II. OTHER COMMONLY REQUIRED FORMS
 

ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS

1.
THANKS be to thee, O Lord Jesu Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer,
  Friend and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly,
  Day by day. Amen.

2.
LORD, make me an instrument of thy Peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
  Where there is injury, let me sow pardon;
  Where there is doubt, faith;
  Where there is despair, hope;
  Where there is darkness, light;
  Where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek
  To be consoled, as to console;
  To be understood, as to understand;
  To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
  It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
  It is in dying that we are born to eternallife.

3.
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.
  Amen.                                                       .

4.
SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, refresh me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesu, hear me.
Within thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to thee,
That with thy saints I may praise thee
For ever and ever. Amen.

5.  The Divine Praises
BLESSED be God.
Blessed be the most Holy and Undivided Trinity.
Blessed be God the Father Almighty.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the most Holy Name of Jesus.
Blessed be Jesus Christ on his throne of glory and in the most holy Sacrament of the altar.
Blessed be God the Holy Spirit the Comforter.
Blessed be God in the most holy Virgin Mary, of whose substance the Word was made flesh.
Blessed be God in his Angels and in his Saints.
Blessed be God.

6. The Angelus
(which may be recited at sunrise, noon and sunset)
THE Angel of the Lord brought the tidings to Mary,
And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is I the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

BEHOLD the handmaid of the Lord; Be it unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

AND the Word was made flesh, And dwelt. among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Let us pray.

WE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection: through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

THE

BLESSING OF A DWELLING

When the Priest comes into the dwelling, he shall say,

PEACE be to this house, and to all that dwell in it.

The family being gathered together, he shall begin,

IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

    Our help is in the name of the Lord;
Answer. Who hath made heaven and earth.
Priest. Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.

O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, who hast pro­mised to be with thy servants when they act in thy name: Be with us now, we beseech thee, and of thy great goodness bless what we shall bless, to the glory of thy name, and the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then may be said Psalm 91.

Then shall be read the Lesson, either the [allowing, or some other, such as St Luke 10.38-42, St Luke 19.1-10, or 1 Thessalonians 5.12-24.

The Lesson. Romans 12. 9

LET love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

Answer. Thanks be to God.
Priest. From all evil and mischief;
Answer. Good Lord, deliver us.
Priest. From sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil;
Answer. Good Lord, deliver us.
Priest. From thy wrath and from everlasting damnation;
Answer. Good Lord, deliver us.
Priest. By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation;
Answer. Jesu, bless this house.
Priest. By thy Nativity at Bethlehem;
Answer. Jesu, bless this house.
Priest. By thy life in thy home at Nazareth;
Answer. Jesu, bless this house.
Priest. By thy presence at the marriage in Cana;
Answer. Jesu, bless this house.
Priest. By thy visit to Zaccheus;
Answer. Jesu, bless this house.
Priest. By thy love for the home at Bethany;
Answer. Jesu, bless this house.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
    Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, who 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 shall the Priest bless the dwelling, saying,

O LORD God, who makest thy people to dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings: Bless, we beseech thee, this house which we bless in thy name; drive far from it all the snares of the enemy, and let thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve thy servants in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here a procession may be made through the rooms of the house, and Psalms 23, 25, or 27 may be recited, or a Hymn may be sung. When the perambulation is finished, then shall be said,

The Lord be with you;
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O HEAVENLY Father, the giver of all good gifts: Mercifully hear our prayers, and look with favour upon all who dwell in this house (or, hostel, &c). Bless them, O Lord, in their going out and their corning in, in their work and recreation, in their food and rest. Sanctify them by the indwell­ing of thy Holy Spirit. Grant that all these thy ser­vants, being united in love and peace, together may praise thee and pray to thee, and strengthened by thy blessing may glorify thee in their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or,

O BLESSED Jesu, who for thirty years didst dwell in thy humble horne .at Nazareth: Be with thy servants in this their horne; keep from it all pride and selfishness and impurity, that it may be a dwelling-place meet for thy sacred presence. Grant that the members of the household may grow in grace, and in the knowledge and love of thee; guide them throughout their life on earth, comfort them in all troubles, strengthen them in all weakness, and bring them at last to thy home in heaven; where, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, thou livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then may be said the following,

O EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order: Mercifully grant, that as thy holy Angels alway do thee service in heaven, so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And he shall end the Service with a Blessing.
 

