A GENERAL FORM
OF SERVICE FOR FESTIVALS
NOTES
1. On the festivals the junior and senior children have usually to be taken together, and the service, including the address, has to be adapted to the capacity of the youngest present, whilst at the same time gripping the attention of all. The form suggested is, therefore, very simple. It will be found that the reading of the passages from the Bible with responsive hymn singing will be within the capacity of all and prove an effective way of gathering the attention of all round the essential meaning of the festival: at the same time the method will carry forward the training in Prayer Book ways of worship in one important feature.
2. At a children’s service the alms (and any other gifts) had better be collected near the beginning of the service, for obvious reasons. A good way to make the collection is to place receptacles at some point on the route of the procession. For this reason the procession is put at the beginning of the service, preceded by a brief explanation of why this special mark of rejoicing is included in the worship.
Wherever possible, all the children should take part in the procession, headed by the choir if there is one. The children come out of their seats in order, beginning from the front, and fall in behind those in front. The procession goes the longest way round (or twice round) the church, finally coming up the middle passage, the children returning to their seats as they reach them.
3. The lessons may be read by one or more of the children themselves with great advantage, or by a teacher, but it is essential that the reading should be plear. The purpose of the readings must not be lost merely for the sake of introducing child readers. The lessons should be introduced, where necessary, by very brief notes.
Priest. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
All kneel.
OPENING PRAYER
Together. O God, our Father, we have come to thy house to sing to thee, to pray to thee, to hear thee speaking to us. Help us to remember thy presence with us and to worship thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
All stand.
A HYMN
All sit.
The conductor will briefly refer to the festival that is being kept, explaining both the reason for the procession and the way in which it will be carried out. The object and manner of the collection will also be explained.
THE PROCESSION
At the end of the procession the alms are presented with the following prayer, the children standing.
ACCEPT, O Lord, these gifts which we have brought to thy house, and grant that they may be used to carry out thy will, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All sing HYMN: O DEAREST LORD (C. & S. H. 179).
All sit.
Then will follow the reading of the lessons with appropriate singing according to the season. The children will sit for the lessons and stand for the hymns.
At Christmas
First reading, Isaiah vii. 14; ix. 2, 6, 7.
Carol: A virgin most pure (C. & S. H. 292, 1st verse only).
Second reading, St. Luke i. 26-33.
Canticle, Magnificat.
Third reading, St. Luke ii. 1-7.
Carol: Good Christian men, rejoice (C. & S. H. 293, or 292, vv. 2-5).
Fourth reading, St. Luke ii. 8-17.
Carol: God rest you merry (C. & S. H. 297, or 292, vv. 6-8).
At the Epiphany
First reading, Isaiah Ix. 1-3.
Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (C. & S. H. 170).
Second reading, St. Matthew ii. 1-8.
Carol: The first Nowell (C. & S. H. 295).
Third reading, St. Matthew ii. 9-12.
Carol: Bethlehem, of noblest cities (C. & S. H. 34).
Fourth reading, Zech. viii. 20-22.
Hymn: Jesus shall reign (C. & S. H. 114).
At Easter
First reading, St. Luke xxiv. 1-9.
Hymn: Good Joseph had a garden (C. & S. H. 64).
Second reading, St. John xx. 11-18.
Hymn: Ye sons and daughters of the King (E. H. 626, vv. I, 4, and 9).
Third reading, St. John xx. 19-23.
Hymn: Ye sons and daughters (E. H., vv. 5-8, and 10).
Fourth reading, St. Luke xxiv. 13-31.
Hymn: At the Lamb’s high feast (C. & S. H. 65).
At Ascensiontide
First reading, Acts i. 3-5, and 8-11.
Hymn: Hail the day that sees Him rise (C. & S. H. 68).
Second reading, Revelation v. 6-14.
Hymn; Rejoice, the Lord is King (C. & S. H. 190)
Third reading, St. Matthew xxviii. 16-20.
Hymn: We’ve a story to tell to the nations (C. & S. H. 120).
Fourth reading, Philippians ii. 5-11.
Hymn: At the Name of Jesus (C. & S. H. 183).
At Whitsuntide
First reading, Joel ii. 28, 29.
Hymn: Come, Thou Holy Spirit, come (C. & S. H. 195)
Second reading, Acts ii. 1-4, 14, 22, 23, 32, 33.
