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The Book of Common Prayer | ||||||
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Prayers and ThanksgivingsPrayers Prayers for the World
Prayers for the Church
Prayers for the Ordained Ministry begin on page 144. Prayers for National Life
Prayers for the Social Order
Prayers for Industry and Labor are on pages 147 and 149. Prayers for the Natural Order
Prayers for Family and Personal Life
Prayers for the sick begin on page 350. Prayers for the dying begin on page 355. Prayers for the dead are on pages 141, 363, and 386. Other Prayers
Prayers for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and for morning and evening, are on pages 52, 79, and 80. Thanksgivings General Thanksgivings
The General Thanksgiving is on pages 54 and 81. Thanksgivings for the Church
Thanksgivings for National life
Thanksgiving for the Social Order
Thanksgivings for the Natural Order
Thanksgivings for Family and Personal Life
Thanksgivings for the departed are on page 386. The term "Various Occasions" in the following pages refers to the numbered Collects beginning on page 138. |
The great majority of these prayers and thanksgivings are identical to those in the 1979 BCP, but rendered in traditional language. Those which do not appear in the 1979 BCP are indicated with an asterix (*). |
Prayers For use after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer, or separately. Prayers for the World 1. For Joy in God's Creation O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2. For All Sorts and Conditions of Men 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 thy holy Church universal; 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 in 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's sake. Amen. 3. For the Human Family O God, who hast made us in thine own image and redeemed us through thy Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish thy purposes on earth; that, in thy good time, all nations and races may serve thee in harmony around thy heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 4. For Peace See also Various Occasions no. 18 Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad thy Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. 5. For Peace Among the Nations Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 6. For our Enemies O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead us all, we pray thee, from prejudice to truth; deliver us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in thy good time enable each of us to stand reconciled before thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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Prayers for the Church 7. For the Church Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen. 8. For the Church O God, the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, who didst inspire thy Church at Pentecost, that Christ might be known and worshiped by people of every nation and tongue; watch over the goodly heritage thou hast given to thy Church, we beseech thee, and grant that we, being led and strengthened by thy guidance and grace, may increase in wisdom, stature, and thy favor, whom we worship with the Father and the Son, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 9. For the Mission of the Church See also the prayers for the Mission of the Church on pages 53 and 54, 80 and 81, and Various Occasions no. 16 Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to thee through thy Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 10. For the Mission of the Church Almighty God, who hast given unto thy Son Jesus Christ the Name which is above every name, and hast taught us that there is salvation in none other: Mercifully grant that as thy faithful people have comfort and peace in his Name, they may ever labor to publish it unto all nations; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 11. For Clergy and People Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the 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 honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen. 12. For the Diocese O God, who by thy grace hast called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop(s) N. [and N.], and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that thy Word may be truly preached and truly heard, thy Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By thy Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of thy Son, and grant that we may show the power of thy love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 13. For the Parish Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth, mercifully hear the supplications of thy servants, and grant unto this parish family all things necessary for its spiritual welfare: schools to train up thy people in thy faith and fear, ministers to labor in this portion of thy vineyard, a church restored and maintained in the beauty of holiness. Strengthen and increase the faithful; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; rouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of thy truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of thy Holy Catholic Church; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen. 14. For a Church Convention or Meeting See also Various Occasions no. 13 Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel [in ] for the renewal and mission of thy Church. Teach us in all things to seek first thy honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. IS. For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on thy Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this diocese (or, rector for this parish), that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for thy people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 16. For the Unity of the church See also Various Occasions no. 14. O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, 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 whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may 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. 17. For those about to be Baptized or to renew their Baptismal Covenant O God, who didst prepare thy disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of thy Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of thy servants ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 18. For Monastic Orders and Vocations O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst become poor for our sake, that we might be made rich through thy poverty: Guide and sanctify, we pray, those whom thou callest to follow thee under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and service they may enrich thy Church, and by their life and worship may glorify thy Name; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 19. For Church Musicians and Artists O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with thy servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by thy people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of thy beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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Prayers for National Life 20. For our Country See also Various Occasions no. 17. Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 21. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United State, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. 22. For Congress or a State Legislature O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Commonwealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 23. For Courts of Justice Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administ6r the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 24. For Sound Government The responses may be omitted. O Lord our Governor, we beseech thee to bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. And finally, teach our people to rely on thy strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve thee faithfully in our generation and honor thy holy Name. 25. For Local Government Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, _________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 26. For an Election Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill thy purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 27. For those in the Armed Forces of our Country Almighty God, we commend to thy gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with thy heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of thine abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 28. For those who Suffer for the sake of Conscience O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us thy servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.
