St. Anselm 415—Abide With Us Abide with us, O Lord, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent: abide with us, and with Thy whole Church. Abide with us in the evening of the day, in the evening of life, in the evening of the world. Abide with us in Thy grace and mercy, in holy Word and Sacrament, in Thy comfort and Thy blessing. Abide with us in the night of distress and fear, in the night of doubt and temptation, in the night of bitter death, when these shall overtake us. Abide with us and with all Thy faithful ones, O Lord, in time and in eternity. Lutheran Manuel of Prayer 416—Easter: Benedictus Blessed be Thou, O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to Thine abundant mercy didst beget us again unto a living hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us who are kept by Thy power through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Whom having not seen, we love; to Whom with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, praise and dominion, for ever and ever. After St. Peter 417—Easter O God of peace, Who didst bring again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of the eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus: make us perfect in every good thing to do Thy will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory for ever and ever. After Hebrews 13 418—O God, Who for our redemption didst give Thine only-begotten Son to the death of the Cross, and by His glorious Resurrection hast delivered us from the power of the enemy: grant us so to die daily unto sin, that we may evermore live with Him in the joy of His Resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 1549 Prayer Book 419—Almighty God, Who art worshipped by the heavenly host with hymns that are never silent and thanksgivings that never cease: fill our mouths with Thy praise that we may worthily magnify Thy holy Name for all the wonderful blessings of Thy love, and chiefly on this day for the Resurrection of Thy Son. Grant us, with all those that fear Thee and keep Thy commandments, to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost may praise from all the world be given, now and for evermore. Unknown 420—O Risen Lord, Who after Thy passion didst show Thyself alive unto Thine Apostles by many infallible proofs, and didst speak unto them the things that concern the kingdom of God: speak unto us also who wait upon Thee, and fill us with joy and peace in believing; that we may abound in hope, and knowing Thy will may faithfully perform it, even unto the end; through Thy grace, Who livest and reignest, Lord of the dead and of the living. Unknown 421—Almighty God, Who didst bring again from the dead our Lord Jesus, and hast brought life and immortality to light with Him through the Gospel: grant that we, who are raised together with Him and are partakers of the joy and hope of His Resurrection, may daily die unto sin and walk on earth in the power of His endless life in heaven; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be praise and thanksgiving, dominion and power, both now and for evermore. Frederick B. Macnutt 422—O God, Who through Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as He was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we may walk in newness of life, and seek those things which are above; where with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, He liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. 423—Grant to us, Lord, we beseech Thee, that as we joyfully celebrate the mysteries of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, so at His coming we may rejoice before Thee with all Thy saints; through the love of Him Who died for us and rose again. 424—We give Thee thanks, Almighty Father, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of Thy Son: grant, we beseech Thee, that as by His death He has restored to us hope and peace, He may raise us up with Him to life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 425—O Thou, Who didst manifest Thyself in the breaking of bread to Thy disciples at Emmaus, grant us ever through the same blessed Sacrament of Thy Presence to know Thee, and to love Thee more and more with all our hearts. Abide with us, abide in us, that we may ever abide in Thee; dwell in us that we may ever dwell in Thee, O good Jesu, Thou God of our salvation. Edward Bouverie Pusey 426—Lord Jesus, I beseech Thee by Thy glorious Resurrection, raise me up from the sepulchre of my sins and vices, and daily give me a part in Thy Resurrection by grace, that I may be made a partner also in Thy Resurrection of glory. St. Augustine 427—Pour upon us, O Lord, Thy heavenly benediction, that we may be armed with the faith of the Resurrection not to fear any army of men set against us. Archbishop Parker 428—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who when Thou hadst conquered death didst bless those who have not seen Thee and yet have believed: forgive us who, like Thy disciples, are slow of heart to believe, and pour into our hearts the joy of faith unspeakable and full of glory; that being risen with Thee in heart and mind, we may seek those things which are above, where Thou sittest on the right hand of God, and livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 429—O Christ, the light of men, Who on the third day didst arise from the grave and shed Thy bright beams upon the darkness of the world; grant, we beseech Thee, that, enlightened by Thy presence, we may walk as children of the day, to the glory of Thy Name Who livest and reignest, world without end. 430—O God, Who by Thine only-begotten Son hast destroyed the reign of death, and hast made us partakers of the kingdom of Thy love: grant, we beseech Thee, that as Thou hast begotten us again unto a living hope by His Resurrection, so also we may be kept by His power through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in Him, where He reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 431—Ascension O Almighty God, Who by Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to set our affection on things above: grant us so to labour in this life as ever to be mindful of our citizenship in those heavenly places whither our Saviour Christ is gone before; to Whom with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. South African Prayer Book 432—Almighty God, Whose blessed Son, our Saviour Christ, ascended far above all heavens that He might fill all things: mercifully give us faith to perceive that according to His promise He abideth with His Church on earth, even unto the end of the world; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book 433—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast gone up on high that Thou mayest fill all things, and didst fulfill Thy promise to Thy Church and send gifts unto men: we beseech Thee to dwell continually with us by Thy Spirit, that we may seek those things which are above, where Thou sittest on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting till Thine enemies be made Thy footstool, world without end. 434—Almighty God, Who after Thy Son had ascended on high didst send forth Thy Spirit in the Church to draw all men unto Thee: fulfill, we beseech Thee, this Thy gracious purpose, and in the fullness of time gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him, Who is the head over all things in the Church which is His Body, Jesus Christ our Lord. 435—O God, Who hast exalted the Crucified, Thy Son, by a triumphant Resurrection and Ascension into heaven: may His triumphs and glories so shine in the eyes of our hearts and minds, that we may more clearly comprehend His sufferings, and more courageously pass through our own; for His sake Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. E. Milner-White 436—Almighty and merciful God, into Whose gracious presence we ascend, not by the frailty of the flesh, but by the activity of the soul: make us ever by Thine inspiration to seek the courts of the heavenly city, whither our Saviour Christ hath ascended, that by Thy mercy we may confidently enter them both now and hereafter; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary 437—Grant us, Lord, we beseech Thee, not to mind earthly things, but to seek things heavenly; so that though we are set among scenes that pass away, our heart and affection may steadfastly cleave to the things that endure for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary 438—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst gloriously ascend into heaven after Thy Resurrection: grant us the help of Thy grace, that as Thou hast promised to dwell with us always on earth, so in heart and mind we may never cease to dwell with Thee in heaven; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit Thou livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 439—O Christ, the King of glory, Who through the eternal doors didst ascend to the throne of Thy Father, and open the kingdom of heaven to all believers: grant that, while Thou dost reign in heaven, our hearts may not be bowed down by the things of earth, but rather be lifted up whither Thou; our Redemption, hast gone before; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Mozarabic 440—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who after Thy Resurrection didst manifestly appear to Thine Apostles, and in their sight didst ascend into heaven to prepare a place for us: grant that, being risen with Thee, we may lift up our hearts continually to seek Thee where Thou art, and never cease to serve Thee faithfully here on earth; until at last, when Thou comest again, Thou shalt receive us unto Thyself; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 441—O King of glory, Lord of might, Who in triumph didst ascend this day above all heavens: leave us not bereaved, but send upon us the promise of the Father, even the Spirit of Truth. Sarum 442—To Christ Ascended O Lord, the only joy and comfort of our souls, show us Thy loving countenance; embrace us with the arms of Thy mercy; pour Thy Holy Spirit into our hearts; pluck us up from the earth and things earthly; open our eyes and lift them up unto Thee; open Thy mouth, and call us unto Thee; open our ears, that we may hear Thee: so that, whatsoever we do speak or think, it may be directed unto Thee alone, our Redeemer, Mediator, and Advocate. Ludovicus Vives 443—Whitsunday O Almighty God, Who on the day of Pentecost didst send the Holy Ghost the Comforter to abide in Thy Church unto the end: bestow upon us and upon all Thy faithful people His manifold gifts of grace, that with minds enlightened by His truth, and hearts purified by His presence, we may day by day be strengthened with power in the inward man; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the same Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Bishop John Dowden 444—O God, Who in all ages hast sent forth Thy power to sanctify the faithful: let the flame of Thy Spirit so kindle and cleanse Thy Church that in purity and strength we may present unto Thee the glad oblation of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. W. Suter 445—O God, Who didst graciously send to Thy disciples the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, in the likeness of fiery flame: grant to Thy people ;hat they may be united in fervent faith, and that abiding ever in Thy love, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in serving Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 446—O God, Who on the day of Pentecost didst fulfill Thy promise to pour out Thy Spirit upon all flesh: we beseech Thee to shed abroad upon Thy Church in every race and nation the gifts of the same Spirit; that through the preaching of the Gospel Thy glory may be manifested unto all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 447—O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who after His Ascension didst send upon the first disciples Thy promised gift of the Holy Spirit: regard, we pray Thee, the need of Thy Church, and grant us by the same Spirit to be endued with power from on high, that we may bear effectual witness to the truth of Thy holy Gospel, and be strengthened to serve Thee with fervent hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 448—Trinity Sunday O my Lord God Almighty, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose being are unsearchable: accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons and one God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Bishop John Dowden 449—The Transfiguration O God, Who before the passion of Thine only-begotten Son didst reveal His glory upon the holy mount: grant unto us Thy servants, that in faith beholding the light of His countenance, we may be strengthened to bear the cross, and be changed into His likeness from glory to glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 1928 Prayer Book 450—O Almighty and everlasting God, Whose blessed Son revealed Himself to His chosen Apostles when He was transfigured on the holy mount, and amidst the excellent glory spake with Moses and Elijah of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem: grant to us Thy servants that beholding the brightness of Thy countenance we may be strengthened to bear the cross; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book 451—O God, Who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses Thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering: mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in His beauty; Who with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. American Prayer Book 452—O God, Who on the holy mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses Thy well-beloved Son wonderfully transfigured: mercifully grant unto us such a vision of His divine majesty, that we, being purified and strengthened by Thy grace, may be transformed into His likeness from glory to glory; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book 453—Christ our God, Who wast transfigured upon the mountain, and didst manifest Thy glory to Thy disciples as they were able to bear it: shed forth Thine everlasting light upon us, Thy servants, that we may behold Thy glory and enter into Thy sufferings, and proclaim Thee to the world, O Thou Who givest light in the darkness and art Thyself the light of men, Jesus Christ our Lord. Eastern Orthodox 454—All Saints O God, we give Thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all Thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of Thy grace, and lights of the world in their several generations; most humbly beseeching Thee to give us grace so to follow the example of their steadfastness, that we, with all those who are of the mystical body of Thy Son, may be set on His right hand, Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. The English Liturgy 455—All Saints Almighty God, Who dost choose Thine elect out of every nation, and dost show forth Thy glory in their lives: grant, we pray Thee, that, following the example of Thy saints, we may be fruitful in good works to the praise of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book 456—All Saints O Almighty God, Who wiliest to be glorified in Thy saints and hast raised them up to shine as lights in the world: shine, we pray Thee, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth Thy praises, Who hast called us out of darkness into marvellous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. South African Prayer Book 457—All Saints O Lord most High, Who in the righteousness of Thy saints hast given us an ensample of Godly living, and in their blessedness a glorious pledge of the hope of our calling: grant, we beseech Thee, that being compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run with patience the race that is set before us, and with them receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 458—All Saints O God, Who hast brought us near to an innumerable company of angels and to the spirits of just men made perfect: grant us in our pilgrimage on earth to continue in their fellowship, and in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Bright 459—All Saints Almighty and everlasting God, Who dost kindle the flame of Thy love in the hearts of Thy saints: grant to our minds the same faith and power of love; that as we rejoice in their triumph, we may also follow the example of their patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gothic Missal 460—The Example of the Saints Grant, O Lord, that the example of Thy saints may incline our hearts to holiness of living; and that always having in remembrance their faith and patience, we may steadfastly dedicate ourselves to follow with them in the following of Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 461—English Saints We beseech Thee, O Lord, to multiply Thy grace upon us who commemorate the saints of our nation; that, as we rejoice to be their fellow-citizens on earth, so we may have fellowship also with them in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1928 Prayer Book 462—Commemoration of the Saints of England God, Whom all the saints adore, assembled in Thy glorious presence from all times and places of Thy dominion; Who gathered us far dwellers of the islands of the sea into the kingdom of Thy Son; and hast adorned our country with many splendid lamps of holiness: grant us worthily to celebrate the saints of England by following their footsteps throughout the world, whithersoever Thou shalt send us, each in his office lowly serving, till all nations confess Thy Name and all mankind know and fulfill its destiny in Christ; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Alexander Nairne 463—A Martyr’s Witness: St. Thomas of Canterbury Almighty God, Who didst suffer Thy martyr Thomas to be cruelly slain by the swords of wicked men, and yet madest him in his death to become a flaming sword of witness to the might of things unseen: grant unto us that we may be ever mindful of his example, and show forth our thankfulness in loyalty to Thy Church, and in strong confidence and faith in Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 464—The Martyrs Almighty God, by Whose grace and power Thy holy martyrs triumphed over suffering and despised death: grant, we beseech Thee, that, enduring hardness and waxing valiant in fight, we may receive with them the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 465—All Souls Almighty, eternal God, Who wouldest have all men to be saved: be merciful, we beseech Thee, to the souls of Thy servants who have departed from this world in the confession of Thy Name, that they may be joined to the company of Thy saints; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Church Union Prayer 466—Rogation: Harvest O gracious Father, Who openest Thine hands and fillest all things living with plenteousness: vouchsafe to bless the lands and multiply the harvests of the world; let Thy breath go forth to renew the face of the earth; show Thy loving-kindness that our land may give her increase; and so fill us with good things that the poor and needy may give thanks unto Thy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Adapted from American Prayer Book 467—Rogation: Harvest O almighty God, Who hast created the earth for man, and man for Thy glory: mercifully hear the supplications of Thy people, and be mindful of Thy covenant, that both the earth may yield her increase, and the good seed of Thy Word may bring forth abundantly, to the glory of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book 468—Rogation: Harvest O almighty God, Who in Thine unfailing providence givest food to all flesh: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to bless the seed sown in our fields, and to grant that, having received Thy good gifts in due season, we may ever with thankful hearts offer up our praises unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 469—Rogation: Harvest O Lord, Who alone givest seed to the sower and bread to the eater, and hast taught us to seek from Thee our daily bread: bless the sowing of the seed, and grant fertility to the soil that receives it; and accept the labours of Thy servants, for Thy glory and the wellbeing of Thy people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 470—Rogation: Harvest Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, in Whom we live and move and have our being; Who doest good unto all men, making Thy sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sending rain on the just and on the unjust; favourably behold us Thy servants, who call upon Thy Name, and send us Thy blessing from heaven, in giving us fruitful seasons, and filling our hearts with food and gladness; that both our hearts and mouths may be continually filled with Thy praise, giving thanks to Thee in Thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Cosin 471—Rogation: Harvest Almighty God, Who crownest the year with Thy goodness, we beseech Thee to bless with Thy bounty the farmers and workers on the land, that as they sow in hope so in due time they may gather in the sheaves with joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 472—Harvest of Land and Sea Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth; of Thy great goodness, we beseech Thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, the treasures of mines, and the harvest of the sea, so as in due time we may enjoy them with thanksgiving. Archbishop Benson 473—Thanksgiving for Harvest O Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us the fruits of the earth in their season, and hast crowned the year with Thy goodness: give us grateful hearts, that we may unfeignedly thank Thee for all Thy loving-kindness, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John Dowden 474—Thanksgiving for Harvest O Most merciful Father, Who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman and given unto us the fruits of the earth in their season: we give Thee humble and hearty, thanks for this Thy bounty; and we beseech Thee to continue this Thy loving-kindness toward us, that