III

FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE
ORDERING OF A CHILDREN'S SERVICE

¶ Variety with freedom for the Minister and vocal participation for the children are essential elements in the child's worship.

¶ Forms of service are not necessary if the children are well taught their share in the service.

¶ In preparing the children for a service one of the hymns should be divided between classes or individuals for group verses or solo verses.

¶ Before every service the Minister, in cassock, should stand among the children and explain to them the nature of the worship in which they are about to take part.

AT THE GREAT FESTIVALS.

 
AT PENITENTIAL SEASONS.

The Minister shall in simple words exhort the children to recollect and say all together

Duty towards God or Duty towards Neighbour.

    Minister. There can be no doubt that we have missed one, perhaps more, of our duties, therefore let us ask the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father, kneeling on our knees.
    All. A Confession.
    Minister. Absolution or 1 John 1. 8, 9.
    All. Lord's Prayer.
    Infants. The Prayer of the home. Dear Father... (N. P. B. 163).
    Senior Scholars. Collect for Day.

 
AT OTHER TIMES.

Hymn.
Lesson.
Hymn.
Creed, or Statement of Divine Law, or Confession of Faith, or Beatitudes (see N. P . B. 134).
Prayers and address as at Festivals,
 

 
SERVICE FOR RECOLLECTION OF BAPTISM.

Hymn.

AT MY BAPTISM.

All. I received my Christian name.

    Minister, Let us all together offer the prayers that were made at Baptism.
    All. N. P. B. 147 (adapted).

NOTE.

    To the end that boys and girls may grow in the knowledge of the Presence of God it is much to be desired that in every service for children the minister shall appoint a moment of silence when, in words of his own, simple and direct, he commands the children to stand with closed eyes and lips for an act of silent reverence.

God is among us.
Let us keep silence.

V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up unto the Lord.
 

IV

PRAYERS AND BIDDINGS

A. PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL GIFTS AND GRACES.
B. PRAYERS FOR USE ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
C. INTERCESSIONS.
D. BIDDINGS TO INTERCESSION.
E. COMMENDATIONS AND BENEDICTIONS.

NOTE. These prayers are additional to those printed in Sections I and II of Part 3 and are numbered for the purpose of enabling Minister and People occasionally to offer these prayers all together.
    References are to the Book of Common Prayer (B. C. P.) and to other parts of this New Prayer Book (N. P. B.).

A. FOR SPECIAL GIFTS AND GRACES.

For Love of God.

    1. O GOD, the God of all goodness and of all grace, who art worthy of a greater love than we can either give or understand; fill our hearts, we beseech thee, with such love towards thee that nothing may seem too hard for us to do or to suffer in obedience to thy will; and grant that thus loving thee, we may become daily more like unto thee, and finally obtain the crown of life which thou hast promised to those that love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    2. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also: B. C. P.: VI Trinity.
N. P. B.: Ash Wednesday, Trinity Sunday.]  

For Forgiveness.

    3. GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who are burdened with the consciousness of our guilt, may by thy merciful pardon be absolved, that, being cleansed from all stain of sin, we may be; clothed in thy righteousness, and worthily rejoice in the joy of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also: B. C. P. XXIV Trinity.
N. P. B. XVIII Pentecost.]  

For Guidance and Knowledge of God's Will.

    4. O GOD, by whom the meek are guided in judgement and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; grant us, ill our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do: that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from 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.

[See also: B. C. P. V Easter.
Whit-Sunday.
XIX Trinity.
N. P. B. XXVI Pentecost.]  

For Loyalty.

    5. TEACH us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do thy will, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    6. O THOU who art heroic love, keep alive in our hearts that adventurous spirit, which makes men scorn the way of safety, so that thy will be done. For so only, O Lord, shall we be worthy of those courageous souls, who in every age have ventured all in obedience to thy call, and for whom the trumpets have sounded on the other side; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    7. O THOU who art Eternal Love, bestow upon us, we beseech thee, such love as was his who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. May the same mind be In us which was in Christ Jesus; that having his divine humility always in remembrance, we may consecrate our-selves to the service of all men, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    8. ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee, that we, whose trust is under the shadow of thy wings, may through the help of thy power overcome all evils that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also: B. C. P. I Trinity.
XI Trinity.
XIII Trinity.
XVII Trinity.
XVIII Trinity.
XX Trinity.
Post-Communion. 'Grant, we beseech thee.'
N. P. B. Quinquagesima.
I Lent.
XXV Pentecost.]  

