The Book of Common Prayer
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    A Melanesian English Prayer Book

 

COLLECTS

ADVENT 1

ALMIGHTY GOD, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and clothe ourselves as soldiers of light, now in this life in which your Son, Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his great glory to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life in which there is no death, through him who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Amen.

 
Rom. 13. 8-14

Matt. 21. 1-13

 

(This collect must be said daily throughout Advent)

 

 

ADVENT 2

BLESSED LORD, you have caused all holy writings to be written so that we might learn from them, help us to read them, listen to them, and think of them, and by patience and power of your holy words take and hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

 
Rom. 15. 4-13

Luke 21. 25-33

 

 

ADVENT 3.

LORD JESUS CHRIST, at your first coming you sent John Baptist to prepare your way before you; grant that your ministers who have the care of your Sacraments may so prepare and make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coining to judge the world, we may be found a faithful people in your sight, who live and rule with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 4. 1-5

Matt. 11. 2-10

 

 

ADVENT 4

LORD, we pray you, raise up your power and come among us and encourage us with your great strength, that though, through our sins and wicked ways we are so held back in running the race that is set before us, your free grace and mercy may quickly help and save us, through the work of your Son, our Lord, whom with you and the Holy Spirit, we honour and praise for ever and ever Amen

 
Phil. 4. 4-7

 Jn. 1. 19-28

 

 

CHRISTMAS EVE
(December 24)

GOD, you make us glad year by year, when we remember the birth of your only Son, Jesus Christ, grant that we, who receive him with joy as our Redeemer, may also Welcome him gladly as our judge, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Micah 5. 2-5

Luke 2. 1-14

 

 

CHRISTMAS DAY
(December 25)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you gave us your only Son to become man and at this time to be born of a pure virgin, grant that we, who have been born again by grace into your family, may receive new life day by day, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Heb. 1. 1-12

Jn. 1. 1-14

 

 

ST. STEPHEN
(December 26)

GOD, we pray you, that in all our sufferings here on earth we may look up to heaven and see our Lord at your right hand ready to help and save us, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and rules one God for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Acts 7. 55-60

 Matt. 23. 34-39

 

 

ST. JOHN
(December 27)

MERCIFUL LORD, we pray you to throw your bright beams of light on your Church, so that, by the light of the teaching of your blessed Apostle and Evangelist St. John, we may so walk in the light of your truth, that we may come to the light of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Jn. 1. 1-10

 Jn. 21. 19b-25

 

 

HOLY INNOCENTS
(December 28)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you made little children to glorify you by their deaths, destroy and kill all evil in us, and so strengthen us by your grace, that we may lead innocent lives, and hold fast our faith in life and death, and give glory to your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Rev. 14. 1-5

Matt. 2. 13-18

 

 

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY

ALMIGHTY GOD, you gave us your only Son to become man and at this time to be born of a pure virgin, grant that we who have been born again by grace into your family, may receive new life day by day, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Gal. 4. 1-7

Matt. 1. 18-25

 

 

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

ALMIGHTY GOD, as we wonder at your creating man in your likeness, and still more at giving man life again; grant, we pray you, that as your Son, Jesus Christ, was made in the likeness of man, so we may be made in the likeness of God, through the same your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
2 Cor. 8 verse 9

John 1. 14-18

 

 

NAMING OF JESUS
(January 1)

ALMIGHTY God who taught us that there is saving power only in the Name of Jesus Christ; mercifully grant that your faithful people may always glory in His Name, and make your saving power known in all the world through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Or

EVERLASTING LORD GOD, you have brought your servants to the beginning of another year, we humbly pray you forgive our sins of the past, and mercifully be with us all the days of our life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Phil. 2. 5-11

Luke 2. 15-21

 

 

THE EPIPHANY
(January 6)

GOD, by the leading of a star you showed your only Son to the heathen, mercifully grant that we who know you now by faith may after this life be led to know the full joy of your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 3. 1-12

Matt. 2. 1-12

 

 

BAPTISM OF OUR LORD.
(January 13)

HEAVENLY Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ, took our nature and was baptised for our sakes in the river Jordan; mercifully grant that we who have been born again, and made your children and brought into your family by grace, may also share your Holy Spirit through him whom you sent to save and redeem us, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Isaiah 42. 1-4

