The Book of Common Prayer
United States England Scotland Ireland Wales Canada World

    The Book of Common Prayer
Draft Revision 1923

THE LITANY.

Here followeth the LITANY, or General Supplication, to be sung or said upon Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (except on Christmas-day, Easter-day, and Whit Sunday), on the Rogation Days, and at other times when it shall be commanded by the Ordinary.

O GOD the Father of heaven : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O God the Father of heaven : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O God the Son, Redeemer of the world : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O God the Son, Redeemer of the world : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God : have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
    Remember not, Lord, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forefathers; neither take thou vengeance of our sins: spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us forever.

Spare us, good Lord.
    From all evil and mischief; from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain-glory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    From all fornication, and all other deadly sin; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    From lightning and tempest; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from the hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and Commandment,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    By thine Agony and bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension; and by the coming of the Holy Ghost,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our wealth; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement,
Good Lord, deliver us.
    We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universal in the right way,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to keep and strengthen m the true worshipping of thee, in righteousness and holiness of life, thy Servant GEORGE, our most gracious King and Governor;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to rule his heart in thy faith, fear, and love, and that he may evermore have affiance in thee, and ever seek thy honour and glory;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to be his defender and keeper, giving him the victory over all his enemies;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to bless and preserve our gracious Queen Mary, Alexandra the Queen Mother, Edward Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth, and shew it accordingly;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

 

    *That it may please thee to bless thy servants at this time [to be] admitted to the Order of Deacons or of Priests, and to pour thy grace upon them; that they may duly execute their office, to the edifying of thy Church, and the glory of thy holy Name.

We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to endue the High Court of Parliament, and all the King's Councillors with grace, wisdom, and understanding;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to bless all Judges and Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to further the work of the Church in all the world, and to send forth labourers into thy harvest;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to give to all nations unity, peace and concord,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and dread thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace, to hear meekly thy Word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; and to comfort and help the weak-hearted; and to raise up them that fall, and finally to beat down Satan under our feet,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort all that are in danger, necessity, and tribulation,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to preserve all that travel by land or by water, all women labouring of child, all sick persons, and young children; and to shew thy pity upon all prisoners and captives,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all that are desolate and oppressed,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, slanderers, and to turn their hearts,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time we may enjoy them,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances, and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
    Son of God : we beseech thee to hear us.
Son of God : we beseech thee to hear us.
    O Lamb of God : that takest away the sins of the world;
Grant us thy peace.
    O Lamb of God : that takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us.
    O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
    Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
    Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
    Lord, have mercy upon us.
 

  *To be used in the Ember Weeks, and on the day of an Ordination.

¶ When the Order for Holy Communion is to follow immediately, all that here follows may be omitted. At other times the Minister and the people with him shall say the Lord's Prayer

OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.

¶ Then may be said the Prayers which follow the Litany, or one or more of the Prayers upon Several Occasions, which are hereafter provided, and then shall be said :

Minister. O Lord, let thy mercy be shewed upon us;
Answer. As we do put our trust in thee.

Let us pray.

WE humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and for the glory of thy Name turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved; and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Media­tor and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A PRAYER OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Here endeth the LITANY.
 

 

A SUPPLICATION WHICH MAY BE USED AFTER THE LORD'S PRAYER IN THE LITANY, AND AT PENITENTIAL SEASONS AND IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.

    Minister. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins.
    Answer. Neither reward us after our iniquities.

Let us pray.

O GOD, merciful Father, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful: Mercifully assist our prayers that we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, when­soever they oppress us; and graciously hear us that those evils, which the craft and subtiliy of the devil or man worketh against us, be brought to nought; and by the providence of thy goodness they may be dispersed; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Minister and People. O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name's sake.

    Minister. O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.

    Minister and People. O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.

    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;     Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

    Minister and People. O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name's sake.

    V. From our enemies defend us, O Christ.
    R. Graciously look upon our afflictions.
    V. Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts.
    R. Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.
    V. Favourably with mercy hear our prayers.
    R. O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
    V. Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
    R. Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.
 

 

PRAYERS AND
THANKSGIVINGS,

UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

PRAYERS.