A FORM OF SERVICE

FOR THE

INTRODUCTION OF A PRIEST

TO THE CHARGE AND CARE OF A PARISH

The Service is to be conducted, when possible, by the Bishop; but in his absence it shall be conducted by a deputy appointed by the Bishop for this purpose.

If the Service is conducted by a deputy he shall read his letter of authority from the Bishop before the Preface.

After the singing of a Hymn, the Bishop (or his deputy), standing at the chancel step with the Priest to be introduced standing before him, shall read this Preface:

DEARLY beloved in the Lord: In the name of God and in the presence of this congregation, we are to deliver to our well-beloved brother in Christ, N., authority for the pastoral care of the people of this Parish of .... , and to introduce him to his ministry in this place. And, forasmuch as the charge of immortal souls, which our blessed Lord and Saviour has purchased with his own most precious Blood, is so solemn and weighty a thing, we ask you to join together with us in prayer to Almighty God, that he would give to this his servant grace to perform aright the duties which belong to so sacred a trust.

The people kneeling, silence shall be kept for a time; after which the Bishop (or his deputy) shall say:

Let us pray.

Bishop. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us;
Answer. And grant us thy salvation.
Bishop. Endue thy ministers with righteousness;
Answer. And make thy chosen people joyful.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art the Author and Perfecter of all virtues: Pour thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, on this thy servant; that he may always faithfully fulfil the charge now to be committed to him.
    Make him reverent in dispensing thy Mysteries; faithful in exhortation; apt in teaching; diligent in visiting; tender in comforting; and in all things ready so to deny himself, that, daily following the blessed steps of thy dear Son, he may lead thy people to their everlasting joy; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O HEAVENLY Father, we beseech thee to fill with thy Holy Spirit thy people in this parish, that their hearts may readily receive, stedfastly retain and obediently perform all that shall faithfully be taught in thy name. Make them to love thy House, to aid thy Priest, and to walk in love and fellowship one with another unto thy praise and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then the Bishop (if present) shall read a Letter of appointment, the Priest kneeling before him, and, handing him the Letter together/with the keys of the church, shall say:

I DELIVER to thee, N., the pastoral care of the people of this parish, which is both mine and thine; In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Or the deputy, in the absence of the Bishop, shall read the Letter, and delivering it to the Priest together with the keys of the church, shall say:

BY the authority of .... , Bishop of this Diocese, [ deliver to thee, N., the pastoral care of the people of this parish, which is both his and thine; In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then the Bishop (or his deputy) shall pronounce this Blessing:

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

This Service of Introduction may be held immediately before Morning or Evening Prayer, or a celebration of the Lord's Supper. However, when the following part of the Form is used, it may be a complete service in itself.

The rest of this Form may be used if desired, and if the Bishop has authorized it.

The people shall stand, and a Hymn may be sung, while the Bishop (or the Priest appointed by the Bishop) together with the Archdeacon, if present, leads the Parish Priest to the Font.

Then the Archdeacon (or in his absence, the Bishop, or the Priest appointed by him) shall say,

Hear the words of our Saviour Christ.

GO ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.   St Matthew 28. 19

It is the duty of the Minister frequently to admonish the people that they do not postpone the Baptism of their children; and diligently to seek out and bring any unbaptized person in the parish to the holy Sacrament of Baptism: and to catechize and prepare for confirmation by the Bishop, those who have been baptized. Will you do this?
    The Priest. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
    The Bishop (or the Priest appointed by him). May the Lord give you good success and add to his Church continually.
    People. Amen.

Then, proceeding to the place where Prayers are said, the Archdeacon shall say:

Hear the words of Saint Paul.