Matt. 3. 13-17

 

 

EPIPHANY 1

LORD, we pray you mercifully to receive the prayers of your people who call on you, and grant that they may both see and know the things they ought to do, and also have grace and power to be faithful in doing the same, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 12. 1-5

Luke 2. 41-52

 

 

EPIPHANY 2

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you rule all things in heaven and earth, mercifully hear the prayers of your people, and grant us your peace all the days of our life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 12. 6-16a

Jn. 2. 1-11

 

 

EPIPHANY 3

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look on our weakness, and when we are poor or in danger hold out your right hand to help and defend us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 12. 16b-21

 Matt. 8. 1-13

 

 

EPIPHANY 4

GOD, you know that we live among so many and great dangers that we cannot always stand firm, grant us such strength as may keep us safe in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 13. 1-7

 Matt. 8. 23-34

 

 

EPIPHANY 5

LORD we pray you always to keep your family the church in your true Faith, that those who trust only in the hope of your heavenly grace may ever be defended by your strength and power, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Col. 3. 12-17

 Matt. 13. 24-30

 

 

EPIPHANY 6

GOD, your blessed Son was made known that he might destroy the works of the devil, make Us your sons and promise us everlasting life; grant, we pray you, that having this hope we may make ourselves pure as he is pure, that when he shall come again with power and great glory we may be made like him in his everlasting and glorious kingdom, where with you and the Holy Spirit, he lives and rules, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

 
1 Jn. 3. 1-8

 Matt. 24. 23-3 1

 

 

SEPTUAGESIMA 
(Third Sunday before Lent)

LORD, we pray you, hear with mercy the prayers of your people, that we who are justly punished for our sins, may be mercifully set free by your goodness, for the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 9. 24-27

Matt. 20. 1-16

 

 

SEXAGESIMA
(Second Sunday before Lent)

LORD God, you see that we do not put our trust in anything that we do, mercifully defend us by your power in all our troubles, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
2 Cor. 11. 19-31

 Luke 8. 4-15

 

 

QUINQUAGESIMA
(Sunday before Lent)

LORD, you have taught us that without love all our doings are worth nothing, send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that best gift of love, holding us together in peace and good ways, without which he who lives is counted dead with you; grant this through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 13. 1-13

 Luke 18. 31-43

 

 

ASH WEDNESDAY
(First day of Lent)

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and forgive the sins of all who change their hearts and are truly sorry, and know their own un happiness; grant that we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, forgiveness for all our sins, and be set free, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Joel 2. 12-17

Matt. 6. 16-21

 

(This collect to be said daily throughout Lent)

 

 

LENT 1

LORD, for us you fasted forty days and forty nights give us grace so to rule over our bodies by the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may always follow what you put into our hearts, and lead a good and holy life, to your honour and glory, who live and rule with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
2 Cor. 6. 1-10

Matt. 4. 1-11

 

 

LENT 2

ALMIGHTY GOD, you see that we have no power to help ourselves, keep us both in our bodies and in our souls, and defend us from all that may harm our bodies and from all evil thoughts that may strike and hurt our souls, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Thess. 4. 1-8

 Matt. 15. 21-28

 

 

LENT 3

WE pray you, Almighty God, remember our promises to serve you as Christian servants, and hold out the right hand of your power to defend us against all our enemies, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 5. 1-14

 Luke 11. 14-28

 

 

LENT 4

GRANT, we pray you, Almighty God, that we who truly deserve to be punished for our sins, may be mercifully spared through the comfort of your grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Gal. 4. 21-31 or Heb. 12. 22-24 

Jn. 6. 1-14

 

 

LENT 5
(Passion Sunday)

WE pray you, Almighty God, to look mercifully on your people, that by your goodness they may be ruled and kept safe for ever, both in body and soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Heb. 9. 11-15

 Jn. 8. 46-59

 

 

SUNDAY BEFORE EASTER 
(Palm Sunday)

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, because of your tender love for us men, you sent your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ to become man, and to die on the cross, that all men should follow the example of his great humility, mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience and also share in his rising again, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Phil. 2. 5-11