year by year our land may yield her increase, to Thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 475—Thanksgiving for Harvest O Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant us grace to use the same to Thy glory, the relief of those that need, and our own comfort, through Jesus Christ, Who is the living bread which cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world; to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Anon. 476—Thanksgiving for Harvest O Most merciful Father, Who of Thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of Thy Church, and hast granted us to gather in the kindly fruits of the earth in their season: we give Thee humble thanks for this Thy bounty, beseeching Thee to continue Thy loving-kindness towards us, that our land may yield her increase; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 477—Spiritual Harvest O God, Who by the voice of holy prophets hast made manifest in the children of Thy Church in every place of Thy dominion that Thou dost sow good seed and cultivate the branches of Thy vine: grant to Thy people, from whom Thou wilt gather in Thy harvest, that they may be freed from the evil growths of thorns and briars, and abundantly bring forth good fruit to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 478—Spiritual Harvest O Lord, we pray Thee, sow the seed of Thy Word in our hearts, and send down upon us Thy heavenly grace; that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, and at the great day may be gathered by Thy holy angels into Thy garner, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 479—Food Bodily And Spiritual Most mighty Lord and merciful Father, we yield Thee hearty thanks for our bodily sustenance, requiring also most entirely thy gracious goodness, so to feed us with the food of Thy heavenly grace that we may worthily glorify Thy holy Name in this life, and after be partakers of the life everlasting, through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Primer Section 4: The Holy Communion Preparation 480—i. O Lord, Who in a wonderful Sacrament didst leave us a memorial of Thy Cross and passion: grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may always receive within ourselves the fruits of Thy redemption; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. St. Thomas Aquinas 481—ii. Most gracious God, incline Thy merciful ears to our prayers, and enlighten our hearts by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may worthily celebrate these holy mysteries, and love Thee with an everlasting love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 482—iii. Cleanse us, O Lord, from our secret faults, and absolve us from our presumptuous sins; that we may receive these holy mysteries with pure minds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary 483—iv. May the sacred Feast of Thy Table, O Lord, always strengthen and renew us, guide and protect our weakness amid the storms of the world, and bring us into the haven of everlasting salvation. Leonine Sacramentary 484—v. We beseech Thee, O Lord, to visit and purify our souls and bodies, that Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He cometh may find in us a mansion prepared for Himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 485—vi. O God, Who didst wonderfully create the glory of our human nature, and hast yet more wonderfully restored it: grant that as Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has deigned to take upon Him our flesh, so also, through the mysteries of His Body and Blood, we may become partakers of His divine nature, Who was made in our likeness; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. 486—vii. Grant, O Lord, that we who shall receive the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, may come to that holy mystery with faith, charity, and true repentance; that being filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction, we may obtain remission of our sins and all other benefits of His passion, to our great and endless comfort; through Him Who died and rose again and ascended for us, that He might fill all things, Jesus Christ our Lord. 487—viii. O God, Who in our baptism hast made us partakers of Thy grace: grant, we beseech Thee, that as we have been made members of the Body of Thy Son, so by the Sacrament of His Cross and passion we may be strengthened to grow up in all things unto Him Who is the Head, even Jesus Christ; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be honour and glory, world without end. 488—ix. O Lord and heavenly Father, Who hast given unto us Thy people the true Bread that cometh down from heaven, even Thy Son Jesus Christ: grant that our souls may so be fed by Him Who giveth life unto the world, that we may abide in Him and He in us, and Thy Church be filled with the power of His unending life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 489—x. O Lord our God, Bread of heaven, Life of the world, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and I am not worthy to partake of Thine immaculate mysteries. But Thou art God, full of compassion; deem me worthy, I beseech Thee, by Thy grace to partake of Thy holy Body and Thy precious Blood without condemnation, unto remission of sins and eternal life. Liturgy of St. James 490—xi. I Am not worthy, Lord and Master, that Thou shouldest come under the roof of my soul; but since Thou desirest to dwell within me, O Lover of mankind, I am bold to draw near. Thou dost bid me to open the door which Thou alone hast made, that Thou mayest enter and bring light into my darkened mind. I believe that Thou wilt do this, for Thou didst not cast out the harlot when she came to Thee in tears, nor reject the publican when he repented, nor cast out the robber when he confessed Thy kingdom, nor forsake the persecutor when he repented; but Thou didst number among Thy friends all who came to Thee in penitence, O Thou Who alone art blessed, now and world without end. St. Chrysostom 491—xii. O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not my partaking of Thy most pure and life-giving mysteries bring me into judgement, and let me not become weak in soul and body by reason of unworthy partaking of them. Grant me, even unto my last breath, to receive uncondemned my share of Thy holy things, and to receive thereby my portion in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an account acceptable at Thy dread judgement-seat; that with all Thine elect I also may be partaker of those good things undefiled which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, O Lord; amongst whom Thou abidest and art glorified for ever. St. Basil the Great 492—xiii. Lord, Thou hast prepared a table for me against that trouble me: let that holy sacrament of the Eucharist be to me a defense and shield, a nourishment and medicine, life and health, a means of sanctification and spiritual growth; that I, receiving the Body of my dearest Lord, may be one with His mystical Body, and of the same spirit, united with indissoluble bonds of a strong faith, and a holy hope, and a never-failing charity, that from this veil I may pass into the visions of eternal clarity, from eating Thy Body to beholding Thy face in the glories of Thy everlasting kingdom, O blessed and eternal Jesus. Jeremy Taylor 493—xiv. O Lord, into a clean, charitable, and thankful heart, give me grace to receive the blessed Body and Blood of Thy Son, my most blessed Saviour, that it may more perfectly cleanse me from all dregs of sin; that being made clean, it may nourish me in faith, hope, charity, and obedience, with all other fruits of spiritual life and growth in Thee; that in all the future course of my life, I may show myself such an ingrafted member into the Body of Thy Son, that I may never be drawn to do anything that may dishonour His Name. Grant this, O Lord, I beseech Thee, even for His merit’s and mercy’s sake. Archbishop Laud 494—xv. Behold, O God, I am now coming to Thee, O Thou fountain of purgation. Thou well of living waters, wash me clean; be unto me the bread of life to strengthen me in my pilgrimage toward heaven. Thy flesh is meat indeed, and Thy blood is drink indeed: O give me grace to receive both worthily. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe all that Thou hast said, and all that Thou hast promised; help Thou mine unbelief. Thou art the Author, be Thou the Finisher of my faith; and for Thy glory’s sake, for Thine own Name’s sake, lead me in the right way to this great mercy and mystery. Henry Vaughan Before Reception 495—i. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast taught us that man Both not live by bread alone: feed us, we humbly beseech Thee, with the true bread that cometh down from heaven, even Thyself, O Blessed Saviour; Who livest and reignest, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Bishop John Dowden 496—ii. Come, Lord Jesus, in the fullness of Thy grace, and dwell in the hearts of us Thy servants; that, adoring Thee by faith, we may with joy receive Thee, and with love and thankfulness abide in Thee, our Guide, our Bread of pilgrims, our comrade by the way. E. D. Sedding, S.S.J.E. 497—iii. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who by the sacrifice of Thyself didst break the power of sin and death and open unto us the gate of life eternal: mercifully look upon us Thy servants, and feed us with Thyself, the living Bread; that, established in Thy grace and strengthened by Thy Spirit, we may walk before Thee in faith and holiness, and serve Thee unto our lives’ end. Frederick B. Macnutt 498—iv. O merciful Jesus, Who in this holy Sacrament dost vouchsafe to us the immortal food which is Thyself: grant to our weak and languishing souls new supplies of grace, new life, new love, new vigour, and new resolution; that we may nevermore fail in our duty, nor faint in our service; to the glory of Thy Name. 499—v. Lord, I believe and confess that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. I believe also that this is Thine undefiled Body, and that this is indeed Thy precious Blood. I pray Thee, therefore, have mercy upon me and forgive me my offences, willing and unwilling, in word or in deed, knowing or unknowing; and account me worthy to partake uncondemned of Thine undefiled mysteries, unto remission of sins and life eternal. Liturgy of St. Chrysostom 500—vi. Thanks be unto Thee, good Jesus, eternal Shepherd, for that Thou hast vouchsafed to refresh us exiles with Thy precious Body and Blood. O Lord, I draw near, a sick man to the Saviour, hungry and thirsty to the fountain of life, a poor vagabond to the King of heaven, a servant to his Lord, a creature to the Creator, a desolate soul to my tender Comforter. Behold, in Thee is all that I can desire; Thou art my salvation and my redemption, my hope and my strength, my honour and glory. Rejoice, therefore, this day the soul of Thy servant, for unto Thee, Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul. Receive me for the honour and glory of Thy Name: Thou Who hast prepared Thy Body and Blood to be my meat and drink. Grant, O Lord God of my salvation, that with the frequenting of Thy mystery the zeal of my devotion may increase. Thomas à Kempis 501—vii. We pray Thee, Lord, let Thy Spirit purify our hearts, lest we come unworthily to this heavenly feast; that Thou mayest be shed abroad in our hearts, and we may grow strong in spirit to persevere in the blessed society of Thy mystical Body, which Thou wiliest to be one with Thee as Thou art one with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit; to Whom be praise and thanksgiving for ever. Erasmus 502—viii. Glory be to Thee, O God our Father, Who hast vouchsafed to make us at this time partakers of the Body and Blood of Thy holy Son: we offer unto Thee, O God, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto Thee: keep us under the shadow of Thy wings, and defend us from all evil, and conduct us by the Holy Spirit of grace into all good: for Thou Who hast given Thy holy Son unto us, how shalt not Thou with Him give us all things else? Blessed be the Name of our God for ever and ever. Jeremy Taylor 503—ix. Lord, I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant, all my life long unto this very day; much less am I worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof. But seeing it is Thy free institution and free mercy that will have it so, be jealous, O God, of the place of Thine honour; cause me to remember whose temple I am, and suffer not my last state to be worse than the first. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Henry Vaughan 504—x. Let the remembrance of Thy death, O blessed Jesus, ever present with me when temptations assault me. Let Thy good Spirit preserve my body evermore a fit temple for the Lord God to dwell in. Give me desires as great as my necessities, that all who are partakers of this one bread may be united and of one heart and soul, at peace with God and one with another. Bishop Thomas Wilson 505—xi. O blessed Jesus, Saviour, Who didst agonize for us: God Almighty, Who didst make Thyself weak for the love of us: stir us up to offer to Thee our bodies, our souls, our spirits; and in all we love and all we learn, in all we plan and all we do, to offer ourselves, our labours, our pleasures, our sorrows, to Thee to work for Thy kingdom, to live as those who are not their own, but bought with Thy Blood, fed with Thy Body. And enable us now, in Thy most Holy Sacrament, to offer to Thee our repentance, our prayers, our praises, living, reasonable, and spiritual sacrifices — Thine from our birth-hour, Thine now, and Thine for ever. Charles Kingsley 506—xii.—At the Sanctus In world of worlds without ending Thanked be Thou, Jesu, my King. All my heart I give it Thee, great right it is that it so be; with all my will I worship Thee, Jesu, blessed might Thou be. With all my heart I thanke Thee The good that Thou hast done to me; Sweet Jesu, grant me now this, That I may come unto Thy bliss, There with angels for to sing The sweet song of Thy praising: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus. Jesu, grant that it be thus. Twelfth Century After Reception 507—i. O Lord, my God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, make me ever to seek and love Thee, and, by this Holy Communion which I have received, never to depart from Thee; for Thou art God, and beside Thee there is none else, for ever and ever. Mozarabic 508—ii. We thank Thee, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, because Thou hast admitted us this day to Thy heavenly mysteries. Guide our path aright, we beseech Thee; stablish us in Thy fear; watch over our lives; and make safe our goings in Thy way. Liturgy of St. James 509—iii. We give Thee thanks, O Lord, holy Father, Almighty everlasting God, Who not for any merit of ours, but of the condescension of Thy mercy only, hast vouchsafed to feed us sinners, Thy unworthy servants, with the precious Body and Blood of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ. And we humbly entreat Thy boundless mercy, Almighty and merciful Lord, that this Holy Communion may not bring guilt upon us to condemnation, but may be unto us for pardon and salvation. Let it be to us an armour of faith and a shield of good resolution. Let it be to us a riddance of all vices, an extermination of all evil desires and lusts, and an increase of love and patience, of humility and obedience, and of all virtues; a sure defense against the wiles of our enemies, visible or invisible; a perfect quietening of all sinful impulses, fleshly or spiritual; a firm adherence to Thee, the one true God, and a blessed consummation of our end. And we pray Thee that Thou wouldest vouchsafe to bring us sinners to that ineffable feast, where Thou, with Thy Son and the Holy Spirit, art to Thy saints true light, abundant fulfillment, and everlasting joy, and perfect happiness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. St. Thomas Aquinas 510—iv. Give unto me, O God, and unto all that have communicated this day in the divine mysteries a portion of all the good prayers which are made in heaven and earth; the intercession of our Lord, and the supplications of all Thy servants; and unite us in the bands of the common faith and a holy charity; that no interests or partialities, no sects or opinions, may keep us any longer in darkness and division. Jeremy Taylor Conclusion 511—i. From glory to glory going onward, we hymn Thee, Saviour of our souls. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end: we hymn Thee, Saviour of our souls. From strength to strength going onward, and having accomplished the divine celebration in Thy temple, now also we pray Thee, O Lord our God, mercifully to grant to us Thy perfect love. Order our way aright, root us in Thy fear, and account us worthy of Thy heavenly kingdom, in Jesus Christ our Lord, with Whom and with Thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit Thou art blessed now and for ever, world without end. Liturgy of St. James 512—ii. Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy family, and guard with watchful tenderness the hearts which have been hallowed by sacred mysteries; that as by Thy mercy we have received the healing gifts of eternal salvation, so by Thy protection we may retain them unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary 513—iii. Glory be to Thee, O Jesus, my Lord and my God, for thus feeding my soul with Thy most blessed Body and Blood. O let Thy heavenly food transfuse new life and new vigour into my soul, and into the souls of all that communicate with me, that our faith may increase: that we may all grow more humble and contrite for our sins, that we may all love Thee, and serve Thee, and delight in Thee, and praise Thee more fervently, more incessantly, than ever we have done heretofore. Thomas Ken 514—iv. Lord, I have received this Sacrament of the Body and Blood of my dear Saviour. His mercy hath given it, and my faith received it into my soul. I humbly beseech Thee speak mercy and peace unto my conscience, and enrich me with all those graces which come from that precious Body and Blood, even till I be possessed of eternal life in Christ. Archbishop Laud Section 5: Other Sacraments 515—The Baptized O God, by Whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is multiplied and governed: preserve in the new-born children of Thy family the fullness of Thy grace; that, being renewed in body and soul, they may be fervent in the unity of the faith, and be counted worthy, O Lord, to serve Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 516—The Baptized O God, Who hast united men of every nation in the confession of Thy Name, and dost continually multiply Thy Church with new offspring: grant that those who have been born again, of water and of the Spirit, may be one both in inward faith and in outward devotion, and with thankful hearts may show forth in their lives the grace of that sacrament which they have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book 517—Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Who hast given unto us the Sacrament of Holy Baptism that souls thereby being born again may be heirs of everlasting salvation: we yield Thee hearty thanks for this Thy gift, and humbly we beseech Thee to grant that we who have thus been made partakers of the death of Thy Son may also be partakers of His Resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1928 Prayer Book 518—Candidates for Confirmation Merciful Lord, we pray Thee abundantly to strengthen these Thy servants with the sevenfold gifts of Thy Holy Spirit; that they who are admitted by Thine ordinance to the perfection of Christian grace may grow unto the perfection of Christian life in the exercise of the power which Thou hast given to us; through Thy Son Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Richard Meux Benson 519—Confirmation O God, Who through the teaching of Thy Son Jesus Christ didst prepare the disciples for the coming of the Comforter: make ready, we beseech Thee, the hearts and minds of Thy servants who at this time are seeking the gift of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, that, drawing near with penitent and faithful hearts, they may be filled with the power of His divine indwelling; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 1928 Prayer Book 520—Ministry to the Sick Grant, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, to all who minister healing and comfort to the sick and suffering Thy protection in the way of duty, strength and patience, tenderness and love for men, and that they may faithfully serve Thee in their office for the love of Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 521—Love and Healing Almighty God, Who didst inspire Thy servant Saint Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of Thy Son: manifest in Thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and our souls; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 522—The Gift of Healing O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, Word of the Everlasting Father, Who hast borne our griefs and carried the burdens of our infirmities: renew by Thy Holy Spirit in Thy Church, we beseech Thee, Thy gifts of healing, and send forth Thy disciples again to preach the Gospel of Thy kingdom, and to cure the sick and relieve Thy suffering children, to the praise and glory of Thy holy Name. Liturgy of St. Mark 523—Recovery of the Sick Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health, we beseech Thee to hear our prayers for Thy servant .