The Book of Common Prayer | |||||||
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THE ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORDS SUPPER, OR HOLY COMMUNION.¶ If among those who come to be partakers of the Holy Communion, the Minister shall know any to be an open and notorious evil liver, or to have done any wrong to his neighbours by word or deed, so that the Congregation be hereby offended; he shall advertise him, that he presume not to come to the Lords Table, until he have openly declared himself to have truly repented and amended his former evil life, that the Congregation may thereby be satisfied; and that he hath recompensed the parties to whom he hath done wrong; or at least declare himself to be in full purpose so to do, as soon as he conveniently may. ¶ The same order shall the Minister use with those, betwixt whom be perceiveth malice and hatred to reign; not suffering them to be partakers of the Lords Table, until he know them to be reconciled. And if one of the parties, so at variance, be content to forgive from the bottom of his heart all that the other hath trespassed against him, and to make amends for that wherein he himself hath offended; and the other party will not be persuaded to a godly unity, but remain still in his forwardness and malice; the Minister in that case ought to admit the penitent person to the Holy Communion, and not him that is obstinate. Provided, that every Minister so repelling any, as is herein specified, shall be obliged to give an account of the same to the Ordinary, as soon as conveniently may be. ¶ The Table, at the Communion-time having a fair white linen cloth upon it, shall stand in the body of the Church, or in the Chancel. And the Minister, standing at the right side* of the Table, or where Morning and Evening Prayer are appointed to be said, shall say the Lords Prayer and the Collect following, the People kneeling; but the Lords Prayer may be omitted, if Morning Prayer hath been said immediately before. |
* "north side" until 1833 |
OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Collect. ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ Then shall the Minister, turning to the People, rehearse distinctly the TEN COMMANDMENTS, and the People, still kneeling, shall, after every Commandment, ask God mercy for their transgressions for the time past, and grace to keep the law for the time to come as followeth. ¶ When one or more celebration of the Holy Communion is had in a church in the same day, the saying of the Decalogue may be omitted at the earlier Service, provided, the whole Office be used on that day. Note, That whenever the Decalogue is omitted, the Summary of the Law shall be used, beginning, Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith. |
This rubric was inserted here in 1883 and was replaced in 1889 with the corresponding rubric in the 1892 Communion Service. |
Minister. GOD
spake these words and said; I am the Lord thy God Thou shalt have none
other gods but me. ¶ Then the Minister may say,
Hear also what our Lord Jesus Christ saith. Let us pray. 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.
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¶ Then shall be said the Collect of the day. And immediately after the Collect the Minister shall read the Epistle, saying, The Epistle [or, The portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle] is written in the -- Chapter of -- beginning at the -- Verse. And the Epistle ended, he shall say, Here endeth the Epistle. Then shall he* read the Gospel (the People all standing up) saying The Holy Gospel is written in the -- Chapter of --, beginning at the -- Verse. ¶ Here the People shall say, Glory be to thee, O Lord. ¶ Then shall be read the Apostles, or Nicene Creed; unless one of them hath been read immediately before in the Morning Service. ¶ Then the Minister shall declare into the People what Holy-days, or Fastingdays, are in the week following to be observed and (if occasion be) shall Notice be given of the Communion, and of the Banns of Matrimony, and other matters to be published. ¶ Then shall follow the sermon. After which the Minister, when there is a Communion, shall return to the Lords Table, and begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient. LET
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 16.
¶ Whilst these Sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit persons appointed for that purpose shall receive the Alms for the Poor, and other Devotions of the People, in a decent Basin to be provided by the Parish for that purpose, and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the Holy Table. ¶ And the Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread and Wine as he shall think sufficient. After which done, he shall say,
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* "be" until 1833; but in some later printings also. |
Let us pray for the whole state of Christs Church militant. ¶ When the Minister giveth warning for the Celebration of the Holy Communion (which he shall always do upon the Sunday, or some Holy Day, immediately preceding), he shall read this Exhortation following, or so much thereof as, in his discretion, he may think convenient. DEARLY
beloved. on ----- day next I purpose through Gods assistance, to
administer to all such as shall be religiously and devoutly disposed the
most comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; to be by them
received in remembrance of his meritorious Cross and Passion; whereby
alone we obtain remission of our sins, and are made partakers of the kingdom
of heaven. Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearty thanks
to Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that he hath given his Son our
Saviour Jesus Christ ,not only to die for us, but also to be our spiritual
food and sustenance in that holy Sacrament. Which being so divine and
comfortable a thing to them who receive it worthily, and so dangerous
to those who will presume to receive it unworthily, my duty is to exhort
you, in the mean season to consider the dignity of that holy mystery,
and the great peril of the unworthy receiving thereof; and so to search
and examine your own consciences (and that not lightly and after the manner
of dissemblers with God; but so) that ye may come holy and clean to such
a heavenly Feast in the marriage-garment required by God in holy Scripture,
and be received as worthy partakers of that holy Table.