Matt. 27. 1-54 or Matt. 26 & 27
or Matt. 21. 1-13

 

 

READINGS FOR HOLY WEEK

MONDAY BEFORE EASTER

 
Isa. 56. 6-8 1 Cor. 3. 16-17  Mk. 11. 15-18
 

 

TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER

 
Isa. 63. 7-9 Heb. 9. 11-15 Jn. 6. 66-69
 

 

WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER

 
Isa. 50. 4-9  Rom. 6. 1-4  Mk. 10. 35-45
 

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY

 
Jer. 31. 3l-34 1 Cor. 11. 23-26  Jn. 13. 1-15
 

   

GOOD FRIDAY

 
Isaiah 52. 13-53:12  Heb. 10. 4-18  Jn. 19. 1-37
 
 

ALMIGHTY GOD, we pray you to look with love on this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be given up by his friend Judas into the hands of wicked men, and to die on the cross; who now lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

ALMIGHTY GOD, your Spirit rules and makes holy the whole body of the Church, receive the prayers we offer before you for all the different kinds of men in your holy Church, that every one of them may truly serve you in the work to which you have called him, through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

MERCIFUL GOD, you have made all men and hate nothing you have made, not wanting that a sinner should die, but that he should turn to you and live, have mercy on your people the Jews, and on all who do not know you, or follow your teaching; may they come to know you and change their hearts and love your word, and so bring them home to be made one, under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
EASTER EVEN

ALMIGHTY GOD, grant that as we are baptised into the death of your blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by always putting to death the evil desires of our hearts we may be buried with him, and through the grave and gate of death may rise again in joy, through him who died and was buried and rose again for us, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
I Peter 3. 17-22

 Matt. 27. 57-66

 

 

EASTER DAY

ALMIGHTY GOD, through your only Son Jesus Christ, you have been too strong for death, and have opened to us the gate of everlasting life; we humbly pray you, that as your grace shall lead each one, and put into our hearts good desires, so you will help us to carry them out, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Col. 3. 1-7

John 20. 1-10

 

  

 AFTER EASTER

 
Monday 
Tuesday
Acts 10. 34-43 
Acts 13. 26-41
Luke 24. 13-35
Luke 24. 36-48
 

 

EASTER 1

ALMIGHTY FATHER, you have given your only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again to set us free; grant us so to put away all bitter and wicked thoughts, that we may always serve you in pure living and truth, through the life and death of the same your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 John 5. 4-12 

John 20. 19-23

 

 

EASTER 2

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have given your only Son to be both a sacrifice for our sins and also the example of a holy life, give us grace that we may always give thanks for his great gift, and also try every day to follow the way of his most holy life, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Peter 2. 19-25

John 10. 11-16

 

 

EASTER 3

ALMIGHTY GOD, you show to those who go wrong the light of your truth, so that they may come back to a good life, grant to all those who have been received into the Christian faith that they may turn away from those things which their faith forbids, and follow those things which belong to that faith, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Peter 2. 11-17

John 16. 16-22

 

 

EASTER 4

ALMIGHTY GOD, you alone can rule the wrong wills and desires of sinful men, grant to your people that they may love the things which you command, and long for the things which you promise, so that. among the many changes of the world, our hearts may be firmly fixed where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
James 1. 17-21

John 16. 5-15

 

 

EASTER 5: ROGATION SUNDAY

LORD, from you come all good things, grant to your humble servants, that by your Holy Spirit we may think good things, and by your merciful guiding be led to do the same, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
James 1. 22-27

 John 16. 22-33

 

 

ROGATION

GOD, our Father in Heaven, Ey your Son Jesus Christ you have promised to those who look first for your rule and your holy will all things they need for their bodies, send us, we pray you such sun and rain for our gardens that we may receive the food of the ground to strengthen us, and may glorify you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

OR

HELP us, Father, to remember that man does not live by bread alone, and make us evermore to feed on him who is the true Bread which comes down from heaven, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
James 5. 16-20

Luke 11. 5-13

 

 

ASCENSION DAY

ALMIGHTY GOD, grant we pray you, that as we believe your only Son our Lord Lord Jesus Christ, have gone up into heaven, so we may also rise to him in heart and mind, and ever live with him who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Acts 1. 1-11