For Divine Protection.

    9. PROTECT us, O Lord, in all the chances of this mortal life, that we, surely trusting thy never-failing fatherly love, may accept the issues of life in the glad service of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See B. C. P. III Epiphany.
Sexagesima.
II Lent.
V Lent.
II Trinity.
III Trinity.
VIII Trinity.
Post-Communion. 'O Almighty Lord.']  

For Peace of Mind.

    10. GRANT unto us, O Heavenly Father, thy peace that passeth understanding, that we, amid the storms and troubles of this our life, may rest in thee, knowing that all things are in thee, under thy care, governed by thy will, guarded by thy love; so that with a quiet heart we may face the storms of life, the cloud and the thick darkness; ever rejoicing to know that the darkness and the light are both alike to thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Sec B. C. P. II Epiphany.
N. P. B. XXII Pentecost.]  

For Purity.

    11. O GOD, mercifully grant unto us that the fire of thy love may burn up in us all things that displease thee, and make us meet for thy heavenly kingdom; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

For Joy.

    12. GRANT unto us, O risen Lord, so to receive thy Spirit, that, thy joy being maintained in us, ee may exult in the wonders of thy creation, visible and invisible, for ever and ever. Amen.

[See B. C. P. IV Easter.
N. P. B. XXIII Pentecost.]  

For Fellowship.  

    13. O God our heavenly Father, who dost bless the meek with a rich inheritance, make us less ready to speak ill of our neighbours and to find fault with one another, and less anxious to win the good opinion of men. Keep us, we pray thee, from bitterness and envy, and teach us to care only to do the thing that pleaseth thee, so may thy loving Spirit lead us into the land of righteousness and peace. Amen.

    14. OUR God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our ways; and the Lord make us to increase and abound in love one towards another, and towards all men, to the end that he may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See N. P. B. Marriage Service, p. 159.]

B. FOR USE ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS.

At Rogationtide.

    15. Give, O Lord, to all who till the ground the wisdom to understand thy laws, and to co-operate with thy wise ordering of the world. Give to men of science the power to discover the secrets of nature. Give to our statesmen the will to make just laws. Give to farmers and labourers the desire to work together in the spirit of justice and goodwill. And grant that the fruits of thy bountiful earth may not be hoarded by selfish men or squandered by foolish men, but that all who work may share abundantly in the harvest of thy soil, according to thy will, revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Time of Scarcity.

    16. 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 afflictions 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.

At Harvest.

    17. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast graciously given to us the fruits of the earth in their season, we yield thee humble and hearty thanks for these thy bounties, beseeching thee t.o give us grace rightly to use them to thy glory and the relief of those that need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also N. P. B. III Easter.]

For the Diocese or Parish during a Vacancy.

    18. ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts, 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 shepherd thy people according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For a Retreat or Quiet Day.

    19. O LORD Jesu Christ, who didst say to thy disciples, Come ye apart and rest awhile, grant us so to seek thee whom our souls desire to love, that we may both find and be found of thee; who with the Father in the unity of the Spirit livest and reignest, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

During an Election.

    20. ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, guide and direct, we humbly beseech thee, the minds of all those who are called at this time to exercise the responsible duty of electing fit persons to serve in the Parliament of this nation (or the Council of this County or City or Town). Grant that the effect and right issue of their choice may promote thy glory and the welfare of this people; and to all those who shall be elected, give, we pray thee, the spirit of wisdom, courage, discretion, and true godliness. And this we ask for the sake of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Under Threat of War.