Hymn: When God of old (C. & S. H. 70).
Third reading, Galatians v. 22-26.
Hymn: Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost (C. & S. H. 196).
Fourth reading. Acts i. 4-8.
Hymn: Thou, whose almighty Word (C. & S. H. 121).
A short Address may be given here, leading up to a bidding to prayer.
Christmas
BLESSED Lord Jesus, who for our sakes wast pleased to be born in a stable; Bless, we pray thee, all our homes. In thy love help all who are poor and outcast. Make the good news of thy love for all men to be known through all the world, that everywhere thy people may claim thee as Saviour, Friend, and Lord. Amen.
Epiphany
GRANT, O Lord, that thy Church may make thy Name to be known in all the world. Let the preaching of thy messengers bring a bright light to all those whose hearts are dark, because they live without knowing thee. And help us, O Lord, to bring thee gifts of love, pleasing thee by unselfish ways and by obedience to thy light shining in bur hearts, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
Easter
O HEAVENLY Father, who hast made us glad this day because thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ has triumphed over sin and death: Grant that we who are members of him may also triumph over every evil thing by his power, and having worked for him in this life may live with him, where he lives and reigns with thee for ever. Amen.
Ascension
O LORD Jesus Christ, our King in heaven, help us now and evermore to be thy true and faithful followers. May we be ready at all times to carry out thy commands and conquer every enemy by thy power. For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Whitsuntide
MAY God the Holy Spirit, who dwells in our hearts, fill us and the whole Church with the love and strength of Jesus our Lord. And going forth to work in his name, may we show forth his praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to his service; and so be witnesses to the gift that is in us evermore. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Our Father
Blessing
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A SERVICE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Priest. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Opening Prayer
Together. O God our Father, we have come to thy house to sing to thee, to pray to thee, to hear thee speaking to us. Help us to remember thy Presence with us and to worship thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
A Hymn
A short instruction will follow, telling the children that Lent was formerly a time of preparation for Holy Baptism. Candidates were prepared for their admission into the Church of the risen Christ at Easter. They would prepare by learning the Christian faith and by fasting and prayer to make a great renunciation of evil, to confess their faith in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to promise obedience to God’s will. In Lent we may try to be more worthy of our own Baptism. We may resolve to learn more of our Faith, to pray more faithfully, to give us something for his sake. This will all help us to renounce evil more bravely, to say our Creed more truly, and to obey God’s will more loyally.
All kneel.
Priest. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers first promise for you in your Baptism?
Together. My Godfathers and Godmothers promised that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh.
Priest. Because we have promised to renounce the devil and all his works, let us ask God to forgive us for the times when we have done wrong, to make us sorry for our sins, and to help us to try more earnestly to conquer them during this Lent.
A brief silence
Litany of the Passion (C. & S. H. 147, PART II)
All stand.
Priest. What was the second promise that your Godfathers and Godmothers made for you?
Together. My Godfathers and Godmothers promised that I should believe all the articles of the Christian Faith.
Priest. Let us therefore say the Creed together.
Together. The Apostles’ Creed.
Priest. Why is the Christian signed with the Cross?
Together. The Christian is signed with the Cross in token that he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, but manfully fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and remain Christ’s faithful soldier and servant unto his life’s end.
HYMN: In token that thou shalt not shrink (C. & S. H. 86)
Priest. Let us stand for a moment resolving to try to be more faithful servants of Jesus.
HYMN: Soldiers of Christ, arise (C. & S. H. 235)
or
Members of Christ are we (C. & S. H. 266)
All kneel.
Priest. What was the third promise that your Godfathers and Godmothers made for you?
Together. My Godfathers and Godmothers promised that I should keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life.
Priest. Because this promise was made by us, let us hear what God commands us to do and pray that he will help us to obey.
God tells us:
To love him with all our heart, and with all our mind, and with all our strength.
(The children say or sing) Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To worship him, to give him thanks, to put our whole trust in him, and to call upon him.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To honour his holy name and his Word.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To serve him truly all the days of our life.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To love, honour and succour our fathers and mothers, to honour and obey the King, and all that are put in authority under him.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To love our neighbours as ourselves, and to do to all men as we would that they should unto us; to hurt no one by word or deed.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To keep our minds and bodies clean and pure.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To be true and just in all our dealing, and to keep our hands from picking and stealing.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To keep our tongues from evil-speaking, lying, and tale-bearing.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
To learn and labour truly to get our own living, and to do our duty wherever it pleases God to put us.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
or
Let us remember the words in which our Lord Jesus Christ taught us the Law of his Kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(The children answer) Blessed are they.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they.
Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are they.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are they.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are they.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they.
Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness ,sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they.
Again our Lord Jesus Christ said:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Answer. Lord, have mercy upon us and write these thy laws in our hearts.
Priest. Let us be silent again and each of us think of the special way in which we shall try to do better this Lent.
A short silence
HYMN: O Jesus, I have promised (C. & S.H. 263)
All sit.
The LESSON, St. Mark i. 9-13
HYMN: Good it is to keep the fast (C. & S. H. 40)
COLLECT FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Together:
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 to ask for no reward save that of knowing that we do thy will.
THE BLESSING
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A SERVICE FOR PALM SUNDAY
NOTE.—This service is intended to be a preparation for the keeping of Holy Week and Good Friday, and centres round the distribution of palm crosses. It is hoped that the proposed use of this ceremony will prove acceptable. Children are helped by a concrete method to realise the meaning of the day, and to form a resolution with regard to Good Friday.
The palms are distributed at the chancel steps as the congregation files past in procession.
Priest. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
OPENING PRAYER (said together)
O GOD our Father, we have come to thy house to sing to thee, to pray to thee, to hear thee speaking to us. Help us to remember thy Presence with us and to worship thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
A HYMN
THE LESSON, ST. LUKE XIX. 29-40
THE FIRST ADDRESS
In this address attention is first turned to the name of the day and the events of the entry into Jerusalem are graphically told. The meeting of the procession entering into Jerusalem and that coming out to meet it is described, and the meaning of the cry of Hosanna and the use of palm branches is drawn out. The children will be able to interpret the feelings of our Lord on the one hand and of the crowd on the other. So the procession is proposed as an expression of loyalty to our Lord and a remembrance of the welcome of his people.
The Procession
during which the palms are distributed
HYMN: ALL GLORY, LAUD, AND HONOUR (C. & S. H. 50)
THE SECOND ADDRESS
The children’s attention is drawn to the shape of the palm which they have received and themselves give the reason. The story of the plotting of Holy Week is told, leading up to the climax of the arrest and trial of Jesus. On Good Friday another procession went forth from Jerusalem and Jesus was carrying a Cross. The crowd on this day shouted not Hosanna but Crucify. The children will be able to interpret the feelings of our Lord and of the crowd on this occasion. So the question of how the children will keep Good Friday, is introduced; the time of the Good Friday service is announced, and the suggestion is made that the palm crosses shall be kept as a reminder of the meaning of the week and be brought to the service on Good Friday.
Hymn: RIDE ON, RIDE ON (C. & S. H. 51)
All kneel.
Priest. Let us remember the events of this Holy Week.
O Christ our King, who on Palm Sunday didst ride into Jerusalem, and didst receive the Hosannas of thy children.
Save us, O Lord.
O thou who on the Monday of Holy Week didst cleanse the Temple.
Save us, O Lord.
O thou who on the Tuesday of this Holy Week didst teach for the last time in the Temple.
Save us, O Lord.
O thou who on the Wednesday of this Holy Week didst rest with thy friends in Bethany.
Save us, O Lord.
O thou who on the Thursday of this Holy Week didst institute the Holy Communion and didst command us to love one another.
Save us, O Lord.
O thou who on Good Friday for love of us wast tried, condemned, scourged and mocked, crowned with thorns and crucified.
Save us, O Lord.
Son of God, who for love of us didst die gloriously on the Cross, stretching forth thy loving arms to all the world.
Save us, O Lord.
Son of God, who on the evening of Good Friday wast laid in the tomb.
Save us, O Lord.
Son of God, whose body lay in the grave on Easter Eve whilst thy soul was in Paradise.
Save us, O Lord.
O LORD Jesus Christ, we thank thee for all thy love to us, for thy Cross and suffering, for thy precious Death and Burial. Help us to remember thee throughout this week, and especially on Good Friday. Teach us to do God’s will bravely for thy sake, and to help others, so that we may be ready to share in the happiness of Easter Day. Grant this, O Lord, for thy Name’s sake. Amen.
Together. O Saviour of the world, who by thy Cross and precious blood hast redeemed us: Save us and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.
