AFTER THE THIRD COLLECT
Prayers and Thanksgivings for use in Public Worship
Previously published as Memorials Upon Several Occasions
4th ed. revised, Edited by E. Milner-White
A. R. MOWBRAY, MOREHOUSE-GORHAM, 1952
Index of Prayers
PART I. Occasional Prayers
The State
1. For the Queen’s Majesty
2. For the [Queen and] Royal Family
3. For the Queen and All in Authority Under Her
4. For the British Empire
5. For the High Court of Parliament
6. In Time of an Election
7. S. George’s Day
8. For the World
9. For the United Nations or Other International Conference
The Church
1O. For the Kingdom of God
11. For the Church
12. For the Clergy and People
13. For Unity
14. In the Ember Weeks
15. For the Iincrease of the Sacred Ministry
16. For the Convocations, Synods, and Assemblies of the Church
17. During the Vacancy of a See or of a Parochial Charge
Pastoral and Missionary Work
18. For Missions
19. For Our Countrymen Abroad
2O. At a Dedication or Other Parish Festival
21. For a Diocese, Group of Parishes, or Parish
22. For the Right Observance of Sunday
23. Before the Study of Scripture
24. For Candidates for Confirmation
25. For Choirs and Ministers of the Sanctuary
26. For Church Work
27. For Religious Communities
28. Before a Retreat or Quiet Day
Christian Life and Education
29. For All Conditions of Men
3O. For Conformity to the Life of Christ
‘Anima Christi’
31. For the Servants of God
32. For the Conversion of Sinners
33. For Those in Perplexity and Doubt
34. For Home-life
35. For the Absent
36. For Children and for Sunday Schools
Prayer of S. Richard of Chichester
37. For Universities and Schools
38. For any Educational Foundation
39. For the Advancement of Knowledge
4O. For Writers and Writings
Industry, Agriculture, and the Sea
41. For the Municipal, Industrial, or Other Authority
42. For Industrial Peace and Content
43. During Industrial Disputes
44. For the Spirit of Brotherhood and Service
45. For Employed and Unemployed
46. For Seafarers and Travelers
47. On the Rogation Days:
For Agriculture
For Fisheries
For Industry
48. For Fair Weather or for Rain
49. In the Time of Dearth and Famine
The Suffering, Dying, and Departed
5O. For All in Necessity
51. For Those Who Suffer
52. For the Sick
53. For Hospitals and Infirmaries
54. For the Dying
55. In the Presence of Death
56. For Mourners
57. Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
58. Commemoration of Those Fallen in Battle
59. On the Communion of Saints and the Life Everlasting
Final Prayers
6O. Commemoration of the Passion
61. Evening Prayers
Prayer of S. Edmund Rich
62. For the Perfecting of Good Effort
63. Prayers That M Be Said After Any of the Former
Other Concluding Prayers (from the Communion Service)
PART II. Thanksgivings
1. General Thanksgiving
2. In Christmastide
3. In Passiontide
4. In Eastertide
5. In Ascensiontide
6. In Whitsuntide
7. For the Church
8. For the Saints and Faithful Departed
9. For the Saints of England
1O. For the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
11. Commemoration of Holy Communion
12. For the Natural Creation
13. For the Blessings of Harvest
14. For Fair Weather or for Rain
15. For Plenty
16. For Peace and Deliverance in National Peril
17. For Restoring Public Peace at Home
18. For Missions
19. After Recovery From Sickness or Injury
2O. Before a War Memorial
PART III. Endings
PART IV. Vestry Prayers
Before Sservice
After Service
PART V. Acts and Dedications
I. Forms of Confession and Penitence
II. Acts of Renewal and Personal Dedication
III. A Blessing of the Crib
IV. Dedication of Memorials and Gifts
Appendix
A Short Litany
Litany for Foreign Mission
A Thanksgiving for Redemption
A Thanksgiving for the English Saints
Index of Sources
Preface to the Third Edition
After the Third Collect is not a new work; it is a third edition of Memorials upon Several Occasions. The new title has been given it to meet complaints that the more archaic one failed to make clear its purpose and contents. But the book has been revised and enlarged; amongst its new matter are two sections, one intended to assist prayer in the vestry, the other to aid the preparation of ‘special services.’ Only by courtesy indeed can the new title cover such additions; but if they are useful that will not be refused.
The book’s two ambitions abide. The first, to provide a flexible collection of prayers which will give the parish priest all that he ordinarily requires for the conduct of corporate intercession, in a single volume, orderly arranged. Secondly, to keep standards high, as near as may be to those of the Prayer Book, in structure, dignity, expression, and rhythm. Language has a part too little regarded in worship: to exalt, or to vulgarize it.
The War 1939–45 discovered or begat some good prayers, pertinent still in a world praying for peace; they have been included. The contemporary Church asks also for new forms such as the acts of dedication so frequently desired in ‘special services’ by military, social, educational, and other units; no liturgical type is harder to frame or more important to frame well, but the book tries to make a beginning of help here. How ancient, how modern, how universal, how local are the prayers of the collection, the Index of Sources will show. The living Church has no continuity more secure and lovely than that of its intercessory prayer; and if this book, in its own modest place, be found fit for use alongside the agelong Liturgy, its compiler will indeed be thankful.
E. Milner-White
St. Francis’ Day, 1951
Original Preface
This book has a limited aim, to help the parish priest to make fuller use of ‘the second part of the prayers’ at Matins, and above all Evensong along accustomed liturgical lines.
The opportunity provided at this point of the service for intelligent corporate intercession grows more and more important. It is at once the Church’s witness as to the things she most cares about in a vexed world and her proper work for the kingdom of God. And the set prayer said by the minister must always remain the staple method of intercession in the congregation, however advantageous freer and more colloquial forms may be on occasions. The additional provision of Occasional Prayers in the 1928 book was valuable, but even with its help the minister suffers many inconveniences. For some common wants of these days, no good prayers exist; to meet others, he must turn from book to book, a nuisance at any time, but especially hampering to the conduct of devotions in the nave. And confessedly some of the new 1928 prayers can be and should be improved.
With regard to the Occasional Thanksgivings the position is worse. Here the 1928 book did little more than purge a few disagreeable archaisms. With two exceptions the prayers in this section date from the obscure revision of 16O4, and were always indifferent in quality. The marvel of the General Thanksgiving added in 1662 is that it has been able single-handed to cover the need so long and so well. But the modern emphasis on thanksgiving and praise, so right, so wholesome, demands more consideration than the Revision gave it. Few priests, for instance, but have longed for special expression of thanksgiving at festal seasons in key with the festival, for some equivalent in the daily prayers to the Proper Prefaces in the Eucharist. This book makes a first attempt to supply it.
In 193O the Editor published a criticism of the new Occasional Prayers in the 1928 book. [The Occasional Prayers Reconsidered. S.P.C.K.] While his criticisms of that work remain unaltered, he has found much in his own additions and substitutes to reconsider in turn. The standards at which such additions must aim, and by which be judged, can be no lower than those of 1549 and 1662. Nothing less than the best is worthy of regular employment or can either claim or win it. The Editor has no illusions that he can provide that which only inspiration and the stern test of use can frame; he would do no more than make a contribution to present use which may be suggestive, by failure no less than by success, for the new revision which must come sooner or later.
A first glance at the Index of Sources will reveal how much of the new matter has been based upon the writings of Andrewes, Laud, Donne, Traherne, and Jeremy Taylor – the “classical” period of devout expression in English. The principle of the repetition of prayers by priest and people together, of value for the sake both of attention and variety, was honoured in 1928 by the permission so to say the General Thanksgiving; it has been extended here by the inclusion of such ancient and proven devotions as Anima Christi, God be in my head, and the prayer of S. Richard of Chichester “to be said together by minister and people.” The Post-Communion and other Collects suitable for intercessory use outside their ordinary context have been included for the sake of easy accessibility. Other devices to secure convenience of arrangement or reference will be apparent; and blank pages have been provided for additions favoured by individual clergy, or set forth by authority for any special occasion. Four Litanies have been added in an Appendix.
With the larger provision of prayers made here, it need hardly be pointed out how simply and advantageously a weekly scheme of intercession may be arranged, say, at Evensong. For example, Monday prayer for the Church; on Tuesday for the State; on Wednesday for the Parish or for Missions; on Thursday for industry and social betterment; on Friday memorial of the Cross, and intercession for faithful and unfaithful; on Saturday for the sick, the dying, the departed, with a memorial of the Communion of Saints.
With this brief apology we commend the book to priests who may care to use it; to the Church that it desires to serve; and to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to whose honour its making, as its use, would be wholly directed and devoted.
S. George’s Day, 1933
PART I. Occasional Prayers
1. For the Queen’s Majesty
Let us pray for the Queen
V. Send her help from the Sanctuary;
R. And strengthen her out of Sion.
Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting, and power infinite: Have mercy upon the whole Church; and so rule the heart of thy chosen servant Elizabeth, our Queen and Governor, that she (knowing whose minister she is) may above all things seek thy honour and glory: and that we, and all her subjects (duly considering whose authority she hath) may faithfully serve, honour, and humbly obey her, in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Or,
Almighty and everlasting God, we are taught by thy holy Word, that the hearts of kings are in thy rule and governance, and that thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: We humbly beseech thee so to dispose and govern the heart of Elizabeth thy servant, our Queen and Governor, that, in all her thoughts, words, and works, she may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to her charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness: Grant this, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son’s sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
O Lord our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth: Most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth; and so replenish her with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that she may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: Endue her plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant her in health and wealth long to live; strengthen her that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies; and finally, after this life, she may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. For the Royal Family.
Let us pray for [the Queen and] the Royal Family.
V. Send them help from thy holy place;
R. And evermore mightily defend them.
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, 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. Amen.
Or,
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless [our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth,] Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Charles Duke of Cornwall, and all the Royal Family; Endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. For the Queen and all in authority under her.
Let us pray for the Queen and all who are set in authority under her.
V. The Queen shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord;
R. Exceeding glad shall she be of thy salvation.
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Parliaments in all her dominions, and all who are set in authority under her ; that they may order all things in wisdom, righteousness, and peace, to the honour of thy holy name, and the good of thy Church and people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. For the British Empire.
Let us pray for the British Commonwealth of Nations.
V . God is our God for ever and ever;
R. He shall be our guide unto death.
Eternal God, who rulest in the kingdoms of men; Grant, we most humbly beseech thee, honour and safety to our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth; peace throughout the Commonwealth of her peoples; promotion to true religion; encouragement to learning and godly living; a patient service to the concord of the world; and, by all these, glory to thy holy name; for his sake, to whom thou hast given all power in heaven and earth, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or,
Lord, bless this Kingdom and Empire [or Commonwealth] that religion and virtue may season all sorts of men: that there may be peace within the gates of it and prosperity in all its borders. In peace so preserve it that it corrupt not; in trouble so defend it that it suffer not; and so order it, whether in plenty or in want, that it may patiently and peaceably seek thee, the only full supply and sure foundation both of men and states, that so it may continue a place and people to do thee service to the end of time; through Jesus Christ our only Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.