    21. O GOD, who hast made of one blood all the nations of the earth, and hast set the bounds of their habitation that they might seek after thee and find thee; mercifully hear our supplications, and remove from us the menace of war. Guide the Rulers with thy counsel and restrain the passions of the people, so that bloodshed may be averted and peace be preserved. And, by the pouring forth of thy Spirit upon all flesh, quicken the sense of our common brotherhood, bring the nations into a new bond of fellowship, and hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

    22. O ALMIGHTY God, the refuge of all them that put their trust in thee, we turn to thee in this time of trouble; direct the course of this world, we humbly beseech thee, in accordance with thy holy will; take away what-soever hinders the nations from unity and concord; prosper all counsels which make for the restoration of a rightful and abiding peace. And this we ask for thy mercy's sake, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    23. LORD of boundless love, who in thine hour of agony didst pray for those who nailed thee to the Cross, help us also in all humility and all sincerity to pray for our enemies. Incline their and our soldiers and sailors to mercy. Give fresh vision to their rulers and people, and grant that, having seen thy truth, they may have courage to uphold it; so that when this hour of conflict is passed, they and we may be reunited in the bonds of Christian love, and work together, as thy children, for the advancement of thy kingdom and to the glory of thy name. Amen.

At the end of a Year.

    24. MOST gracious God, who hast been merciful unto us not only in the year past but through all the years of our life, pardon our sins, fashion in us those virtues which are acceptable unto thee, and grant that in sincerity we may serve thee more faithfully in the year that is to come, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Before Worship.

    25. O LORD most High, let our prayers be set before thee as incense, and the lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice. Unite us in faith with thy whole Church, in hope with thy saints in heaven, and in love with all who are praying at this hour; and grant by thy mercies, that we may present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto thee, which is our reasonable service, and by thy grace be enabled to offer unto thee the sacrifice of a contrite heart. which thou, O God, wilt not despise. Amen.

    25a. O GOD of peace, our Father, we come to thee for refuge from the noise and hurry of the world, and the oppression of selfish thoughts and fears. Deliver us from the sins which hide thee from men and give us of thy peace. And, we pray thee, grant that the Spirit who dwelt in thy Son without measure may so dwell in us that we may worship thee in humility and gladness, and go forth with hearts made cheerful and strong by the knowledge of thy love: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also B. C. P. X Trinity. XII Trinity. XXIII Trinity.]

After Prayer.
[See B. C. P. Post-Communion Prayers.
N. P. B. XX Pentecost.]

At Morning Prayer.

    26. O THOU who makest the stars and turnest the shadow of death into the morning, we render thee, our Lord and King, the tribute of our praise, for this new day, for the everlasting hopes that rise within the human heart, and for the gospel which has brought life and immortality to light. Amen.

    27. O LORD, who hast brought us through the darkness of night to the light of morning, and who, by thy Holy Spirit, dost illumine the darkness of ignorance and sin; we beseech thee of thy loving-kindness to pour thy holy light into our souls that we may be ever devoted to thee, by whose wisdom we were created, by whose mercy we were redeemed, and by whose providence we are governed; to the honour and glory of thy great name. Amen.

At Evening Prayer.

    28. BE present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world may repose upon thine unchanging love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    29. LOOK down, O Lord, from thy heavenly throne, and illumine the darkness of this night with thy celestial brightness and from the sons of light banish the deeds of darkness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    30. O GOD, who never sleepest and art never weary, have mercy upon those who watch to-night: on those who command, that they may be strengthened with counsel: on the sick, that they may obtain sleep: on the faint-hearted, that they may have hope: on the light-hearted, lest they forget thee: on the dying, that they may find peace: on the sinful, that they may turn again: and save us, O good Lord. Amen.

C. INTERCESSIONS.

For the Coming of the Kingdom.

    31. O LORD, who hast set before us the great hope that thy kingdom shall come, and hast taught us to pray for its coming, make us ever ready to thank thee for the signs of its dawning, and to pray and work for the perfect day when thy will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also N. P. B. II Pentecost.]

For the Church.