 Mark 16. 14-20 or Luke 24. 44-53

 

 

SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION

GOD the King of Glory, you have raised your only Son Jesus Christ with great joy to be King of Heaven, do not leave us without comfort but send us your Holy Spirit to make us strong, and raise us to the same place, where our Saviour Jesus Christ has gone before us, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
1 Peter 4. 7-13

 John 15. 26-16. 4 (part)

 

 

PENTECOST (Whit Sunday)

GOD, at this time you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may always know what is right and always rejoice in his holy comfort, through the life and death of Christ Jesus, our Saviour, who lives and rules with you united through the same Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Acts 2. 1-11

 John 14. 15-3 1

 

 

AFTER WHIT SUNDAY

 
Monday 
Tuesday 
Acts 10. 34-48 
Acts 8. 14-19
John 3. 16-21
John 10. 1-10
 

 

TRINITY SUNDAY

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God you have given your servants grace to hold the true faith and believe in the glory of the everlasting Trinity, and in the power of the glory of God to worship the one God, we pray you to keep us firm in this faith, and ever defend us in all our troubles, who live and rule, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Rev. 4. 1-11

 John 3. 1-15

 

 

CORPUS CHRISTI
(Thursday after Trinity Sunday)

O Lord, you have left us a wonderful Sacrament as a memorial of your sufferings: grant us to feel a deep respect for the holy wonder of your body and blood and know in ourselves the fruit of what you did to set us free, who live and rule with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 11. 23-28 

John 6. 53-58

 

TRINITY 1

GOD, the strength of all those who trust in you, merci fully receive our prayers; and because through our weakness as men we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace that, in keeping your commandments, we may please you in what we wish and do, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 John 4. 7-21

 Luke 16. 19-31

 

TRINITY 2

GOD, you never fail to help and guide those you bring up in your steady fear and love, we pray you to defend and lead us safely, and make us to have the fear and love of your holy name all our days, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 John 3. 13-24 

Luke 14. 16-24

 

 

TRINITY 3

LORD, we pray you, mercifully to hear us, and grant that we, to whom you have given a true desire to pray, may be defended and comforted, through your strong help, in all dangers and troubles, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Peter 5. 5-11

 Luke 15. 1-10

 

 

TRINITY 4

GOD, you defend all who trust in you, without you nothing is strong, nothing is holy, multiply on us your mercy, that, as you are our ruler and guide, we may so pass through the things that pass away, that we may not lose the things that last for ever; grant this, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 8. 18-23

 Luke 6. 36-42

 

 

TRINITY 5

LORD, we pray you, that all that happens in this world may be so ruled by you for peace, that your Church may serve you in joy and holy quiet, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Peter 3. 8-15a

 Luke 5. 1-11

 

 

TRINITY 6

GOD, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass man’s understanding, pour into our hearts such love for you, that we may receive the things you promise, far better than all that we can desire, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 6. 3-11 

Matt. 5. 20-26

 

 

TRINITY 7

LORD of all power and strength, you give all good things; plant in our hearts the love of your Name, increase in us true Faith, feed us with all good things and of your great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 6. 19-23

 Mark 8. 1-9

 

 

TRINITY 8

GOD, you never fail to rule and guide all things in heaven and earth, we humbly pray you to put away from us all things that may hurt us, and give us those things which are good for us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Rom. 8. 12-17

 Matt. 7. 15-21

 

 

TRINITY 9

LORD, we pray you, grant us the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that, we, who cannot do anything that is good without you, may be able to live as you wish, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Luke 16.. 1-9

1 Cor. 10. 1- 3 or Luke 15. 11-32

 

 

TRINITY 10

LORD, let your merciful ears be open to the prayers of your humble servants, and that they may receive what they ask, make them to ask those things that please you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 12. 1-11

 Luke 19. 41-46

 

 

TRINITY 11

LORD, you show your power most of all in mercy and pity, mercifully grant us what we need of your grace, that we, doing as you command us, may receive what you have promised us and share in your glorious life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 15. 1-11

 Luke 18. 9-14

 

 

TRINITY 12

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and always give more than either we desire or deserve, pour down on us the riches of your mercy, forgiving us those things which we know were wrong, and giving us those good things which we are not fit to ask, but through the life and death of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

 
2 Cor. 3. 4-9

 Mark 7. 31-37

 

 

TRINITY 13

 

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, through your gift alone your faithful people serve you well and truly, grant, we pray you, that we may so faithfully serve you in this life, that we shall not fail in the end to receive your heavenly promises, through the life and death of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Gal. 3. 16-22 or Heb. 13. 