I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplica­tions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.   1 St Timothy 2. 1

It is the duty of the Minister diligently to read public prayer, and devoutly and reverently to order the service of God's house. Will you do this?
    The Priest. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
    The Bishop. May the gracious Lord, who taught his disciples how to pray, enable you to offer up an acceptable service, and may God supply all your need according to the riches of his glory.
    People. Amen.

Then, proceeding to the place where the Lessons are read, the Archdeacon shall say:

Hear the words of Saint Paul.

EVERY scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.   2 St Timothy 3. 16

It is the duty of the Minister diligently to read God's holy Word, according to the solemn promise made at his Ordination. Will you do this?
    The Priest. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
    The Bishop. May God the Holy Spirit give you .good understanding in all things, that the Word of Christ may dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
    People. Amen.
 

At the Pulpit the Archdeacon shall say:

Hear the words of Saint Paul.

I CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.   2 St Timothy 4. 1

It is the duty of the Minister diligently to preach God's holy Word, and to use public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole, according to the solemn promise made at his Ordination. Will you do this?
    The Priest. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
    The Bishop. The Lord grant thee thy heart's -desire and fulfil all thy mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    People. Amen.

At the Chancel step the Archdeacon shall say:

Hear the words of our Saviour Christ.

I AM the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine; and I lay down my life for the sheep.   St John 10. 14

It is the duty of the Minister to prepare for Confirmation those who have come to years of discretion; to bless in God's name those who come to be united in Holy Matrimony; to see that parents, but mothers especially, give thanks after the birth of their children; to visit the sick; and to take care that the dead are buried with proper care and reverence. Will you do this?
    The Priest. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop, turning to the people, shall say:

DEARLY beloved, it is the duty alike of priest and people to maintain and set forward love, peace and quietness among all Christian people, and diligently to frame and fashion themselves and their households according to the doctrine of Christ. Will you all endeavour to do these things with the help of God?

The Priest and all the people shall answer together:

    We will endeavour to do all these things, the Lord being our helper.

At the Lord's Table the Archdeacon shall say:

Hear the words of Saint Paul.

THE cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body; for we all partake of the one bread. As often as ye eat the bread and drink this cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come.   1 Corinthians 10. 16; 11. 26

It is the duty of the Minister diligently and frequently to celebrate the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, and to prepare the people for receiving the same according to their need. Will you do this?
    The Priest. I will so do, the Lord being myhelper.
    The Bishop. My brethren, let us kneel and ask the help of our heavenly Father that he will give us grace to draw near with penitent hearts and lively faith to that holy Sacrament which our blessed Lord has instituted, both for the strengthening and refreshing of our souls, and as the perfect memorial of his sacrifice.

Let us pray.

    Bishop. I will go unto the altar of God;
    Answer. Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
    Bishop. Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren;
    Answer. To dwell together in unity.
 

Then shall be said by all together:

O LORD Jesu Christ, Who in the same night in which thou wast betrayed Didst institute the blessed Sacrament of thy love, And didst give to thy disciples a new commandment, That they should love one another, Even as thou didst love them; Draw us together by this holy Sacrament; That we may be one in thee. Bring all who call upon thy Name, To acknowledge themselves to be one flock, Under thee their Shepherd. Grant to us thy servants grace To live in love and charity with all men, And to promote the unity of thy people, To thy honour and glory, Who livest and reignest, With the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    The Bishop. O Lord Jesu Christ, who hast ordained this holy Sacrament to be a pledge of thy love, and a continual remembrance of thy Passion: Grant that we, who partake thereof by faith with thanksgiving, may grow up into thee in all things, until we corne to thy eternaljoy; who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then all shall stand, the Ministers coming from the holy Table to the Priest's Stall, and the Archdeacon shall place the Priest in his Stall and shall say (the Priest kneeling) :

I PLACE thee in the Stall of the Minister of this Parish, and may the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon thee and be with thee in all thy duty and charge. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop turn to the people, and say:

WE beseech you brethren, to know them who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
    I charge you, brethren, and especially the Parish Committee of this Parish, to pray continually for this your Minister, who is set over you in the Lord, and to help him forward in all the duties of his holy calling.
    Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

The Priest standing, the members of the Parish Council (Committee) shall then welcome him, saying:

ON behalf of this Parish we welcome you as our Priest, and promise you that we will bear our full share with you in all the work of the Parish.
    The Priest shall answer. I receive your welcome with a glad heart, and promise that I will devote myself with faithfulness, zeal, and love, to the work of the Parish.
    People. Amen.