——. that by Thy gifts of faith and healing and the use of Thy provided means he (she) may be restored to health of body and mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 524—Dedication Before Ordination O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. This day I consecrate all that I have or hope to be to Thy service. All that I have been I lay at the foot of Thy Cross. O crucified Lord, forgive the sins of my past life: fold me in the embrace of Thy all-prevailing sacrifice: purify me by Thy passion: raise me by Thy perfect submission. Son of Man, hallow all my emotions and affections; gather them to Thyself and make them strong only for Thy service, enduring through Thy Presence. Eternal Word, sanctify my thoughts; make them free with the freedom of Thy Spirit. Son of God, consecrate my will to Thyself: unite it with Thine: and so fill me with Thine own abundant life. King of glory, my Lord and Master, take my whole being: redeem it by Thy Blood: engird it with Thy power: use it in Thy service: and draw it ever closer to Thyself. From this day forth, O Master, take my life and let it be ever, only, all for Thee. Archbishop Lang 525—Candidates for Ordination O Thou true light, that lightenest every man that cometh into the world: do Thou in Thy mercy touch the hearts and enlighten the understandings of all who are being prepared for the ministry of Thy Church; that they may readily acknowledge, and cheerfully obey, all that Thou wouldest have them believe and practise, to the benefit of those to whom they shall minister; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 526— Candidates for Ordination O God, Who dost ever hallow and protect Thy Church: raise up from among us, we beseech Thee, through Thy Spirit a good and faithful succession of the stewards of the mysteries of Christ; that by their ministry and example the Christian people under Thy defense may be sustained and guided in the way of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 527—Candidates for Ordination O Thou good Shepherd, Who didst lay down Thy life for Thy sheep, and dost ever nourish them with the spiritual food of Thy most precious Body and Blood: we pray Thee to quicken with Thy divine charity the hearts of those whom Thou dost choose to be pastors of Thy flock, that they may resolve gladly to spend whatsoever Thou hast given them, in ministering to the salvation of Thine elect servants, and to Thine own eternal praise and glory, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Anon. Section 6: The Work Of The Church 528—The Church of England O merciful God, bless this particular Church in which I live; make it, and all the members of it, sound in faith, and holy in life, that they may serve Thee, and Thou bless them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archbishop Laud 529 Thanksgiving for St. Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury Almighty God and heavenly Father, Who, of Thine infinite love and goodness towards us, hast given to us Thine only Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and the author of everlasting life; we render unto Thee most hearty thanks that Thou didst send Thy servant Augustine, to call us out of darkness into light, and to be the first archbishop of Thy Church in this land. We humbly beseech Thee to grant that we may continue to show ourselves thankful to Thee for these Thy so great benefits, and that with him, and with all who in every age have truly and Godly served Thee in this life, we may live with Thee in life everlasting; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. The Ordinal, adapted 530—The Church of England Almighty and merciful God, Who in days of old didst give to this realm and people the benediction of Thy holy Church: withdraw not, we pray Thee, Thy favour from us; and so set right what is amiss and supply what is lacking, that more and more we may bring forth fruit to Thy glory and the welfare of this and; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 531—The Cjurch Almighty Father, Who dost from age to age revive and inspire Thy Church; look now upon that branch of it which Thou hast planted in this land; that being fulfilled with Thy Holy Spirit, we may be worthy of the freedom which Thou hast given to us, and in zeal and courage, faithfulness and love, may manifest Thy glory in service of our nation and the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 3: PART 3 ======================================================================== 532—The Church Lord, for Thy Holy Catholic Church we pray: for the Churches throughout the world, for their truth, unity, and stability, that in all charity may thrive and truth live: for our own Church, that the things that are wanting therein may be supplied, and those things set in order that are not right: that all heresies, schisms, and scandals, as well public and private, may be put out of the way: for the clergy, that they may rightly divide the word of truth, that they may walk uprightly, and that while they are teaching others they may learn themselves: and for the people, that they may not think of themselves more highly than they ought, but be persuaded by reason to walk in the ways of truth and peace. After Lancelot Andrewes 533—The Church We give Thee thanks, Almighty Father, for Thy gifts to this nation in past times through Thy Church. Grant that we may be worthy of our inheritance; quicken our faith and inspire us with Thy Spirit that we may walk together in fellowship and peace; draw all men unto Thee and one to another by the bands of Thy love; and unite us in a sacred brotherhood, wheren justice, mercy, and faith, truth and freedom, may flourish, to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 534—The Church Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast revealed Thy glory in Christ to all the nations: protect, we beseech Thee, what Thy compassion has created, that Thy Church which is spread abroad throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary 535—The Church O Lord, Who blessest them that bless Thee and hallowest them that put their trust in Thee, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance: guard the fullness of Thy Church; hallow them that love the beauty of Thine house; lift them up in glory and reward them by Thy divine power; and forsake us not whose hope is in Thee. Give Thy peace to Thy world, to Thy Churches, to priests, to the forces, and to all Thy people; for every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from Thee, the Father of lights: and to Thee do we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Liturgy of St. Chrysostom 536—The Church We pray Thee, Lord, to guide and uphold Thy Church with Thine unfailing goodness; that it may walk warily in times of quiet, and in troublous times with faith and courage; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After St. Francis 537—The Church Remember, O Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it all evil and to perfect it in Thy love. Strengthen and preserve it by Thy Word and Sacraments. Enlarge its borders, that so Thy Gospel may be preached to all nations; and gather the faithful from all the ends of the earth into the kingdom which Thou hast prepared. Swedish Liturgy 538—The Church Preserve, O God, the Catholic Church in holiness and truth, in unity and peace, free from persecution, or glorious under it; that she may advance the honour of her Lord Jesus, for ever represent His sacrifice, and glorify His Person, and advance His religion, and be accepted of Thee in her blessed Lord, that being filled with His Spirit she may partake of His glory. Jeremy Taylor 539—The Church O Thou gracious Father of mercy, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon Thy servants, who bow our heads, and our knees, and our hearts to Thee; pardon and forgive us all our sins; give us the grace of holy repentance, and a strict obedience to Thy holy Word; strengthen us in the inner man with the power of the Holy Ghost for all the parts and duties of our calling and holy living; preserve us for ever in the unity of the Holy Catholic Church, and in the integrity of the Christian Faith, and in the love of God and of our neighbours, and in hope of life eternal. Jeremy Taylor 540—The Church Gracious Father, we humbly beseech Thee, for Thy Holy Catholic Church; fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purge it; where it is in error, direct it; where it is superstitious, rectify it; where anything is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen and confirm it; where it is in want, furnish it; where it is divided and rent asunder, make up the breaches of it; O Thou Holy One of Israel. Archbishop Laud 541—The Church O God, we pray for Thy Church which is set today amid the perplexities of a changing order, and is face to face with new tasks: fill us afresh with the Spirit of Pentecost; help us to bear witness boldly to the coming of Thy kingdom; and hasten the time when the knowledge of Thyself shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. Unknown 542—The Church God, our Shepherd, give to the Church a new vision and a new charity, new wisdom and fresh understanding, the revival of her brightness and the renewal of her unity; that the eternal message of Thy Son, undefiled by the traditions of men, may be hailed as the good news of the new age; through Him Who maketh all things new, Jesus Christ our Lord. Percy Dearmer 543—Unity O Lord, the God of patience and consolation, grant us to be likeminded one towards another according to Jesus Christ; that with one mind and one mouth we may glorify Thee, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5–6 544—Unity O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from Godly union and concord: that, as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Accession Service, 1714 545—Unity O Sovereign Lord, Almighty God, look upon Thy Church and upon all Thy people, and all Thy flock, and save us all, Thine unworthy servants, the sheep of Thy flock. Give us Thy peace, and Thy love, and Thy help, and send down upon us the free gift of Thine all-holy Spirit; that with pure heart and good conscience we may be united blameless and spotless in one spirit in the bond of peace and of love, one body and one spirit, in one faith as we have been called in one hope of our calling; so that we all may attain to the divine and boundless love, in Christ Jesus our Lord; with Whom, and with Thy all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, Thou art blessed for evermore. Liturgy of St. Mark 546—Unity Gracious Lord, Who art the God of concord and peace; unite our hearts and affections in such sort together, that we may walk as brethren in Thy house, in brotherly love and charity, and as members of the Body of Christ. Let the sanctifying oil of Thy Holy Spirit inflame us, and the dew of Thy blessing continually fall upon us, that we may enter into life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. After Scottish Psalter, 1595 547—Unity Lord, we beseech Thee: let the whole Christian folk be made one; bring together those whom Thou hast called and chosen; break down the walls of division; and frustrate the enemies of peace. Lord, we beseech Thee, bring in the day when there shall be one flock and one Shepherd. From the German 548—Unity Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to v grant unto the whole Christian people unity, peace, and true concord, both visible and invisible; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 549—Unity O Lord Jesu Christ, Who didst pray for Thy disciples that they might be one, even as Thou art one with the Father: draw us to Thyself, that in common love and obedience to Thee we may be united to one another, in the fellowship of the one Spirit, that the world may believe that Thou art Lord, to the glory of God the Father. William Temple 550—Unity O Lord, we pray Thee to set our feet in a large room, where hearts are made pure from sin by faith in Thee, and faces are turned to the light; grant that we may be one in Thee, and that no narrow walls of division between man and man may destroy the unity which Thou hast made in the Spirit of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 551—Unity Grant, O Lord, that as there is one Spirit, one Lord, one Faith, and one Hope of our calling; so Thy Church, as one Body, may draw all nations into peace and unity; through Him in Whom all men are one, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Unknown 552—The Confession of Faith O Lord Christ, Who judgest the earth, and hast laid the sure foundation upon which Thy Church has upraised its confession of faith: grant that we may not build our faith upon the sand, where storms may overthrow it; and establish us upon the rock which is steadfast in Thee; to the glory of Thy Name. Mozarabic 553—The Church in Persecution O God, our refuge and strength, Who art a very present help in time of trouble: have mercy upon Thy Church in its hour of persecution; deliver Thy people by Thy mighty protection from tyranny and oppression; save them from the dangers that beset them; and restore to them the blessings of freedom and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 554—The Persecuted Blessed Lord, Who Thyself didst undergo the pain suffering of the Cross: uphold, we beseech Thee, with Thy promised gift of strength all those of our brethren who are suffering for their faith in Thee. Grant that in the midst of their persecutions they may hold fast by this faith, and that from their steadfastness Thy Church may grow in grace, and we ourselves increase in perseverance, to the honour of Thy Name; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit art ever one God. Anon. 555—The Persecuted O Lord, grant, we beseech Thee, liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are in bondage for Thy truth; that Thy people may rejoice in the freedom which Thy mercy giveth, both in this world and that which is to come. Gothic Missal 556—A Conference of Bishops Eternal Father, Who wouldest make the Church Thy dear Son a city great and fair, the joy of the whole earth; we beseech Thee, by the sending of Thy Holy Spirit to direct its counsels in all manner of wisdom, love, and might; remove perplexity, establish concord, kindle flame; and gather a people single and strong of faith, to the praise of Him Who with Thee and the same Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Lambeth Conference, 1930 557—The Archbishop Almighty God, giver of all good things, Who by Thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in Thy Church: mercifully behold Thy servant N... enthroned into the high office and dignity of Archbishop and Metropolitan of this Province; and replenish him so with the truth of Thy doctrine, and adorn him with innocency of life, that both by word and deed he may faithfully serve Thee in this office, to the glory of Thy Name, and the edifying and well governing of Thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Book of Common Prayer 558—The Bishops Almighty God, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed Thy flock: give grace, we beseech Thee, to all bishops, the pastors of Thy Church, that they may diligently preach Thy Word, and duly administer the Godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Book of Common Prayer 559—The Bishop O God, the Pastor and Ruler of Thy faithful servants, look down in Thy mercy upon Thy servant, our bishop, N..., to whom Thou hast given charge over this diocese; evermore guide, defend, comfort, and save him; and grant that he, with the flock committed to his charge, may attain to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ambrosian Use 560—The Bishop O God, Who art the Pastor and Ruler of Thy holy Church: look graciously upon this diocese, and especially upon Thy servant N..., our bishop. Endue him plentifully with Thy manifold gifts of grace; and guide him continually in Thy paths, that he may lead aright the flock committed to him. Grant this for His sake, Who is the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. After Ambrosian Use 561 The Bishop Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to Thy servant N..., our bishop, that by preaching and doing those things that be Godly, he may set forth the example of good works, and teach and strengthen the souls of the people committed to his government; and that finally he may receive the everlasting recompense of the reward from Thee, the most merciful Pastor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. As used in St. Paul’s 562—A Bishop’s Prayer O God, the Pastor and Governor of all Thy faithful people, look down in mercy upon me Thy servant whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint chief pastor of Thy Church of Canterbury: grant, I most humbly beseech Thee, that I may profit those whom I am set over, both by doctrine and example; that I, together with my flock committed to my charge, may come to eternal life. Archbishop Laud 563—Bishops And Clergy O Almighty God, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed Thy flock: make, we beseech Thee, all bishops and pastors of Thy Church diligently to preach Thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, they may together receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book 564—The Diocese O God, Who hast called us to be members together of Thy Church, which is the Body of Thy Son, pour out, we beseech Thee, Thy Spirit upon this diocese. Endue with strength and love and wisdom all who bear authority and serve Thee therein. Accept our gifts, our labours, and our love, and use them for the advancement of Thy kingdom and the glory of Thy Name. Lead us in all our work for Thee, and unite us in the joyful service of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Bishop A. A. David 565—The Diocese O God, Who hast graciously united us in a goodly fellowship, we pray for Thy Church in this diocese and for Thy people in our parishes, that comeliness of worship, preaching of the faith, and holiness of living may always abound and everywhere be spread abroad amongst us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After A. J. Mason 566—The Diocese Almighty and everlasting God, we beseech Thee to down with mercy upon this diocese. Remember for good its bishop, priests, and deacons, and all Thy faithful people therein; bless, we beseech Thee, the ministration of Thy holy Word and Sacraments, and the preaching of Thy Gospel to those that are without; that Thy holy Name may be glorified and Thy blessed kingdom enlarged; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Oremus, adapted 567—The Diocese O Lord God, our ruler and guide, Who from generation to generation dost lead Thy people, and givest to those who seek it the guidance of Thy wise and loving Spirit: be present, we pray Thee, with us to whom Thou givest in trust the welfare of this diocese. Unite us ever more closely in the fellowship of faith and devotion; that we may perceive and know what things we ought to do, and have grace and power to fulfill the same. Guide us in all our works and ways, that Thy people may faithfully serve Thee, to the glory of Thy Name, the extension of Thy Church, and the coming of Thy kingdom. Grant this, O Lord, for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. A. B. Daldy 568—The Diocese O Lord God, the Father of Lights, from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift: pour out, we beseech Thee, Thy heavenly blessing upon Thy people in this diocese; that through their faith and fellowship Thy holy Name may be glorified and Thy Church be strengthened in Thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 569—The Diocese O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst charge Thine Apostles that they should preach the Gospel to every creature: prosper, we pray Thee, the work of Thy Church in this diocese; and so guide the minds of N . . . our bishop, and those who work with him, that Thy people may be moved to extend to others the means of grace, and to share with them the blessings of Thy redeeming love; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Unknown 570—The Clergy O Lord Jesus Christ, Whose servants Simon Peter and Andrew his brother did at Thy word straightway leave their nets to become fishers of men: give Thy grace, we humbly beseech Thee, to those whom Thou dost call to the sacred ministry of Thy Church, that they may hear Thy voice, and with glad hearts obey Thy call; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. South African Prayer Book 571—The Clergy O Lord our God, fill, we beseech Thee, all those whom Thou hast set as pastors over Thy flock with righteousness and true holiness; that by their faith and devotion they may overcome evil and deliver us in time of danger and adversity. Gothic Missal 572—The Clergy O Thou good Shepherd, Who didst lay down Thy life for Thy sheep, and dost ever nourish them with the spiritual food of Thy most precious Body and Blood: we pray Thee to quicken with Thy divine charity the hearts of those whom Thou dost choose to be pastors of Thy flock, that they may resolve gladly to spend whatsoever Thou hast given them in ministering to the salvation of Thine elect servants, and to Thine own eternal praise and glory; Who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Oremus 573—The Clergy O God, Who makest Thine angels spirits, and Thy ministers a flame of fire: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to stir up and confirm the sacred grace of Orders in all stewards of Thy mysteries; that as ministering spirits they may gather out of Thy kingdom all things that offend, and may kindle in the hearts of all that fire which Thou camest to send upon the earth; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Henry Parry Liddon 574—The Clergy Remember, O gracious Lord, for good these Thy ministering servants: pour out upon them evermore Thy Holy Spirit, to strengthen, deepen, chasten, and purify them; that, giving themselves up to Thy service, they may do and suffer all that Thou willest, and finally may reign with Thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson 575—The Clergy O Lord, Who delightest to effect by grace what the weakness of our nature cannot attain: illuminate the stewards of Thy mysteries with Thy indwelling purity, that in the work of the ministry their word may go forth as fire to purify the unclean, to enlighten the ignorant, and to quicken the dead. Richard Meux Benson 576—The Clergy Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, to all whom Thou hast called to the sacred ministry of Thy Church, such a sense of their high calling that they may count no sacrifice too great to make in Thy service; and that, so bringing a blessing to their people, they may themselves be blessed of Thee; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Peter Green 577—The Clergy O Lord, we beseech Thee to support, guide, and bless the clergy who are called to labour in this diocese: give them grace to witness to the faith, endue them with burning zeal and love, make them patient under disappointments and meekly submissive under provocations; that they may turn many to righteousness, and themselves obtain a crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Wells Office Book 578—Increase of the Ministry O Lord, we beseech Thee to raise up for the work of the ministry faithful and able men, counting it all joy to spend and be spent for the sake of Thy dear Son, and for the souls for which He shed His most precious Blood upon the Cross; and we pray Thee to fit them for their holy function by Thy bountiful grace and heavenly benediction. Archbishop Benson 579—During a Vacancy in a Parish O merciful God, Who knowest the needs of Thy Church and people in this place: look favourably upon us at this time, and of Thy great goodness grant unto us a parish priest according to Thy heart, who shall perform all Thy will; through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. 