Or this, in a national effort or emergency
Give ear, O God, to the prayers of thy people, that our present service [or our national endeavours or as need may require] may take such good effect as thou mayest be glorified, thy Church, our Queen and country preserved, and every enemy of the truth so utterly vanquished that we may have continual peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
5. For the High Court of Parliament, to be read during their Session.
Let us pray for the High Court of Parliament.
V. Commit thy way unto the Lord;
R. And put thy trust in him.
Most gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for this kingdom in general, so especially for the High Court of Parliament, under our Sovereign Lady the Queen at this time assembled: That thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign, and her dominions; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the name and mediation of Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
6. For use at the time of an Election.
Let us pray for God’s guidance in this present Election.
V. In all thy ways acknowledge him;
R. And he shall direct thy paths.
Almighty God, the source of all wisdom: Direct, we beseech thee, the minds of those now called to elect fit persons to serve in the High Court of Parliament [or the Council of this county, or city; or as need may require]; that they may have regard to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; and on those whom they shall choose, bestow, of thy goodness, the spirit of wisdom and true religion; for the sake of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
7. S. George’s Day (April 23rd)
Collect
Almighty God, who hast made us heirs of all the victories of faith: Arm us, like Saint George, with such trust in the truth that is invisible, that we may seek no rest from its demands, and have no fear in its service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Or,
Let us pray for all who hold office and responsibility, at home and overseas.
V. Commit thy way unto the Lord and put thy trust in him;
R. And he shall bring it to pass.
O Lord God of hosts, who didst give grace to thy servant George to lay aside the fear of man, and to confess thee even unto death: Grant that we, and all our countrymen who bear office in the world, may think lightly of earthly place and honour, and seek rather to please the Captain of our salvation, who hath chosen us to be his soldiers; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be thanks and praise from all the armies of thy saints, now and for evermore. Amen.
8. For the World.
Let us pray for the peace of the world.
V. The Lord remaineth a King for ever;
R. The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, and no strength known but the strength of love: We pray thee so mightily to shed and spread abroad thy Spirit, that all peoples and ranks may be gathered under one banner, of the Prince of Peace; as children of one God and Father of all; to whom be dominion and glory now and for ever. Amen.
Or,
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. Amen.
Or,
We beseech thee, O Lord our God, to set the peace of heaven within the hearts of men, that it may bind the nations also in a covenant which cannot be broken; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Let us pray for the healing of the world’s divisions and sorrows.
Eternal God, the Father of all mankind: We commit to thee the needs of the whole world: where there is hatred, give love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is distrust, faith; where there is sorrow, hope; where there is darkness, light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Let us pray for the renewal in Christ of nation and world.
V. And he that sat upon the throne said:
R. Behold, I make all things new.
Most Holy Spirit of God, from whom alone floweth the fullness of wisdom and life: Come in thine everlasting power and glory upon thy Church and into the hearts of men; to bring to the world a new birth of holiness, new understanding of truth, and new unity in love; in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Father and thee liveth and reigneth, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
9. For the Assembly and Council of the United Nations or other International Conference.
Let us pray for the Councils of the United Nations, [or . . .].
V. He maketh wars to cease in all the world;
R. He breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots in the fire.
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray thee, in the hearts of all men the true love of peace, and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who [at this time] take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Almighty God, and most merciful Father, who wouldest have the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of thy Son Jesus Christ: Bestow thy blessing, we beseech thee, upon [the Assembly of the United Nations and] all who labour for peace and righteousness among the peoples; that the day may be hastened when war shall be no more, and thy will only shall govern the nations upon earth; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1O. For the kingdom of God.
Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in earth as it is in heaven.
V. The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ ;
R. And he shall reign for ever and ever.
O God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast set up on earth a kingdom of holiness, to measure its strength against all others: Make faith to prevail over fear, and righteousness over force, and truth over the lie, and love and concord over all things; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
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. Amen.
11. For the Church.
Let us pray for the whole Church.
V. Christ also loved the Church;
R. And gave himself for it.
Most 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 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. Amen.
Or,
O GOD of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favourably upon thy whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; and by the tranquil operation of thy perpetual providence carry out the work of man’s salvation; that things which were cast down may be raised up, and that all things may return into unity through him by whom all things were made, even thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Or, the Collect for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity:)
O LORD, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Or, the Collect for the Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity:)
Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
12. For the Clergy and People.
Let us pray for the Clergy and People.
V. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
R. And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
Almighty and everlasting God, who alone workest great marvels: Send down upon our Bishops, and Curates [or Clergy], and all Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of thy grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or,
Eternal God, who hast set ministers and pastors in thy Church, by whom thou wouldest plant holiness in the world and reign in the hearts of men: Pour upon them the flame of thy Holy Spirit, that [in the day of darkness and the dominion of death] they may lift up the everlasting light of the Gospel, and feed with the living bread the flock of thy dear Son; by whom alone mankind shall be healed and glorify thy Name, now and ever. Amen.
13. For Unity.
Let us pray for the unity of all Christian people.
V. Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren;
R. To dwell together in unity.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst say to thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church, and grant it that peace and unity which is agreeable to thy will; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Or,
Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, Almighty God, to grant to the whole Christian people, unity, peace, and true concord, both visible and invisible; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
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. Amen.
(Or, the Collect appointed for S. Simon and S. Jude:)
O Almighty God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head cornerstone; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. In the Ember Weeks, to be said every day, for them that are to be admitted into Holy Orders.
Let us pray for them that are to be admitted into Holy Orders.
V. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
R. And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious blood of thy dear Son: Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors of thy flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred ministry of thy Church. And to those which shall be ordained to any holy function give thy grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and doctrine they may set forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great name, and the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
NOTE. – During the Ember Weeks either of these Prayers may be said after the Collect of the Day or before the blessing in the Communion, and the second may be used on the day of an Ordination or of a Consecration.
15. For the increase of the Sacred Ministry.
Let us pray for the increase of the Sacred Ministry.
V. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest;
R. That he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
O almighty God, look mercifully upon the world, redeemed by the blood of thy dear Son, and incline the hearts of all whom thou dost call, to offer themselves for the sacred ministry of thy Church; so that by their labours thy light may shine in the darkness and guide thy people into the way of peace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
16. For the Convocations, Synods, and Assemblies of the Church.
Let us pray for God’s blessing upon Convocation [or upon the Synod of this Diocese].
V. Show the light of thy countenance upon thy servants;
R. And teach them thy statutes.
O LORD God, the Father of lights and fountain of all wisdom, who in the days of the Apostles didst send thy Holy Spirit to direct the first Council of thy Church in Jerusalem: Look mercifully upon us, and so bless the Bishops and Clergy in Convocation [or in Synod] assembled, that through their deliberations thy Church may be preserved in the true faith, and in godly discipline; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or,
Let us pray for God’s blessing upon the National Assembly of the Church of England [or as need may require].
V. With God is wisdom and might;
R. He shall give counsel and understanding.
Guide, we beseech thee, Almighty God, by the light of thy Holy Spirit, the counsels of the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity at this time assembled; that thy Church may dwell in peace, and fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
17. During the Vacancy of a See or of a Parochial Charge.
Let us pray that a faithful Pastor may be given to this Diocese [or Parish].
V. Endue thy ministers with righteousness;
R. And make thy chosen people joyful.
Almighty God, the giver of every good gift: Look graciously, we beseech thee, on thy Church, and so guide with thy heavenly wisdom the minds of those to whom is committed the choice of a Bishop for this Diocese [or Rector or Vicar for this Parish] that we may receive a faithful Pastor, who shall feed thy flock according to thy will, and make ready a people acceptable unto thee; through Jesus Christ, thine only Son, our Lord. Amen.
18. For Missions.
“It is much to be desired that every Sunday one or other of these Prayers should be used.” (1928)
Let us pray for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the world.
V. Declare his honour unto the heathen;
R. And his wonders unto all people.
O God of all the nations of the earth, remember the multitudes of the heathen, who, though created in thine image, have not known thee, nor the dying of thy Son their Saviour Jesus Christ; and grant that by the prayers and labours of thy holy Church they may be delivered from all superstition and unbelief, and brought to worship thee; through him whom thou hast sent to be the Resurrection and the Life of all men, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
V. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace;
R. And bring glad tidings of good things.
O GOD, our heavenly Father, who didst manifest thy love by sending thine only-begotten Son into the world that all might live through him: Pour thy Spirit upon thy Church that it may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to every creature; send forth, we beseech thee, labourers into thy harvest; make them glad with abundance of increase; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and all Israel shall be saved; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
V. Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance ;
R. And the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
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 Lord, the fulfillment of thy promise, to pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
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. Amen.
Or,
V. Ye that are the Lord’s remembrancers, take ye no rest and give him no rest
R. Till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
O LORD, who hast warned us that thou wilt require much of those to whom much is given; Grant that we, whose lot is cast in so goodly a heritage, may strive together the more abundantly, by prayer, by almsgiving, by fasting, and by all appointed means to extend to those who know thee not what we so richly enjoy; and as we have entered into the labours of others, so to labour that others many enter into ours, to the fulfillment of thy holy will, and the salvation of all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
19. For our Countrymen abroad.
Let us pray for our countrymen abroad, especially those who are lonely or far removed from the ministries of the Church.
V. Though I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
R. Thy right hand shall hold me.
KEEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, our brethren who are dwelling in foreign lands; protect them from the dangers which surround them, and supply them with the means of grace. Make them steadfast in thy ways, pure and holy in their lives. Preserve them from the sin of offending thy little ones which believe in thee, and from causing thy word to be blasphemed among the heathen. Grant that they may shine as lights in the world, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2O. At a Dedication or other Festival of the Parish Church.
V. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house.
R. And the place where thine honour dwelleth.
Eternal Lord God, who in thy mercy hast preserved through the ages this house of prayer to be the habitation of thy glory; Mercifully grant that, coming unto thee as living stones, we may be built up a spiritual house acceptable to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
O Lord Jesus Christ, who art thyself the temple of the holy City of God, the light thereof and its surpassing glory; Glorify and lighten, we beseech thee, with thy perpetual presence this earthly house built gloriously to thee; and be pleased both to inspire and to accept its worship day by day, the praise of thankful lips and the prayers of faithful hearts; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Or,
God of our Fathers, who of old didst move thy servants in this place to build an house of prayer for the offering of eternal praises to thy glorious majesty; Grant to us, and to all who herein call upon thy holy Name from age to age, that, by the offering of our lives and the praises of our lips, we may ever seek the increase of thy glory and thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God, the same yesterday, today, and for ever. Amen.
21. For a Diocese, Group of Parishes, or Parish.
Let us pray for God’s blessing upon this Diocese.