    32. O GOD, the source of all good gifts, we thank thee for the rich heritage which is ours in thy holy Catholic Church. Thou hast done much for us already and we believe that thou hast also much to give and teach us in our own time. Grant that thy Church may never settle down to mere contentment with the tradition of the past. Grant that it may be alive to all new movements of thy Spirit in the hearts and minds of men. May it stand always for the removal of injustice and the vindication of righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    33. O GOD, who didst call thy Church to be the pillar and ground of the truth, grant that we, who call ourselves Christians, may really love and follow truth. Save us from sloth and dishonesty of thought. May we never turn away from any question, because we do not know or fear to give the answer. May we never hastily regard as enemies of truth those whose studies lead them to differ from ourselves. Help us to read and think and work with courage and humility, believing that if we seek truth we shall not lack the guidance of thy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also B. C. P. V Epiphany.
XV Trinity.
XVI Trinity.
N.P.B. I Epiphany.
III Epiphany.
V Epiphany.
Good Friday (2).
III Pentecost.]  

For the Unity of the Church.

    34. O LORD Jesu 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.

    35. O LORD Jesu Christ, who didst pray for thy disciples that they might be one even as thou art one with the Father, draw us to thyself that, in common love and obedience to thee, we may be united to one another in the fellowship of the one Spirit, that the world may believe that thou art Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

[See also B. C. P. A Prayer for Unity for the Day of Accession.]

For the Missionary Work of the Church.

    36. O THOU who art the light of the world, the desire of all nations, and the shepherd of our souls; let thy light shine in the darkness, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God. By the lifting up of thy Cross, gather the peoples to thine obedience to whom alone belongeth the sceptre and the crown; let thy sheep hear thy voice and be brought home to thy fold; so that there may be one flock, one shepherd; one holy kingdom of righteousness and peace, one God and Father of us all, above all and through all and in all. Amen.

[See also N. P. B. II Epiphany.
Pentecost.
Prayers for the Peace of the World (below)]  

For Missionary Workers Overseas.

    37. BESTOW, O Lord, thy heavenly grace upon all who are called to be fellow workers with thee, that by them Christ may be lifted up in every land and all men be drawn to him. In times of loneliness and weariness cheer them with thy presence; in disappointment give them patience; in the press of affairs keep their spirits fresh; in difficulties and dangers uphold and protect them; in success keep them humble of heart; in failure strengthen them to persevere. Make them to be joyful in spirit, radiant in life, steadfast in faith, zealous in service, and at all times deepen in them the sense of dependence upon thee and give them peace in thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    38. LORD of the nations, who hast broken down in Christ the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, bond and free; unite the Christian people of different races in the bonds of a true brotherhood. Grant that all who go out to be witnesses for Christ in other lands may reflect his Spirit of self-sacrifice and humble service, and that the young Churches of those lands may grow up to a fuller stature by the glad acceptance of their help and fellowship; so that East and West, made one in Christ, may together labour for the bringing in of thy kingdom; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Bishops, Clergy, and Ministers.

    39. O LORD God Almighty, who didst endue thine apostles so richly with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, grant to all thy servants who minister and teach in thy holy Name, the spirit of wisdom and love, that in all their words and deeds they may seek thy glory and the increase of thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also No. 37. B. C. P. Mattins. A Prayer for the Clergy and people.]

For those about to be ordained.

    40. ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed various orders in thy Church: give thy grace, we 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.

For those in training for the Ministry.

[See N.P. B. VI Epiphany.]

For the supply of Candidates for the Ministry.

    41. O ALMIGHTY God, who in thy mercy hast redeemed the world by the love of thy dear Son; call many, we beseech thee, 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 thy people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Parish.

    42. ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth, mercifully hear our prayers, and grant to this parish (and place in which we live) all things needful for its spiritual welfare. Strengthen and confirm the faithful, visit and relieve the sick, turn and soften the wicked, arouse the careless, recover the fallen, restore the penitent. Remove all hindrances, we beseech thee, to the advancement of thy truth, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind in Jesus Christ, to the honour and glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

    43. VISIT, O Lord, this parish with thy mercy: and remove far from it all the snares of the enemy: let thy holy presence dwell in it to preserve us in peace, and let thy blessing be upon us evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Peace of the World.