1. For Unity.
    Let us pray for the unity of all Christian people. .
    V. Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren: .
    R. To dwell together in unity
O LORD Jesus Christ, who didst say to thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: Regard not our sins but the faith of thy Church, and grant it that peace and unity which is agreeable to thy will· who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Or this:

O GOD, the Father of our Lord. Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly Union and Concord: that, as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one Hope of our Calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and Peace, of Faith and Charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2. A Commemoration of the faithful Departed.

Let us remember before God the faithful departed.
    V. The righteous live for evermore:
    R. Their reward also is with the Lord.
O GOD of the spirits of all flesh, we praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear, for the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs, and for all other thy righteous servants, known to us or unknown; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be found meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. For Missions.

Let us pray for the extension of Christ's Kingdom
throughout the world.
    V. Declare his honour unto the heathen:
    R. And his wonders unto all people.
O GOD of all the nations of the earth, remember the multitudes of the heathen, who, though created in thine image, are ignorant of thy love, and, according to the propitiation of thy Son Jesus Christ, grant that by the prayers and labours of thy Holy Church they may be delivered from all superstition and unbelief and brought to worship thee: through him whom thou hast sent to be our Salvation, the Resurrection and the Life of all the faithful, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4. For the increase of the sacred Ministry.

Let us pray for the increase of the sacred Ministry.
    V. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest:
    R. That he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
O ALMIGHTY God, look mercifully upon the world which thou hast redeemed by the blood of thy dear Son, and call many to the ministry of thy Church, so that by their labours thy light may shine in the darkness, and the kingdom of thy Son be hastened by the perfecting of thine elect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

5. In the Ember Weeks, to be said every day, for them that are to be admitted into Holy Orders.

Let us pray for them that are to be admitted
into Holy Orders.
    V. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness:
    R. And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father,.who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious blood of thy dear Son: Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors of thy flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred Ministry of thy Church. And to those which shall be ordained to any holy function give thy grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and doctrine they may set forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this:

ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders In thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who. are. to be called to any office or administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them With innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Note. — During the Ember Weeks either of these prayers may be said after the Collect of the day, and the second may be used on the day of an Ordination or of a Consecration.

6. For the Convocations of the Church.

Let us pray for God's blessing upon
the Convocations of the Church.
   V. Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servants:
   R. And teach them thy statutes.
O LORD God, the Father of Lights and Fountain of all Wisdom, who in the days of the. Apostles didst send thy Holy Spirit to direct the first Council of thy Church in Jerusalem: Look mercifully upon us, and so bless the Bishops and Clergy in Convocation assembled, that through their deliberations thy Church may be preserved in the true faith, and in godly discipline; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

 

7. For the National Assembly of the Church of England.

Let us pray for God's blessing upon the National Assembly
of the Church of England.
    V,. With God is wisdom and might:
    R. He shall give counsel and understanding.
GUIDE, we beseech thee, Almighty God, with the light of thy Holy Spirit, the Bishops, Clergy and Laity in the Church Assembly, that they may wisely take counsel together for the good of thy Church and the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

8. During the Vacancy of a See or of a Parochial Charge.

Let us pray that a faithful pastor may be given
to this diocese [or parish].
    V. Endue thy ministers with righteousness:
    R. And make thy chosen people joyful.
ALMIGHTY God, the giver of every good gift, look graciously, we beseech thee, on thy Church, and so guide with thy heavenly wisdom the minds of those to whom is committed the choice of a Bishop for this diocese [or Rector or Vicar for this parish] that we may receive a faithful pastor, who shall feed thy flock according to thy will, and make ready a people acceptable unto thee; through Jesus Christ, thine only Son, our Lord. Amen.

9. For Candidates for Confirmation.

Let us pray for those who are being
prepared for Confirmation.
    V. Our Father which is in heaven:
    R. Shall give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him.
O GOD, who through the teaching of thy Son Jesus Christ didst prepare the disciples for the coming of the Comforter: Make ready, we beseech thee, the hearts and minds of thy servants who at this time are seeking the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands, that, drawing near with penitent and faithful hearts, they may be filled with the power of his divine in­dwelling; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10. For the King's Majesty.