V. Turn thee again, thou God of hosts, look down from heaven;
R. Behold and visit this vine.
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 Diocese all things 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; churches complete in the beauty of holiness]. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick and afflicted; turn and soften the wicked; rouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of thy truth; and bring all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of thy holy Church; to the honour and glory of thy blessed Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
22. For the right observance of Sunday.
Let us pray that the Lord’s Day may be kept holy.
V. This is the day which the Lord hath made;
R. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Lord, teach thy people to love thy house best of all dwellings, thy Scriptures best of all books, thy Sacraments best of all gifts, the communion of saints best of all company: and that we may as one family and in one place give thanks and adore thy glory, help us to keep always thy day, the first of days, holy unto thee, our Maker, our Resurrection, and our Life, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Or,
O God, give thy people grace to use aright thy holy day; that it may be a day of mercy to the heavy-laden, a day of resurrection to newness and fullness of life; a day to worship thee in the fellowship of the faithful; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
23. Before the Study of Scripture.
V. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet;
R. And a light unto my paths.
O gracious God and most merciful Father, who hast vouchsafed us the rich and precious jewel of thy holy word: Assist us with thy Spirit that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to thine own image, to build us up into the perfect building of thy Christ, and to increase us in all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the same Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
(Or, the Collect appointed for the Second Sunday in Advent:)
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
24. For Candidates for Confirmation.
Let us pray for those who are preparing for Confirmation.
V. Let thy loving Spirit lead them forth;
R. Into the land of righteousness.
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. Amen.
25. For Choirs and Ministers of the Sanctuary.
Let us pray for those who serve God in Choir and Sanctuary.
V. O sing praises, sing praises unto our God;
R. Sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
Or,
V. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house;
R. They will be alway praising thee.
O Lord God Almighty, whose glory Cherubim and Seraphim and all the hosts of heaven with ceaseless voice proclaim; Hear and accept, we humbly beseech thee, the praises of thy Church below; and pour down upon thy ministers in choir and sanctuary such a spirit of faith, reverence, and joy as shall lift both their hymns and their lives unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26. For Church Work.
Let us pray for the works and workers of the Church.
V. Prosper thou the work of our hands upon us;
R. O prosper thou our handy-work.
O LORD, without whom our labour is but lost, and with whom the weakest go forth as the mighty; Be present to all works in thy Church which are undertaken according to thy will [especially . . .], 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. Amen.
27. For Religious Communities.
Let us pray for Religious Communities both of men and women, [especially . . .1.
V. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people;
R. In the courts of the Lord’s house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
Almighty God, who hast led men and women in this as in every age to surrender all that they possess, and to bind themselves in spiritual families for thy single service: Accept their oblation and hallow their common life, we beseech thee, O merciful Father; and move thy whole Church to press forward with them to the more perfect obedience of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God world without end. Amen.
28. Before a Retreat or Quiet Day.
Let us pray for the blessing of God upon this time of quiet.
V. Come, my people, enter into thy chamber, and shut thy doors about thee.
R. Be still, and know that I am God.
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. Amen.
29. For all Conditions of Men.
Let us pray for all men according to their needs.
V. The Lord is loving unto every man;
R. And his mercy is over all his works.
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially, we pray for the good estate of the Catholick Church: that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [*especially those for whom our prayers are desired:] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
*This to be said when any desire the Prayers of the Congregation.
3O. For conformity to the life of Christ.
Let us pray for the inward life of Jesus Christ.
V. Abide in me and I in you;
R. For without me ye can do nothing.
O merciful Jesus, who when thou tookest upon thee to deliver man didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb; Vouchsafe evermore to dwell in the hearts of us thy servants; inspire us with thy purity; strengthen us with thy might; make us perfect in thy ways; guide us into thy truth; and unite us to thyself and to thy whole Church by thy holy mysteries; that we may conquer every adverse power, and be wholly devoted to thy service and conformed to thy will; to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Or,
O Christ, the everlasting Son of the Father, the catholic King: Come thou thyself to rule in our hearts, that the hatred of sin, the love of thy presence, the light of thy truth, and the joy of the Holy Ghost may there be enthroned; and then in thy mercy bring us to the kingdom where thou reignest in the glory of the eternal Trinity, for ever and ever. Amen.
Or,
O Saviour, meek and lowly of heart, let not our pride refuse thy bidding, to become as little children, in joy and simplicity, in trustfulness one toward another, in lowliness of heart; and by this thine own glory, bring us unto ours; for thy majesty and thy mercy’s sake. Amen.
Or,
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who while pouring forth thy blood, suffering and dying, didst hold every child of man in thy heart: Vouchsafe us never to refuse thee entry into ours, nor yet the full and whole possession of it; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Or this, to be said by the Minister and people together,
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, invigorate me;
Water from the side of Christ, wash me;
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesu, hear me;
Within thy wounds hide me;
Suffer me not to be separated from thee;
From the malignant enemy defend me;
In the hour of my death call me;
And bid me come to thee;
That with thy saints I may praise thee
For ever and ever. Amen.
Or,
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hast given thy life to redeem me,
Thyself for my example,
Thy word for my rule,
Thy grace for my guide,
Thy body on the cross for the sin of my soul;
Enter in and take possession of my heart,
And dwell with me for ever. Amen.
31. For the Servants of God.
Let us pray for all faithful members of Christ’s Church.
V. Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee;
R. Stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us.
Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, O Lord, to strengthen and confirm all thy faithful, and to lift them up more and more to heavenly desires; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Or, the second Collect appointed for Good Friday:)
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
32. For the Conversion of Sinners.
Let us pray for the conversion of sinners.
V. O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end;
R. But guide thou the just.
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. Amen.
33. For those in perplexity and doubt.
Let us pray for all who are perplexed and doubtful.
V. O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me;
R. And bring me unto thy holy hill and to thy dwelling.
Dispel, O Lord, O Father of Lights, all clouds of doubt and the darknesses about our earthly course ; that in thy light we may see light, and come both to know thee as we are known, and to love as we are loved; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
34. For Home-life.
Let us pray for the homes of our land.
V. God hath made fast the bars of thy gates;
R. And hath blessed thy children within thee.
O Lord God Almighty, Father of every family, against whom no door can be shut: Enter the homes of our land, we beseech thee, with the angel of thy presence, to hallow them in pureness and beauty of love: and by thy dear Son, born in a stable, move our hearts to hear the cry of the homeless, and to convert all sordid and bitter dwellings into households of thine; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Almighty Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast poured upon us thy best gift of love, to be the bond of perfectness in the families of men, and the means to bring man and wife and child to thine everlasting mansions: Bless, we beseech thee, the homes of our land, that in them love may abound and happiness abide, by faith in thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
35. For the Absent.
Let us pray for those whom we love and from whom we are now parted.
(Here may follow a SILENCE in which each may remember his own by name)
O God our heavenly Father, we entrust to thy careful unfailing providence our families and homes [or . . .]; beseeching the Angel of thy presence to guard them from hurt, and to watch between them and us continually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
36. For Children and for Sunday Schools.
Let us pray for the children of the Church, [and for Sunday Schools].
V. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
R. A good understanding have all they that do thereafter.
Or, if the prayer be said with the children,
V. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us;
R. That we should be called the children of God.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst take into thine arms the children brought to thee for blessing: Bless always and in all places the children of thy Church, and thy Church in telling them of thee; that they may grow into thy likeness, keeping innocency, obedient to thy will and happy in thy house; for thy tender mercy’s sake. Amen.
The prayer of S. Richard of Chichester may be said clause by clause with the children, or congregation.
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits which thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever. Amen.
37. For Universities and Schools.
Let us pray for Universities, Colleges, and Schools.
V. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
R. And to depart from evil is understanding.
O God, who dost begin and sustain all progress up to thee in thy kingdom: Bless our Universities and Schools, that they may convey to thy children thy best gifts of truth and godliness, and prepare them for the perfect citizenship alike of earth and heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
38. For any Educational Foundation.
Let us pray for this College.
V. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet;
R. And a light unto my paths.
Father, who hast through many generations and by many bountiful servants blessed this College [or School] for a house of faith and fruitful study: Grant us likewise in this place so to learn truth as to bear its light along all our ways, and so to learn Christ as ever to be found in him; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
39. For the Advancement of Knowledge, and its right use.
Let us pray for all those engaged in scientific research and in the pursuit of truth.
V. My lips shall speak of thy praise;
R. When thou hast taught me thy statutes.
Direct, O God, with thine own loving wisdom our schools of thought and science; that they may more and more unveil the wondrous things of thy law, and draw all to adore thee with mind and heart and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Almighty and eternal God, who hast entrusted the minds of men with the science and skill which can greatly bless or wholly destroy: Grant them also a new stature of spirit to match thy trust; that they may use their many inventions to thy glory and the benefit of mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4O. For Writers and Writings.
Let us pray for authors, editors, and journalists that their writings may further the truth and purposes of God.
V. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
R. Take account of these things.
Almighty God, who hast proclaimed thine eternal truth by the voice of prophets and evangelists: Direct and bless, we beseech thee, those who in this our generation speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of the people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honour of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
41. For the Municipal, Industrial, or other Authority.
Let us pray, as St. Paul bids, for those who direct and govern our community life [or . . .].
V . Make supplications and prayers for all that are in authority;
R. That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Almighty God, whose is the eternal only power, and other men’s power but borrowed of thee: We beseech thee for those who hold office in this borough [city, county, corporation, or as need requires]; that, holding it first from thee, they may use it for the general good and to thine honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
42. For Industrial Peace and Content.
Let us pray for .peaceful and righteous conditions in Industry.
O God, the Father of all mankind, we beseech thee to inspire us with such love, truth, and equity, that in all our dealings one with another we may show forth our brotherhood in thee; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
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 oppression and wrong, 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 our Lord. Amen.
43. During Industrial Disputes.
Let us pray that God may bring to a wise and righteous issue the present industrial trouble.
V. Keep ye judgement and do justice;
R. For my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
O God, who hast ordained that men should live and work together as brethren: Remove, we humbly beseech thee, from those who are now at variance, all spirit of strife and all occasion of bitterness, that, seeking only what is just and equal, they may ever continue in brotherly union and concord, to their own wellbeing, and the prosperity of the realm; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
44. For the Spirit of Brotherhood and Service.
V. Owe no man anything but to love one another;
R. For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Almighty God, who thyself art love: Fill us with the spirit of thy holy love; that our hearts being kindled by thee, we may for ever and ever love thee, and each other in thee, and all men for thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
O God, the well of love and Father of all: Make us so to love thee that we know not but to love every man; in Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
Or,
V. Christ went about doing good;
R. For God was with him.
Inspire and strengthen us by thy Holy Spirit, O Lord God, to seek thy will and uphold thine honour in all things ; in the purity and joy of our homes, in the trust and fellowship of our common life, in daily service of the good; after the pattern and in the power of thy Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
45. For Employed and Unemployed.
Let us pray for the dedication of our daily work to God.
V. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily;
R. As to the Lord and not unto men.
God, who hast made every calling of man acceptable to thyself, if only thy glory be intended in it: Give us day by day the desire to do our work, of what sort soever it be, for thine honour; and the joy of rendering it to thee well done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for the Unemployed, and for all whose work is insecure.