  1-6 Luke 10. 23-37

 

 

TRINITY 14

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, increase in us faith hope and love, and, that we may receive what you promise make us to love what you command, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Gal. 5. 16-24 

Luke 17. 11-19

 

 

TRINITY 15

LORD, we pray you, keep your Church with your mercy from day to day, and, because without you man is so weak that he must fall, keep us ever by your power from all that may hurt us, and lead us to all things that help to save us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Gal. 6. 11-18

 Matt. 6. 24-34

 

 

TRINITY 16

LORD, we pray you that your pity may daily cleanse and defend your Church, and because it cannot remain safe without your strength, keep it ever by your help and goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 3. 13-21

 Luke 7. 11-17

 

 

TRINITY 17

LORD, we pray you, that your grace may always lead and follow us, and make us always to do good work, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 4. 1-6 

Luke 14. 1-11

 

 

TRINITY 18

LORD, we pray you, grant your people grace to stand against the temptations of the world, the body and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you the only God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
1 Cor. 1. 4-8

 Matt. 22. 34-46

 

 

TRINITY 19

GOD, without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things guide and rule our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 4. 17-32

 Matt. 9. 1-8

 

 

TRINITY 20

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we pray you, through your great goodness, to keep us from all things that may hurt us, that we being ready in body and soul, may do with joy those things you wish us to do, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 5. 15-21

  Matt. 22. 1-14

 

TRINITY 21

MERCIFUL LORD, grant to your faithful people forgiveness and peace that they may be washed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Eph. 6. 10-20

  John 4. 46b-54

 

 

TRINITY 22

LORD, we pray you to keep your family the Church day by day in a holy life; keep it safe from all trouble, wanting to worship and serve you in good work, for the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 
Phil. 1. 3-11

  Matt. 18. 21-35

 

 

TRINITY 23

LORD, with you we are safe and strong, from you comes all goodness, be ready to hear the sincere prayers of your Church, and grant that those things which we ask in faith, we may truly receive, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

 
Phil. 3. 17-21

  Matt. 22. 15-22

 

 

TRINITY 24

LORD, we pray you, set your people free from all their sins, that by your great goodness we may be loosed from the sins that hold us fast, that we have done in our weakness. Grant this heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Col. 1. 3-12

 Matt. 9. 18-26

 
    If there are more Sundays before Advent use some of those Sundays after Epiphany not yet used. If there are less than 25 leave out some, but always use the Collect Epistle and Gospel for the Sunday before Advent on the Sunday before Advent Sunday.

SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT

STIR UP, we pray you Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that they may bear the rich fruit of good work, and receive a rich reward, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Jer. 23. 5-8

 John 6. 5-14

 

ST. ANDREW
(November 30)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you gave grace to your holy Apostle St. Andrew to be quick to obey the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and to follow him without delay, grant to us all, who are called by your holy word, to obey and give ourselves at once to do what you command, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rom. 10. 9-21

 Matt. 4. 18-20

 

ST. THOMAS
(December 21)

ALMIGHTY’ and everlasting God, you let your holy Apostle St. Thomas doubt the rising again of your Son, that our faith might become strong, grant that we may truly and without any doubt believe in your Son Jesus Christ, so that you may never find fault with our faith. Hear us, Lord, through the same Jesus Christ. whom with you and the Holy Spirit we honour and glorify now and for ever. Amen.