Then may be added one or more general prayers,
OUR FATHER
HYMN: When of old, in lowly state (C. & 5. H. 281)
BLESSING
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A SERVICE FOR GOOD FRIDAY
NOTE.—This service is designed to last one hour. The conductor’s part is given verbatim, because the exact timing is a matter of importance. The pictures may be mounted on a roll, and should be changed before each reading.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O GOD our Father, we have come to thy house to sing to thee, to pray to thee, to hear thee speaking to us. Help us to remember thy Presence with us and to worship thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
HYMN: There is a green hill (C. & S. H. 186) ALL SIT.
We are going to follow the story of our Lord’s Passion. I shall read the story to you in seven short chapters. After each, reading we will kneel, look at the picture, and say a prayer: after that sing a hymn.
I. The Agony in the Garden
READ ST. LUKE XXII. 39-46.
Kneel. Look.
Let us think of our Lord praying for strength to do his Father’s will. He said to his friends, Pray, lest ye enter into temptation. We sometimes forget our prayers, sometimes hurry them.
Very brief pause.
O LORD Jesus, help us always to remember our prayers and to say them carefully that we may be strong when we are tempted.
HYMN: Christian, seek not yet repose (C. & S. H. 42, vv. 1-3)
2. Our Lord’s Trial and St. Peter’s Denial
Read St. Matthew xxvi. 57-59, 69-75
Kneel. Look at picture.
Our Lord bravely faced his accusers, resolving to be true to his Father. St. Peter lost his courage and was not true to his Lord. Sometimes we are tempted to be afraid to speak or do what is true and so deny our faster.
Let us pray that we may have courage always.
Very brief pause.
O LORD Jesus, help us at all times to do what is true and loyal to thee. Help us to play the man and give us courage like thine own. Amen.
HYMN: Children’s Litany (C. & S. H. 148, last 3 verses)
3. Jesus Condemned, Mocked and made to Carry his Cross
Read St. Mark xv. 14-20, 24-26
Kneel. Look at picture.
Our Lord, when he had been condemned and mocked, went to Calvary carrying his Cross. He said, “If any man will come after me, let him take up his Cross and follow.” Let us tell him that we are willing to do even difficult things for his sake.
Very brief pause.
O LORD Jesus, who for our sakes didst bear thy Cross, help us to bear our Cross for thy sake. When we have hard things to do, let us remember that we are marked with the Cross in token that we should be willing to be thy faithful followers.
HYMN: Thou the Cross didst bear (C. & S. H. 54)
or; Take up thy cross (C. & S. H. 44)
4. Jesus Forgives his Enemies and the Penitent Thief
Read St. Luke xxiii. 33-34, 39-43
Kneel. Look at picture.
Our Lord Jesus, when he was crucified, prayed that those who hurt him might be forgiven.
Our Lord Jesus prayed that the thief might be forgiven.
Jesus taught us to pray “Forgive us as . . .
We want Jesus to forgive us our sins and to give us forgiving hearts.
Very brief pause.
O LORD Jesus Christ, we need thy forgiveness for many times sinning against thee. Thou who didst forgive the thief, forgive us when we are sorry and help us always to have forgiving hearts when others hurt us. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.
HYMN: Litany of the Passion (C. & S. H. 149, last 3 verses)
5. Jesus Blesses his Mother and Friends and Gives them to Each Other’s Care
Read St. John xix. 25-27
Kneel. Look at Picture.
Jesus, who died upon the Cross, loved his Mother and his friends.
Jesus loves not only us but all other people in the world.
Jesus, who told his Mother and friends to care for each other, gives us a new commandment, that we love one another.
Very brief pause.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who didst love thy Mother and friends and command them to take care of one another, help us to keep thy commandment to love one another and unselfishly to serve others.
HYMN: Jesus! Name of wondrous love (C. & S. H. 188)
6. Jesus Dies upon the Cross
READ ST. JOHN XIX. 28-30
Kneel. Look.
Jesus dies upon the Cross because he loved us.
Jesus asks that as he loved us so should we love him.
Jesus, who died for us, expects us to live for him.
Very brief pause.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who didst die for us and all mankind, may the good news of thy love be carried to every part of the world. Help us to remember thy great love and to resolve to live always for thee.
HYMN: O dearest Lord (C. & S. H. 52)
7. The Exaltation of the Crucified One
READ PHIL. II. 5-11
Kneel.