V. Why stand ye here all the day idle?
R. They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us.
O God, thou Lord of the vineyard, who wouldest not that any should stand idle in the marketplace: Hear our prayer for those who are without employment or assurance of livelihood; and in thy loving wisdom, declare unto us the counsels to help and heal all our distresses; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
46. For Seafarers and Travelers.
Let us pray for all Seafarers.
V. These men see the works of the Lord;
R. And his wonders in the deep.
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 [especially in this present storm]; and be thyself their way and light till journeyings shall end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for all Travelers, [especially . . .].
V. O hold thou up my goings in thy paths;
R. That my footsteps slip not.
O Lord God, preserve upon their several ways thy servants who journey by land and sea and air, that they suffer neither wreck nor hurt: and upon thine own paths of mercy and truth do thou guard and order all our goings; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
47. On the Rogation Days.
NOTE. – These Collects for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Industries may be used separately or together upon any appropriate occasion.
Let us pray for God’s blessing on the fruits of the earth and the labours of men.
V. The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord;
R. And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Almighty God, who hast blessed the earth that it should be fruitful and bring forth abundantly whatsoever is needful for the life of man: Prosper, we beseech thee, the labours of the husbandman, and grant such seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruits of the earth, and proclaim thy great goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And this.
Almighty God, who hast made the sea and all that moveth therein: Bestow thy blessing on the harvest of the waters, that it may be abundant in its season, and on our fishermen and mariners, that they may be safe in every peril of the deep; so that we all with thankful hearts may acknowledge thee who art the Lord of the sea and of the dry land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And this.
Prosper our industries, we pray thee, God most high, that our land may be full with all manner of store, and there be no complaining in our streets: and, as thy glorious Son our Lord plied tool and trade on earth, so give to all that labour pride in their work, a just reward, and joy both in supplying need and serving thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
48. For Fair Weather or for Rain.
Let us pray for fair weather [or for rain].
V. The Lord will fulfill the desire of them that fear him;
R. He also will hear their cry and will help them.
O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to them that seek first thy kingdom and thy righteousness, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance: Send us, we beseech thee, in this our necessity, such favourable weather [or such moderate rain and showers] that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thine honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
49. In the time of Dearth and Famine.
Let us pray for relief in this time of scarcity.
V. Cast thy burden upon the Lord;
R. And he shall nourish thee.
O God, our heavenly Father, who by thy blessed Son hast taught us to ask our daily bread of thee: Behold, we beseech thee, the affliction of thy people, and send us a seasonable relief in this our necessity. Increase the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving with thankfulness thy bountiful gifts, may use the same to thy glory, the relief of those that are needy, and our own comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
5O. For all in necessity.
Let us pray for the healing of all ills.
V. Oh, that the salvation were given unto Israel out of Sion;
R. Oh, that the Lord would deliver his people out of captivity ;
O Lord God, mighty and merciful, hear our prayers touching every ill wherewith this world is beset, that thou remove it according to thy grace; for the afflicted, the sick, the destitute, the imprisoned, and them that have no helper, that thou succour each according to his need; and for all in the captivity of sin, that thou deliver them at the supplications which we most humbly offer, in the name of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
Or,
We bring before thee, O Lord, the griefs and perils of peoples and nations the necessities of the homeless ; the helplessness of the aged and weak; the sighing of prisoners; the pains of the sick and injured; the sorrows of the bereaved: Comfort and relieve them, O merciful Father, according to their several needs; for the sake of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
51. For those who Suffer.
Let us pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
V. Surely he hath borne our grief;
R. And carried our sorrows.
Almighty and everlasting God, the comfort of the sad, the strength of them that suffer: Let the prayers of thy children who cry out of any tribulation come unto thee; and unto every Christian soul that is distressed grant thou mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
O Lord God, our heavenly Father, regard, we beseech thee, with thy divine pity the pains of all thy children; and grant that the Passion of our Lord and his infinite love may make fruitful for good the tribulations of the innocent, the sufferings of the sick, and the sorrows of the bereaved; through him who suffered in our flesh and died for our sake, the same thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or,
O Lord Jesus Christ, let the light both of thy pains and of thy triumphs shine upon thy servants in sickness and distress, to give them faith in thy good purpose, the support of thy presence, and strong confidence in thy power to heal and save; who art with the Father and the Holy Ghost God everlasting. Amen.
52. For the Sick.
Let us pray for the sick [and especially for . . .].
V. He healeth those that are broken in heart;
R. And giveth medicine to heal their sickness.
Almighty Father, giver of life and health: Look mercifully, we beseech thee, on the sick and suffering, especially those for whom our prayers are desired, that by thy blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them, they may speedily be restored to health, if it be thy gracious will, and give thanks to thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
53. For Hospitals and Infirmaries.
Let us pray for God’s blessing on all Hospitals, Infirmaries, and Nursing-homes.
V. Himself took our infirmities;
R. And bare our sicknesses.
Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people: Continue, we beseech thee, this his gracious work among us [especially in . . .]; cheer, heal, and sanctify the sick; to doctors and nurses grant skill, sympathy, and patience; and send down thy blessing on all who labour to prevent suffering, and to forward thy purposes of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
54. For the Dying.
Let us commend the soul of N into the keeping of God.
V. May his portion be in peace;
R. And his dwelling in Jerusalem.
Into thy hands, O Lord, we commend the soul of this thy servant, our dear brother, as into the hands of a faithful Creator and most merciful Saviour; most humbly beseeching thee, that it may be precious in thy sight. Wash it, we pray thee, in the blood of that immaculate Lamb, that was slain to take away the sins of the world; that whatsoever defilements it may have contracted in the midst of this earthly life being purged and done away, it may be presented pure and without spot before thee; through the merits of Jesus Christ thine only Son our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Receive, O Lord, the soul of our dear brother returning unto thee; clothe him with heavenly raiment, and cleanse him in the holy fountain of eternal life, that with the joyful he may rejoice and may have knowledge with the wise. Amongst those who see God face to face let him see, amongst those who sing the new song let him sing, and adore thee with all thy blessed and beloved for ever; through thine only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
55. In the presence of Death.
V. The Lord is my Shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing;
R. He shall lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
O Lord our Shepherd and Guide, grant us to walk through the valley of thee shadow of death, fearing no evil, lacking nothing, accompanied by thee, who thyself hast passed that way, and made it light; and now livest and reignest in the glory of the eternal Trinity, world without end. Amen.
Or,
Grant us, O Lord, the peace of claiming thee in death as our Father, because we have served thee in life as our God; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
56. For Mourners.
Let us pray for those that mourn.
V. Heaviness may endure for a night;
R. But joy cometh in the morning.
God the Father Almighty, whose faithfulness never faileth: Comfort, we pray thee, the souls of all who mourn [the loss of this thy servant]; that they may abide patiently upon thee, and know that neither height nor depth, nor things present nor things to come, nor death nor life, can separate thy children from thy love, which is in Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
57. A Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.
Let us remember before God the Faithful Departed.
V. The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God;
R. There shall no torment touch them.
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; and grant that we, following the good example of those who have loved and served thee here and are at rest, may at the last enter with them into the fullness of thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
V. Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord;
R. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours.
O almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus, the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be perfected unto the day of Jesus Christ. And of thy mercy, O heavenly Father, vouchsafe that we, who now serve thee here on earth, may at the last, together with them, be found meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; for the sake of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Or,
V. Grant them, O Lord, eternal rest;
R. And let light perpetual shine upon them.
Remember, O Lord, we beseech thee, the souls of them that have kept the faith, both those whom we remember and those whom we remember not; And grant them rest in the land of the living, in the joy of Paradise, whence all pain and grief have fled away, where the light of thy countenance shineth for ever; And guide in peace the end of our lives, O Lord, when thou wilt and as thou wilt, only without shame and sin; through thine only-begotten Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Or,
Incline thine ear, O Lord, to our prayers wherewith we beseech thy mercy for the souls of thy servants whom thou hast bidden to leave this world, that thou wouldest command them place in the kingdom of peace and light, and grant them the company of thy saints; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
58. A Commemoration of those who have fallen in battle or died for their country.
V. I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord;
R. In the land of the living.
Remember in thy kingdom, O Lord Christ, those who counted not their lives dear unto themselves, but laid them down for their friends: Shed forth upon them the light of thy countenance, and grant that they may be numbered among the hosts of thy redeemed, going forth conquering and to conquer with thee, their everlasting Lord; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
59. On the Communion of Saints and the Life Everlasting.
Let us pray for our part in the Communion of Saints.
V. Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses;
R. Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
O God, who hast brought us near to an innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant us during our earthly pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
V. Ye are no more strangers and sojourners;
R. But fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
O God, who in the Church of thy dear Son hast advanced us to the fellowship of the crowned saints, to inward room and seat in their hearts even as in thine: Set us so steadfastly to follow them in humble boldness of love, that we may be found worthy to share the glory which they have eternally from thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Eternal God, who never withholdest thy love from them whom thou holdest in life: Let the constant fall of thy mercies knit thy servants on earth and in paradise surely together, that we, who are even now in one Church, may come to be all of one choir, and laud thee for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Let us pray for our inheritance in the Life Everlasting.
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 noise nor silence but one equal music, no fears nor hopes but one equal possession, no ends nor beginnings but one equal eternity, in the habitations of thy majesty and thy glory, world without end. Amen.
Or,
O Heavenly Father, who in thy Son Jesus Christ hast given us a true faith and a sure hope: Help us, we pray thee, to live as those who believe and trust in the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting, and strengthen this faith and hope in us all the days of our life; through the love of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
6O. Commemoration of the Passion.
(For use on Friday, in Passiontide, or at any Evening Service.)
V. Christ became obedient for us unto death;
R. Even the death of the Cross.
O Lord Jesu Christ, Son of the living God, we pray thee to set thy Passion, Cross, and Death between thy judgement and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Vouchsafe to grant mercy and grace to the living, rest to the dead, to thy holy Church peace and concord, and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest God world without end. Amen.
(Or, the first Collect appointed for Good Friday:)
Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the Cross, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Or,
O Lord Jesus Christ, who though thou wert Son of God most high, didst choose to learn obedience through sufferings, even unto death: Give us grace to do the will of the Father with an obedience like thine, resolute and tranquil, instant and complete; who now livest and reignest in the glory of the eternal Trinity, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Or,
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
61. At an Evening Service.
Into thy hands, O Father and Lord, we commend this night our souls and our bodies, our parents and homes, friends and servants, neighbours and kindred, our benefactors and brethren departed, all folk rightly believing, and all who need thy pity and protection: light us with thy holy grace, and suffer us never to be separated from thee, O Lord in Trinity, God everlasting. Amen.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who at the hour of Compline [or at this evening hour] didst rest in the sepulchre, and didst thereby sanctify the grave to be a bed of hope for 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 Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Look down, O Lord, from thy heavenly throne: illuminate the darkness of this night with thy celestial brightness; and from the sons of light banish the deeds of darkness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are fatigued by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may repose upon thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
62. For the Perfecting of Good Effort.
Let us pray for .. .