The Priest shall then give out any notices and announce a Hymn, during which a collection shall be made, the purpose of which shall have been announced.

The Bishop, or some person authorized by him, may then speak to the people.

Then after the singing of another hymn, the Bishop shall give his blessing.

The choir and clergy will then return in procession to the vestry.

Or else, during the singing of the last Hymn the whole congregation may 1(0 in procession out of the church, the cross-bearer and choir leading, then the people, followed by the clergy, and stand together in a con­venient place outside the church.

The Bishop shall then say:

Hear the words of our Saviour Christ.

THEN spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.   St. John 8. 12

YE are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.   St. Matthew 5. 14-16

And he shall continue:

BRETHREN, these words of our Saviour remind us of that commission which before his Ascension he gave to the whole Church. All who belong to Christ through Baptism are members of the holy People of God; all are called in some way to share in spreading the good news of the Gospel; and indeed, he whose heart joyfully recognizes God's great mercy and truth freely bestowed on him in Christ, cannot but desire to bring others to share in the same grace. Furthermore, it is especially the privilege of the lay people to work for the fuller manifestation of God's kingdom in the world, and continually to strive to bring the whole life of society into conformity with the perfect will of God. May God grant that everyone of us in his own sphere may make full proof of his ministry.
    All shall say: Amen.

The Bishop. Let us pray.

O LORD, who hast warned us that thou wilt require much of those to whom much is given: Grant that we, whose lot is cast in so goodly a heritage, may strive together the more abundantly, by prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, and by all other appointed means, to extend to those who know thee not what we so richly enjoy; and as we have entered into the labours of others, so to labour that others may enter into ours, to the fulfilment of thy holy will, and the salvation of all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Bishop shall then give his Blessing.

The choir and clergy will then return in procession to the vestry.
 

A FORM FOR
THE RECEPTION
OF PERSONS FROM OTHER COMMUNIONS INTO THAT OF THE CHURCH OF INDIA, PAKISTAN, BURMA AND CEYLON

Before admitting a person from another Communion, the Priest shall satisfy himself that the person to be re­ceived is not under any ecclesiastical censure; and that there is no other impediment to his reception. He shall then refer the case to the Bishop, giving his reasons for believing that the person is fit and ready to be received, and also supplying any other information which the Bishop may require. Upon receiving the Bishop's consent, the Priest shall proceed to receive the person into the Communion of the Church.

If the person has not been baptized, he shall baptize him; or if there be any doubt about the validity of his baptism, then he shall baptize him conditionally, according to the form prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer; and the entry in the Baptismal Register shall be a sufficient record of that person's reception into the Church.

If the Priest is satisfied that the person has already been validly baptized, he shall receive him, using the following form of Service.

The Priest standing before the altar, and the person to be received standing before him, the Priest shall say:

DO you desire to be received into the Communion of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon?
    Answer. I do.

DO you accept, to the best of your knowledge, the teaching and discipline of this Church of India, as being in accordance with the Word of God and the will of our Lord Jesus Christ?
    Answer. I do.                                                                    I

WILL you remain faithful to that teaching and submit yourself willingly to that discipline, seeking only the ministrations of this Church and the Churches in communion with her?
    Answer. I will.

If the person to be received has not already been confirmed, the following question shall be added:

ARE you willing to be confirmed by the Bishop, so soon as you shall be presented to him for that purpose?
    Answer. I am.

When there are children in the family not yet arrived at years of discretion, the following also shall be asked:

DO you desire that your children shall be received (and confirmed as soon as they are prepared)?
    Answer. I do.

Then the person to be received shall kneel, and the Priest still standing and facing him, shall take him by the right hand and say:

N. I receive you into the fellowship of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma, and Ceylon: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say,

Lord, have mercy up all us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, who 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.