Our Lord was raised from the dead and exalted in triumph because of his obedience unto death.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Let us pray that we may be faithful all our lives.
Very brief pause.
HYMN: The head, that once (C. & S. H. 67)
Let us pray.
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.
Together. Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all that thou hast borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, may we see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly; for thine own sake.
Blessing
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A SERVICE FOR THE HARVEST FESTIVAL
NOTE
The following service is primarily intended for the harvest thanksgiving, but can very easily be adapted to meet the need for a gift service on another occasion. The offering of gifts must come at the beginning of the service, for until they are offered they are a distracting encumbrance to the children.
In practice it will be found that a procession filing past the collecting point, which will probably be the chancel steps, is the most convenient way for the children to bring up their gifts.
The priest will be attended by several servers furnished with trays or very large baskets. As the children file past, the priest holds out the tray or basket and the children put in their gifts. As each receptacle becomes full the servers take it and arrange the contents in a place near to the altar.
Priest. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Opening Prayer (together)
O GOD our Father, we have come to thy house to sing to thee, to pray to thee, to hear thee speaking to us. Help us to be reverent, to remember thy presence, and to worship thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
All stand.
Hymn
The Presentation of Gifts
(during which hymns are sung)
When all the gifts have been collected the priest goes to the altar and in a loud voice says the prayer of offering, the children standing and saying the Amen.
RECEIVE, O Lord, our thanks for all the good things that thou hast given to us: we offer to thee again these our gifts. Grant that thy blessing may go with them to nourish and cheer the sick, whom we want to help, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Together.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, angelic host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Then will follow the Address; The Benedicite (or part of it) may then be sung or a hymn.
THE LESSON
For the harvest, St. Matthew vi. 26-34
For a gift service, St. Matthew xxv. 34-40
Psalm C
The Apostles’ Creed
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy Spirit.
Let us pray.
Priest.
Let us think of all the good things that God has given for our use and thank him for them.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
Because he has given life to all things that live and abound on earth and in the seas.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
Because he has given to us once again the riches of the harvest.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
For prospering the work of those who have toiled on farms and in gardens.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
For the safety of the ships and sailors who have brought us the harvest of other lands.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
For the work of all who have laboured in mines and factories and workshops.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
For gifts of health and happiness, and for the love that has surrounded us in our homes and at school.
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious.
R. And his mercy endureth for ever.
GRANT, O Lord, that we may shew 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.
Let us ask God to help us to help other people.
Lord Jesus, who didst heal the sick.
Help us to help them.
Lord Jesus, who didst comfort those who were in sadness, we pray for all mourners.
Help us to help them.
Lord Jesus, who didst bless children, we pray for all children who have no homes or who are ill or suffering.
Help us to help them.
Lord Jesus, who didst care for the poor, we pray for all who are very poor.
Help us to help them.
Lord Jesus, who didst preach thy good news and tell us to carry it to all nations, we pray for all people who have not heard of thee, living in heathen lands.
Help us to help them.
Jesus, who didst live in the home of the carpenter and love thy Holy Mother, we pray for our fathers and mothers.
Help us to help them.
Here may be added two or more prayers.
Our Father
Hymn
Blessing
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A SERVICE FOR A DEDICATION FESTIVAL
NOTE,—If possible, four parties of children, each with its own banner, should form different processions for the four stations. The details of the ceremonial are, however, left to the conductor’s discretion.
Priest. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Together. O God, we have come to thy house to sing to thee, to pray to thee, to hear thee speaking to us. Help us to remember thy presence with us and to worship thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
All stand and sing:
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.
HYMN
The ADDRESS follows, in the course of which the meaning of the service is explained and its plan is described.
HYMN: We love the place (C. & S. H. 260, vv. 1, 2)
If the children have a gift to offer for the use of the Church the offering may be made at this point; those appointed to do so will bring it to the altar during the singing of the foregoing hymn and the priest will receive and present it.
HYMN: O Faith of England (C. & S. H. 258, v. 1)
During the singing of this verse the (first) procession forms up before the chancel steps and proceeds to the font: at the end of the verse the whole congregation turns towards the font.
At the font:
LESSON, St. Mark x, 13-16
HYMN 260, v. 3.