V. As there was the readiness to will;
R. So complete the doing also.
O Lord God, when thou givest to thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory; through him who for the finishing of thy work laid down his life, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.
If it is desired to pray for other needs, it shall be sufficient to say,
Let us pray for . . .
and silence shall be kept for a space. Then shall follow—
V. Lord, hear our prayer;
R. And let our cry come unto thee.
63. PRAYERS THAT MAY BE SAID AFTER ANY OF THE FORMER
O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate.
Amen.
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. Amen.
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. Amen.
Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest: to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Lord, 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. Amen.
Grant us, O Lord, not to mind earthly things, but to love things heavenly: and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to cleave to those that shall abide; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal God, the light of the minds that know thee, the joy of the hearts that love thee, the strength of the wills that serve thee: Grant us so to know thee that we may truly love thee, so to love thee that we may freely serve thee, to the glory of thy holy name, now and for ever. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that we may live in thy fear, die in thy favour, rest in thy peace, rise in thy power, reign in thy glory; for thy only beloved Son’s sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord Christ, thou Prince of Peace, the faithful and true: Grant to us all, we beseech thee, that putting on the whole armour of God, we may follow thee as thou goest forth conquering and to conquer; and, fighting manfully under thy banner against sin, the world, and the devil, may be found more than conquerors, and at the last may be refreshed with the multitude of peace in the holy city of our God; whose is the greatness and the power, the victory and the majesty, world without end. Amen.
OTHER CONCLUDING PRAYERS
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words, which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may through thy grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking: We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those things, which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of them that ask in thy Son’s name: We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us that have made now our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant, that those things, which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PART II. THANKSGIVINGS
1. A general Thanksgiving to be said by the Minister alone, or by the Minister and people.
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all men; [*particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgivings for thy late mercies vouchsafed unto them.] We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
* This to be said when any that have been prayed for desire to return praise.
2. In Christmastide.
To thee, O Christ, O Word of the Father, we offer up our lowly praises and unfeigned hearty thanks: Who for love of our fallen race didst most wonderfully and humbly choose to be made man, as never to be unmade more; and to take our nature, as never more to lay it off; so that we might be born again by thy Spirit and restored in the image of God; to whom, one blessed Trinity, be ascribed all honour, might, majesty, and dominion, now and for ever. Amen.
3. In Passiontide.
Blessed be thy name, O Jesu, Son of the most high God; blessed be the sorrow thou sufferedst when thy holy hands and feet were nailed to the tree; and blessed thy love when, the fullness of pain accomplished, thou didst give thy soul into the hands of the Father; so by thy Cross and precious Blood redeeming all the world, all longing souls departed, and the numberless unborn; who now livest and reignest in the glory of the eternal Trinity God for ever and ever. Amen.
4. In Eastertide.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, to joy and rejoicing unspeakable and full of glory in him; to whom with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Spirit, one blessed Trinity, be ascribed all honour, might, majesty, and dominion, now and for ever. Amen.
5. In Ascensiontide.
Blessed art thou, O Lord God Almighty, the Ancient of Days, who hast set thy Son Christ Jesus our Lord upon the glorious throne of thy Kingdom, exalted far above all peoples, all places, all times, eternally; that he who hath worn our flesh, and borne our manhood into the holy of holies, should henceforth pour down heavenly gifts upon his brethren, and be both our righteous judge and most merciful intercessor; to whom with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Spirit, one God, be ascribed all might, majesty, dominion, and praise, now and for ever. Amen.
6. In Whitsuntide.
To thee, O Christ, O King exalted, we offer up our due praise and unfeigned hearty thanks for that thou hast sent down and dispersed abroad thine own Holy Spirit to restore and renew the spirit of men, to be the first dedication of thy Catholic Church on earth and the first publishing of the Gospel to all lands, the bond of unity, and giver of light and life; to whom with the Father and thee, one blessed Trinity, be ascribed all might, majesty, dominion, and praise, now and for ever. Amen.
7. For the Church.
O God, most glorious, most bountiful, accept, we humbly beseech thee, our praises and thanksgivings for thy holy Catholic Church, the mother of us all who bear the name of Christ; for the faith which it hath conveyed in safety to our time, and the mercies by which it hath enlarged and comforted the souls of men; for the virtues which it hath established upon earth, and the holy lives by which it glorifieth both the world and thee; to whom, O blessed Trinity, be ascribed all honour, might, majesty, and dominion, now and for ever. Amen.
8. For the Saints and Faithful Departed.
O God of the spirits of all flesh, we praise and magnify thy holy name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear, for the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs, and for all other thy righteous servants, known to us or unknown; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be found meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
NOTE.—That after the word Apostles may be inserted Evangelists, or Confessors, or Virgins, or as the particular feast requires.
9. For the Saints of England.
God, whom the glorious companies of the redeemed adore, assembled from all times and places of thy dominion: We praise thee for the saints of our own land who stand before thee, and for the many lamps their holiness hath lit; and beseech thee that we also may be numbered at the last with them that have loved thy will and declared thy righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1O. For the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
O Lord, most glorious Lamb of God, most tender priest of man, we praise and glorify thee for the blessed Sacrament of thy Body and Blood, wherein thy servants celebrate the mystery of thy redeeming love and partake of thy spotless and immortal life; and we beseech thee that by these holy gifts we may be made holy, and have our portion and inheritance among the blessed who have pleased thee from the beginning of the world; to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be glory and dominion world without end. Amen.
11. Commemoration of Holy Communion.
We adore thee, O God, and with our whole heart bless thee, who dost sustain and renew us with the communion of the most holy Body and Blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, the utmost glory of thy love, the very seal of our redemption, the wonder of our souls; and we beseech thee, that he may abide in us, speaking grace and peace to our lives, until we be possessed of everlasting life in him; to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, be glory and worship world without end. Amen.
12. For the Natural Creation.
We magnify thee, O Lord, we bless the excellency of thy name in the great works of thy hands, the manifold vestures of earth and sky and sea, the courses of the stars and light, the songs of birds, the hues of flowers, the frame and attributes of everything that hath breath, and, upholding all, thy wisdom, marvellous worthy to be praised; but most, that by thy sure promise we now do only taste the glory that shall be revealed, when thou, O God, wilt take the power and reign, world without end. Amen.
13. For the Blessings of Harvest.
Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Father of all, who crownest the year with thy goodness: We yield thee hearty thanks that thou hast ordained for man both seed-time and harvest, and dost now bestow upon us thy children the fruits of the earth in their season. For these and all other thy mercies we laud and magnify thy glorious name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. For Fair Weather or for Rain.
O Lord God, who hast relieved and comforted thy servants by this favourable change of weather [or this refreshing rain]: We thank thee unfeignedly for thy goodness towards us, beseeching thee to give us grace to use all thy mercies to the honour and glory of thy holy name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
15. For Plenty.
O most merciful Father, who of thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of thy Church, and turned our dearth and scarcity into cheapness and plenty: We give thee humble thanks for this thy special bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness unto us, that our land may yield us her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
16. For Peace and Deliverance in National Peril.
Almighty God, who art a strong tower of defence unto thy servants in the time of trouble: We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers wherewith we were threatened [or compassed], [and for thy gracious gift of peace]. We confess that it is thy goodness alone that hath kept and preserved us, and beseech thee still to continue thy mercies towards us, that we may always acknowledge thee as our Saviour and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
17. For Restoring Public Peace at Home.
O eternal God, our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house: We bless thy holy name, that it hath pleased thee to appease the strife which hath lately prevailed amongst us; and most humbly beseech that thy people, walking thankfully in thy holy commandments, may be set for ever at peace and abide in love before thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
18. For Missions.
God, mighty to save, infinite in compassion toward the nations that know thee not, and the tongues which cannot speak thy name: We humbly thank thee that thou hast made the Church of thy dear Son the chariot of the Gospel, to tell it out among the heathen that thou art King, and to bear thy love unto the world’s end: and for all thy servants who counted not their lives dear unto them on this employment, and for all peoples newly praising thee, we praise and bless thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one Lord and God for ever. Amen.
19. After Recovery from Sickness or Injury.
Most gracious God and Father, we render thee humble thanks for the restoration to health of thy servant [N or M] for whom this congregation besought thy loving-kindness; and joyfully do we confess that as thy majesty is infinite, so also is thy mercy toward them that call upon thee for succour, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2O. Before a War Memorial.
O Lord our God, whose name only is excellent and thy praise above heaven and earth: We give thee high praise and hearty thanks for all those who counted not their lives dear unto themselves but laid them down for their friends; beseeching thee to give them a part and a lot in those good things which thou hast prepared for all those whose names are written in the Book of Life and grant to us, that having them always in remembrance, we may imitate their faithfulness and with them inherit the new name which thou hast promised to them that overcome; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or,
Lord God Almighty, we give thee most humble thanks for them that have yielded up their lives in our defence and for the freedom of mankind. Grant, O Lord, that their memorial depart not away so long as the world endureth; nor the people cease to tell out their praise before thee, who gayest the courage and dost accept the sacrifice; through thy Son our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
PART III. ENDINGS
The Prayers and Thanksgivings shall conclude with one of the following endings, which may also be used after the Third Collect at Evening Prayer:
I
V. The Lord be with you;
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Let us bless the Lord;
R. Thanks be to God.
II
V. The Lord be with you;
R. And with thy spirit.
V. The Lord give us his peace;
R. And life eternal. Amen.
III
A Prayer of Saint Chrysostom
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
IV
THE almighty and merciful God bless us and keep us this night and for evermore. Amen.
V
MAY the Lord of his mercy grant unto us with all the faithful, rest and peace. Amen.
VI
GOD grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth, and all mankind, peace and concord; and to us and all his servants, life everlasting. Amen.
VII
To God the Father, who loved us, and made us accepted in the Beloved: To God the Son, who loved us, and loosed us from our sins by his own blood: To God the Holy Ghost, who sheddeth the love of God abroad in our hearts: To the one true God be all love and all glory for time and for eternity. Amen.
VIII
Ephesians 3
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, to him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages world without end. Amen.
IX
Jude
Now unto him that is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
X
1 Timothy 1
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
XI
Revelation 1
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
XII
After Thanksgiving
Blessing and honour and thanksgiving and praise more than we can utter, more than we can conceive, be unto thee, O holy and glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by all angels, all men, all creatures, for ever and ever. Amen.
PART IV. VESTRY PRAYERS
Before Service.
O Lord, open thou our lips and purify our hearts; that we may worthily magnify thy holy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, our God and Father, dispose our hearts and guide us by thy Holy Spirit; that our prayers and praises may be acceptable in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord our God, who knowest all hearts, be merciful to us sinners and graciously assist us in our ministry before thee; that so we may offer a Service and Sacrifice well-pleasing in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Cleanse our hearts, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord, from all vain and wandering thoughts; that we may joyfully praise thee in thy holy House; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Enter our hearts, O King of glory, by thy Holy Spirit; that we may join with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in triumphal hymns of praise to thee, our Ascended Lord; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Before the Holy Eucharist.