    44. O GOD, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that are afar off, and to them that are nigh; grant that all the peoples of the world may feel after thee and find thee; and hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of thy promise, to pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also N. P. B. V Easter. V Pentecost.]

For Governments and the Comity of Nations.

    45. ALMIGHTY God, who alone givest wisdom and understanding; inspire, we pray thee, the minds of all to whom thou hast committed the responsibility of government and leadership in the nations of the world. Give to them the vision of truth and justice, that by their counsel all nations and classes may work together in true brotherhood, and thy Church may serve thee in unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the King's Majesty and the Royal Family.

46. ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless our Sovereign Lord, King George,. and all the members of the Royal Family: endue them with thy heavenly grace: prosper them with all happiness: and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For our Nation and Empire.

    47. O GOD, Who hast called this nation to a place of trust and responsibility throughout the world, we humbly praise thee for all the ways in which thou hast blessed and guided us unto this day. We confess before thee with shame, all that has been evil in our history, and all that even now, makes us unworthy to be called a Christian nation. Take from us, we pray thee, all pride, greed and injustice. Grant to us the spirit of unselfish service which alone can make us great. And may the love of Christ be so truly shown forth among us that his name may be glorified among all nations; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    48. ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, bless our country and empire that it may be a blessing to the world; grant that our ideals and aspirations may be in accordance with thy will, and help us to see ourselves as others see us. Keep us from hypocrisy in feeling or action. Grant us sound government and just laws, good education and a clean press, simplicity and justice in our relations with one another, and, above all, a spirit of service which will abolish pride of place and inequality of opportunity through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    49. TEACH us, O Lord, to see every question of foreign policy in the light of our creed; that we may check in ourselves and in others every temper which makes for war, all ungenerous Judgements, all promptings of self-assurance, all presumptuous claims; and grant that being ever ready to recognize the needs and aspirations of other nations, we may, with patience, do whatsoever in us lies to remove suspicions and misunderstandings; and to honour all men in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also N. P. B. IV Pentecost.]

For Parliament during session.

    50. MOST gracious Lord, 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, and 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 for thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and mediation of Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

For those engaged in Industry.

    51. O GOD, the Father of all mankind, we beseech thee to inspire us with such love, truth, and equity, that in all our dealings one with another we may show forth our brotherhood in thee: for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    52. O GOD, who hast taught us that we are members one of another, remove, we beseech thee, from among us all distrust and bitterness in industrial disputes; and grant that, seeking what is just and equal, and caring for the needs of others, we may live and work together in unity and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[See also N. P. B. IX Pentecost.]

For the Sick.

    53. ALMIGHTY Father, giver of life and strength, restore the joy of thy salvation, we beseech thee, to the sick and suffering (especially those for whom our prayers are desired): that by thy blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them, they may be restored to health of body and mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Sec also N. P. B. p. 166.]

A Hospital Prayer.

    53a. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who didst send thy Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Saviour and Healer of men; bless, we beseech thee, this hospital and its work: to those who serve, give wisdom and skill, tenderness and strength: to those who are ill, give patience and courage and the recovery of health: and grant that in every hour of trial we may know that thou art near, and put our whole trust in thy goodness and mercy, declared unto us in the same thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For those in trouble.

    53b. O THOU whose presence is everywhere and whose mercy never faileth, graciously regard all who are in trouble or danger and especially those known to ourselves, (whom we now name in our hearts before thee): guide the perplexed, defend the wronged, restore the lost, heal the sick, befriend the lonely, comfort the sorrowing and receive the spirits of the dying, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Mourners.

    54. LORD Jesus, we beseech thee, by the loneliness of thy suffering on the cross, be nigh unto all them that are desolate and in pain or sorrow to-day; and let thy presence transform their loneliness into comfort, consolation, and holy fellowship with thee, Lord Jesus, thou pitiful Saviour. Amen.