580—A Retreat O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst say to Thy disciples, Come ye apart into a desert place and rest awhile: grant, we beseech Thee, to Thy servants now gathered together, so to seek Thee Whom our souls desire to love, that we may both find Thee and be found of Thee; and grant such love and such wisdom to accompany the words which shall be spoken in Thy Name, that they may not fall to the ground, but may be helpful in leading us onward through the toils of our pilgrimage to that rest which remaineth; where, nevertheless, they rest not day nor night from Thy perfect service; Who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Richard Meux Benson 581—Before a Retreat O Lord Jesu Christ, Who didst say to Thine apostles, ‘Come ye apart into a desert place and rest awhile,’ for there were many coming and going: grant, we beseech Thee, to Thy servants, here gathered together, that they may rest awhile at this present time with Thee. May they so seek Thee, Whom their souls desire to love, that they may both find Thee and be found of Thee. And grant such love, and such wisdom to accompany the words which shall be spoken in Thy name, that they may not fall to the ground, but may be helpful in leading us onward through the toils of our pilgrimage to that rest, which remaineth to the people of God; where, nevertheless, they rest not day and night from Thy perfect service; Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest ever one God, world without end. Richard Meux Benson 582—Readers Look, we beseech Thee, merciful Father, upon those whom Thou hast called to be readers in Thy Church; and grant that they may be so filled with Thy Holy Spirit that, seeking only Thy glory and the salvation of souls, they may preach Thy Word with steadfast devotion, and by the constancy of their faith and the innocency of their lives may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour in all things; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 583—Deaconesses Almighty God, Who hast committed to men and women the ministry of the Gospel: pour Thy grace upon Thy servants called to the order of deaconesses; that in all they do and teach they may love and serve Thee, to the glory of Thy Name and the benefit of Thy Church; through Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Prayer of the Order 584—A Deaconess Almighty God, Who hast called this Thy servant to the office and ministry of a deaconess in Thy Church: mercifully grant unto her grace and power to perform the work which Thou givest her to do; that through her service Thou mayest forward Thy purposes of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Convocation 585—Church Extension O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast taught us that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that to whom much is given, of them shall much be required: pour out upon us the spirit of Thine own abundant giving; that as we have received the Churches in which we worship, we also may freely give, that others may enjoy a like inheritance, and become partakers with us in the fellowship of Thy Church; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 586—Building a New Church Almighty Father, Who dwellest not in temples made with hands, and yet wiliest that Thy children shall worship Thee in houses set apart to Thine honour: look graciously, we beseech Thee, upon us whom Thou hast called to build a Church for this parish, that Thou mayest put Thy Name there and hallow it as a witness to generations that are yet to come. Inspire us by Thy Spirit, that we may lay its foundations in love and set up its pillars with sacrifice. Move the hearts of Thy people to give willingly and to work patiently that this Thy house may be brought to fulfillment in beauty, and that we ourselves may be built up a spiritual temple acceptable unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 587—A Parish Church and Congregation O Everlasting God, Who art ever adored by the holy angels, and yet dost choose us to be stewards of Thy mysteries: bless, we beseech Thee, the work of this Church and congregation, that we may serve before Thee in purity and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Office of Compline, adapted 588—Beauty in Worship O God, Who hast chosen material things to be the instruments of divine grace: grant us so to realize the glory of that heavenly fellowship wherein Thou callest us to worship Thee, that we may the better show our reverence for Thy majesty by our care for Thy holy house; and, rejoicing in the outward beauty of Thy sacred functions, may gain fuller experience of their inward power; to the glory of Thy great Name through Christ our Lord. Richard Meux Benson 589—Church Institutions Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, merciful Lord, to prosper with Thy blessing all institutions designed for the promotion of Thy glory and the good of souls. Grant that those who serve Thee in religious houses, hospitals, and schools, may set Thy holy will ever before them, and do that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight, and persevere in Thy service unto the end. Richard Mews Benson 590—Choirs O Lord Jesus Christ, Who before Thy Passion didst join with Thy disciples in a hymn of praise: grant, we beseech Thee, to those who offer the sacrifice of song in Thy Church that they may be admitted hereafter to have their part in the music of Thy Church in heaven, and adore Thee for ever; to Whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. As used at Salisbury 591—Choirs Almighty God, Who hast given unto men power to invent for themselves instruments of music, and skill to use them in sounding forth Thy praise: grant that the music heard in this Thy holy and beautiful house may kindle a spirit of devotion in us Thy servants; and that we, taking our part in prayer and praise to Thee here on earth, may hereafter be admitted into Thy heavenly temple, and join in the everlasting song of the redeemed around Thy throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. As used at Salisbury 592—Choirs O Lord God Almighty, behold and hallow Thy servants who bear office in the choirs of Thy Church; and grant that in purity of heart and mind they may sing Thy praises and offer unto Thee true and acceptable worship. Keep them, we beseech Thee, in the fellowship of Thy saints; through the grace of Thine only-begotten Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 593—A Choir O Lord our God, before Whom the heavens do bow and adore, Who dost give ear to the praises of Thy Church on earth: look, we beseech Thee, upon those who sing in this choir; give them reverence in worship, sincerity of purpose, and purity of life; that what they sing with their lips may be the sacrifice of their hearts; to the honour and glory of Thy holy Name. Unknown 594—Choirs and Choral Festivals Almighty God, Who hast ordained that the hearts of men are moved by sacred harmonies, and their minds attuned thereby to the understanding of Thy divine mysteries: grant, we pray Thee, that all who in this holy house unite in making unto Thee an offering of music may know themselves to be Thy ministers, and that the hearts of those who hear may be uplifted and strengthened in their faith and hope in Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 595—Music O God, Who in the gift of music hast given unto us a revelation of Thy divine beauty: teach us to love Thee in all Thy gifts, and so to devote ourselves in all our work to Thy glory, that through music we may raise men from the sorrows of this world to the enjoyment of Thy divine loveliness. Harold Anson 596—The Parish Almighty and everlasting God, Who dost govern all things in heaven and earth, mercifully hear the supplications of us Thy servants, and grant unto this parish all things that are needful for its spiritual welfare: schools wherein to bring up the young in Thy faith and fear, ministers to labour in this portion of Thy vineyard, a Church restored to the beauty of holiness. Strengthen and increase the faithful: visit and relieve the sick: turn and soften the wicked: rouse the careless: recover the fallen: restore the penitent: remove all hindrances to the advancement of Thy truth: bring us all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of Thy holy Church, to the honour and glory of Thy Name. W. T. Butler 597—A Parochial Church Council Almighty God, Who hast united us in Thy as members of one body: grant that we may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith Thou hast called us; may brotherly kindness abound amongst us, Thy blessing rest upon our work, Thy Name be hallowed in our midst, and Thy peace guard our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 598—A Parochial Church Council O Lord and heavenly Father, strengthen us, we beseech Thee, in love one to another, and increase in us the love of Thyself. Deliver us from self-seeking in the work that we undertake for Thee; and grant us grace so faithfully to serve Thee with one heart and soul in the fellowship of Thy Church on earth, that hereafter we may be united in the communion of Thy saints in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 599—Churchworkers Almighty Father, from Whom every family in heaven and earth is named, Who hast called us into the fellowship of Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that in all our parishes we may fulfill the duties and enjoy the privileges of our spiritual home. And upon those who offer themselves for Thy service bestow the fullness of Thy grace; that, united in love to Thee and to one another, we may show forth Thy glory and hasten the coming of Thy kingdom. Unknown 600—Churchworkers O Thou true light that lightest every man, coming into the world: we pray Thee in Thy mercy to inflame the heart and enlighten the understanding of all whom Thou dost call to the service of Thy Church; that they may cheerfully acknowledge and readily obey Thy call, to the benefit of Thy people and the glory of Thy holy Name; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, world without end. Henry Parry Liddon 601—Churchworkers Grant, O Lord, that those whom Thou dost choose to work for Thee may labour in union with Thy holy purposes, and in living unity with Thy dear Son Jesus Christ; lat by the power of Thy Holy Spirit we may accomplish far more than we ever know, and work not for results but for the single love of Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop G. H. Wilkinson 602—Churchworkers O Lord, without Whom our labour is but lost, and with Whom Thy little ones go forth as the mighty: be present to all works in Thy Church which are undertaken according to Thy will; and grant to Thy labourers a pure intention, patient faith, sufficient success upon earth, and the bliss of serving Thee in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Bright 603—Churchworkers O God, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and admitted us into the fellowship of Thy saints; grant, we beseech Thee, that as by baptism we are made members of the Body of Christ, so by Thy grace we may grow up in all things into Him Who is the Head, even Jesus Christ our Lord. 604—Women Workers O almighty God, Who makest us to will and to do of Thy good pleasure: give Thy servants grace that they may be faithful to the charge committed to them, and that they may be a Godly example to the people among whom they are called to work; so that, this life ended, they may come to Thy heavenly kingdom; through Christ our Lord. As used in Southwark Diocese 605—Increase of Lay Workers Blessed Jesus, Lord of the harvest, send forth, we pray Thee, labourers into Thy harvest, and by Thy Holy Spirit stir the hearts of many, that they may be ready to spend and be spent in Thy service; and, if it please Thee, so to lose their life in this world that they may gather fruit unto life eternal, O Lord, Thou lover of souls. Bishop Milman 606—Bell-Ringers Grant, O Lord, that those who are appointed to ring the bells of Thy church may serve Thee faithfully in this their calling; and being ever mindful that Thy house is holy, may put away from them light behaviour and evil thoughts, and so continue in purity of life that they may be accounted worthy at last to praise Thee in Thy heavenly temple; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 607—Church Bells Incline Thine ear, O Lord, to our prayers, and grant that whensoever the bells of Thy church shall sound in this parish, they may awaken in the hearts of those who hear them the desire to worship Thee with Thy church, that faith and devotion may be increased in all Christian people among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 608—Guidance in Finance O Lord our God, Who art the supreme owner of all that we possess: grant us grace to use our stewardship of money in accordance with Thy will, and wisdom that we may prudently administer that which has been committed to our trust, to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 609—Liberal Giving Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful people: that they who have freely received of Thy bounty, may of Thy bounty freely give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John Dowden Section 7: Evangelism 610—Christ the King Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast willed to restore all things in Thy well-beloved Son, the King and Lord of all: mercifully grant that all peoples and nations, divided and wounded by sin, may be brought under the gentle yoke of His most loving rule; Who with Thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Sarum 611—The Kingdom of God O Lord, Who hast set before us the great hope that Thy kingdom shall come, and hast taught us to pray for its coming: give us grace to discern the signs of its dawning, and to work for the perfect day when Thy will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Percy Dearmer 612—The Kingdom of God O God and Father of all, Whom the whole heavens adore: let the whole earth also worship Thee, all kingdoms obey Thee, all tongues confess and bless Thee, and the sons of men love Thee and serve Thee in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. E. Milner-White 613—The Kingdom of God Enlarge Thy kingdom, O God, and deliver the world from the tyranny of Satan. Hasten the time, which Thy Spirit hath foretold, when all nations whom Thou hast made shall worship Thee and glorify Thy Name. Bless the good endeavours of those who strive to propagate the truth, and prepare the hearts of all men to receive it; to the honour of Thy Name. Bishop Thomas Wilson 614—The Eternal Goal O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named: grant, we beseech Thee, that the earth may be filled with the knowledge of Thy Son, and that we may behold Him coming into His kingdom. Grant that Thy Church may carry His light to those who wait in the darkness for its shining, and that with one heart and mind we may labour to build up the fellowship of men in the family of Christ through the one Spirit; so that Thou, O Father, mayest gather together into one all things in Christ; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, dominion, and power, world without end. 615—Evangelism O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou good Shepherd of the sheep, Who didst come to seek and to save that which was lost: we beseech Thee to be present in Thy power with the missions of Thy Church in this our land. Show forth Thy compassion to the helpless, enlighten the ignorant, succour those in peril, and bring home the wanderers in safety to Thy fold; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Irish Prayer Book 616—Evangelism Almighty God, Whose Son Jesus Christ came to cast fire upon the earth: grant that by the prayers of Thy faithful people a fire of burning zeal may be kindled and pass from heart to heart, that the light of Thy Church may shine forth bright and clear to all mankind; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 617—Evangelism Almighty God, our heavenly Father, to forget Whom is to stumble and fall, to remember Whom is to rise again: we pray Thee to draw the people of this country to Thyself; prosper all efforts to make known to them Thy truth; and grant that many may learn their need of Thee and Thy love for them; that Thy Church and kingdom may be established among us to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 618—Evangelism O God, Who by the coming of Thy Spirit didst hallow the universal Church for the fulfillment of its mission to mankind: grant, we beseech Thee, His manifold gifts to Thy faithful people in our land and nation; that those who by the blindness of ignorance and sin are at variance with one another may be united at last in the one confession of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 619—Evangelism O Lord Jesus Christ, great Shepherd of the sheep, Who seekest those that are gone astray, bindest up those that are broken, and healest those that are sick: bless, we beseech Thee, all efforts that are made to convert souls unto Thee. Open the deaf ears of the wandering, that they may hear the words which belong unto their peace; and grant that those whom Thou dost raise to newness of life may through Thy grace persevere unto the end, of Thy mercy, Who art blessed, and livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. After Richard Meux Benson 620—Evangelism O Lord our God, Who through the preaching of the Gospel didst call our fathers into the fellowship of Thy true religion, and dost summon us their children to return to Thee: give us grace to hear and to obey Thy call; release us from the bondage of ignorance and fear; restore unto us the joy of Thy salvation; and so inspire and strengthen us by Thy Holy Spirit that by word and good example we may devote ourselves wholly to Thy service, for the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 621—Evangelism O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast called those who believe on Thee to be evangelists of Thy kingdom and to carry Thy Gospel to the souls of men: renew in us the spirit of faith and service; enlighten our minds to understand Thy message; and inflame our hearts with such love toward Thee that Thy word upon our lips may be mighty to overthrow the powers of darkness, and to turn the feet of many into Thy way of light and peace; to the glory of Thy Name. Frederick B. Macnutt 622—Obedience and Confession O God, Who hast deigned to reveal Thyself to us by Thy Son, and hast committed to us the precious treasure of Thy Gospel: grant that we may humbly obey Thy Word, faithfully confess Thy Name, and live and die in Thy faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Eugene Bersier 623—Personal Witness O God; Who hast made known to us in Jesus Christ the love with which Thou lovest us and all mankind: help us to be faithful witnesses for Thee, and to spread the knowledge of Thy kingdom in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. S.P.G. 624—Personal Witness O Lord, Who hast called us to be Thy witnesses to all the nations: have mercy upon us, who have known Thy will but have failed to do it. Cleanse us from unbelief and sloth, and fill us with hope and zeal, that we may do Thy work, and bear Thy Cross, and bide Thy time, and see Thy glory; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit art one God, world without end. Unknown 625—Personal Witness I pray Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, make those whom Thou lovest, and who return Thy love, mirrors of Thee unto their unloving brethren; that these too becoming enamoured of Thine image may reproduce it, light reflecting light, and ardour kindling ardour, until God be all and in all. Christina Rossetti 626—Missions O God, Who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send Thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ, to preach peace to them that are afar off, and to them that are nigh: grant that all the peoples of the world may feel after Thee and find Thee; and hasten, O heavenly Father, the fulfillment of Thy promise to pour out Thy Spirit upon all flesh; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Bishop Cotton 627—Missions Almighty God, Who hast given unto Thy Son Jesus Christ the Name which is above every name, and hast taught us that there is salvation in none other: mercifully grant that as Thy faithful people have comfort and peace in His Name, they may ever labour to publish