Priest. O Lord, save thy servant;
Answer. Who putteth his trust in thee.
Priest. Send him help from thy holy place;
Answer. And evermore mightily defend him.
Priest. Be unto him a strong tower;
Answer. From the face of his enemy.
Priest. O Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.
 

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee hearty thanks, for that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace, and faith in thee. Increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to this thy servant; that, abiding with us in the fellowship of thy holy Church, he may continue in thy service and obtain thy promises; through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose Spirit l"\. the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for allestates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Note.-—When the above Form of Reception is used, the document attached shall be signed immediately after the Service, and sent to the Bishop.

NOTICE OF RECEPTION INTO THE CHURCH OF INDIA, PAKISTAN, BURMA AND CEYLON

    I ............................................................. having this day accepted the teaching and discipline of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, do give humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God who hath called me into the Communion of this Church, and I promise that I will remain faithful to its teach­ing and submit myself willingly to its discipline. (Further, I declare that it is my intention and desire that my children, whose names are given overleaf, shall be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed.)

Signed .....................................................................

Signatures (1) ........................................................ .

    of two

Witnesses (2) ............................................................. .

Signature 0/ Priest .................................................... .

Date ............................... Place....................................

Names and ages of children, if any, referred to in the above Notice should be entered here.
 

VARIOUS BLESSINGS

1. The Form for Blessing Water

Priest. Our help is in the name of the Lord;
Answer. Who hath made heaven and earth.

The Priest shall bless the salt as follows:

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we humbly beseech thee of thy bountiful goodness to bless and sanctify this creature of salt, which thou hast created for the use of mankind; grant that it may avail for health both of soul and body, and that whatever is touched or sprinkled therewith may be cleansed from all defilement, and defended from every assault of the evil one; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

He shall then bless the water, as follows:

O GOD, who in ordaining the sacrament of our new birth hast employed the element of water: Hear our prayers, we beseech thee, and pour upon this water the might of thy blessing, that it may. serve thy gracious purpose in casting out devils and healing disease. Grant that whatever in the homes and dwelling places of thy children is sprinkled therewith may be free from all that defiles or causes hurt. Suffer not the breath of pestilence to abide therein; cast out all the snares of Satan, and drive far off every evil spirit that would trouble the peace of thy faithful people. Let all who use this water and call upon thy name be defended from every assault of evil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here shall the Priest cast the salt into the water in the form of a cross, saying,

LET this mixture of salt and water be made in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord be with you;
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O GOD, the eternal King whom none may overcome, before whom the powers of darkness quail and flee: We humbly pray thee to bless this thy creature of salt and water, that wherever it is sprinkled by those who put their trust in thee, thy servants may be delivered from the snares of the devil, and may ever rejoice in the blessed peace of thy Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2. Of a Chalice and Paten

IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Priest. Our help is in the name of the Lord;
Answer. Who hath made heaven and earth.
Priest. Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.
Priest. The Lord be with you;
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who under the old law didst ordain that gold and silver should be set apart for the service of thy sanctuary: Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to bless this Chalice and Paten, which we bless in thy name, for the minis­tration of the Eucharist of thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, who for our salvation offered himself a sacrifice on the cross, and who now, our great High Priest, maketh intercession for us before thy throne on high; where he liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

3. Of a Corporal, or a Fair linen Cloth

    In the name of the Father, &c.

O ALMIGHTY God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to bless this Corporal (or fair linen Cloth), which we bless in thy name, that on it may be fitly presented the gifts which we are commanded to offer, in memory of him who died that we might live; even thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

4. Of a Chalice Veil

    In the name of the Father, &c.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ on the day before he offered himself for our sins upon the cross did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood, that we might dwell in him, and he in us: Bless, we beseech thee, this veil for the use of thine altar; and grant that we who know thee now by faith may hereafter see thee in thine unveiled glory; through the name of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

5. Of any Ecclesiastical Vestment

    In the name of the Father, &c.