    55. COMFORT, O Lord, we pray thee, all who mourn for the loss of those near and dear to them: be with them in their sorrow: give them faith to look beyond the troubles of the present time, and to know that neither life nor death can separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Travellers and those on holiday.

    56. O GOD, who ever bestowest thy mercy on them that love thee, and unto those that serve thee art always near; direct the way of thy servants that, thou being their protector and guide, they may finish their journey in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    57. GRANT, O Lord, that we may so enjoy our holiday at this season, that our bodies may be strengthened, our minds renewed, and our energies quickened for the perfect freedom of thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Friends.

    58. O GOD, our heavenly Father, we commend unto thy loving care all who are joined to us by the ties of kindred, friendship, and love: keep them, we beseech thee, both outwardly in their bodies and inwardly in their souls, and let thy merciful blessing ever rest upon them and us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    59. O THOU, who art present in every place and from whose love neither space nor distance can separate us, give us to know that those who are absent from each other are still present with thee: and grant that, though separated, we may realize our communion with one another in the fellowship of thy service, here and always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For those about to be married.

    60. LORD God, giver of life and love, let thy blessing rest upon those whom thou hast drawn together in love. Build thou for them their home. Give them wisdom for life, and discretion in the guidance of their affairs; and may thy fatherly hand ever be over them and thy Holy Spirit ever be with them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

D. BIDDINGS TO INTERCESSION.

    61. It is to be desired that as occasions occur the Minister should suggest in the form of Biddings subjects for prayer which cover the widest range of life and the needs which should be at the moment in the mind of his people. Thought will suggest many subjects which are of simple human interest, and about which the people would gladly pray in, church. The Silent Prayers of the congregation may well be directed in such ways as these:

    Let us pray in silence for —
    the National Assembly; that the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity may wisely take counsel for the good of the Church.
    — the Bishop of this Diocese; that he may guide aright the people committed to his charge.
    — the Parochial Council; that it may strive with zeal to accomplish God's will in this place.
    — Candidates preparing for Confirmation; that God will manifest himself unto them in Christ Jesus their Lord and strengthen them with his Holy Spirit.
    — the sailors and soldiers and airmen of our king; that they may serve as seeing the Christ, the leader invisible.
    — Civil Servants, County (City, Town, Urban District) Councillors; that they may be faithful to their duty.
    — those who serve in hospitals; that they may be strengthened by the promise of Jesus for those who minister as unto him.
    — those to whom it is given to see visions of things beautiful, that they may faithfully interpret the same in music and in buildings, in letters and art.
    — the Universities, Schools, and Colleges; that they may be homes of sound learning and shine as lights in the world.
    — the . . . Society; that . . .

¶ After biddings and a short space of silence may be said:

V. O Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto thee.

Or

V. O thou that hearest prayer,
R. Hear us, we beseech thee.

E. COMMENDATIONS AND BENEDICTIONS.

62. LOVE eternal,
Love that sufferest long and still art kind,
Love that seekest not thine own,
Love that believest in us,
Love that hopest in us,
Love that bearest with us,
Love that never failest,
Love that abidest and shalt abide,
Love that art in all things and over all things,
God, immortal, invisible,
Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier,
Thou reignest,
And in thee is our trust and hope,
Now and for evermore. Amen.

    63. UNTO the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

¶ Or any of these which follow, and in which the second person should be substituted for the first as occasion requires.

    64. UNTO God's gracious mercy and protection we commit ourselves. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and for evermore. Amen.

    65. MAY the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon us and upon all our work and worship done in his name. May he give us light to guide us, courage to support us, and love to unite us, now and for evermore. Amen.

    66. NOW the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    67. NOW the God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that we have suffered I awhile, make us perfect, stablish, strengthen us. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

    68. 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 and in Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

    69. NOW unto him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory, I with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.

    70. NOW unto God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit be ascribed, as is most justly due, all honour, power, might, majesty, and dominion henceforth and for evermore. Amen.