it unto all nations; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 628—Missions O Thou, Who art the light of the world, the desire of all nations, and the shepherd of our souls: let Thy light shine in the darkness, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God. By the lifting up of Thy Cross gather the peoples to Thine obedience; let Thy sheep hear Thy voice, and be brought home to Thy fold; so that there may be one flock, one shepherd, one holy kingdom of righteousness and peace, one God and Father of all, above all, and in all, and through all. W. E. Orchard 629—Missions Almighty and everlasting God, Who in days of old didst cause Thy Word to grow mightily and to prevail: we praise and magnify Thy holy Name for the manifestation of Thy presence in this our day; and we pray Thee to pour out Thy Spirit upon Thy Church, that Thy way may be known upon earth and Thy saving health among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 630—Missions Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast revealed Thy glory in Christ to all nations: grant, we beseech Thee, to those whom Thou hast called into Thy Church, that they may continue faithful in the confession of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 631—Missions O almighty and everlasting God, Who didst give to Thine Apostles grace truly to believe and to preach Thy word: grant, we beseech Thee, unto Thy Church to love the word which they believed, and both to preach and receive the same: through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Church Union Prayer 632—Missions O Lord, Who hast charged Thy Church to preach the Gospel to the whole creation, and to make disciples of all nations: inspire us with Thy Spirit and empower us by Thy presence, that we may not fail Thee in the fulfillment of Thy purpose. Frederick B. Macnutt 633—Missions O God, Who in the exaltation of Thy Son Jesus Christ dost sanctify Thy universal Church: we beseech Thee to shed abroad in every race and nation the gift of Thy Spirit; that His work begun at the first preaching of the Gospel may be extended by Thy power throughout the whole world; through Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Spirit, now and ever. Anon. 634—Missions Almighty God, Who by the power of Thy Holy Spirit didst send forth Thine Apostles to make disciples of all nations, and to baptize them into Thy Church: quicken, we beseech Thee, by the same Spirit the Church of these latter days, that with wisdom and fervent zeal we may preach Thy Gospel to those who dwell in darkness, till all men everywhere are brought into the clear light and true knowledge of Thee and of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 635—Missions O Lord, make bare Thy holy arm in the eyes of all men that the uttermost ends of the world may see Thy salvation. Show forth Thy righteousness openly in the sight of the nations, that the kingdom of Thy Christ may be established over all mankind; hasten the coming of the end when He shall deliver up the kingdom unto Thee; and having put down all rule and authority and power, and put all things under His feet, He Himself shall be subject unto Thee, and with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, three Persons in one God, shall be our all in all. 636—Missions O Lord, Who hast warned us that Thou wilt require much of those to whom much is given: grant that we, whose lot Thou hast cast in so goodly a heritage, may strive the more earnestly to extend the blessings of Thy kingdom; and as we have entered into the labours of others, so to labour that in their turn other men may enter into ours; to Thy glory and the fulfilling of Thy holy will; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, ever one God, world without end. Anon. 637—Missions Remember for good, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the missionary work of Thy Church in every land: protect and provide for Thy servants in the mission fields, and preserve them in danger and in all their need. Give to the Churches abroad and to us at home such an increased spirit of faith, sacrifice, and service that Thy work may not be hindered but rather advanced, so that Thy kingdom may come and the powers of evil be driven back and overthrown; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop C. C. B. Bardsley 638—Missions O blessed Jesus, Lord of the harvest, we pray Thee to send forth labourers into Thy harvest: stir by Thy Holy Spirit the hearts of many that they may be ready to spend and be spent in Thy service, and if it please Thee, so to lose their life in this world, that they may gather fruit unto life eternal, O Lord, Thou lover of souls. Bishop Milman 639—Missions O Thou Who didst command Thy Apostles to go into all the world and to preach the Gospel to every creature: let Thy Name be great among the nations, from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, O Lord our light and our salvation. Unknown 640—The Ministry of Women Gracious Lord, Who wast born of a woman, and didst accept the ministry of women, and take into Thine arms little children to bless them: be present, we pray Thee, with the women of Thy Church who have gone forth as Thy messengers to people overseas. Grant that they may teach the mothers of all the lands to bring up their children in Thy faith and love; and so bless their ministry that many who have not known Thee may receive the blessing and honour which Thou hast purposed for women. Church Missionary Society 641—The Harvest of Missions O almighty God, Whose dearly beloved Son, after His Resurrection from the dead, did send His Apostles into all the world to preach the Gospel to every creature: hear us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and look upon the fields now white unto harvest; bless those who are labouring for Thee in distant lands, and prosper Thou their handiwork; send forth more labourers into Thy harvest to gather fruit unto life eternal; and grant us grace to labour with them in prayers and offerings, that we, together with them, may rejoice before Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Convocation, 1862 642—All Mankind O Son of God, our Redeemer, we beseech Thee by the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, by Thy precious sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of all mankind, by the kindness and love of Thy blessed appearing, by Thy prayers and supplications, by Thy strong crying and tears, by Thy lifting up upon the Cross for us lost and helpless sinners: draw all men unto Thee, O Thou healer of souls. Oxford Mission to Calcutta 643—Non-Christians Merciful God, Who hast made all men for love, and willest that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of Thy truth; have mercy upon those who know Thee not; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to Thy Son Who was lifted up to draw all men unto Him, that they may be numbered among Thy faithful servants, and be made one flock under one Shepherd, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 644—A Missionary Conference O almighty God, pour forth, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit upon Thy servants who shall come together from many lands for counsel and mutual help in the work of Thy holy Church. Grant unto them and unto us both wisdom and zeal, that we may know Thy will and fulfill it with all our powers to Thy honour and glory, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. J. Armitage Robinson 645—Medical Missions Almighty God, Who in Thy great love towards mankind didst send Thy Son to be the physician both of the body and of the soul: bless, we pray Thee, the ministry of Thy missionary servants now working in the hospitals and dispensaries of countries overseas; and so prosper them that Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 646—Missions To The Jews O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of David, King of Israel; Who hast in all ages an elect remnant among Thine ancient people, and art ever hastening the time when all Israel shall be saved: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may share Thy compassion for them; show us what Thou wouldest have us attempt for their ingathering into Thy Catholic Church, and help us to bring them to Thee, their true Messiah; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Anon. 647—The Jews O God, the God of Abraham: look upon Thine everlasting covenant, and cause the captivity of Judah and Israel to return. They are Thy people, O be Thou their Saviour; that all who love Jerusalem and mourn for her may rejoice with her; for Jesus Christ’s sake, their Saviour and ours. Bishop Thomas Wilson 648—The Ministry We pray Thee, Lord, for all who minister in Thy Name in Thy Church throughout all the world. In time of weakness strengthen them, in trial uphold them, and in perplexity direct them. Increase in them the spirit of power and love, and of a sound mind, that they may diligently preach Thy Word, and set forth Thy glory, to the building up of Thy Church and the salvation of souls; that so the nations may become Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth Thy possession; through Jesus Christ our Lord. S.P.G. 649—Missionaries O God our Saviour, Who wiliest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth: prosper, we pray Thee, our brethren who labour in distant lands (especially those for whom our prayers are desired). Protect them in all perils; support them in loneliness and in the hour of trial; give them grace to bear faithful witness unto Thee; and endue them with burning zeal and love, that they may turn many to righteousness, and finally obtain a crown of glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book 650—Missionaries O Lord Jesus Christ, Who callest to Thee whom Thou willest, and sendest them whither Thou dost choose: we give Thee thanks for Thy servants whom Thou hast called to serve Thee in other lands, and especially for those who have laid down their lives for Thy sake; and we beseech Thee to raise up in Thy Church men and women from among us who shall go forth to publish Thy Gospel and to build up Thy Church among the peoples beyond the seas; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God; world without end. Section 8: Wise Government And Peace 651—The Queen O God, Who provident for Thy people by Thy power and rulest over them in love: grant unto Thy servant Elizabeth, our Queen, the spirit of wisdom and government, that being devoted unto Thee with all her heart, she may so wisely govern, that in her time Thy Church and people may continue in safety and prosperity; and that, persevering in good works unto the end, she may through Thy mercy come to Thine ever-lasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Coronation Service 652—The Queen O God, the King of glory, Who hast set Thy servant Elizabeth, our Queen, upon the throne of her fathers: establish her, we beseech Thee, in Thy grace, endue her with the manifold gifts of Thy Spirit, and grant that we her people may dedicate ourselves with her to Thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 653—The Queen Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness: give ear, we beseech Thee, to our prayers, and multiply Thy blessings upon Thy servant Elizabeth, our Queen; defend her evermore from all dangers, ghostly and bodily; make her a great example of virtue and piety, and a blessing to this kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, O Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Coronation Service 654—The Queen and Her Consort Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, that they may ever know Thee to be their shield and deliverer; and that casting all their care upon Thee, they may be supported in all trials and succoured in time of danger and temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 655—The Royal Family O Lord our God, Who upholdest and governest all things by the word of Thy power: receive our humble prayers for our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth, set over us by Thy grace and providence to be our Queen; and together with her, bless, we beseech Thee, our gracious Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles, Duke of Cornwall, and all the Royal Family; that they, ever trusting in Thy goodness, protected by Thy power, and crowned with Thy gracious and endless favour, may long continue before Thee in peace and safety, joy and honour, and after death may obtain everlasting life and glory; by the merits and mediation of Christ Jesus our Saviour, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Accession Service 656—The British Commonwealth Almighty God, Father of all men, Who hast given to our nation a great dominion in all parts of the earth: help us ever to remember that we are stewards of Thy gifts. Bless our countrymen who are scattered afar in many lands; give to us the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and of the fear of the Lord; make us just and fair in our dealings with other peoples; and keep the nations of our Commonwealth united in one bond of faith and fellowship; to the glory of Thy Name. Unknown 657—The British Commonwealth O Lord God of our fathers, Who in Thy goodness hast led this people hitherto by wondrous ways; Who makest the nations to praise Thee, and knittest them together in the unity of peace; we beseech Thee to pour Thine abundant blessing upon the dominions over which Thou hast called Thy servant Elizabeth to be Queen. Grant that all, of whatever race or tongue, may be united in the bond of brotherhood, and in the one fellowship of the Faith; so that we may be found a people acceptable unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 658—The British Commonwealth Look down, O Lord, upon our own countrymen who are scattered abroad, and quicken in them the fire of Thy love; that realizing the blessedness of the true Faith, they may be living witnesses for Thee, in word and deed, unto the heathen amongst whom they dwell; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. 659—The British Commonwealth Almighty God, Father of all men, under Whose providence we are become members of a great Commonwealth of Nations, and have in our keeping the government and protection of many peoples: give us such a spirit of wisdom and understanding, of justice and truth, of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord, that all the nations and peoples of this Empire may ever abide in one bond of fellowship and service; to the glory of Thy Name. G. W. Briggs 660—The British Commonwealth Almighty God, Who dost raise up nations and empires to fulfill Thy purposes: we pray Thee to bind together in the faith of Christ our Lord the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations; that, inspired by a common loyalty, they may be strong to further Thy holy will; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 661—The Queen’s Forces Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray Thee, Thine Almighty arm to strengthen and protect the sailors and soldiers of the Queen in every peril of sea and land and air: give them victory in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with loyalty and courage; and grant that in all things they may serve as seeing Thee Who art invisible; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 662—The Nation O Lord Jesus Christ, Who wast lifted up on the Cross to draw all men unto Thee, look in mercy, we beseech Thee, upon this nation. Send out Thy light and Thy truth that they may lead us into paths of fellowship and peace; break down all barriers of contention and strife; and grant that, seeking first Thy kingdom and righteousness, we may live together in brotherly unity and concord, to Thy glory and the welfare of this realm. Hear us, blessed Lord, to Whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, world without end. Bishop Woods 663—The Nation Into Thy hands, O Lord God of our fathers, we commend our nation and people this day. Forgive our selfish aims and our blind forgetfulness of Thee. Purge out from among us the sins that displease Thee; give us true religion; crown our faith with righteousness; renew our hope and courage; deliver us from weakness and fear; and lift us up, a holy people, to Thy praise and honour, O God, Thou King of earth and heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 664—The Nation Almighty God, Who hast given us this good land for our heritage: we humbly beseech Thee to bless us with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance and every evil way. Defend our liberties, preserve our unity, endue with the spirit of wisdom and fortitude all those to whom is entrusted the authority of government; and grant that there may be justice and peace at home, and obedience to Thy laws among the nations of the earth; to Thy honour and glory, Who livest and reignest, God over all. 665—The Nation We beseech Thee, merciful Father, to look upon Thy people, and lead us in paths of righteousness and peace; that we may forsake whatsoever things are false and hurtful, and follow all such things as be good and wholesome, to the glory of Thy Name and the well-being of this realm; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 666–The Nation Lord, bless this kingdom and commonwealth, that religion and virtue may season all sorts of men, that there may be peace within our gates and prosperity in all our borders. In time of trouble guide us, and in peace may we not forget Thee; and whether in plenty or in want may all things be so ordered, that we may patiently and peaceably seek Thy kingdom and its righteousness, the only full supply and sure foundation both of men and states; so that we may continue a place and people to do Thee service to the end of time; through Jesus Christ our only Saviour and Redeemer. After Archbishop Laud 667—The Nation O Lord God Almighty, Who hast made for Thy glory all nations over the face of the earth, that they may do Thee service in the joy of freedom: give to this people of England the passion of righteousness, and the strength of self-control; that they may exercise their liberty with a single desire to fulfill Thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ, our Master, Redeemer, and King. Henry Scott Holland ======================================================================== CHAPTER 4: PART 4 ======================================================================== 668—Parliament O God most High, Who alone rulest in the kingdoms of men: grant, we beseech Thee, to all Members of Parliament the light and guidance of Thy Holy Spirit; that they may wisely take counsel together, and come to such decisions as shall promote Thy glory and the wellbeing of this nation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 669—Prayer For Parliament Almighty God, by Whom alone kings reign, and princes decree justice; and from Whom alone cometh all counsel, wisdom, and understanding; we, Thine unworthy servants, here gathered together in Thy Name, do most humbly beseech Thee to send down Thy heavenly wisdom from above, to direct and guide us in all our consultations: and grant that, we having Thy fear always before our eyes, and laying aside all private interests, prejudices, and partial affections, the result of all our counsels may be to the glory of Thy blessed Name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the safety, honour, and happiness of the Queen, the public wealth, peace, and tranquility of the realm, and the uniting and knitting together of the hearts of all persons and estates within the same, in true Christian love and charity one towards another; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. “Prayer for the Parliament” 670—Rulers and Statesmen O God, the Lord of all kings and kingdoms, let Thy strong hand control the nations and order their doings unto the fulfillment of Thy purposes upon earth. Strengthen, we pray Thee, those who strive after fellowship and brotherhood, and labour to establish righteousness and peace; guide the hearts and minds of rulers and statesmen, that they may seek first Thy kingdom of justice and freedom for all peoples, both great and small; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. After Hugh Johnston 671—Leaders Almighty God, Who alone givest wisdom and understanding: inspire, we pray Thee, the hearts of all to whom Thou hast committed the government of the nations. Give them the vision of truth and justice, and guide them so to temper justice with mercy that by their counsels the nations may work together in fellowship and brotherhood, and Thy holy Church throughout the world may be free to serve Thee in unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 672—Leaders O Lord, we pray Thee to raise up leaders of the people who will fear Thee and Thee alone, whose delight shall be to do Thy will and work Thy work: that the heart of this people may be wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; through Christ our Lord. Unknown 673—Leaders O God, Almighty Father, King of kings and Lord of all our rulers, grant that the hearts and minds of all who go out as leaders before us, the statesmen, the judges, the men of learning, and the men of wealth, may be so filled with the love of Thy laws, and of that which is righteous and life-giving, that they may serve as a wholesome salt unto the earth, and be worthy stewards of Thy good and perfect gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Prayer of the Order of the Garter 674—At a General Election O Lord, we beseech Thee to govern the minds of all who are called at this time to choose faithful men into the great Council of the nation; that they may exercise their choice as in Thy sight, for the welfare of all our people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Gore 675—National Freedom O eternal God, through Whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old: grant, we beseech Thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop E. L. Parsons 676—Freedom and Justice Almighty