Prayer
GRANT, O Lord, that whosoever is here dedicated to thee may also be given all heavenly virtues and everlastingly rewarded, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
HYMN 258, v. 2
During this verse the (second) procession (is formed and) goes to the lectern.
At the lectern:
LESSON, St. Luke iv. 16-20
HYMN 260, v. 5
PRAYER
O GOD of our fathers, bless us thy servants and sow the seed of eternal life in our hearts, that whatsoever in thy holy word we shall learn we may indeed perform it: so that, obeying thy will and always being in safety under thy protection, we may abide in thy love unto our lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN 258, v. 3
During this verse the (third) procession (is formed and) passes to the place where the Bishop is wont to confirm.
At the place of Confirmation:
LESSON, Acts viii. 14-17
HYMN 260, v. 6
Prayer
ALMIGHTY God, we pray for all thy servants upon whom (after the example of thy holy Apostles) the Bishop has in this place laid his hands. Let thy fatherly hand ever be over them: let thy Holy Spirit ever be with them, and so lead them that in the end they may obtain everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
HYMN 258, v. 4
During this verse the (fourth) procession (is formed and) passes before the altar.
At the altar rails:
LESSON: I Cor. xi. 23-28
HYMN 260, v. 4
PRAYER
O LORD Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful sacrament left us a pledge of thy love and a continual memorial of thy passion: Grant that all who partake of it may come to thy eternal joy where thou dost live and reign for ever. Amen.
HYMN 260, v. 7
When all have returned to their places the following prayers are said:
All kneel.
Conductor:
Let us thank God for those by whose hard work and sacrifice this church in years gone by was built, and given for the service of God.
Thanks be to God.
Let us thank him for all the priests who have preached the word of God and ministered the sacraments to his people in this church.
Thanks be to God.
Let us thank him for all the generations of people who have lived in this parish, and who have been baptized and confirmed, and been receivers of the Holy Communion in this church.
Thanks be to God.
Let us praise him that the faith of Christ has been taught here in other days as it is in our day.
Thanks be to God.
Let us praise him for the happiness of our joining here with the worship of Heaven.
Thanks be to God.
V. Praise ye the Lord.
R. The Lord’s name be praised.
Let us pray for the clergy (priest) of the parish that God will pour down upon them, and upon the congregation committed to their charge; the continual dew of his blessing.
Grant this, O Lord.
Let us pray for the teachers in our schools that they and we may worship and serve thee all the days of our life.
Grant this, O Lord.
Let us pray that in all places where God’s people live there may be churches where they may worship thee and seek thy grace.
Grant this, O Lord.
Let us pray for this town (village) in which we live that it may be cleansed from all that is displeasing in thy sight, and strengthened and increased in all that is good and healthy, noble and beautiful.
Grant this, O Lord.
Let us pray that all who have been thy servants in this place and have died in thy faith may grow in light and peace, and that we with them may come to see thee face to face.
Grant this, O Lord.
Let us pray that God will bless and heal the sick, comfort the mourners, help the poor, turn the hearts of the wicked, forgive the penitent, cheer and strengthen all who endure bravely for his sake and strive to do the will of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grant this, O Lord.
V. O God, make clean our hearts within us.
R. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
OUR FATHER
ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, we, thy sons and daughters, thank thee for thy house in which we meet together in thy presence to worship thee, to pray to thee and to receive thy gifts and blessing. Help us to love our church more and more and to use it rightly. Grant that whatever is taught us in thy holy place we may practise in our daily lives: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Together sing:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me. (C. & S. H. 171)
HYMN
BLESSING
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SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER
USE OF PRAYER BOOK
MATERIAL
TO BE USED AT THE DISCRETION OF
THE CONDUCTOR AT ANY OF THE
FOREGOING SERVICES
REPENTANCE
WE beseech thee, O Lord, to grant us true repentance and thy Holy Spirit: that those things may please thee which we do at this present: and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy: so that at the last we may come to thy eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wildest have done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
INTERCESSION
Responses to improvised Litanies.
V. O God, make speed to save us.
R. O Lord, make haste to help us.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
LET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS AND ACTS OF WORSHIP
FOR UNITY
WE beseech thee, O Lord, to inspire thy Church in all the world with the Spirit of Truth and Unity: and grant that all who do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word and live in unity and godly love, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
FOR THE CLERGY
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our Bishops, and 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.