Eph. 2. 19-22

 John 20. 24-31

 

CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL
(January 25)

GOD, through the preaching of your blessed Apostle St. Paul, you made the light of the Gospel to shine in all the world, grant that we remembering his wonderful change of heart, may show our thanks to you for the same by following his holy teaching, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 9. 1-22 

Matt. 19. 27-30

 

PRESENTATION AND PURIFICATION
(February 2)

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we humbly pray you, Lord of all, that as your only Son was this day presented to you, in your holy house, as a man like, us, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts, by the same your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Malachi 3. 1-5

 Luke 2. 22-40

 

ST. MATTHIAS
(February 24)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you chose your faithful servant Matthias to be one of the twelve apostles in the place of Judas who gave you up to your enemies, grant that your Church may be kept free from false apostles. and be ruled and guided by faithful and true men, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 1. 15-26

 Matt. 11. 25-30

 

ANNUNCIATION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
(March 25)

WE pray you, Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known through the message of an angel, that your Son, Jesus Christ, became man, so by his cross and sufferings we may be brought to the glory of his rising again, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Isa. 7. 10-15 

Luke 1. 26-38

 

ST. MARK
(April 25)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have taught your holy Church with the heavenly teaching of your evangelist, St. Mark, give us grace that we may not be like children, carried away by every breath of untrue teaching, but be come firm in the truth of your holy Gospel, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Eph. 4. 7-16

 John 15. 1-11

 

ST. PHILIP and ST. JAMES
(May 1)

ALMIGHTY GOD, to know you truly is everlasting life, grant us to know truly your Son Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth and the Life, so that, following the steps of your blessed Apostles St. Philip and St. James, we may walk with steady steps in the way that leads to everlasting life, through the same your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

James 1. 1-12

 John 14. 1-14

 

ST. BARNABAS
(June 11)

LORD GOD Almighty, you gave to your Apostle Barnabas wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray you do not leave us without your many gifts, nor without grace to use them always to your honour and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 11. 22-30 

John 15. 12-17

 

ST. JOHN BAPTIST
(June 24)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you caused your servant John Baptist to be born to prepare the way for your Son, our Saviour, by preaching a change of heart, make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly change our hearts as he taught, always tell the truth as he did, speak bravely against evil, and suffer patiently for the right, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Isa. 40. 1-11

 Luke 1 57-80

 

ST. PETER
(June 29)

ALMIGHTY GOD, by your Son Jesus Christ you gave your Apostle St. Peter many excellent gifts, and told him always to feed your sheep, we pray you to make all Bishops and Shepherds ever to preach your holy word, and the people to obey and follow it, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 12. 1-11 

Matt. 16 13-19

 

ST. MARY MAGDALENE
(July 22)

ALMIGHTY GOD, your blessed Son called St. Mary Magdalene to a holy life, and to be a witness of his rising again, mercifully grant that, by your grace, we may be healed from all our weakness, and always serve you in the power of a life that has no end, who live and rule with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Cor. 5. 14-17

 John 20. 11-18

 

ST. JAMES
(July 25)

MERCIFUL GOD, grant that as your holy Apostle St. James, left his father, and all that he had, to obey without delay the call of your Son, Jesus Christ, and to follow him, so we may give up the things of the world and our evil desires, and always be ready to follow your holy commandments, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 11. 27-12. 3 

Matt. 20. 20-28

 

TRANSFIGURATION
(August 6)

GOD, before the suffering of your only Son you showed his glory on the holy mountain, grant that we your servants, who look in faith on the light of his face, may be strong to bear the cross, and be changed from glory to glory so that we become like him, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

1 John 3. 1-3

 Mark 9. 2-7

 

ST. BARTHOLOMEW
(August 24)

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you gave grace to your Apostle St. Bartholomew truly to believe and preach your word, grant we pray you that your Church may love the word he believed, and preach and believe the same, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 5. 12-16 

Luke 22. 24-30

 

HOLY CROSS
(September 14)

O GOD, by the suffering and shame of your Son’s death you have made the cross the way to life and peace; help us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may be glad to suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

1 Cor. 1. 17-25

 John 12. 27-33

 

BISHOP PATTESON
(September 20)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have united those you have chosen in one fellowship, the spiritual body of your Son, Christ our Lord: grant us grace so to follow your blessed martyr John Coleridge Patteson, first Bishop of Melanesia in a good and holy life, that we may come to those glorious joys which you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Acts 7. 55-60

 Matt. 19. 27-30

 