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¶ Or, in case he shall see the People negligent to come to the Holy Communion, instead of the former, he shall use this Exhortation. DEARLY beloved brethren, on --------- I intend, by Gods grace, to celebrate the Lords Supper: unto which, in Gods behalf, I bid you all who are here present; and beseech you, for the Lord Jesus Christs sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto, being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. Ye know how grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down; and yet they who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved? Who would not think a great injury and wrong done unto him? Wherefore, most dearly beloved in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing yourselves from this holy Supper, provoke Gods indignation against you. It is an easy matter for a man to say I will not communicate because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business But such excuses are not so easily accepted and allowed before God. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner and therefore am afraid to come: wherefore then do ye not repent and amend? When God calleth you are ye not ashamed to say ye will not come? When ye should return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready? Consider earnestly with yourselves how little such feigned excuses will avail before God. Those who refused the feast in the Gospel, because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused, but counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. Wherefore according to mine Office, I bid you in the Name of God, I call you in Christs behalf, I exhort you, as ye love your own salvation that ye will be partakers of this holy Communion. And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death upon the Cross for your salvation; so it is your duty to receive the Communion in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself hath commanded: which if ye shall neglect to do, consider with yourselves how great is your ingratitude to God, and how sore punishment hangeth over your heads for the same; when ye wilfully abstain from the Lords Table, and separate from your brethren, who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These things if ye earnestly consider, ye will by Gods grace return to a better mind: for the obtaining whereof shall not cease to make our humble petitions unto Almighty God, our heavenly Father. ¶ At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, the Priest shall say the Exhortation. DEARLY beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to come to the holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament; so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent ye truly for your sins past; have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the Cross, for us, miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master, and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To Him therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give (as we are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen.
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¶ Then shall the Priest say to those who come to receive the Holy Communion, YE who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling. ¶ Then shall this general Confession be made, by the Priest and all those who are minded to receive the Holy Communion, humbly kneeling. ALMIGHTY God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christs sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ Then shall the Priest (the Bishop, if he be present) stand up, and turning to the People, say, ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ Then shall the Priest say,
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly
turn to him.
Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
Hear also what Saint John saith. ¶ After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,
Lift up your hearts. |
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¶ Then shall the Priest turn to the Lords Table, and say, IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, [*Holy Father,] Almighty, Everlasting God. ¶ Then shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed; or else immediately shall be said or sung by the Priest and People, THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Thy glorious Name evermore praising thee and saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of Thy glory: Glory be to Thee, O Lord Most High. Amen.
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PROPER PREFACES. Upon Christmas-day and seven days after. BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost was made very man, of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, &c. Upon Easter-day and seven days after. BUT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and, by his rising to life again, hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c. Upon Ascension-day and seven days after. THROUGH thy most dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who, after his most glorious Resurrection, manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels, &c. Upon Whitsun-day, and six days after. THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth; giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, &c. Upon the Feast of Trinity only, may be said, WHO art one God, one Lord; not one only Person, but three Persons in one Substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with Angels, &c. ¶ Or else this may be said, the words [Holy Father] being retained in the introductory Address. FOR the precious death and merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and for the sending to us of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter; who are one with thee in thy Eternal Godhead. Therefore with Angels, &c.
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¶ Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lords Table, say, in the name of all those who shall receive the Communion, this Prayer following. WE do not presume to come to this Thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Thy Table. But Thou art the same Lord, Whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by His body, and our souls washed through His most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in Him, and He in us. Amen. ¶ Then the Priest standing before the Table, hath so ordered the Bread and Wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency break the Bread before the People, and take the cup into his hands, he shall say the Prayer of Consecration, as followeth. ALL glory be to Thee Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that Thou, of Thy tender mercy, didst give Thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; Who made there (by his one oblation of Himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in His holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that His precious death and sacrifice, until His coming again: For in the night in which He was betrayed, (a) He took Bread, and when He had given thanks (b) He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take, eat, (c) this is my Body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise after supper, (d) He took the Cup; and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for (e) this is my Blood of the New Testament which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins; do this as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. |
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A page of the Communion service, from an edition published in 1810. |
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WHEREFORE, O Lord and heavenly Father according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy Divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same. And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christs holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood. And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in them, and they in him. And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen. ¶
Here shall be sung a Hymn, or part of a Hymn, from the Selection for the
Feasts and Fasts, &c. |
WHICH WE NOW OFFER UNTO THEE (i. e., in small caps) until 1793. |
¶ Then shall the Priest first receive the Communion in both kinds himself and proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, in like manner (if any be present) and, after that, to the People also in order, into their hands all devoutly kneeling. And when he delivereth the Bread he shall say, THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving. ¶ And the Minister who delivereth the Cup shall say, THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christs Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. ¶ If the consecrated Bread or Wine be spent before all have communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more according to the Form before prescribed; beginning at -- All glory be to thee, Almighty God and ending with these words -- partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood. ¶ When all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the Lords Table and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated Elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth. ¶ Then shall the Minister say the Lords Prayer, the People repeating after him every Petition. OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Administration of Communion, from an 1827 American Book of Common Prayer |
¶ After shall be said as followeth. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. ¶ Then shall be said or sung, all standing Gloria in excelsis; or some proper Hymn from the Selection. GLORY
be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise
thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks
to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father
Almighty. ¶ Then the Priest (the bishop if he be present) shall let them depart with this blessing. THE peace of God, which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
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¶ Collects that may be said after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer, or Communion, at the discretion of the Minister. 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. 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. DIRECT 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 those who ask in thy Sons Name; We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us who have now made 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. ¶ Upon the Sundays and other Holy Days (if there be no Sermon or Communion) shall be said all that is appointed at the Communion, unto the end of the Gospel, concluding with the Blessing. ¶ And if any of the consecrated Bread and Wine remain after the Communion it shall not be carried out of the Church; but the Minister and other Communicants shall, immediately after the Blessing, reverently eat and drink the same. |
These two rubrics printed as one until 1845. |
Return to the 1789 Book of Common Prayer
Web author: Charles Wohlers | U. S. England Scotland Ireland Wales Canada World |