God, Who hast created man in Thine own image: grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among men and nations, to the glory of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 677—Freedom and Peace Grant, O Lord God, that laying aside the sins that hinder the coming of Thy kingdom, the nations of the world may be assured of the right which Thou hast given them to live in freedom; freedom from want and fear, freedom of thought and speech, and freedom to worship Thee according to Thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 678—Peace O almighty God, the Father of all mankind, we pray Thee to turn to Thyself the hearts of all peoples and their rulers, that by the power of Thy Holy Spirit peace may be established on the foundation of justice, righteousness, and truth; through Him Who was lifted up on the Cross to draw all men unto Himself, even Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. William Temple 679—Peace Almighty God, Whose kingdom alone bringeth true peace to the earth: reveal again Thy law, that all nations may bow before it; and Thine everlasting love, that they may dwell together in unity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After Archbishop Garbett 680—Peace O God, Who wouldest fold both heaven and earth in a single peace: let the design of Thy great love lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows; and give peace to Thy Church, peace among nations, peace in our dwellings, and peace in our hearts; through Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. E. Milner-White 681—Peace Almighty God, Who canst bring good out of evil, and makest even the wrath of man to turn to Thy praise; teach Thy children to live together in charity and peace, and grant that the nations of the world may be united in a firmer fellowship for the promotion of Thy glory and the good of all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson 682—Peace O God and Father of all, Whom the whole heavens adore: let the whole earth also worship Thee, all kingdoms obey Thee, all tongues confess and bless Thee, and the sons of men love Thee and serve Thee in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. E. Milner-White 683—Peace Inspire, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the hearts of all men everywhere with the spirit of love and justice; and enlighten the leaders of the nations with the wisdom which is from above, that they may seek first the coming of Thy kingdom and the fellowship of Thy children: deliver us, Thy people, from faithlessness and fear, save us from the sins and cruelties of war, and guide our feet into Thy way of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 684—Peace O almighty and most merciful God, Father of us all, Who in Thy holy Word hast taught us that the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Thy Son: send Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon the rulers and governors of the peoples, and especially upon those who are seeking to kindle the desire for righteousness and peace among the nations of the earth. Guide their counsels with the light of Thy Holy Spirit of truth and wisdom, so that in all their work they may glorify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 685—Peace Almighty and everlasting God, Who healest us by discipline and by forgiveness dost preserve us: graciously fulfill the desires of Thy servants, and grant that in tranquility we may rejoice in the comfort of Thy gift of peace, and show forth our thankfulness by the amendment of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After Leonine Sacramentary 686—Peace O Lord of peace, Who by Thy coming unto us hast bound earth to heaven and made of all men one family in the kingdom of Thy love: we beseech Thee to unite the nations in obedience to Thyself; suffer not Thy Church to fail Thee in this time of stress and crisis; and strengthen our faith in Thine eternal purpose to establish the dominion of righteousness and peace. Frederick B. Macnutt 687—Peace Grant Thy people rest, O God, we beseech Thee, each in his own place and over all the world; deliverance from suspicion, injustice, discord, and despair, relief from want, and salvation from evil; and gather them, O Father, by one holy faith into one family of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 688—An International Conference O God, Who art the lover of justice and peace: direct, we beseech Thee, the minds and wills of those who are called to deliberate for the welfare of the nations and the peace of the world; that as faithful stewards of the things which belong unto righteousness, they may have regard to Thy laws and the true welfare of mankind. And so guide them by Thy Holy Spirit, that by word and deed they may promote Thy glory, and set forward peace and mutual goodwill among men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 689—Instruments of Peace Lord, make us instruments of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; for Thy mercy and for Thy truth’s sake. St. Francis of Assisi 690—Atomic Power Almighty and merciful God, without Whom all things hasten to destruction and fall into nothingness: look, we beseech Thee, upon Thy family of nations and men, to which Thou hast committed power in trust for their mutual health and comfort. Save us and help us, O Lord, lest we abuse Thy gift and make it our misery and ruin; draw all men unto Thee in Thy kingdom of righteousness and truth; uproot our enmities, heal our divisions, cast out our fears; and renew our faith in Thine unchanging purpose of goodwill and peace on earth; for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 691—In Time of Crisis Look in compassion, O heavenly Father, upon this troubled and divided world. Though we cannot trace Thy footsteps or understand Thy working, give us grace to trust Thee with an undoubting faith; and when Thine own time is come, reveal, O Lord, that new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, where the Prince of peace ruleth, Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. C. J. Vaughan 692—In Time of Crisis Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who in our tribulation are yet of good cheer because of Thy lovingkindness may find Thee mighty to save us in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Roman Breviary 693—In Time of Crisis O God, Who hast knit together in one family all the nations of the earth: remove far from us, we beseech Thee, the menace of war; pour out upon the rulers of the peoples Thy spirit of peace; restrain the passions of such as plan aggression; and hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 694—An Intercession Lord God, we beseech Thee, glorify Thy Name, bring in Thy kingdom, fulfill Thy purpose; revive our faith, renew Thy Church, convert the nations; defend the right, preserve freedom, defeat aggression; deliver relieve oppressed, comfort the sorrowful, relieve the suffering. God save mankind, draw all men unto Thee, and give peace to the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 695—Unity God of our fathers, Who from generation to generation hast watched over us in love: hear us now in hours of perplexity and need; save us from the dangers of disunion and strife; remove all hindrances to brotherly concord; and grant that we may serve Thee in all Godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 696—Unity O God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, with Whom there is no distinction of race or habitation, but all are one in Thee: break down, we beseech Thee, the barriers which divide us; that we may work together in one accord with each other and with Thee; through Him Who is the Saviour of all, Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. G. W. Briggs 697—Civic Authorities O Lord our God, we beseech Thee to enlighten and guide those who bear authority in our towns and cities; that there may be open ways and noble streets therein, and that everywhere the wisdom of science and the skill of art may be devoted to the service of the common weal, for Thy glory and for the health and delight of men. Give us courage, O Lord, to remove mean streets and unworthy dwellings, that Thy people may live together in decency and honour, as citizens of that heavenly city, to which we pray Thee to bring us all at last; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. 698—Civic Authorities O Lord God, the Father of lights, from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift: we beseech Thee to send forth upon Thy servants who bear office in this city (or town) the spirit of prudence, charity, and justice; that in all things they may walk before Thee with steadfast purpose and single heart, and faithfully serve Thy people committed to their charge; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 699—Civic Authorities O God, Who hast taught us to live in the towns and cities of this world as those who know that their citizenship is in heaven: guide, we pray Thee, with Thy heavenly wisdom those who bear office in the government of this city (or town), that they may keep ever before them the vision of that city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 700—A Civic Election Guide, O Lord, we pray Thee, the mayor and corporation with all, from the greatest to the least, who share in the ordering of this town (or city), and give strength, honour, and charity to us and to our fellow-citizens; that we may exercise our votes as in Thy sight, and seeking not our own, may see ever before us the vision of that free city, perfect in the heavens, whose builder and maker is God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After Percy Dearmer 701—Administration of Justice O God, the just and merciful Judge of all mankind: look down from heaven, we beseech Thee, on these Thy servants, who are set by Thy appointment to minister justice between man and man, to clear the innocent, and to convict and punish the guilty. Grant unto them Thy Holy Spirit, the Spirit of uprightness, the Spirit of discernment, and the Spirit of love; that they may boldly, discreetly, and mercifully fulfill their sacred duties, to the good of Thy people and the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Westminster Abbey 702—Administration of Justice O God, mighty and merciful, the Judge of all men: grant to those who minister justice the spirit of wisdom and discernment; and that they may be strong and patient, upright and compassionate, fill them, we beseech Thee, with the spirit of Thy holy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson 703—Citizens of Heaven O God of truth, Who hast taught us that we are the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, and hast bidden us to let our light shine before men: uncover in us, we pray Thee, the hidden works of darkness, and reveal the falsehood of selfishness and greed; that we may seek earnestly to walk in the light as Thou art in the light, in Whom is no darkness at all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt Section 9: The Economic Order 704—A Better Order Behold, O Lord God, our strivings after a truer and more abiding order. Give us visions that bring back a lost glory to the earth, and dreams that foreshadow the better order which Thou hast prepared for us. Scatter every excuse of frailty and unworthiness: consecrate us all with a heavenly mission: open to us a clearer prospect of our work. Give us strength according to our day gladly to welcome and gratefully to fulfill it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Westcott 705—Repentance for Social Disorder Almighty God, Who hast entrusted this earth unto the children of men, and through Thy Son Jesus Christ hast called us unto a heavenly citizenship: grant us, we humbly beseech Thee, such shame and repentance for the disorder and injustice and cruelty which are among us, that, fleeing unto Thee for pardon and for grace, we may henceforth set ourselves to establish that city which has justice for its foundation and love for its law, whereof Thou art the Architect and Maker; through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour. William Temple 706—Social Reformation Stir up, O Lord, the wills of Thy people and kindle our understanding; that we may discern the way to a just and ordered society, where all may work and all may find a just reward, and Thy people may serve Thee and one another in peace and goodwill, in the Spirit of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Harold Anson 707—Social Justice and Peace O God, the King of righteousness, lead us, we pray Thee, in the ways of justice and of peace: inspire us to break down all tyranny and oppression, to gain for every man his due reward and from every man his due service; that each may live for all, and all may care for each, in the Name of Jesus Christ. William Temple 708—Social Justice Almighty God, Who hast created man in Thine own image: grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among men and nations, to the glory of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 709—Social Righteousness Look, we beseech Thee, O0 Lord our God, upon us Thy people, and lead us in the way of righteousness and truth; that we may forsake those things that are contrary to Thy will, and follow after all such things as be good and wholesome, to the glory of Thy Name and the well-being of this realm; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 710—In Social Unrest O God, Who art the Father of all, and Who alone makest men to be of one mind in an house: we beseech Thee to grant us, at this time of unrest and strife, a fuller sense of our brotherhood in Christ; allay all anger and bitterness, and help us to be true and just in our dealings one with another; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson 711—In Social Unrest Guide us, O Christ, in all the perplexities of our social life; uproot our enmities, and in Thy good time bring us together in love and unity; and make the kingdoms of this world Thy kingdom as Thou wiliest; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit art one God, world without end. James Adderley 712—Industry and Commerce O God, Who givest to every man his work and through his labours dost accomplish Thy purposes upon earth: grant Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, to those who are engaged in the industries and commerce of this land. Inspire them with the knowledge that in ministering to the needs of others they are serving Thee; defend them from injustice and oppression, and give them the due reward of their labours; that, seeking first Thy kingdom and righteousness, all things may be added unto them here and hereafter; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 713—Earning and Spending O God, Whose blessed Son, Jesus Christ, earned His bread at Nazareth by the labours of His hands, and taught us that our possessions are a trust from Thee: help us to be faithful stewards of what Thou givest; that in earning we may be just and honest, and in spending we may seek not our own, but Thy glory and the good of others; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ. 714—Unselfishness O strong Lord God, Who wilt judge all mankind, grant to the exalted humility, to the desolate thankfulness, to the happy sympathy with sorrow; that so earthly eminence may become a stepping-stone to heavenly heights, and loneliness may introduce to the full communion of saints, and joy blossoming in time may bear eternal fruit. Be we high or low, prosperous or depressed, wheresoever, whatsoever we be, make us and ever more keep us well-pleasing in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Christina Rossetti 715—Employers and Employed O God, Who art the Father of all mankind, we beseech Thee to give us a fuller realization of our brotherhood, man with man, in Thee; and raise up among us a deeper sense of truth and equity in commercial dealings one with another. Give grace, O Lord, to those who serve, that they may do their work heartily as unto Thee and not unto men; to masters, that they may do what is just and equal as having themselves a Master in heaven: and to all alike, that they may be united in the common service of the Lord Christ, and receive of Thee the reward of their inheritance; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. From “Sursum Corda” 716—The Unemployed O God, Thou Lord of the vineyard, Who wouldest not that any should stand idle in the market-place: hear our prayer for all who are without employment or assurance of livelihood; and in the largeness of Thy loving wisdom, declare unto us Thy counsels to help and heal all our distresses; through Jesus Christ our Lord. E. Milner-White 717—The Unemployed O Lord and heavenly Father, we commend to Thy care and protection the men and women of this land who are suffering distress and anxiety through lack of work. Strengthen and support them, we beseech Thee; and so prosper the counsels of those who govern and direct our industries, that Thy people may be set free from want and fear to work in peace and security, for the relief of their necessities and the wellbeing of this realm; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Industrial Christian Fellowship 718—The Homeless and the Needy O Lord, Who rescuest the poor from need, and restorest the lonely to a home: look in mercy upon all who suffer the lack of livelihood and, like Thee, O Son of Man, have not where to lay their head. And as Thou hast assured those who do good to others that, inasmuch as they do it to Thy brethren, they do it unto Thee, let Thy pity and compassion move us to house the homeless and to lighten the burdens of the needy and the distressed. Guide, we beseech Thee, those who govern the nations, that Thy people may be set free from want and fear, and that in Thee all the families of the earth may be blessed; Who livest and reignest in Thy kingdom of righteousness and love, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 719—The Needy O God, the God of all righteousness, mercy, and love, give us all grace and strength to conceive and execute whatever may be for Thine honour and the welfare of the needy; that we may become at last, through the merits and intercession of our common Redeemer, a great and a happy because a wise and understanding people. The Earl of Shaftesbury 720—Daily Work Guide us, O Lord, amidst the trials and conflicts of our social life, and fill our centres of industry with Thy presence; that daily work may become to us a high vocation, and that all may learn the dignity of labour and make it a freewill offering to Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 721—Workers by Land and Sea Almighty God, Who by Thy Son hast bidden us to ask of Thee our daily bread: prosper the work of those who labour in the fields, and grant such favourable weather that we may gather in the fruits of the earth in their seasons; protect the sailors who carry food across the seas; and give us grace day by day to deny ourselves and to remember the needs of others. Unknown 722—Fellow-workers O God, Who hast bound us together in this bundle of life, give us grace to understand how our lives depend upon the courage, the industry, the honesty, and the integrity of our fellowmen; that we may be mindful of their needs, grateful for their faithfulness, and faithful in our responsibilities to them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reinhold Niebuhr 723—Workers With Mind and Hand O blessed Saviour, Who wast pleased Thyself to be numbered among the craftsmen: we pray Thee to guide and prosper all who labour with mind and hand, that their work may be done for Thy honour and rewarded with Thine approval; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Unknown 724—The City Grant us, O Lord, a vision of this city, fair as it might be in fulfillment of Thy purpose: a city of justice, where none shall prey upon others; a city of plenty, where greed and poverty shall be done away; a city of brotherhood, where success is founded upon service, and honour is given to nobleness alone; a city of peace, where order shall not rest on force, but on love of all for each and of each for all. Hear Thou, O Lord, our prayer and pledge of love and service; and hasten the day of the eternal city which cometh down from heaven to earth from Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After Walter Rausenbusch 725—Christian Citizenship Eternal God, our heavenly Father, Who hast given to us Thy children an abiding citizenship in heaven, and in the days of our pilgrimage a citizenship also upon earth: give us Thine aid, as we journey to that heavenly city, so faithfully to perform the duties which befall us on our way, that at the last we may be found worthy to enter into Thy rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 726—Christian Citizenship O Lord, Who hast taught us that our citizenship is in heaven: prosper, we pray Thee, our efforts to fashion our citizenship here on earth after the pattern of the heavenly city, whose light is Thy glory, and whose builder and maker Thou art; through Him Whom Thou hast sent to deliver us from all evil, in our cities and in our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord. Section 10: The Family 727—Family Life Almighty God and heavenly Father, Whose Son Jesus Christ was subject to Mary and Joseph at Nazareth, and shared there the life of an earthly home; Send down Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon all Christian families Grant unto parents the spirit of understanding and wisdom; give unto the children the spirit of obedience and true reverence; and so bind each to each with the bond of mutual love, that to all its members of whatsoever age, every Christian family may be an image of the Holy Family of Nazareth, and every Christian home a school of heavenly knowledge and of virtuous and upright living; through Him Who became a child, and learned obedience to Thy will, that He might save us, even Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who now liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God world without end. E. C. Ratcliff 728—Families and Homes Almighty Father, from Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named: we entreat Thy mercy for the families of this and every land, for man and wife and child, and for all who have the care of children; that by Thy hallowing our homes may be blessed and our children may grow up in the knowledge of Thee and of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. St. Paul’s Cathedral 729—A Family in Time of Trial O eternal God, our most merciful Lord and gracious Father, Thou art my guide, the light of mine eyes, the joy of my heart, the author of my hope, and the object of my love and worshippings; Thou relievest all my needs, and determinest all my doubts, and art an eternal fountain of blessing, open and running over to all thirsty and weary souls that come and cry to Thee for mercy and refreshment. Have mercy upon Thy servant, and relieve my fears and sorrows, and the great necessities of my family; for Thou alone, O Lord, canst do it. Jeremy Taylor 730—A Home Merciful Saviour, Who didst love Martha and Mary and Lazarus, blessing their home with Thy sacred presence: bless, we beseech Thee, this our home, that Thy love may rest upon us and Thy promised presence may be with us. May we all grow in grace and in the knowledge of Thee, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Teach us to love one another as Thou didst give us commandment; help us all to choose the better part that shall not be taken away from us. Hear us, O Jesu, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God for evermore. Canadian Prayer Book 731—A Home Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Whose blessed Son did share at Nazareth the life of an earthly home: bless, we beseech Thee, this our home, that Thy promised presence may be with us, and that we may always live and work together in Thy steadfast fear and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 732–A Home O God, Who art perfect love, grant that we who are born of Thee, and eat of Thy bread, may bear one another’s burdens with sincere affection; that Thy peace which passeth all understanding may keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus Thy Son our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Edward Bouverie Pusey 733—A Home Be present with us, O Lord, in our daily duties, and grant to those Who dwell in this house the strength and protection of Thy continual help; that Thou mayest be known as the Master of the family and the defender of this home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After Gelasian Sacramentary 734—A Home Almighty God, in Whose house are many mansions, we pray Thee to surround our dwelling with the unseen wall of Thy protection; that we may be devoted to Thy service, and may serve one another in love; until we come at last to that home which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 735—Husband and Wife O heavenly Father, Who hast taught us by Thy Son that except we love one another we cannot fulfill Thy law: grant that Thy Holy Spirit may lead us Thy servants in the way of love and peace unto our lives’ end; that, obeying Thy will and always being in safety under Thy protection, we may be united at last in the life which has no ending; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 736—Husband and Wife O God our Father, we thank Thee for uniting our lives, and for giving us to each other in the fulfillment of love. Watch over us at all times; guide and protect us; and give us faith and patience as we hold each other’s hand in Thine every moment of every day and night, and draw strength from Thee and from each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 737—Women O blessed Jesus, Who by Thy holy Incarnation didst consecrate womanhood to Thy glory: make us pure, we beseech Thee, by the vision of Thy purity; make us lowly by the example of Thy lowliness; make us holy by Thy indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit. Strengthen us, we beseech Thee, that we may strengthen each other in courage and in faith; and show us how to use all Thy gifts in Thy service; for Thy Name’s sake. 738—Women O Lord, Who wast born of a woman, and hast glorified womanhood in the sight of all men: bless, we beseech Thee, the women of our nation upon whom are laid the burdens of unwonted duties. Strengthen them in hours of strain and weakness; preserve in them the spirit of sympathy and love; keep them steadfast in temptation; and grant them the help of Thy grace, that in all things they may be worthy of their vocation; to the glory of Thy Name, Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 739—Parents and Children O God, our heavenly Father, Who hast blessed us Thy servants with the gift of children (or a child): grant, we beseech Thee, that we may show our love and thankfulness to Thee in so ordering our home, that by the example of our lives and teaching we may guide our children (or child) in the way of righteousness, and at last become partakers with them (or him, or her) of the life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. South African Prayer Book 740—Children Almighty God and heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the children whom Thou hast given to us; give us also grace to train them in Thy faith, fear, and love; that as they advance in years they may grow in grace, and be found hereafter in the number of Thine elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Cosin 741—Children Lord Jesus, we beseech Thee, by the innocence and obedience of Thy holy childhood, and by Thy reverence and love for little children, to guard the children of our land; preserve their innocence, strengthen them in their weakness, recover the wandering, and remove all that hinders them from being brought up in Thy fear and love; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God. S. Gladstone 742—Children O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast bidden us to suffer little children to come unto Thee, and didst lay Thine hands upon them and bless them: forgive our neglect of those who know Thee not, and inspire Thy Church with new zeal to guide them into the knowledge of Thy love Who hast redeemed them, that they may know Thee as their friend and Saviour, and serve Thee unto their lives’ end. Anon. 743—Children at School O Jesus, very God and very Man, Who Thyself wast a child, and didst submit Thyself to the charge and care of earthly teachers: bless, we beseech Thee, the children of this land who are taught in our schools. Grant that as they grow in years they may grow in knowledge of Thyself; let them learn to love and serve Thee truly, and daily order their lives according to Thy will. 744—Child Sufferers O God, our Father, we remember before Thee all orphaned, homeless, and unwanted children, the children of loveless homes, and those who suffer from bodily defect and disease. Make our hearts burn within us for the children of our dark places, and teach us how to turn to good account the laws that protect them and the efforts of those who strive to succour them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mothers’ Union 745—St. Nicholas and Children Almighty God, Who in Thy love didst give Thy servant Nicholas a perpetual name for deeds of mercy both on land and sea: we pray Thee that Thy Church may never cease to work for the happiness of little children, and the poor, and those tossed by any tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be thanks and praise from all the company of saints, now and evermore. E. Milner-White 746—A Child’s Prayer O Lord Jesu Christ, Who as a child didst learn and grow in wisdom: grant me so to learn Thy holy Word, that I may walk in Thy ways and daily grow more like unto Thee; Who art my Saviour and my Lord. Irish Prayer Book 747—Relatives and Friends Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to Thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come; knowing that Thou doest for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 748—Relatives and Friends O almighty and eternal God, through Whose providence men are bound together by ties of blood and holy affection: pour down upon our relations and friends the manifold gifts of Thy grace; that, united in faith and love, we may labour together according to Thy will for the establishment of Thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Westcott 749—Friends O Lord, Who hast graciously called us not servants but friends: increase in us daily that holy friendship, and bind us ever more closely to one another in our common love of Thee; that we may do the thing which Thou commandest, and receive at last what Thou hast promised, in Thy presence, which is fullness of joy and freedom, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt 750—Friends Be pleased, O Lord, to remember my friends, all that have prayed for me, and all that have done me good. Do Thou good to them, and return all their kindness double into their own bosom, rewarding them with blessings, sanctifying them with Thy grace, and bringing them at last to Thy glory. After Jeremy Taylor 751—In Absence From Home O God, Who hast bidden us to honour our parents, and by Thy Son, our Saviour, hast hallowed the life of home: bless, we beseech Thee, with Thy gracious protection all those who are bound to us by ties of kindred and affection, from whom we are now absent. Keep them in health and safety; help us to fulfill our duty to them; and knit us evermore closely together in Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 752—In Absence From Home Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Whose blessed Son Incarnate did share the life of an earthly home: into Thy hands we commend our parents, our families, and our homes. Watch over them in hours of trial and danger; grant to them Thy strength and protection in their going out and their coming in; and unite us all together in Thy steadfast fear and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 753—The Absent O God, Who art everywhere present, look down with Thy mercy upon those who are absent from among us. Give Thy holy angels charge over them, and grant that they may be kept safe in body, soul, and spirit, and be presented faultless before the presence of Thy glory with exceeding joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Richard Meux Benson 754—The Absent O God, Who art present to Thy faithful people in every place, mercifully hear our prayers for those we love who are now parted from us: watch over them, we beseech Thee, and protect them in anxiety, danger, and temptation; and assure both them and us that Thou art always near, and that we are one in Thee for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 755—The Absent O God, the Father and defender of Thy people, Whom neither space nor time can separate from such as continue in Thy keeping: be present, we beseech Thee, with those who are parted from us; prosper them and do them good; guide and direct them in all their undertakings; let nothing hurtful beset them and no evil befall them; and grant that, upheld by Thy right hand, they may arrive in safety at their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. ======================================================================== CHAPTER 5: PART 5 ======================================================================== 756—For Travellers O God, Who didst call Abraham to leave his home, and didst protect him in all his wanderings, grant to those who now travel by land, sea, or air a prosperous journey, a quiet time, and a safe arrival at their journey’s end. Be to them a shadow in the heat, a refuge in the tempest, a protection in adversity, and grant that when life’s pilgrimage is over they may arrive at the heavenly country; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon. 757—Travellers By Sea O eternal Lord God, Who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the sea: be pleased to receive into Thy protection all those who go down to the sea in ships and occupy their business in great waters. Make Thou their voyages safe to their persons and their goods; and be Thyself their way and light till journeyings shall end. 758—Travellers By Air Eternal God, Who dwellest afar in the heavens, yet abidest in the hearts of the sons of men: we beseech Thee for all who journey in the air, that they may know Thee near them, to pilot and to protect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 759—Travellers By Road Almighty God, giver of life and health, guide, we pray Thee, with Thy wisdom all who are striving to save from injury and death the travellers on our roads. Grant to those who drive along the highways consideration for others, and to those who walk on them or play beside them thoughtful caution and care; that so without fear or disaster we all may come safely to our journey’s end, by Thy mercy Who carest for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Douglas Crick Section 11: Youth And Education 760—Teachers O Lord and Master, Who Thyself didst come into the world to bear witness to the truth, and didst say that the good and faithful teacher should be greatly accounted of in Thy kingdom: send, we beseech Thee, Thy blessing upon those who are engaged in the work of education. Give them clearness of vision and freshness of thought, and enable them so to train the hearts and minds of the children committed to them that they may fill their appointed places in the work of this life, and be ready for the service of the life to come. Arthur W. Robinson 761—Teachers O Lord God Almighty, Who through Thy Son Jesus Christ didst reveal Thine exceeding love for children: graciously look upon those to whom Thou hast entrusted the work of teaching. Let them all be taught of Thee; and so fill them with love to Thee that through them Thy love may be implanted in the hearts of those who are committed to their care. In weariness and disappointment let Thy comfort refresh their souls; that so continuing in Thy service they may receive from Thee at last their full reward. 762—Teachers And Children Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Who hast committed to Thy holy Church the care and nurture of Thy children: enlighten with Thy wisdom those who teach and those who learn; that, rejoicing in the knowledge of Thy truth, they may worship Thee and serve Thee from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 763—The Students of All Nations O Lord Jesus Christ, Who on the night of Thy Passion didst pray to Thy Father that all they who believe on Him through Thee might be perfected into one: we pray Thee to pour Thy Spirit upon the students of all nations, that they may consecrate themselves to Thy service, even as Thou for their sakes didst consecrate Thyself; and so, being joined together by their common faith and obedience, they may come more perfectly to love and understand one another, that the world may know that Thou hast been sent by the Father to be the Saviour and Lord of all men; Who livest and reignest, one God world without end. Bishop Philip Loyd 764—Schools O Lord Jesus Christ, Child of Bethlehem, everlasting God, bless, we beseech Thee, the boys and girls of our schools; and grant that they may be truthful, pure, obedient, and ready to do their duty in that state of life to which it shall please Thee to call them. Give grace to those whom Thou dost set over them so to bring them up for Thee, that teachers and scholars may meet with joy in the day of Thy appearing; Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, world without end. 765—A School or College Vouchsafe, O Lord, to prosper with Thy blessing the work of this school (or college). Grant that all who serve Thee here, as teachers or learners, may set Thy holy will ever before them, and do that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight; that so both Church and Commonwealth may be bettered by their studies, and they themselves may finally attain to Thy perfect service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 766—A School or College O God, Who through the love and labour of many hast built us here a goodly heritage, and crowned our school with honour and length of days: for these Thy gifts and for Thyself we thank Thee; for past achievements and future hopes; beseeching Thee that both we and all who follow after us may learn to live as in Thy presence, and help Thee to build up the city of God. Bishop B. A. Burroughs 767—A School O dearest Saviour, Thou Word and Revelation of the Father; purge us by the power of Thy love from pride and prejudice, from boasting over the past and ambition for the future; take our lives and our school into Thine own hands, and so use us in prosperity, in poverty or through death that, so far as lies in us, Thy kingdom may come and Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. William Temple 768—A School Almighty God, in Whom we live and move and have our being: make this school as a field which the Lord has blessed; that whatsoever things are true and pure, lovely and of good report, may here abound and flourish. Preserve in it an unblemished name, enlarge it to a wider usefulness, and exalt it in the love of all its members as an instrument of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. King’s School, Canterbury 769—Old And Young O God, Who dost turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and hast granted unto youth to see visions and to age to dream dreams: we beseech Thee to draw together the old and the young, that in fellowship with Thee they may understand and help one another, and in Thy service find their perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 770—Youth of All Nations O God our Father, we give Thee hearty thanks for the inheritance which Thou hast entrusted to us and the vocation wherewith Thou hast called us; for those who have taught and helped us on our way, and for our vision of the years of hope and promise and the tasks that lie before us. Guide us, we pray Thee, with Thy continual help; that the truth of Thy Gospel may enlighten our hearts, and Thy law may be a lantern unto our feet. Preserve our integrity and guard us from evil; accept our lives as we dedicate them to Thee this day; and unite the youth of all nations in the kingdom of Christ our Redeemer, and in service of the cause of justice, freedom, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Westminster Abbey 771—Founders and Benefactors O Lord, we glorify Thee in these Thy servants our founders and benefactors departed out of this present life; beseeching Thee that, as they for their time bestowed charitably to our comfort the temporal things which Thou didst give them, so we for our time may fruitfully use the same to the setting forth of Thy holy word to Thy laud and praise; and finally that both they and we may reign with Thee in glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Elizabethan 772—Commemoration O Lord God, the Father of lights, the maker and builder of every house not made with hands: we give Thee thanks for all members of this school who have served Thee with fruitful labour for the increase of knowledge and wisdom, and for the nurture of faithful servants of Thy Church and kingdom. As Thou didst enable them to add their share to Thy work, wrought out by many hands from age to age, so teach and strengthen us, we pray Thee, to do Thy will in the task which Thou hast apportioned us in this our generation; and grant that with them we may enter into Thy joy in the fulfillment of Thine eternal counsel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 773—Churchworkers Among the Young O Lord Jesus Christ, Who art the Saviour and friend of age and youth: look graciously, we beseech Thee, upon those who give themselves to serve and help the young, and bless their works undertaken in Thy Name. Enlighten those who teach and those who learn; renew their strength that they may not grow weary in their work; let their lamps burn bright in the days of darkness, and their hearts be strong in times of disappointment. And so inspire them with Thy Spirit that old and young may be builded together as living stones into the temple of Thy Church; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Unknown 774—Sunday School Teachers O Lord Jesus Christ, Who art the life and light of all Thy servants: we beseech Thee to help and inspire those who teach in our Sunday schools, and those also who prepare them for their work. Pour out upon them the spirit of unceasing prayer and faithful service; encourage them with good success; strengthen their faith and purpose when they are weary and disheartened; and fortify them with Thy assurance that they are fellow-workers together with Thee. Anon. 775—Scientific Study and Research Almighty God, of Whose only gift cometh insight and understanding: guide and prosper, we beseech Thee, those who labour in societies and associations devoted to scientific study and research, that through them knowledge may be increased and flourish; and grant that in Thy light they may see light, Who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown 776—Science and Service O God, the giver of wisdom, Who in the beginning madest man to have dominion over the works of Thy hands: grant that with every increase of knowledge and of power we may seek to render service to mankind, and thereby to set forward Thy eternal purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson Section 12: Sin And Suffering 777—The Tempted O God, Who art faithful, and sufferest us not to be tempted above that we are able, but with the temptation also makest a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it: we humbly entreat Thy Majesty that Thou wouldest graciously strengthen with Thy heavenly aid Thy servants who rely on Thy mercy; and keep them with Thy continual protection, that they may evermore wait on Thee, and never by any temptation be drawn away from Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Edward Bouverie Pusey 778—The Tempted O God, Who wiliest not the death of a sinner, we beseech Thee to aid and protect those who are exposed to grievous temptations; and grant that in obeying Thy commandments they may be strengthened and supported by Thy grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Adapted from Gregorian Sacramentary 779—Sinners Almighty God, Who gavest Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the whole world: have mercy upon all who are in temptation and upon all who through weakness or willfulness fall into sin; make known to them Thy gracious love, and so teach them the evil of hatred and malice, of envy and contempt, of lust and greed, that turning to Thee for help, they may be led into fellowship with Thee and obedience to Thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Temple 780—Sinners Almighty God, we beseech Thee to hear our prayers for such as sin against Thee or neglect to serve Thee; that Thou wouldest vouchsafe to bestow upon them true repentance and an earnest longing for Thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Office of Sext 781—Sinners O Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech Thee by Thy love for outcast sinners, and by Thy pity for those who put Thee to an open shame: have mercy upon all who have been unfaithful to Thee and have sold themselves to sin, and recover them from the shame into which they have fallen. Hear us, O Saviour, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, for evermore. S. Gladstone 782—The Palsy of Sin O Lord, by Thy divine presence raise my soul, grievously paralysed by all kinds of sin and evil deeds, as of old Thou didst raise the sick of the palsy; that, being healed, I may cry unto Thee: O merciful Christ, glory be to Thy power! Eastern Orthodox 783—The Suffering World O Thou Who art love, and seest all the suffering, injustice, and misery which oppose Thy sway: have compassion, we beseech Thee, upon the work of Thine hands; look mercifully upon the wounded world and its inhabitants, laden with errors, labours, and sorrows; fill our hearts with compassion for those who suffer; and bring near Thy kingdom of mercy and peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. After Eugine Bersier 784—Sufferers Remember every Christian soul, afflicted and oppressed, and struggling and needing Thy mercy and succour; and our brethren that are in captivity and in prisons and bonds and bitter thraldoms: supplying return to the wanderers, health to the sick, deliverance to the captives, and rest to them that have fallen asleep aforetime. Lancelot Andrewes 785—Sufferers We thank Thee, O Father, for all who hallow suffering; for those who in their thought for others leave no room for pity for themselves; for those whose faith brings light to the dark places of life; and for those whose patience inspires others to hold on. And grant, O loving Father, to all who are bound in the mysterious fellowship of suffering the sense of comradeship with others and the knowledge of Thy love, and give them Thy peace which passes all understanding; through Jesus Christ our Lord. H. L. Johnston 786—Sufferers O God, remember in Thy mercy the poor and needy, the widow and the fatherless, the stranger and the friendless, the sick and the dying. Relieve their needs, sanctify their sufferings, strengthen their weakness; and in due time bring them out of trouble into the blessed peace of Thy children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mothers’ Union 787—Sufferers Merciful Lord, Who art the strength of sufferers, and the comfort of those who are heavy of heart: incline Thine ear, we beseech Thee, to the prayers of all who cry unto Thee in their troubles; succour the distressed, uphold the fainting, relieve the suffering, console the sad; and make Thy face to shine upon them, O Lord, Thou lover of souls. Frederick B. Macnutt 788—Health of Body O God the Father of lights, from Whom cometh down every good and perfect gift: mercifully look upon our frailty and infirmity, and grant us such health of body as Thou knowest to be needful for us; that both in our bodies and in our souls we may evermore serve Thee with all our strength and might. Bishop Cosin 789—The Sick O almighty God, Who art the giver of life and health and the aid of all who seek Thy succour: mercifully grant that Thy help and goodness may be showed upon the suffering and the sick, that being healed of their infirmities they may give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 790—The Sick O Lord and heavenly Father, Who dost relieve those who suffer both in soul and body: stretch forth Thine hand, we beseech Thee, to heal the sick and to ease their pain; that by Thy mercy they may be restored to health of body and mind, and show forth their thankfulness in love to Thee and service of their fellowmen; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 791—In Illness O Lord and heavenly Father, in Whom we live and move and have our being: grant to me Thy servant grace to desire only Thy most holy will; that whether living or dying I may be Thine; for His sake Who loved us and gave Himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book 792—The Dying O Most merciful Lord, Who dost so love the souls which Thou hast created that Thou wouldest not the death of any sinner, but that all should be converted and live: we pray Thee by Thy dying agony on the Cross to purify through Thy precious blood all the sinners in this world (or this Thy servant) who are now in their (or who is now in his) agony, and who must this day die, and be called to appear before their (or his) Judge. Edward Bouverie Pusey 793—The Dying O Lord Jesus Christ, Who in Thy last agony didst commend Thy Spirit into the hands of Thy heavenly Father: have mercy upon all sick and dying persons, and grant that they may omit nothing which is necessary to make their peace with Thee before they die. Deliver them, O Lord, from the snares of fear and the bands of evil, and grant them an end in peace; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for evermore. Sarum 794—Those in Trouble Almighty, everlasting God, comfort of the sorrowful and strength of the weary: may the prayers of all that call upon Thee in any trouble come into Thy presence; that they may rejoice that in their necessity Thy mercy hath been with them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Edward Bouverie Pusey 795—In Time Of Trouble O God, Who hast warned us of the troubles that shall come upon the earth; grant that Thy Church may not be moved by any distresses that beset us, but may walk in the light, and serve Thee with unshaken faith, waiting for the final manifestation of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; that so we may be found abiding in the kingdom which cannot be shaken; through His merits, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Richard Meux Benson 796—Those In Trouble We humbly beseech Thee, of Thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity: help us to minister to them Thy strength and consolation, and so endow us with the grace of sympathy and compassion that we may bring to them both help and healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1549 Prayer Book 797—Doubters O Lord our God, Who givest light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: lift up, we pray Thee, the light of Thy countenance upon those who wander doubtful and uncertain in the night of this world. Open their eyes to behold Thy glory in the face of Jesus Christ; make known to them the way of truth and peace; and keep them steadfast in this faith, that they may daily increase in the knowledge of Thee and of Thy Son by the Holy Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 798—The Desponding Comfort, we beseech Thee, most gracious God, all who are cast down and faint of heart amidst the sorrows and difficulties of the world; and grant that, by the energy of Thy Holy Spirit they may be enabled to go upon their way rejoicing and give Thee continual thanks for Thy sustaining providence; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Richard Meux Benson 799—The Blind O God, Who art the Father of lights, with Whom is no darkness at all: we thank Thee for the good gift of sight which Thou hast bestowed upon us. Fill us, we pray Thee, with Thine own compassion for those who have it not; direct and prosper the efforts that are made for their welfare: reveal to them by Thy Spirit the things which eye hath not seen, and comfort them with the hope of the light everlasting; to which, of Thy great mercy, we beseech Thee to bring us all; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Arthur W. Robinson 800—The Deaf And Dumb O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who went about doing good, and both opened the ears of the deaf and made the dumb to speak: teach Thy people, after His example, to pity and succour Thy deaf children who need their help. May Thy Holy Spirit bless our efforts to carry to them the knowledge of Thy saving grace, and may they so serve Thee in the body of their humiliation, that hereafter they may wear the body of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Mandell Creighton 801—The Deaf and The Blind Almighty Father, Who in the afflictions of Thy people art Thyself afflicted, Whose blessed Son, Jesus Christ, went about doing good, healing all manner of sickness, opening the eyes of the blind, and unstopping the ears of the deaf: look, we beseech Thee, upon those to whom is denied the gift of hearing or of sight. Give them the inward vision of the spirit, and amid the silence of their lives make music in their souls. Speak as of old and let them hear the inward voice of Thy compassion; and may Thy new Ephphatha give them new joy and fellowship with Thee and with us Thy servants who minister to them; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. 802—In Old Age O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst hearken unto the prayer of Thy two disciples and abide with them, when it was toward evening and the day was far spent: abide, we pray Thee, with Thine aged servants in the evening of life. Make Thyself known unto them, and whensoever they shall pass through the valley of the shadow of death, be with them unto the end. Unknown 803—In Old Age O Lord God, Who hast promised that they who wait upon Thee shall renew their strength, and that as their days so shall their strength be: comfort Thou me according unto Thy word; cast me not away in the time of age, and forsake me not when my strength faileth; make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and at evening time it shall be light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 804—Endurance of Suffering O my dear Lord, though I am so very weak that I am not fit to ask Thee for suffering as a gift, and have not strength to do so, at least I will beg of Thee grace to meet suffering well, when Thou in Thy love and wisdom dost bring it upon me. Let me bear pain, reproach, disappointment, slander, anxiety, suspense, as Thou wouldest have me, O my Jesu, and as Thou by Thy own suffering hast taught me, when it comes. Cardinal Newman 805—Service of the Needy O Christ, Who being rich, for our sakes wast made poor; King of glory, Who didst will to become the man of sorrows: teach us to serve Thee in the person of our needy brethren, weak, suffering, and set at naught; in fear lest at the last day we be of those to whom Thou shalt say, Depart from Me. Eugane Bersier 806—Backs and Burdens Lord, teach me the art of patience whilst I am well, and give me the use of it when I am sick. In that day either lighten my burden or strengthen my back. Make me, who so often in my health have discovered my weakness presuming on my own strength, to be strong in my sickness when I solely rely on Thy assistance. Thomas Fuller 807—The Bearing of Burdens O God, Who art love, grant to them that are born of Thee, and eat of Thy Bread, out of sincere love to bear one another’s burdens; that Thy peace, which passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Thy Son our Lord. Edward Bouverie Pusey 808—The Medical Profession O Lord, the healer of all our diseases, Who knowest how the sick have need of a physician; bless all whom Thou hast called to be sharers in Thine own work of healing with health alike of body and soul; that they may learn their art in dependence upon Thee, and exercise it always under Thy sanction and to Thy glory; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. From “Sursum Corda” 809—Medical and Surgical Research Almighty God, Who art the Father of truth and understanding: shed forth, we beseech Thee, upon those who are engaged in medical and surgical research the light of Thy heavenly guidance; grant unto them the spirit of patient discernment, that they may be skilled to discover the way of health and healing; and strengthen them with the assurance that they are fellow-workers together with Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt 810—Nurses O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said that, inasmuch as we do it unto one of the least of these Thy brethren, we do it unto Thee: look upon Thy servants who are called to nurse the sick and suffering children. Give them patience and fortitude, wisdom and love, and the grace and guidance of Thy Holy Spirit; that they may faithfully minister to those to whom Thou shalt send them, and be found worthy at the last to receive Thy eternal reward. Section 13: The Departed 811—Death O God, Who hast appointed unto men once to die, but hast hidden from them the time of their death: help us so to live in this world that we may be ready to leave it; and that, being Thine in death as in life, we may come to the rest that remaineth for Thy people; through Him Who died and rose again for us, Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. William Bright 812—Life and Death Good Lord, give me the grace so to spend my life, that when the day of my death shall come, though I feel pain in my body, I may feel comfort in soul; and with faithful hope of Thy mercy, in due love towards Thee and charity towards the world, I may through Thy grace part hence into Thy glory. Sir Thomas More 813—At The Approach of Death O my most blessed and glorious Creator, that hast fed me all my life long, and redeemed me from all evil: seeing it is Thy merciful pleasure to take me out of this frail body, and to wipe away all tears from mine eyes, and all sorrows from my heart, I do with all humility and willingness consent and submit myself wholly unto Thy sacred will. My most loving Redeemer, into Thy saving and everlasting arms I commend my spirit: I am ready, my dear Lord, and earnestly expect and long for Thy good pleasure. Come quickly, and receive the soul of Thy servant which trusteth in Thee. Henry Vaughan 814—The Living and the Departed Thou which art Lord at once of the living and of the dead; Whose are we whom the present world yet holdeth in the flesh; Whose are they withal whom, unclothed of the body, the world to come hath even now received: give to the living mercy and grace, to the dead rest and light perpetual: give to the Church truth and peace, to us sinners penitence and pardon. Lancelot Andrewes 815—The Living and the Departed O Lord, we praise Thy holy Name for all Thy servants departed from amongst us in Thy faith and fear; and we humbly beseech Thee so to bless us that remain on earth, that, being protected from all evil, ghostly and bodily, we may ever serve and please Thee with quiet minds and thankful hearts, and together with those that are gone before may have our refreshment in paradise and our portion in the resurrection of the just. Frederick Temple 816—THE DEPARTED O Lord our God, from Whom neither life nor death can separate those who trust in Thy love, and Whose love holds in its embrace Thy children in this world and in the next: so unite us to Thyself that in fellowship with Thee we may be always united to our loved ones whether here or there; give us courage, constancy, and hope; through Him Who died and was buried and rose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. William Temple 817—The Departed O eternal Lord God, Who holdest all souls in life: we beseech Thee to shed forth upon Thy whole Church in paradise and on earth the bright beams of Thy light and heavenly comfort; that we, following the good example of those who have loved and served Thee here and are now at rest, may with them at length enter into the fullness of Thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John Wordsworth 818—The Departed Remember, O Lord, the souls of Thy servants and of Thy handmaids, who have gone before us with the sign of faith, and slumber and sleep in peace. We beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to grant to them and to all who rest in Christ a place of refreshment, light, and peace; through the same Christ our Lord. The Roman Canon 819—The Departed Into Thy hands, O God, we commend the souls of all our loved ones (especially . . . ) as into the hands of a faithful Creator and most loving Saviour; beseeching Thee to grant unto them pardon and peace and, of Thine infinite goodness, wisdom and power, to work in them the good purpose of Thy perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. R. W. D. Lee 820—The Departed We commend unto Thy mercy, O Lord, all Thy servants who are departed hence from us with the sign of faith, and now do rest in the sleep of peace: grant unto them, we beseech Thee, Thy mercy and everlasting peace; and that at the day of the general resurrection we and all they who are of the mystical Body of Thy Son, may altogether be set on His right hand, and hear that His most joyful voice, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only mediator and advocate. Non-Jurors’ Prayer Book 821—The Departed Almighty God, Whose love is over all Thy works in this and every world: into Thy hands we commit the souls of those whom Thou hast taken into the world of light, beseeching Thee to grant unto them the unutterable joys of Thine eternal kingdom, and unto all who mourn them grace to abide Thy will in fortitude of spirit and in perfect faith. Anon. 822—The Departed Remember, O Lord, Thy servants and Thy handmaidens who have departed hence in the Lord, especially . . . and all others to whom our remembrance is due. Give them eternal rest and peace in Thy heavenly kingdom, and to us such a measure of communion with them, as Thou knowest to be best for us. And bring us all to serve Thee in Thine eternal kingdom, when Thou wilt, and as Thou wilt, only without shame or sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Edward Bouverie Pusey 823—O Saviour of the world, Whose nature and property is always to have mercy and to forgive, Whose will is to have pity on all men, and Whose loving-kindness is like the great deep: stablish my . . . , who has passed from this world of affliction and the shadow of death, in the place where light shineth for ever. Anon. 824—A Child Departed O merciful Father, Whose face the angels of Thy little ones do always behold in heaven: grant us steadfastly to believe that this Thy child hath been taken into the safe keeping of Thine eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book 825—A Child Departed Blessed Lord, Who knowest Thy sheep and callest them into Thy fold, where none can harm them: we give Thee thanks that it hath pleased Thee to give to this Thy child with Thy flock in paradise a place of refreshment and rest. Keep her (or him) in peace, good Shepherd, in the joy of Thy presence; and grant her (or him) at last a portion with Thy saints in the fullness of life everlasting; where Thou livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Frederick B. Macnutt 826—The Saints in Light O King eternal, immortal, invisible, Who in the righteousness of Thy saints hast given us an example of Godly life, and in their blessedness a sure pledge of the hope of our calling; grant, we beseech Thee, that being compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run with patience the race that is set before us, and with them receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 827—The Life Of Heaven Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no voice nor silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity; in the habitation of Thy glory and dominion, world without end. After John Donne 828—Mourners O heavenly Father, Whose blessed Son Jesus Christ did weep at the grave of Lazarus: look, we beseech Thee, with compassion upon those who are now in sorrow and affliction; comfort them, O Lord, with Thy gracious consolations; make them to know that all things work together for good to them that love Thee; and grant them evermore sure trust and confidence in Thy fatherly care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book 829—Mourners O merciful Lord God, Who hast given us Thy Son to be the bright and morning star, and to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: look, we pray Thee, upon all whose hearts Thou hast troubled by the loss of those whom they love; draw them beneath the shadow of Thy wings; enlighten their eyes that they may endure as seeing the invisible; and cheer them with largeness of hope and confidence in Thy eternal purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson 830—Mourners O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst have compassion upon the widow of Nain and say unto her, Weep not, and by Thine Apostle hast bidden us not to be sorry as men without hope for them that sleep in Thee: visit, we beseech Thee, with Thy compassion those who mourn the loss of their beloved, and when thou comest in Thy kingdom, wipe away all tears from their eyes; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. In use at Salisbury ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/prayers-for-public-or-private-use-on-divers-occasions/ ========================================================================