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Prayers for the Social Order 29. For Social Justice See also Various Occasions no. 21. Grant, O God, that thy holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart (and especially the hearts of the people of this land), that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 30. In Times of Conflict O God, who hast bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 31. For Agriculture See also Various Occasions no. 19. Almighty God, we thank thee for making the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in thy goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For prayers for Industry and Labor, see Various Occasions no. 19, no. 24, and no. 25. 32. For the Unemployed Heavenly Father, we remember before thee those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 33. For Schools and Colleges O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities [and especially _____________], that they may be lively centers for sound learning, discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find thee to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Education, see Various Occasions. no. 23. 34. For the Good Use of Leisure O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of thy creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 35. For Cities Heavenly Father, who in thy Word hast given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that people from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 36. For Towns and Rural Areas Lord Jesus Christ, who didst proclaim the kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places: Grant that thy presence and power may be known throughout this land. Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural areas [especially ______________]; and grant that all the people of our nation may give thanks to thee for food and drink and all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good things come. All this we ask in thy holy Name. Amen. 37. For the Poor and Neglected Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before thee all who are poor and neglected. Help us to be ever mindful of the needs of the homeless and the destitute, the aged and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Lay thy healing power upon those who are broken in body, mind or spirit, and turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, O Father, for the love of thine only Son, who for our sake became poor, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 38. For the Oppressed Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon all thy children who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us and forgive us our sins of deed or neglect against these our neighbors. Give strength to those who work for justice and opportunity for all, and grant that all may enjoy the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 39. For Prisons and Correctional Institutions Lord Jesus, who for our sake wast condemned and put to death on the cross: Visit, we beseech thee, all jails and prisons with thy pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners; bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to thy will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release and teach us thy justice. Grant to those who work in these institutions compassion and mercy, and save them from hardness of heart. Help us to remember that what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for thee. All this we ask for thy tender mercy's sake. Amen. 40. For the Right Use of God's Gifts 41. For those who Influence Public Opinion Almighty God, who dost proclaim thy truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray thee, those who speak where many listen, and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Social Service. see Various Occasions no. 22. |
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Prayers for the Natural Order 42. For Knowledge of God's Creation Almighty and everlasting God, who hast made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of thy creation, we may come to know thee more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in thine eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 43. For the Conservation of Natural Resources See also Various Occasions no. 19. Almighty God, who in giving us dominion over things on earth, hast made us stewards of thy creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the gifts of nature, that no one may suffer from our misuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise thee for thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 44. For the Harvest of Lands and Waters O gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness: Bless the lands and the waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; let thy Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show thy loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what thou givest; that all thy people everywhere may give thee thanks through Christ our Lord. Amen. 45. For Rain O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thine honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 46. For the Future of the Human Race O God our heavenly Father, who hast blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth:
Increase our reverence before the great mystery of life. Help us to be ever mindful of thy purpose
for the human race, and always to seek thy guidance in making provision for its future in
accordance with thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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Prayers for Family and Personal Life 47. For Families Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes in which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Other prayers begin on page 340. 48. For the Care of Children Almighty God, heavenly Father, who hast blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 49. For Young Persons O God our heavenly Father, look with pity upon thy children growing up amidst the confusion of the world: Show them that thy way giveth more life than the ways of the world, and that following thee is better than seeking selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a time for a new beginning. Give them strength to hold their faith in thee, and to keep alive their joy in thy creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 50. For Those Who Live Alone Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving thee and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 51. For the Aged Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of thy love. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 52. For a Birthday O God, our times are in thy hand: Look with favor, we pray, on thy servant N., as he begins another year. Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his trust in thy goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 53. For a Birthday Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 54. For the Absent O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together by thy love, in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 55. For Travelers O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel [in particular ______________]; surround them with thy loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 56. For those we Love Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 57. For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayers for the sick begin on page 350. See also Various Occasions no. 20. 58. For the Victims of Addiction O blessed Lord, who didst minister to all who came to thee: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of thy unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen. 59. For Guidance Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, 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. 60. For Guidance O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 61. For Quiet Confidence O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 62. For Protection 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, we may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 63. A Prayer of Self-Dedication Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 64. A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis Lord, make us instruments of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is
injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair,
hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it
is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are
born to eternal life. Amen. |
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Other Prayers Prayers for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and for morning and evening, begin on pages 52 and 79. 65. Toward Evening O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen. 66. Before Worship O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 67. For the Answering of Prayer Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in the Name of thy Son: We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ear 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. 68. Before Receiving Communion See also the Prayer of Humble Access on page 264. Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as thou wast present with thy disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. 69. After Receiving Communion O Lord Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a memorial of thy passion: Grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 70. After Worship 71. After Worship Pardon, O Father, the imperfections of our prayers and praises, our wandering thoughts and lack of devotion. Look not upon us, but on the face of thine Anointed and see us only as we are seen in Him. For his sake, accept us, penitents at the Throne of Grace, and grant that what we have said with our lips, we may believe in our hearts and practice in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 72. On Sunday O God our King, who by the resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, didst conquer sin, put death to flight, and give us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive us our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise thee and to do thy will; and strengthen us to wait for the consummation of thy kingdom on the last great Day: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 73. Grace at Meals Give us grateful hearts, our Father, for all thy mercies, and make us mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. or this V. The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord: Bless, O Lord, these gifts to our use and us to thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. or this Blessed art thou, O Lord God, King of the Universe, for thou dost give us food and drink to sustain our lives and make our hearts glad; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. or this For these and all his mercies, God's holy Name be blessed and praised; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen. |
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74. A Bidding Prayer To be used on special occasions. The Officiant may alter the form as desired. Good Christian People, I bid your prayers for Christ's holy Catholic church, the blessed company of all faithful people; that it may please God to confirm and strengthen it in purity of faith, in holiness of life, and in perfectness of love, and to restore to it the witness of visible unity; and more especially for that branch of the same planted by God in this land, whereof we are members; that in all things it may work according to God's will, serve him faithfully, and worship him acceptably. Ye shall pray also for N., the President of these United States, for N., the Governor of this State, and for all that are in authority; that all, and every one of them, may serve truly in their several callings to the glory of God, and the edifying and well-governing of the people, remembering the account they shall be called upon to give at the last great day. Ye shall also pray for the ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments; for Bishops, [especially for N., our Bishop] that they may minister faithfully and wisely the discipline of Christ; likewise for all Priests and Deacons, [especially the clergy of this Diocese and of this Parish] that they may shine as lights in the world, and in all things may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. And ye shall pray for a due supply of persons fitted to serve God in the Ministry and in the State; and to that end, as well as for the good education of all the youth of this land, ye shall pray for all schools, colleges, and seminaries of sound and godly learning, and for all whose hands are open for their maintenance; that whatsoever tends to the advancement of true religion and useful learning may for ever flourish and abound. Ye shall pray for those who celebrate the anniversary of their birth [especially ___________], and for those who celebrate the anniversary of their marriage [especially _____________], that they may continue to grow in grace all the days of their lives. Ye shall pray for those who are ill [especially _______________], that God be pleased to grant them release from suffering and restoration to health according to his will. Ye shall pray also for any who are troubled in mind, in spirit or in the circumstances of their lives [especially ], that they be granted a happy issue out of all their afflictions. Ye shall pray for all women who are in expectation of childbirth [especially ___________], that the Lord grant them a safe delivery. Ye shall pray also for those who have departed this life [especially ____________], that they may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in God's heavenly Kingdom. Ye shall pray also for all who travel by land, sea, or air; for all prisoners and captives; for all who have fallen into grievous sin; for all who, through temptation, ignorance, helplessness, grief, trouble, dread, or the near approach of death, especially need our prayers. Ye shall also praise God for rain and sunshine; for the fruits of the earth; for the products of all honest industry; and for all his good gifts, temporal and spiritual, to us and to all men. Finally, ye shall yield unto God most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all his saints [especially the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint ____________], who have been the choice vessels of His grace and the lights of the world in their several generations; and pray unto God, that we may have grace to direct our lives after their good examples; that, this life ended, we may be made partakers with them of the glorious resurrection and the life everlasting. And now, brethren, summing up all our petitions and all our thanksgivings, in the words which Christ hath taught us, we make bold to say: Our Father ...