Let us pray for the King.
    V. The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord: .
    R. Exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation.
ALMIGHTY God, whose kingdom is everlasting, and power infinite: Have mercy upon the whole Church; and so rule the heart of thy chosen Servant GEORGE our King and Governor, that he (knowing whose minister he is) may above all things seek thy honour and glory: and that we, and all his subjects (duly considering whose authority he hath) may faithfully serve, honour, and humbly obey him, in thee and for thee, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Or

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we are taught by thy holy Word, that the hearts of sinners are in thy rule and governance, and that thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: We humbly beseech thee so to dispose and govern the heart of GEORGE thy Servant, our King and Governor, that, in all his thoughts, words, and works, he may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to his charge, .In wealth, peace, and godliness: Grant this, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11. For the High Court of Parliament, to be read during their Session.

Let us pray for the High Court of Parliament.
    V. Commit thy way unto the Lord:
    R. And he shall bring it to pass.
MOST gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for this Kingdom in general, so especially for the High Court of Parliament, under our Sovereign Lord the King at this time assembled: That thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour and welfare of our Sovereign, and his Dominions; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and Mediation of Jesus Christ our most blessed
Lord and Saviour. Amen.

12. For use at the time of an election.

Let us pray for God's guidance in this present election.
    V. In all thy ways acknowledge him:
    R. And he shall direct thy paths.
ALM!GHTY God, the Source of all wisdom,.direct, we beseech thee, the minds of those now. called to elect fit persons to serve in the high. Court of Parliament [or the Council of this county; or city; or as need may require], that they may have regard to thy glory and the welfare of thy people ; and on those whom they shall choose, bestow, of thy goodness, the spirit of wisdom and true religion; for the sake of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

13. On the Rogation Days.

Let us pray for God's blessing on the fruits of the earth
and the labours of men.
    V. The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord:
    R. And thou givest them their meat in due season.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast blessed the earth that it should be fruitful and bring forth abundantly whatsoever is needful for the life of man: Prosper, we beseech thee, the labours of the husbandman, and grant such seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruits of the earth and 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 rich reward of their labours, they may praise thee by living according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

 

14. For Seasonable Weather.

Let us pray for seasonable weather.
    V. The Lord will fulfil the desire of them that fear him:
    R. He also will hear their cry and will help them.
O GOD, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to them that seek first thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance: Send us, we beseech thee, such seasonable weather that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thy honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

15. In the time of Dearth and Famine.

Let us pray for relief in this time of scarcity.
    V. Cast thy burden upon the Lord:
    R. And he shall nourish thee.
O GOD, our heavenly Father, who by thy blessed Son hast taught us to ask our daily bread of thee; Behold we beseech thee, the affliction of thy people, and send us a seasonable relief in this our necessity. Increase the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving with thankfulness thy gracious gifts, may use the same to thy glory the relief of those that are needy, and our own comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

16. In the time of any common Plague or Sickness.

Let us pray for succour in this time of sickness.
    V. He forgiveth all thy sin:
    R. And healeth all thine infirmities.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, merciful Lord, help and deliverance unto us who are visited with grievous mortality and sickness. Sanctify to us this our sore distress and prosper with thy continual blessing those who labour to devise for mankind protection against disease and pain; through him who both healed and glorified pain, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

17. In the time of War.

Let us pray for the help and guidance of God
in this time of War.
    V. God is our hope and strength:
    R. A very present help in trouble.
O ALMIGHTY God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent: Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, asswage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this:

O ALMIGHTY Lord, who art a most strong tower to all them that put their trust in thee: Be now and evermore our defence; give victory to the forces of the King; look in pity upon the wounded and the prisoners; cheer the anxious; comfort the bereaved; succour the dying; have mercy on the fallen; and hasten the time when war shall cease in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this:

O MOST powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord of hosts, that rulest and commandest all things : Thou sittest in the throne judging right, and therefore we make our add res to thy Divine Majesty in this our necessity, that thou wouldest take the cause into thine own hand, and judge between us and our enemies. Stir up thy strength, O Lord, and come and help us;
for thou givest not alway the battle to the strong, but canst save by many or by few. o let not our sins now cry against us for
vengeance; but hear us thy poor servants begging mercy, and imploring thy help, and that~ thou wouldest be a defence unto us against the face of the enemy. Make it appear that thou art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