O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock: Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
MISSIONARY
O LORD Jesus Christ, who callest to thee whom thou willest and sendest them whither thou dost choose: We thank thee for calling thy servant N, to preach thy Gospel to the nations; and we humbly pray thee to raise up among us those who shall be heralds and evangelists of thy kingdom, and shall build up thy Church in every land; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
ROGATION (AND FOR WORKERS)
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 ever rejoice in thy goodness, to the praise of thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O 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.
ALMIGHTY Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast sanctified labour to the welfare of mankind: Prosper, we pray thee, the industries of this land and all those who are engaged therein: that, shielded in all their temptations and dangers, and receiving a due reward of their labours, they nay praise thee by living according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE SICK
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 the hospitals and infirmaries of our land; cheer, heal, and sanctify the sick; grant to the physicians, surgeons, and nurses wisdom and 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.
O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, 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.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who didst with joy receive and bless the children brought to thee: Give thy blessing to this thy child (to all children who are ill): And in thine own time deliver him from his bodily pain, that he may live to serve thee all his days. Amen.
THE DEPARTED
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 now at rest, may at the last enter with them into the fullness of thine unending joy: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GENERAL
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same: through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
GRANT, we beseech thee. Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
GRANT to us Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LORD, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY God, by whose grace and power thy holy martyr N. (or M.) triumphed over suffering and despised death: Grant, we beseech thee, that enduring hardness, and waxing valiant in fight, we may with the noble army of martyrs receive the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O GOD, by whose grace the blessed N. became a burning and a shining light in thy Church: Grant that we may burn with the same spirit of love and ever walk before thee as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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SOME ADDITIONAL PRAYERS AND ACTS OF WORSHIP
Christmas
O LORD Jesus Christ, we pray thee for all children who have no homes: for all who are ill or cripples: for all who do not know about Christmas. Bless them all, Lord Jesus: make the sad ones glad, make the sick whole, make all to be thy own children, and bring us all to be with thee in our heavenly home for ever and ever. Amen.
Epiphany (and Missionary)
O LORD Jesus Christ, to whom the wise men from the East brought gifts at Bethlehem, hasten the time when the peoples of Persia and India, of China and Japan, and all other Gentiles, shall seek after thee and find thee. Grant that they may offer to thee their treasures, their love and their service, and bow before thee in worship, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for evermore. Amen.
Easter
O LORD Jesus Christ, who hast taught us by the lesson of thy life and death, and hast sent us to do as thou hast done: Help us to serve God in our lives and to bring others to do the same. Grant us, with thee, a happy resurrection for thy sake. Amen.
Ascension
Let us praise Christ our King.
V. Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
R. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
O Lord Jesus Christ, because thou art the King of kings and Lord of lords,
We praise and glorify thee.
Because thou hast ascended in triumph to thy Father’s throne,
We praise and glorify thee.
Because thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages,
We praise and glorify thee.
Because thou art preparing a place for us in heaven,
We praise and glorify thee.
Because thou hast promised to be with us always, even unto the end of the world.
We praise and glorify thee.
Embertide (and for the Clergy)
O HEAVENLY Father, bless, we pray thee, our bishop and clergy and those who are to be ordained at this time. Grant them the continual help of thy Spirit in the services and sacraments of thy Holy Church; in preaching and teaching thy holy word; and in caring for those distressed in mind and in body. We ask it for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Holy Angels
O EVERLASTING Father, who art worshipped and served by the holy angels: Help us to hallow thy name and do thy will on earth as they do in heaven; and grant that by thy command they may evermore guard and guide us, until we with them shall stand before thy throne arid behold thy face; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Missionary
O HEAVENLY Father, we thy children come before thee and pray for all children in far-off lands. May the Christians love and serve thee, may the heathen learn to know thee; bless and help the missionaries, that all nations may come and worship thee. These things we ask for the sake of Christ our Saviour. Amen.
O GOD our Father, whose blessed Son went about doing good, we pray thee to send thy blessing upon all who are trying to bring light and love and joy into the lives of others (especially . . .). Grant them protection in danger, refreshment in weariness, comfort in trouble, strength in weakness, wisdom in difficulty, and a continual sense of thy presence according to thy most gracious promise. Amen.