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Thanksgivings General Thanksgivings 1. A General Thanksgiving Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that thou hast done for us. We thank thee for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank thee for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank thee for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. We thank thee also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on thee alone. Above all, we thank thee for thy Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of thy kingdom. Grant us the gift of thy Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at
all times and in all places, may give thanks to thee in all things. Amen. |
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2. A Litany of Thanksgiving For optional use on Thanksgiving day, in place of the prayers of the People at the Eucharist. or at any time after the Collects at Morning or Evening prayer, or Separately. Let us give thanks unto God our heavenly Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us. For the beauty and wonder of thy creation, in earth and sky and sea, For all that is gracious in the lives of thy children, revealing the image of Christ, For our daily food and drink, our home and families, and our friends, For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice, For the communion of saints, in all times and places, Above all, we give thee thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our
Lord; See also The General Thanksgiving on pages 54 and 81. |
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Thanksgivings for the Church 3. For the Mission of the Church Almighty God, who didst send thy Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to thyself: We praise and bless thee for those whom thou hast sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the Gospel to all nations. We thank thee that in all parts of the earth a community of love hast been gathered together by their prayers and labors, and that in every place thy servants call upon thy Name; for the kingdom and the power and the glory are thine for ever. Amen. 4. For the Saints and Faithful Departed See also the prayer "O God, the King of Saints," page 388. We give thanks to thee, O Lord our God, for all thy servants and witnesses of time past: for
Abraham, the father of believers, and Sarah his wife; for Moses, the lawgiver, and Aaron, the
priest; for Miriam and Joshua, Deborah and Gideon, and Samuel, with Hannah his mother; for
Isaiah and all the prophets; for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord; for Saints Peter
and Paul and all the apostles; for Saints Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene; for Saint
Stephen, the first martyr, and all the martyrs and saints in every age and in every land. In thy
mercy, O Lord our God, give us, as thou gavest to them, the hope of salvation and the promise of
eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the first-born of many from the dead. Amen. |
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Thanksgivings for National Life 5. For the Nation Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank thee for the majesty and beauty of this good
land which thou hast given us. We thank thee for the great resources of this nation, though we have not always been faithful
stewards in accordance with thy will. We thank thee for the men and women who have made this country strong and serve as models
for us, though we have fallen short of thy calling. We thank thee for the torch of liberty which has been raised up in this land, though we have often
forgotten that thou art the source of all True Light. We thank thee for the faith which sustains our lives, though we have turned from thee again and
again. We pray thee, O Lord, to finish the good work thou hast begun in us. Strengthen us to bring an end to ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten thy Day in which all thy people shall join together to glorify thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 6. For Heroic Service O Judge of the nations, we remember before thee with grateful hearts the men and women of our
country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we
may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept
its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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Thanksgivings for the Social Order 7. For the Diversity of Races and Cultures O God, who hast created all peoples in thine own image, we thank thee for the wonderful
diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of
fellowship, and show us thy presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of
thy love is made perfect in our love for all thy children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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Thanksgivings for the Natural Order 8. For the Beauty of the Earth We give thee thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise thee for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of thine abundant creation, to the honor and glory of thy Name, now and for ever. Amen. 9. For the Harvest Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the
dew: We yield thee hearty thanks and praise for the return of seedtime and harvest, for the
increase of the ground and the gathering in of its fruits, and for all the other blessings of thy
merciful providence bestowed upon this nation and people. And, we beseech thee, give us a just
sense of these great mercies, such as may appear in our lives by a humble, holy, and obedient
walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy
Ghost be all glory and honor, world without end. Amen. |
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Thanksgivings for Family and Personal Life 10. For the Gift of a Child See also the Thanksgiving for a Child on pages 335 and 339. Heavenly Father, who didst send thine only Son into this world. We thank thee for the life of this child, N., entrusted to our care. Help us to remember that we are all thy children, and so to love and nurture him, that he may attain to that full stature intended for him in thy eternal kingdom; for the sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 11. For the Restoration of Health Almighty God and heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks that thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver from his sickness thy servant N., on whose behalf we bless and praise thy Name. Grant, O gracious Father, that he, through thy help, may live in this world according to thy will, and also be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Thanksgivings for the departed begin on page 386. |
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