A PRAYER FOR BISHOP PATTESON’S DAY

ALMIGHTY God, you have given to your chosen servants, grace to give glory to you by their good lives, strong faith and holy deaths; we give you great praise [for the life of your servant John Coleridge Patteson, our first Bishop; and] for the great example given to us by those who died with him, Joseph Atkin, Priest, and Stephen Taroaniara, Teacher. We bless you too for Edwin Nobbs and Fisher Young, killed at Santa Cruz; Arthur Ako, killed at Fiu; Thomas Amasia, killed at Norefou; John Barge, killed in New Britain; Charles Godden, killed on Aoba; James Ivo, killed at Norefou; Thomas Peo, killed at Santa Cruz; who willingly laid down their lives while doing your work. We also give thanks for George Augustus Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand, who first told the Good News in these Islands, and for all who have served you in this Diocese so that your people might live without fear and with hope of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit for ever. Amen.

ST. MATTHEW
(September 21)

ALMIGHTY GOD, your blessed Son called St. Matthew from collecting tax to be an Apostle and Evangelist, grant us grace to give up all longing for money and wrong love of riches, and to follow the same your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Col. 4. 1-6

 Matt. 9. 9-13

 

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS
(September 29)

EVERLASTING GOD, you have ordered and fixed the work of angels and men in a wonderful way, mercifully grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven, so you may send them to help and defend us on earth, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. 12. 7-12

 Matt. 18. 1-10

 

ST. LUKE
(October 18)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you called Luke, the doctor, whose praise is in the Gospel, to be an Evangelist, and Doctor of the soul, grant that all the sickness of our souls may be healed, by the good medicine of his teaching, through the life and death of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

2 Tim. 4. 5-15

 Luke 10. 1-9

 

ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE
(October 28)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have built your Church on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief stone at the corner, grant us so to be joined together in one spirit by their teaching, that we may be built into a holy house pleasing to you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Jude 1. 1-8 or Rev. 21. 9-14

 John 15. 17-27

 

CHRIST THE KING
(Last Sunday in October.)

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you have raised your dear Son to be King of all the world, and in him to make all things new, mercifully grant that all the families of the world, who are wounded and divided by sin, may soon be drawn together under him as their gracious King; who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Col. 1. 12-20, beginning ‘We give thanks . . . 

 Jn. 18. 33-37

 

ALL SAINTS
(November 1)

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have united those you have chosen in one fellowship, the spiritual body of your Son, Christ our Lord; grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in good and holy lives, so that we may come to those glorious joys, which you have prepared for those who truly love you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. 7. 2-12

 Matt. 5. 1-12

 

ALL SOULS
(November 2)

LORD, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers, grant, to those who have died in faith, all the rewards of the suffering of your Son, which we cannot now know, that, in the day of his coming, they may be known as your true children, through the same your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

EVERLASTING Lord God, you hold all souls in life, we pray you to pour forth on your whole Church the bright beams of your light and heavenly comfort, that we following the steps of those who have loved and served you here on earth and are now at rest, may at the end go in with them to your full joy that has no end, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

1 Cor. 15. 51-57, or
1 Thess. 4. 13-18, or
Rev. 14. verse 13. 

 John 5. 24-29. or
 
John 6. 37-40. or
John 11. 21-27.    

 

SAINTS OF THE CHURCH OF MELANESIA
(November 8)

WE pray you, Lord, to multiply your grace on us who remember the saints of our Church, that as we rejoice to have been one with them on earth, so we may be one with them in heaven, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. 19. 5-8

 Mark 10. 42-45

 

ANY SAINT

GOD, you rule over all and make your saints to glorify you. You raised up your servant N. to shine as a light in the world, shine, we pray you, in our hearts that we too in our time may show men your glory, who have called us out of darkness into your glorious light, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. 7. 13-17

 Mark 10. 42-45

 

EMBER DAY

ALMIGHTY GOD, the Giver of all good gifts, you have set different kinds of Ministry in your Church, we humbly pray you to give your power to all those who are to be called to any kind of rule and work in the same, and so fill them with the truth of your teaching and give them the power of an innocent life that they may serve you well, to the glory of your great Name and the good of your holy Church, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Eph. 4. 7-16 

Matt. 9. 35-38

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