O ALMIGHTY God, who didst ordain that the ministers of thy Tabernacle should be clothed with holy garments: Bless, we beseech thee, this ..... which we bless in thy name; and grant that they who shall wear it may so perform the duties of their ministry, that aided by thy grace they may find rest for their souls, and at the last everlasting life: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

6. A general Benediction of any Gift to the Church

    In the name of the Father, &c.

VOUCHSAFE, we beseech thee, Almighty God, to bless this . . .. which we bless in thy name: and grant that we who are permitted to wor­ship thee here on earth, may learn so to love and serve thee that we may be numbered amongst those blessed ones who praise thee without ceasing in thy temple on high; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

7. The Blessing of a Cross

    In the name of the Father, &c.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, whose blessed Son did save the world by shedding his precious blood upon the Cross: Bless and hallow this cross, we beseech thee, as a sign of his triumph and the banner of our salvation; and grant that whosoever looks upon it may ever be mindful of his saving passion; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

8. Of any Religious Object

    In the name of the Father, &c.

BLESS, heavenly Father, this .... which we bless in thy name; and grant that its use (or contemplation) may dispose the minds of thy servants to love the thing which thou commandest, and to desire that which thou dost promise, that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, their hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

9. Of the Instruments of Labour

    In the name of the Father, &c.

O ALMIGHTY God, whose eternal Son did not disdain to become the Carpenter of Nazareth: Bless, we beseech thee, these .... which we bless in thy name; and grant thy servants grace that receiving a due reward for their labours, they may praise thee by living according to thy will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10. A General Blessing

    In the name of the Father, &c.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, bless, we beseech thee, this .... which we bless in thy name; and grant that it may forward the purpose of thy love; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or,

O ALMIGHTY God, who through the Incar­nation of thy dear Son hast sanctified all earthly life: Bless, we beseech thee, this .... which we bless in thy name; and grant grace to thy servants so to use thy temporal gifts that they may obtain thy promise of eternal happiness; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11. Of a Christmas Crib

    In the name of the Father, &c.

O GOD the Son, highest and holiest, who didst humble thyself to share our birth and our death: Bring us with the shepherds and the wise men to kneel before thy lowly cradle, that we may come to sing with thine angels thy glorious praise in heaven; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit thou livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

IN the faith of Christ, and in thy name, O God most Holy, do we bless and hallow this Crib of Christmas: to set before the eyes of thy children and servants the great love and great humility of Jesus Christ thine only Son; to whom with thee and the same Spirit be all honour, majesty, glory, and worship, now and world without end. Amen.

12. Of the Holy Oil

It is an ancient custom that the Bishop of the Diocese on Maundy Thursday (during the celebration of Holy Com­munion, after the Intercession) shall bless oil for the anointing of the sick, and afterwards send a supply of the oil so blessed to the Parish Priests, to be kept reverently in some safe place in the church. But if this is not convenient, the Priest may himself at the time bless oil to be used for the anointing of a sick person.

    In the name of the Father, &c.

O GOD, whose blessed Son went about on earth healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease, and whose servant Saint James hath taught us to pray for the sick and to anoint . them with oil: Vouchsafe to hallow and bless this oil, which we bless in thy name; and grant to those who shall be anointed with it, forgiveness of sin and health of mind and body; and give them grace to be so conformed to thy will that they may be made meet to dwell with thee in life everlasting: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

THE BLESSING OF

A VILLAGE CHAPEL

The Bishop, or a Priest appointed by him, shall meet the congregation before the principal door of the chapel, where a petition shall be presented to bless the building. The Officiant shall reply:

PEACE be to this chapel, and to wall ho shall worship therein. We receive this petition in the name of the Church, (and on behalf of the Bishop), and in answer to your desires we shall set apart this building with blessing for the worship of Almighty God.

Theil, the Officiant leading, a procession may be formed, which may go round the building, while a suitable Hymn or lyric is sung. On returning to the door, the Officiant shall enter, followed by the people, and there shall be sung or said Psalm 122 in the following formii

    Leader. I was glad when they said unto me, * We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O Jerusalem.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at unity in itself.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord," to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. For there is the seat of judgment, * even the seat of the house of David.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; * they shall prosper that love thee.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. Peace be within thy walls, * and plenteousness within thy palaces.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. For my brethren and companions' sakes, * I will wish thee prosperity.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, * I will seek to do thee good.
    Answer. We will go into the house of the Lord.
    Leader. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit;
    Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Let us pray.