18. For Industrial Peace.

Let us pray for the maintenance of Industrial Peace.
    V. Owe no man anything but to love one another:
    R. For he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law.
O GOD, the Father of all mankind, we beseech thee to inspire us with such love, truth and equity, that in all our dealings one with another we may shew forth our brotherhood in thee for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray that God may guide to a wise and righteous issue the present industrial trouble.
    V. Keep ye judgement and do justice:
    R. For my salvation is near to come and my righteousness to be revealed.
O GOD, who in thy providence hast appointed to every man his work: Remove, we humbly beseech thee, from those who are now at variance, all spirit of strife and all occasion of bitterness, that, seeking only what is just and equal, they may live and work together in brotherly union and concord, to their own well-being, and the prosperity of the realm; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

19. For Universities and other Places of Learning.

Let us pray for all Universities and other Places of Learning
    V. If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God:
    R. That giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not.
O ALMIGHTY God, of whose only gift cometh wisdom and understanding: Regard, we beseech thee, with thy gracious favour all universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge may be increased, and true religion flourish and abound: bless them that teach and them that learn: and grant that in humility of heart they may seek unto thee who art the fountain of all Wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

20. For Hospitals and Infirmaries.

Let us pray for God's blessing on
all Hospitals and Infirmaries.
    V. Himself took our infirmities:
    R. And bare our sicknesses.
ALMIGHTY God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people: Continue, we beseech thee, this his gracious work among us, especially in 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.

21. For all conditions of men, to be used at such times when the Litany is not appointed to be said.

Let us pray for all men according to their needs.
    V. The Lord is loving unto every man:
    R. And his mercy is over all his works.
O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially, we pray for the good estate of the Catholick Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [*especially those for whom our prayers are desired;] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ, his sake. Amen.
 

*This to be said when any desire the Prayers of. the Congregation.

 

 

22. A Prayer that may be said after any of the former.

O GOD, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
 

 

THANKSGIVINGS.
 

 

1. A General Thanksgiving.

ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies,.we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all men; [*particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgivings for thy late mercies vouchsafed unto them.) We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we 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 m holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

2. For Seasonable Weather.

O LORD God, who hast in thy mercy relieved and comforted thy servants by this seasonable change of weather : We yield thee hearty thanks for this thy goodness towards us, beseeching thee to give us grace to use all thy mercies to the honour and glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. For the Blessings of Harvest.

O LORD God Almighty, the Creator and Father of all, we yield thee hearty thanks that thou hast ordained for mankind both seedtime and harvest, and dost now bestow upon us thy children the fruits of the earth in their season. For these and all other thy mercies we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen.

4. For Plenty.

O MOST merciful Father, who of thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of the Church, and turned our dearth and scarcity into cheapness and plenty: We give thee humble thanks for this thy special bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness unto us, that our land may yield us her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

5. For Peace and Deliverance from our Enemies.

O ALMIGHTY God, who art a strong tower of defence unto thy servants against the face of their enemies : We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for deliverance from our enemies, and for thy gracious gift of peace: We confess that it is of thy goodness alone that we have been preserved; and we beseech thee still to continue thy mercies towards us, that we may always acknowledge thee as our Saviour and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

6. For restoring Publick Peace at Home.

O ETERNAL God, our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in an house: We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleased thee to appease the strife which hath lately prevailed amongst us; most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy commandments; and leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise and thanks­giving ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

7. For Deliverance from Common Sickness.

O LORD God, who dost not willingly afflict the children of men: We most heartily thank thee that in thy mercy thou hast delivered us from sickness and affliction, and with grateful hearts we desire to offer unto thy fatherly goodness ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a living sacrifice unto thee, always praising and magnifying thy loving-kindness in the midst of thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

* This to be said when any that have been prayed for desire to return praise.

 

Return to the 1923 Draft Revision of the Book of Common Prayer

Web author: Charles Wohlers U. S. • England • Scotland • Ireland • Wales • Canada • World