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 approach thy holy Mysteries, and love thee with an everlasting love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
On Friday and in Passiontide.
Grant, O God, that we thy servants who have obtained redemption by the Cross and Passion of thy dear Son, may with our lips and in our lives shew forth our thankfulness unto thee for his inestimable mercy; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
On Sunday.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy glorious Resurrection hast sanctified a day of rest for thy people: Grant that we, dying unto sin and rising again to newness of life, may worthily offer up our prayers and praises to thy honour and glory; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
AFTER SERVICE
Grant, O Lord God, that what we have heard with our ears and sung with our lips, we may believe in our hearts and practise in our lives; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
Mercifully behold us thy servants, O Lord our God, who have now performed this Service in thy holy House; and pardon all that has been amiss; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preserve in peace, O Lord, us thy servants; and grant that we whom thou hast called to sing thy praises on earth may be made partakers of thy heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that we may live in thy fear, die in thy favour, rest in peace, rise in thy power, reign in thy glory; for thine only beloved Son’s sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Forgive us, O God, if in our worship here, our hearts went far from thee; and suffer us not when we leave thy House to lose thy Presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Write upon our hearts, O Lord God, the lessons of thy holy Word; and grant that we may all be doers of the same, and not forgetful hearers only; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, merciful God, that we who worship thee in thy Church may be witnesses unto thee in the world; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant us, O Lord, as we go forth from thy holy place, in thought, faith ; in word, wisdom; in deed, courage ; in life, service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Holy Ghost, Giver of light and life, impart to us thoughts higher than our own thoughts, and prayers better than our own prayers, and powers beyond our own powers; that we may spend and be spent in the ways of love and goodness; after the perfect image of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
We commend ourselves and all things ours to him that is able to help us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory, to the only wise God our Saviour; to whom be dominion and power both now and world without end. Amen.
After the Holy Eucharist.
O Lord, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of thy Passion: Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within us the fruit of thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Or,
O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen.
PART V. ACTS AND DEDICATIONS
Since the First War, the “Special Service” has come to play a larger part in the Christian life of the country. It is not always appropriate or possible on such occasions to use the Eucharist or the Daily Office with particular intention, desirable though this may be. Yet it is important to maintain Prayer Book standards of order and dignity, whether in structure or content. The Editor is often asked to assist in the compiling of such services; and the section which follows attempts to provide forms which in his experience seem to be most frequently wanted or to cause the greatest difficulty in framing.
I. FORMS OF CONFESSION AND PENITENCE
1. (Traditional)
People together. We confess to God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, before the whole company of heaven, that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, through our own grievous fault. Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.
People continue. Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
If a Priest be present, he shall stand and pronounce the following Absolution:
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant unto you pardon and remission of all your sins, time for true repentance and amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of his Holy Spirit.
And all shall say: Amen.
2. (As appointed for the Victory Thanksgiving, 1945; Remembrance Sunday, 1946–1947; Festival of Britain, 1951)
Minister. Let us confess to Almighty God our sins and failures.
People, together. 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: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Minister. Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace; that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or, if he be a Priest, he may give this Absolution:
Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you all your sins, deliver you from all evil, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life. Amen.
3. (The following form is appropriate for youth and school services)
Minister: Let us humbly confess to God our failures and sins.
All kneel
Minister: Our forgetfulness of thee,
All: O Lord forgive.
Minister: Our unkindness to each other,
All: O Lord forgive.
Minister: Our selfishness, and self-will,
All: O Lord forgive.
Minister: Our dishonesties,
All: O Lord forgive.
Minister: Our broken promises,
All: O Lord forgive.
Minister: Our secret sins,
All: O Lord forgive.
Minister: Our neglect of opportunities for good,
All: O Lord forgive.
All together line by line:
GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord,
To thy faithful people, pardon and peace;
That we may be cleansed from all our sins,
And serve thee with a quiet mind;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Minister:
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon and remission of all your sins, time for true repentance and amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
II. ACTS OF RENEWAL AND PERSONAL DEDICATION
Such acts should usually come at the end of the service, as its climax.
They should be immediately preceded by appropriate devotions, whether versicles and responses, or prayers, or silence, or all these in combination.
They may be followed by a collect; or, best, by the Lord’s Prayer; and then by a Blessing.
The congregation should repeat the act itself together.
1. (From the Form of Service appointed for the Day of Remembrance, 1946 ; Festival of Britain, 1951 ; and on many provincial and diocesan occasions)
Then shall be said by the Minister and the people together, line by line:
Look upon our lives, O Lord our God,
And make them thine
In the power of thy Holy Spirit;
That we may walk in thy way,
Faithfully believing thy Word
And faithfully doing thy commandments;
Faithfully worshipping thee
And faithfully serving our neighbour;
To the furtherance of thy glorious kingdom;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. (From the Service of Offering and Thanksgiving, York Diocesan Appeal, 1948)
Minister. Let us dedicate ourselves to the service and purposes of God.
V. Lo, I come to do thy will, O God:
R. I am content to do it, yea, thy law is within my heart.
And all shall repeat, line by line, with the Minister:
O Lord God, we acknowledge thee as our Father:
ourselves as thy children:
our neighbours as our brethren:
And we dedicate to thy obedience:
and to their service:
our hearts and minds, our wills and works:
Resolved to stand fast in thy faith:
to seek the help of thy Holy Spirit:
and to do battle for thy perfect kingdom:
In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Minister shall add, while all remain kneeling:
The Lord remember and accept all your offerings; send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
3. (Leeds University: Institute of Education Service, 1949; and in many other services)
Let us renew our Dedication to Almighty God (as teachers of his children)
Let us pray.
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. Amen.
(Or, with less specialized or vocational congregations, these versicles and responses:
V. O Lord, shew thy servants thy work:
All respond. And their children thy glory.
V. The glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us:
R. Prosper thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handiwork.
V. Lo, I come to do thy will, O my God:
R. I am content to do it, yea, thy law is within my heart.
V. I will always sing praise unto thy Name:
R. That I may daily perform thy vows.)
Then shall all say together:
O Lord God,
forgive what we have been,
amend what we are,
direct what we shall be,
for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at mine end, and at my departing. Amen.
SILENCE
III. A BLESSING OF THE CRIB ON CHRISTMAS EVE
A Procession shall be made, prefaced by
V. Let us proceed in peace;
R. In the Name of the Lord. Amen.
And shall advance to the Crib, while the people sing
A HYMN
Arrived at the Crib, there may follow a short explanation of the Service or an Address.
Then the Priest shall say:
Let us pray.
O GOD the Son, highest and holiest, who didst humble thyself to share our birth and our death: Bring us with the shepherds and the wise men to kneel before thy lowly cradle, that we may come to sing with thine angels thy glorious praises in heaven; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit thou livest and reignest God world without end. Amen.
BLESSING OF CRIB
In the faith of Christ and in thy name, O God most holy, do we bless and hallow this Crib of Christmas; to set before the eyes of thy children and servants the great love and great humility of Jesus Christ thine only Son; Who for us men and for our salvation came down as at this time from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary his Mother, and was made man; to whom with thee and the same Spirit be all honour, majesty, glory, and worship, now and world without end. Amen.
Let us pray.
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; who now livest and reignest in the glory of the Eternal Trinity, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father. . .
Then, if time or occasion allow, hymns may be sung while the Choir and congregation kneel in turn before the Crib. Afterwards, or otherwise, the devotion may end in this manner:
V. Glory to God in the highest:
R. And on earth peace, goodwill towards men.
V. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord:
R. Hosanna in the highest.
With, at will, a Blessing or Grace: after which the Procession shall return.
IV. DEDICATION OF MEMORIALS AND GIFTS
Most Priests are called upon to dedicate memorial or other gifts to their church, or to prepare an Order for their Bishop. The objects are many and various, Altars and their ornaments, Fonts and their covers, stained-glass windows, pulpits, lecterns and stalls, organs, memorial tablets, etc. To provide forms for all these is impossible, but there is a general FORM: the responses and prayers should be freely chosen to suit both the object given and the commemorative purpose of the gift.
Such a Dedication can take place within Morning or Evening Prayer, after the Second Lesson; or it can be ordered as a short service in its own right, to come after the third Collect, or to stand alone.
The scheme of the general form is this:
Procession, with Psalm or Hymn, to the gift.
Versicles and Responses appropriate to its character, followed by a Prayer for God’s acceptance of it.
The Dedication.
A Collect or Collects relating (i) to the special function of the gift within the Church; (ii) to the memorial purpose, if any.
The Salutation, Lesser Litany, and the Lord’s Prayer.
(But these should be omitted if the Dedication be within Matins or Evensong.)
The Return Procession.
The simplest and best formula of Dedication is as follows:
In the faith of Jesus Christ [and for the benefit of his holy Church] we dedicate this. . . . . to the Glory of God [and in memory of his servant N :], In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
As specimens, here are three orders in extended form.
1. Dedication of a Memorial Pulpit.
The Bishop (or Priest). Let us proceed to our Dedication in thankfulness, in prayer, and in love.
Then the Procession to the Pulpit is made, with a Psalm or Hymn.
The Bishop
Thou, O Lord, art holy and dwellest in the holy; Thou lovest them that love thee, and have borne faithful witness to the Light:
Thou hast promised that where thou art, there also shall thy servants be, in honour everlasting.
To thee we offer up our praises and thanksgivings, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost for ever and ever.
and the people shall answer Amen
The Bishop. When thy Word goeth forth
Answer. It giveth light and understanding unto the simple.
The Bishop. Sanctify us, O Lord, in thy truth;
Answer. Thy Word is Truth.
The Bishop. Let us pray.
O Lord, of thy merciful goodness accept, we beseech thee, this offering which we make in the holy place: and grant that all who shall here preach thy Word may be so filled with thy Holy Spirit, that their wisdom and love may turn again the hearts of the sinful and establish the faith of all thy children ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the faith . . . (as above).
Let us pray.
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send thy heavenly blessing upon all who in this pulpit shall proclaim the Gospel of Truth, that they may be clothed with righteousness, and that thy Word spoken by their mouths may have such success, that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also, that we may have grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most holy Word, or agreeable to the same, as the means of our salvation; that in all our words and deeds we may seek the glory and the increase of thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray.
(A Prayer commemorating the person or persons in whose memory the pulpit has been given; such as may be found as numbers 57–58.)
[The Lord be with you
And with thy spirit.
Lord have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord have mercy upon us.
The Lord’s Prayer.]
2. Dedication of a Window (representing the Nativity)
Arrived at the Window, let the officiant say, Let us pray, the company standing.
V. God is the Lord, who hath shewed us light:
R. We have seen his glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father.
V. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us:
R. Full of grace and truth.
Let us pray.
O almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth, the entrance of whose Word giveth light: Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to accept this window at our hands, for the adornment of this thy House, and to consecrate our gift to thy glory; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
In the faith . . .
Let us pray.
(Collect on the subject of the window)
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst stoop to raise our fallen nature by the childbearing of Blessed Mary: Grant that we, who have seen thy glory manifested in our manhood, and thy love perfected in our weakness, may daily be renewed in thine image, and conformed to the likeness of thy Son; who liveth. . . .
(Collect of commemoration; see nubers 57–58.)
[Lesser Litany and Lord’s Prayer]
3. Dedication of an Organ
V. O sing unto the Lord a new song:
R. Sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
Let us pray.
O Holy and eternal God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, whom all the joyful companies of heaven laud and adore: Graciously vouchsafe to receive at our hands this Organ which we dedicate to thy worship, that it may minister day by day to the excellency of praise in thy holy temple: And so bless us, as we magnify thee upon earth with musick and the voice of melody, that hereafter we may sing the new song in the heavenly city; where thou reignest, almighty, all-glorious, world without end. Amen.
In the faith of Jesus Christ, and for the benefit of his holy Church, we offer and dedicate this Organ to Almighty God, unto his praise and glory; In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let us pray.
O Lord God, thou source of all beauty; accept our willing offering of the pure strains of music in this thy House: that it may witness faithfully both to the love of thy praises and to the gift of our lives to thine obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the organ sound and the people sing
Psalm 150
These three examples sufficiently indicate the structure and appropriate content of such Dedications. Differences and variations within the general scheme are called for by the different occasions, and to be encouraged.
APPENDIX
Short Litany
(from the Scottish Prayer Book)
Let us beseech the all-holy and ever-blessed Trinity to send forth mercy and grace upon us and upon all people.
O God the Father, have mercy upon us;
O God the Father, have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, have mercy upon us;
O God the Son, have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us;
O God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us.
Stretch out thy hand upon us, O Lord, and save us; raise us up and defend us.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for the peace that cometh from above, and for the salvation of our souls.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for the peace of the whole world, and for the welfare and unity of the Church of God.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for the conversion of those in unbelief and error.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for our country, for this place [or city], for this Diocese, and for all that dwell therein.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for all Christian people throughout the world.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for all Christian princes and governors, especially our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for all in authority in this land, especially those in this county [or city or place].
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for the Bishops and Clergy of Christ’s Church, especially for N our Bishop.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for all voyagers and travelers.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for steadfastness in the faith for our brethren beyond the seas.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for all who are sick or suffering, in mind, body, or estate.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for a holy and happy death, for rest in paradise, and for the perfect vision of the glory of God.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray that we may follow the blessed saints and martyrs in bearing our cross before the world.
Lord, have mercy.
Let us pray for the faithful departed.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect for the Church
O God of unchangeable power . . . . (no. 11 [b])
LITANY OF MISSIONARY INTERCESSION
O God the Father, who hast made of one blood all nations of the earth;
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, who hast redeemed all mankind from the power of darkness;
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost, who didst move upon the face of the waters, giver of life and light, by whom the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified;
Have mercy upon us.
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; three Persons and one God; Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier;
Have mercy upon us.
Our past unfaithfulness;
O Lord, forgive.
Our neglect of opportunities;
O Lord, forgive.
Our deafness to thy calls;
O Lord, forgive.
Our slothfulness and want of zeal;
O Lord, forgive.
By thy holy Incarnation;
Jesu, hear and save.
By thy call to thine apostles;
Jesu, hear and save.
By thy feeding of the multitudes;
Jesu, hear and save.
By thy sacrifice upon the Cross;
Jesu, hear and save.
By thy heavenly intercession;
Jesu, hear and save.
By thine abiding presence with thy Church;
Jesu, hear and save.
We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, that it may please thee to bless thy holy Church, which thou hast purchased with thy most precious blood;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to make her the ambassador of thy love to all peoples;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That thou wouldest heal all dissensions among Christians which hinder the spread of thy Gospel;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That thou wouldest fill the Church in this land with the spirit of love and intercession for those who know thee not;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That thou wouldest put into her heart to give the best and noblest of her children;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That thou wouldest increase the number of labourers in thy harvest, and grant them the abundance of thy blessing;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
For all missionary Bishops [especially . . .].
Hear us, we beseech thee.
For all missionary Priests, Deacons, Catechists, and Evangelists [especially . . .].
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That by them thy holy name may be glorified, and thy blessed kingdom enlarged;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to give them an earnest love of souls, wisdom to win them, diligence to keep them, and undying zeal for their perfection;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to enlighten their understanding, giving them aptness to teach, and power to convince the gainsayers;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to grant them the gift of languages for making known thy truth;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to be their strength in sickness and danger, in discouragement and loneliness, and to show them thy salvation;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to confirm and strengthen with the fullness of thy grace all converts and catechumens, giving them perseverance unto the end;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That by the light of holy living they may win their people to thine obedience;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to raise up among native believers a faithful ministry for the Body of Christ;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee of thy mercy to make fruitful for good the medical and educational missions of thy Church;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to support and embolden by the power of thy good Spirit those who labour for the backward and the oppressed;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to break down everywhere the barriers of caste and colour;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to convert the heathen, leading them out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to fulfill in Christ the faiths and longings of the East;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That thou wouldest turn again the captivity of thine own people, the Jews, and restore their inheritance;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to pardon the sins of Christians in foreign lands, and make them examples of holy living to those among whom they dwell;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That thou wouldest keep in steadfast devotion all Christians who are far removed from the means of grace;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to bless and enrich the Church in the Dominions, making her truly catholic in faith and love;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
That it may please thee to accomplish the number of thine elect and to hasten thy kingdom;
Hear us, we beseech thee.
V. O Saviour of the world, who by thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us.
R. Save us, and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father . . . .
V. Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens;
R. And thy glory above all the earth.
V. Give thy Son the heathen for his inheritance;
R. And the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession.
V. Let all nations whom thou hast made;
R. Come and worship thee, O Lord.
V. The Lord’s name be praised;
R. From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
Let us pray.
(Here may follow one or more Collects, nos. 18–19)
The kingdoms of the world are become the Kingdom of the Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Amen.
A THANKSGIVING FOR REDEMPTION
(in responsory form).
V. Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;
R. Let us praise and exalt him for ever.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Who hath loved us from all eternity;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
And remembered us when we were in trouble;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Who by his Cross and Passion hath redeemed the world;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
And hath washed us from our sins in his own Blood;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Who on the third day rose from the dead;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
And hath given us the victory;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Who ascended up on high;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
And opened wide for us the everlasting doors;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Who sitteth on the right hand of God;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
And ever liveth to make intercession for us;
For his mercy endureth for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
For the gift of his Spirit,
Blessed be Christ.
For the Catholic Church,
Blessed be Christ.
For the means of grace,
Blessed be Christ.
For the hope of glory,
Blessed be Christ.
For the triumphs of his Gospel,
Blessed be Christ.
For the lives of his saints,
Blessed be Christ.
In joy and in sorrow,
Blessed be Christ.
In life and in death,
Blessed be Christ.
Now and unto the end of the ages,
Blessed be Christ.
Blessing and honour and thanksgiving and praise more than we can utter, more than we can conceive, be unto thee, O holy and glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by all angels, all men, and all creatures, for ever and ever. Amen.
A THANKSGIVING FOR THE ENGLISH SAINTS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Our Father . . .
We do render unto thee, O Lord, most high praise and hearty thanks for thy grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, and specially those of these islands;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Augustine and his followers, who brought the faith to Canterbury;
For Columba, Aidan, Cuthbert, and the apostles of the North;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Theodore and Chad, and all who built thy Catholic Church among us;
And for all who have worked by prayer and deed for England;
Hallowed be thy name.
For the saints who have shown forth Jesus in their lives;
And for all the upright and the good, who have served their generation;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Alban and the martyrs of England;
And for all who have shed their blood in the cause of right;
Hallowed be thy name.
For archbishops and bishops, wisely ruling thy house; And for all faithful priests, distributing thy Word and Sacraments;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Bede and Anselm, and the saints pre-eminent in sacred study;
And for all who have brought their learning to the service of truth;
Hallowed be thy name.
For the saints who, loving Christ, have chosen poverty; And for all who have laboured for the poor;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Hugh, and thy saints who withstood might when it was wrong;
And for all champions of the wronged, the helpless, and the oppressed ;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Dunstan, and all who have renewed and restored thy Church;
And for all reformers of abuse and shame;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Boniface and the missionaries of Jesus;
And for all who, venturing on the great seas and in far countries, have commended their faith;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Oswald, Alfred, Edward, and all noble kings;
And for all who have governed this people with justice and judgement;
Hallowed be thy name.
For holy queens and matrons;
And for all English mothers whose children, rising up, have called them blessed;
Hallowed be thy name.
For Hilda and the virgins of England;
And for all who have sweetened this land by pureness of living;
Hallowed be thy name.
For the makers of our Bible;
And for all other writers and poets inspired of thought and tongue;
Hallowed be thy name.
For teachers wise and eloquent in their instructions;
For such as have found out musical tunes;
For physicians whose healing is from the Most High;
For rich men furnished with ability;
For the lowly merciful men who have left no memorial;
Hallowed be thy name.
V. They show the glory of thy kingdom;
R. And talk of thy power.
V. That thy power, thy glory, and the mightiness of thy kingdom;
R. Might be known unto men.
V. We therefore pray thee help thy servants:
R. Whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious Blood.
V. Make them to be numbered with thy saints;
R. In glory everlasting.
V. The Lord be with you:
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Thanksgiving for the English Saints (no. 9).
or,
Collect for All Saints.
O almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
INDEX OF SOURCES
[abb. = abbreviated; cf. = compare; mod. = modified. The new prayers of the 1928 Book, when not of known authorship, are traced back to their first adoption by a Committee of Revision. C.R. = Convocation Report; N.A., C.A. = National, Church, Assembly.]
No.
1 . (a) and (b) 1549 Communion Service.
(c) 1662. Earliest known form, 1545.
2. (a) Accession Service for Queen Anne.
(b) 1604, “‘approved if not composed by Abp. Whitgift.”
3. C.R. 517, 1919.
4. (a) Adapted from Bp. Jeremy Taylor, Prayer for the King, Holy Living, chap. iii.
(b) Abp. Laud, Summarie of Devotions (mod.).
(c) From a letter written by Sir Francis Drake to Foxe, the martyrologist, on the day when he stormed Cadiz, April 27, 1587.
5. 1662 (Order of Fasting, 1625, probably by Abp. Laud).
6. N.A. 60, 1922.
7. (a) Cambridge Bede Book, 1936.
(b) Bp. John Wordsworth of Salisbury.
8. (a) Occ. Prayers Reconsidered (1930, S.P.C.K.).
(b) New, Memorials, 1933.
(c) Cambridge Bede Book, 1936.