O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, who hast promised to be with thy servants when they act in thy name: Be with us now, we beseech thee, and of thy great goodness bless what we shall bless, to the glory of thy name and the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall be read the Lesson: Exodus 40.17-34. The Lesson ended, these Biddings and Prayers shall follow, all standing.

    A Minister. Brethren, remember that in this chapel prayers and praises, intercessions and thanks­givings will be offered to Almighty God: pray for God's blessing on those who come together here for the worship of God.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

    Minister. Remember that in this place the Holy Scriptures will be read and the Word of God preached: pray for God's blessing on those who thus proclaim the Gospel of Christ, and on those who hear and receive it.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

    Minister. Remember that in this place Holy Baptism will be administered: pray for those who shall minister the Sacrament, and on all those who shall become members of Christ and be received into the fellowship of his Church.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

    Minister. Remember that in this place Confirmation will be ministered by the Bishop: pray for God's blessing on him, and on all who through the laying on of hands are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

    Minister. Remember that in this place Christian Marriage will be solemnized: pray for God's blessing on all those who will become husband and wife according to God's holy law.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

    Minister. Remember that in this place the Ministry of Reconciliation will be exercised: pray for God's blessing on all priests who are commanded by Christ to remit or retain the sins of his people, and on all those who seek the forgiveness of God in penitence and confession.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

    Minister. Remember brethren, finally, that in this place the Lord's Supper will be celebrated: pray for God's blessing on all priests and people who offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and receive Christ's Body and Blood in Holy Communion.
    O Lord, hear our prayer;
    Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose blessed Son was found, as a child, in the temple: Grant that this place may ever be unto us our Father's house, where we may meet with thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Licence for the Chapel be read, after which the Officiant shall continue:

BY the authority committed unto me in the Church of God, I bless this place, and whatsoever in it is provided for the service of God, (naming it in honour of .... ). I declare it to be set apart In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us pray.

O GOD, by whose providence we bless this chapel; send down upon us thy heavenly grace; and, because holiness becometh thy house for ever, make us living temples, holy and acceptable unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O LORD God, hearken to the prayers which thy servants pray before thee this day; that thine eyes may be open towards this place day and night, to hearken unto the prayers of thy servants; and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and when thou hearest, forgive; through Jesus Christ. our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

If this Service be followed by a Celebration of the Lord's Supper, the Epistle to be read shall be Ephesians 2.19-22, and the Gospel St Matthew 21.12-14, or St Luke 2. 41-49. If it be followed by Morning or Evening Prayer, the Psalms may be 24 or 84, the First Lesson shall be 1 Kings 9.1-3, and the Second Lesson St Luke 2.41-49. If there be no Service following, a Hymn may be sung, and afterwards a Sermon may be preached. The Blessing shall be given at the close of the Service.

A SERVICE OF

THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION

FOR USE ON NATIONAL DAYS

The Minister may either follow the Order of Morning and Evening Prayer, choosing from the Psalms and Lessons given below, substituting Psalms 67 and 100 for the Canticles, reciting the Collect appointed for National Occasions on p. 237 as the first Collect, and using the Prayers and Thanksgivings as provided in place of the Occasional Prayers.

Or he may compose a freer form consisting of Hymns and Lessons followed by the special Prayers and Thanksgivings.

The Service may be introduced by the following bidding to Prayer.

BRETHREN, we are met together to give thanks to Almighty God, with all our fellow-citizens throughout the land, for the life and work of those who have served the nation in former generations and won for us the freedom which we now enjoy. To these our praises and thanksgivings we shall join our prayers that he will lead us onward in the paths of justice, freedom, and peace.

Let us kneel in silence and recollect the presence of God.