O GOD, we pray for those who do not know thee and do not Honour thy name. Bless the messengers who have gone across the sea to teach others about thee. Grant that the children in distant lands may learn the story of Jesus and his love. And may the day soon come when all the world shall own him as its King; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Whitsuntide
O HOLY Spirit, help us to be like Jesus Christ. Help all the members of his Church to be like him. Speak to us when we are tempted to do wrong, strengthen us to do right, show us what we should do. Amen.
Dedication Festival
O GOD our Father, help us to use this thy house properly: Teach us when we come to it; help us to pray in it; hear our praise when we sing in it; receive the presents which we bring to it; bless the clergy who minister in it, and bring us all to worship thee in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Homes
O LORD Jesus Christ, who for our sakes didst live in an earthly home: We pray thee for our homes and for all who live in them, especially for the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends of all of us here. Help us so to live together in this life, that in the life to come we may live with thee in peace and happiness, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GOD, who art the loving Father of all the people in the world: We pray thee to take care of those we love, and those who love us, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters and all our friends. Keep far from them all evil things, and give them whatever is good for them. Help us to love one another very much and to love thee most of all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hospitals
GOD our Father, we pray thee to bless our hospitals, and may all who are in them be given healing and strength for their souls and for their bodies. May God the Holy Spirit make our hearts kind and generous to all who are in need after the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
CHRIST, the Healer of all mankind, we bring before thee all who are lying on a bed of sickness at home and in hospitals and infirmaries: all who are waiting on the sick and suffering: all doctors through whom thou art healing the sick. Grant that all that is done and suffered at home and in hospitals may be overruled for thy honour and glory. Amen.
Our Country
GOD, look down in mercy upon our native land. Thou hast blessed our country in past days and made it great. Bless it now, we pray thee, and lead us through all our difficulties and dangers into peace and brotherhood; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Those who Work
O GOD, who hast given every one their work to do, help them to do it with all their might. Give wisdom to the King and all who govern us. Bless the men and women in offices and shops and factories. Give strength to those who work hard at the docks or in the fields. Take care of the miners and sailors and all whose work is dangerous. Have mercy on those who can find no work to do. Watch over the children who are at school preparing for their work. And help us to follow in the steps of him who worked as a carpenter, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Peace
O GOD, send thy Spirit into men’s hearts that they may hate war and love peace. Teach the children of every land that it is better to love one another than to fight, so that war may cease and thy kingdom of love and brotherhood may be set up through all the world, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving
O GOD our Heavenly Father, we thank thee for the beauty of the world around us. We thank thee for the love of our parents and our friends, for work and play, for food and clothing, and for all the happiness of life. But most of all we thank thee for the birth of Jesus Christ, thy Son, for the example of his life and for the love that made him die for us. And we pray that we may ever serve him faithfully and fight his battles; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O GOD our Heavenly Father, we thank thee for loving us thy children. We thank thee for our parents and for our food, for our clothes, and for our homes. We thank thee for all beautiful things in earth and sea and sky, and for all the blessings of this life. Above all we thank thee for giving us thy Son Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Master and Friend. Help us to be like him and to fight for his Kingdom. Amen.
General
O LORD Jesus Christ, our Captain and our King, we thank thee that thou hast enrolled us in the blessed company of all faithful people, and hast called us to be companions of thy saints and angels in the worship of God and in the service of our fellow-men. Grant us grace to obey thy laws and to carry on the duties of our fellowship with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength, to the honour and glory of thy name. Amen.
O LORD Jesus Christ, most high Son of God. May we go forth daily in thy strength to battle for the right. May we be loyal and honourable, brave and truthful, courteous and kindhearted, ever ready to learn more of thy will and to carry out thy commands until God’s will is done in earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, my Captain and my King,
Teach my mind to think of thee.
Teach my lips to speak to thee.
Teach my eyes only to look upon what pleases thee.
Teach my heart to love thee.
Teach my hands to serve thee and those dear to thee.
Teach my feet to walk in thy way until I come to thee and see thy loving face and hear thy gracious voice for ever and ever. Amen.
O MOST loving and gracious Lord Jesus, help us so to fight thy battles that we may know the joy of victory. Help us so to help others that we may know the joy of service. When the evening comes, may we be able to lift our hearts and faces to thee, knowing that thou art pleased with us because we have tried to do our best, for thy sake. Amen.
May we grow in grace and in the knowledge of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and ever. Amen.
Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in all ways. The Lord be with you all. Amen.
Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
In the name of Our Lord, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind living in peace, and the God of love shall be with you. Amen. |
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