(d) Adapted from S. Francis (Thanksgiving for Victory, 1945).
(e) National Day of Prayer, March 23, 1941. Revised ending, Remembrance Sunday, 1946.
9. (a) Bp. Paget of Oxford.
(b) Adapted from a Prayer Service, No. 4, for Armistice Day, 1931.
10. (a) War Prayers authorized for use May 26, 1940.
(b) Abp. Garbett of York (from a sermon), Peace Prayers, 1946.
11. (a) Abp. Laud, Summarie (abb.).
(b) Gelasian, trans. Bright, Ancient Collects, 1861, mod. Grey Book, 1926.
(c) 1662 (Gelasian, trans. 1549).
(d) 1662 (Gregorian, trans. 1549).
12. (a) 1662 (Gelasian, Eng. Litany, I544).
(b) National Day of Prayer, March 23, 1941.
13. (a) Roman Missal.
(b) Keble, Pusey, and Marriott, Prayer for the Third Hour.
(c) Accession Service for George I.
(d) 1662 (Cranmer, 1549).
14. (a) 1662. Cf. Bp. Cosin, Private Devotions, 1627.
(b) 1662. Cf. 1550 Ordinal ; Scottish P.B., 1637.
15. Cf. R. M. Benson, Intercessory Manual ; mod. C.A. 158, 1925, and Occ. P. Reconsidered.
16. (a) 1928 (C.R. 517, 1919, and N.A. 60, 1922).
(b) New, Memorials, 1933.
17. C.R. 517, 1919.
18. (a) S. Francis Xavier (mod.).
(b) S.P.G., as mod. in Occ. P. Reconsidered.
(c) Bp. Cotton.
(d) New, Memorials, 1933.
(e) Fifth Century.
19. Manual, Oxford Miss. to Calcutta.
20. (a) Dean Ford, 1927, at the 1,300th anniversary of York Minster.
(b) King’s College, Cambridge, War Prayers, 1918.
(c) Dean Hutton (?) for Winchester Cathedral (mod.).
21. Butler of Wantage.
22. (a) Cf. Donne, Sermon xxx.
(b) Canon G. W. Briggs in The Daily Service, 1936.
23. (a) Attrib. King Edward VI. Preface to the Geneva Bible.
(b) 1662 (Cranmer, 1549).
24. Scottish P.B. 1912, and C.R. 517, 1919.
25. Cf. Scottish P.B. 1912, For Festivals of Church Choirs.
26. Bright, Ancient Collects (mod.).
27. New, Memorials, 1933.
28. Benson, Intercessory Manual.
29. 1662. Bp. Gunning.
30. (a) Père Condren and M. Olier, trans. by Liddon for the Cuddesdon Manual.
(b) Geo. Wither. Pss. of David 1632 (abb.)
(c) Cambridge Bede Book, 1936.
(d) Procession of Passion Prayers, 1951.
(e) At latest of the fourteenth century.
(f) Cf. Bp. Jeremy Taylor, Works, vol. iv, p. 308.
31. (a) Keble, Pusey, and Marriott, Prayer for the Ninth Hour.
(b) 1549 (Gelasian).
32. Keble, Pusey, and Marriott, Prayer for the Sixth Hour.
33. Occ. P. Reconsidered. Cf. Donne, Sermon xxi.
34. (a) and (b) New, Memorials, 1933.
35. National Day of Prayer, March 23, 1941.
36. (a) Cf. Occ. P. Reconsidered.
(b) S. Richard of Chichester.
37. New, Memorials, 1933.
38. King’s College, Cambridge, 1918.
39. (a) New, Memorials, 1933.
(b) Peace Prayers, 1946.
40. The Boys’ Prayer Book, 1913 (mod.).
41. Based on a phrase of William Tyndale (d. 1536).
42. (a) Sursum Corda, mod., C.R. 517, 1919.
(b) Abp. Temple, Call to Prayer of the Life and Liberty Movement (mod. Occ. P. Reconsidered).
43. Scottish P.B. 1912 (mod. N.A. 60 and 1928).
44. (a( The Narrow Way (1883), mod. Cambridge Offices and Orisons.
(b) Cf. Richard Rolle, Fire of Love, i. 19.
(c) Remembrance Sunday, 1946.
45. (a) and (b) New, Memorials, 1933.
46. (a) Occ. P. Reconsidered (mod. from, 1928). Cf. Bp. Jeremy Taylor, Works, vol. xv, p. 234.
(b) New, Memorials, 1938.
47. N.A. 60, 1922 (mod.).
(b) Scottish P.B. 1912 (mod. 1928, N.A. 60).
(c) Occ. P. Reconsidered.
48 and 49. 1549 and 1662 (mod. C.R. 517, 1919, and Occ. P. Reconsidered).
50. (a) Based on Bp. Andrewes.
(b) Attrib. to S. Anselm (mod. War Prayers, May 26, 1940).
51. (a) Address and first petition, Gelasian, the Sixth Intercession for Good Friday; final petition, Liturgy of S. Mark.
(b) Scottish P.B., 1929 (a War Prayer, 1914–18).
(c) New, Memorials, 1933.
52. 1928 (mod. Occ. P. Reconsidered).
53. War Prayer, 1914–18; C.R. 517, 1919; mod. Occ. P. Reconsidered.
54. (a) 1662, Commendatory Prayer (abb.).
(b) Westminster Missal, H.B.S. III, p. 1284, trans. J. N. Comper (abb.). (End, new.)
55. (a) and (b) Procession of Passion Prayers, 1951.
56. (a) Cf. Romans 8:38, 39.
(b) C.A. 158, 1925.
57. (a) Bp. John Wordsworth of Salisbury, based on Scudamore, Words to take with us (mod. 1928, N.A. 60).
(b) Scottish P.B., C.A. 158, 1925 (mod. 1928).
(c) Liturgy of S. Chrysostom.
(d) Sarum, Officium Mortuorum, trans. J. N. Comper York Minster, 1947.
59. (a) Bright, Ancient Collects.
(b) Cf. Traheme, Centuries of Meditation, i. 96.
(c) Cf. Donne, Sermon xx, for last clause.
(d) Donne, Sermon cxlvi.
(e) 1928.
60. (a) Horae B.V.M., Memorial of the Cross: before 14th c.
(b) 1549 (Gregorian).
(c) Procession of Passion Prayers, 1951.
(d) American P.B. Collect for Monday before Easter (by W. H. Huntingdon, 1882).
61. (a) Prayer of S. Edmund Rich, (adapted) Speculum Ecclesiae (MS. Thornton).
(b) Compline Collect: Address: Horae, fourteenth century; continuation: Edward Willis, founder of the Oxford Mission to Calcutta.
(c) Gelasian.
(d) Leonine.
62. National Day of Prayer, March 21, 1941, from a phrase of Sir Francis Drake: There must be a begynning of any great matter, but the continewing unto the end untyll it be thoroughly finished yeldes the true glory.
PRAYERS WHICH MAY BE SAID AFTER ANY OF THE FORMER
(a) 1662 (Litany, 1544, Gregorian).
(b) Words of Elizabethan anthem.
(c) Leonine, trans. J. Armitage Robinson (1858–1933).
(d) S. Ignatius Loyola.
(e) Cambridge Bede Book, 1936.
(f) Leonine, trans. Bright.
(g) Gelasian.
(h) Abp. Laud, Summarie of Devotions.
(i) Form of Thanksgiving for Peace, 1919.
OTHER CONCLUDING PRAYERS
1. 1662 (Gelasian, trans. 1549).
2. 1662 (Sarum, Prime, trans. 1549).
3. 1662 (1549, original).
4. 1662 (Gregorian, trans. 1549).
5 and 6. 1662 (1549, original).
THANKSGIVINGS
No.
1. 1662 (Bp. Reynolds).
2. Cf. Bp. Andrewes’ Sermons of the Nativity, iv.
3. Cf. Bp. Jeremy Taylor, Works, vol. iv, p. 301.
4. Cf. 1 S. Peter 1: 3, 4.
5. Cf. Song of Three Children 30, 33; and Ephesians 4.
6 and 7. Cf. Bp. Andrewes’ Sermons on the Holy Ghost, i.
8. 1928 (C.R. 517, 1919).
9. Based on a prayer by Dr. Alexander Nairne, 1929, at the opening of new buildings, Westcott House, Cambridge.
10. Suggested by phrases in Eastern Liturgies.
11. Cf. Abp. Laud, Prayer before Reception in the Summarie.
12. Cf. S. Augustine of Hippo, City of God, xxii. 24 and Psalms 145:3; 148:3 ; 150:6.
13. 1928 (C.R. 517, 1919) (mod.).
14. A modification of the Scottish P.B. (1929) thanksgiving for “favourable weather,” descended by way of 1928 from 1604, Thanksgiving for Fair Weather.
15. 1604.
16. 1604 (mod. and enlarged in reference).
17. Beginning, 1604 (mod. 1928), (C.R. 517, 1919): ending new.
18. New. The subject occurs in the Scottish P.B.
19. New. The subject occurs in the American P.B.
20. (a) Dr. F. E. Brightman, printed in Alcuin Club Tracts xx, Processions (Dunlop).
(b) National Day of Prayer, March 23, 1941.
ENDINGS
6. King’s College, Cambridge; a form dating from the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
7 and 12. Bp. Ken.
VESTRY PRAYERS
BEFORE SERVICE
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Traditional in York Minster.
6. Office of Preparation for Holy Communion, Use of Paris.
AFTER SERVICE
1. Traditional.
2, 3. Traditional in York Minster.
4. Abp. Laud, Summarie of Devotions.
5, 6, 7. Rev. A. Campbell Fraser: A Book of Prayers, 1932.
8. Inscription on a pillar in front of the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi.
9. Daily Prayer, 1941.
10. Cf. Ep. of St. Jude.
11. Collect for Corpus Christi, 1264: Roman, Sarum and York Uses.
12. 1662, Trinity IV (Gregorian, trans. 1549. Post-Communion in the Old York Use).
ACTS AND DEDICATIONS
References given in the text, except
BLESSING OF THE CRIB, 1 and 2, York Minster, 1941.
3, Cambridge Bede Book, 1936.
DEDICATION OF PULPIT. Prayer before Dedication, Oxford Diocesan Service Book, 1920. Prayer after, Ordinal 1662.
OF A WINDOW. Prayer before, ?; after, Camb. Offices and Orisons.
OF AN ORGAN. All as at King’s College, Cambridge, 1934.
APPENDIX OF LITANIES
1. Scottish P.B., 1929.
2. E. F. Willis, Cuddesdon Intercessory Manual. Reprinted in Prime and Hours. Here the Litany has been revised, and adapted to the more modern developments of missionary work.
3. Cambridge Offices and Orisons, 1921.
4. Cambridge Offices and Orisons, 1921.
[The Editor would express his gratitude to all who have allowed the use of prayers in this book; and his apologies if inadvertently he has infringed any copyright.]
Use Back Button to return.