O Lord, open thou our lips;
Answer. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
Minister. O God, make speed to save us;
Answer. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Here all standing up, the Minister shall say,

    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Spirit;
    Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
    Minister. Praise ye the Lord;
    Answer. The Lord's name be praised.

    The following Psalms are suitable for use: Psalms 33, 46, 67, 100, 144.
    First Lesson : Deuteronomy 4. 5-9 or Wisdom 6. 1-11.
    Second Lesson: Romans 13. 1-7.

An Address preceded and followed by a Hymn may be given before the special Prayers and Thanksgivings set out below:

    Let us remember before God those to whom the nation owes its freedom.

O GOD, who judgest the nations, we remember before thee with grateful hearts, the stedfast devotion of men and women of our race, who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties for which we now give thanks: Grant that we may not rest till all the children of our land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its discip­line and duties in every sphere of life; and this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Let us pray for .... and all in authority, that they may serve truly in their several callings to the well governing of the people.

O GOD, by whom princes rule and governors decree justice: Assist, we beseech thee, the rulers of our land with thy continual blessing, that they, worthily exercising the power which thou hast given them, may truly and righteously govern the, people committed to their charge; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or,

O ALMIGHTY God, who rulest over all the kingdoms of the world, and dost order them according to thy good pleasure: Mercifully look upon the rulers of our land, and so direct their counsels in accordance with thy will, that they may administer the authority which thou hast committed to them for the peace and welfare of the people and the good of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And this Collect, if it has not already been used:

O GOD of all nations, look in mercy, we beseech thee, on our land. Give wisdom and understanding to the President, the Prime Minister, and all her rulers, and to her peoples unity and concord. Guide their policies by the light of thy life-giving Spirit, that she may go forward in justice and liberty, prosperity and peace; and in thy good time grant that she may bring her glory and honour into the kingdom of thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for the growth of brotherhood and for a just social order.

O GOD, the King of righteousness, lead us, we pray thee, in the ways of justice and of peace; inspire us to break down all oppression and wrong, to gain for every man his due reward, and from every man his due service; that each may live for all, and all may care for each, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O GOD, who rulest over the nations of the earth that they may do thee service and so achieve their true freedom: Give to the people of our land 'such a love of righteousness and hatred of injustice, that they may exercise their liberty, not for selfish advantage, but for the good of all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Let us pray that our nation may play its due part p promoting peace and freedom among the nations of the world.

ALMIGHTY God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray thee, in the hearts of all men the true love of peace; and guide with thy heavenly wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O GOD, the God of all righteousness and love: Give us grace and strength to think and do I whatever shall be for thine honour and the welfare I of the nation, that we may be a great and happy, a wise and understanding people, and that truth, peace, and justice may be established among us for all generations; through the merits and mediation of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

O GOD, who art the Ruler and Judge of all nations: Look mercifully on our land; sanctify all that is true and noble in our traditions; take away all pride and pretence from our midst; and teach us to be just and moderate in all our dealings with others. Bless 'our leaders and all those who are striving to make our land happy and prosperous. Ever preserve this people in freedom and honour, and bring us all to the knowledge of him whose service is perfect freedom, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

An Ascription of Praise to Almighty God

    Let us lift up our hearts and minds to the heavenly places in an act of praise and adoration to God Most High who ruleth in the kingdom of men.

BLESSED be thy name, O God, for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are thine; and thoq changest the times and seasons: thou removes! kings and settest up kings, thou givest wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have under­standing.
    Thy glorious throne set on high from the begin­ning is the place of our sanctuary. For among all the wise men of the nations and in all their royal estate, there is none like unto thee, the blessed and only Potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords.
    One generation passeth away and another cometh, but still thou remainest a King for ever. Thy loving kindness reacheth unto the heavens, and thy faithfulness unto the clouds; thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains and thy judgments are like the great deep.
    There is nothing too hard for thee, whose name is the great, the mighty God: great in counsel, and mighty in work: whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.
    Blessed art thou, O God, on the throne of thy kingdom, and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Amen.

After a Hymn, the Service may conclude with the Blessing.

After which a National Anthem may be sung.