The Book of Common Prayer,
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Prayers and 
Thanksgivings

 

Prayers and Thanksgivings

Prayers
 
Prayers for the World
 
  1.  For Joy in God's Creation 
  2.  For all Sorts and Conditions of Men 
  3.  For the Human Family 
  4.  For Peace 
  5.  For Peace among the Nations 
  6.  For our Enemies
 
Prayers for the Church
 
  7.  For the Church 
  8.  For the Mission of the Church 
  9.  For Clergy and People 
10.  For the Diocese 
11.  For the Parish 
12.  For a Church Convention or Meeting 
13.  For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister 
14.  For the Unity of the Church 
15.  For those about to be Baptized or to renew their Baptismal
       Covenant 
16.  For Monastic Orders and Vocations 
17.  For Church Musicians and Artists
 
       Prayers for the Ordained Ministry are on pages 205 and 256.

Prayers for National Life
 
18.  For our Country 
19.  For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority 
20.  For Congress or a State Legislature 
21.  For Courts of Justice 
22.  For Sound Government

23.  For Local Government 
24.  For an Election 
25.  For those in the Armed Forces of our Country 
26.  For those who Suffer for the sake of Conscience
  
Prayers for the Social Order
 
27.  For Social Justice 
28.  In Times of Conflict 
29.  For Agriculture 
30.  For the Unemployed 
31.  For Schools and Colleges 
32.  For the Good Use of Leisure 
33.  For Cities 
34.  For Towns and Rural Areas 
35.  For the Poor and Neglected 
36.  For the Oppressed 
37.  For Prisons and Correctional Institutions 
38.  For the Right Use of God's Gifts 
39.  For those who Influence Public Opinion
 
        Prayers for Industry and Labor are on pages 208, 210, 
        259, and 261.
  
Prayers for the Natural Order
 
40.  For Knowledge of God's Creation 
41.  For the Conservation of Natural Resources 
42.  For the Harvest of Lands and Waters 
43.  For Rain 
44.  For the Future of the Human Race
  
Prayers for Family and Personal Life
 
45.  For Families 
46.  For the Care of Children 
47.  For Young Persons 
48.  For Those Who Live Alone 
49.  For the Aged

50.  For a Birthday 
51.  For a Birthday 
52.  For the Absent 
53.  For Travelers 
54.  For those we Love 
55.  For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement 
56.  For the Victims of Addiction 
57.  For Guidance 
58.  For Guidance 
59.  For Quiet Confidence 
60.  For Protection 
61.  A Prayer of Self-Dedication 
62.  A Prayer attributed to St. Francis 
 
        Prayers for the sick are on pages 458-461.

        Prayers for the dying are on pages 462-465.

        Prayers for the dead are on pages 202,253,487, and 503.
  
Other Prayers
 
63.  In the Evening 
64.  Before Worship 
65.  For the Answering of Prayer 
66.  Before Receiving Communion 
67.  After Receiving Communion 
68.  After Worship 
69.  On Sunday 
70.  Grace at Meals
 
        Prayers for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and for morning and 
        evening are on pages 56, 69, 98, and 123.

Thanksgivings
  
General Thanksgivings
 
  1.  A General Thanksgiving 
  2.  A Litany of Thanksgiving

      The General Thanksgiving is on pages 58 and 101.
 
Thanksgivings for the Church
 
  3.  For the Mission of the Church 
  4.  For the Saints and Faithful Departed
  
Thanksgivings for National Life
 
  5.  For the Nation 
  6.  For Heroic Service
  
Thanksgiving for the Social Order
 
  7.  For the Diversity of Races and Cultures
  
Thanksgivings for the Natural Order
 
  8.  For the Beauty of the Earth 
  9.  For the Harvest
  
Thanksgivings for Family and Personal Life
 
10.  For the Gift of a Child 
11.  For the Restoration of Health
 
        Thanksgivings for the departed are on pages 487-489 and 503-504.
 
        The term "Various Occasions" in the following pages refers to the
        numbered Collects beginning on pages 199 and 251.

 

Prayers and Thanksgivings

 
Prayers
 
For use after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer or separately.
 
Prayers originally composed in traditional idiom have not been
modernized; but, except in certain classical prayers which do not lend
themselves to modernization, pronouns and verbs have been put in italics
to assist in rendering them into contemporary speech.
  
Prayers for the World 
 
1.  For Joy in God's Creation
 
O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty:
Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works;
that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve
thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all
things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
  
2.  For All Sorts and Conditions of Men
 
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly
beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou
wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy

saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for
thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and
governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call
themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and
hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in
righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly
goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed,
in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers
are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve
them according to their several necessities, giving them patience
under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their
afflictions.  And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake.  Amen.
  
3.  For the Human Family
 
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.  Amen.
  
4.  For Peace
 
See also Various Occasions no. 18.
 
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

5.  For Peace Among the Nations
 
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the
world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among
them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they
may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
  
6.  For our Enemies
 
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love
our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth:
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in
your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers for the Church
 
7.  For the Church
 
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it
with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt,
purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is
amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in
want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake
of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior.  Amen.
  
8.  For the Mission of the Church
 
See also the prayers for the Mission of the Church on pages 58, 100 and 
101, and Various Occasions no. 16.
 
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you
through your Son Jesus Christ:  Inspire our witness to him,
that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope

of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. 
 
9.  For Clergy and People
 
Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every
good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and
other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their
charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that they may
truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy
blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate
and Mediator, Jesus Christ.  Amen.
  
10.  For the Diocese
 
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a
goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop(s) N. [and N.],
and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word
may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments
faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your
Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your
Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to
all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 
 
11.  For the Parish
 
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven
and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen
the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.
Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring
us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

12.  For a Church Convention or Meeting
 
See also Various Occasions no. 13.
 
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and
understanding, be present with those who take counsel
[in _________] for the renewal and mission of your Church.
Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide
us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to
pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.  Amen.
 
13.  For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister
 
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on
your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall
choose a bishop for this Diocese (or, rector for this parish),
that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your
people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.  Amen.
 
14.  For the Unity of the Church
 
See also Various Occasions no. 14, and Collect no. 6 (page 395).
 
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior,
the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the
great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away
all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us
from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body
and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith,
one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all
of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth
and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and
one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

15.  For those about to be Baptized or
       to renew their Baptismal Covenant
 
O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the
Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make
the hearts and minds of your servants ready to receive the
blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the
strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
 
For those to be ordained, see Various Occasions no. 15. 
 
16.  For Monastic Orders and Vocations
 
O Lord Jesus Christ, you became poor for our sake, that we
might be made rich through your poverty: Guide and sanctify,
we pray, those whom you call to follow you under the vows
of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and
service they may enrich your Church, and by their life and
worship may glorify your Name; for you reign with the Father
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.
  
17.  For Church Musicians and Artists
 
O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in
heaven:  Be ever present with your servants who seek through
art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on
earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty,
and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for
evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Prayers for National Life
 
18.  For our Country
 
See also Various Occasions no. 17.
 
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners.  Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue 
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and 
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we 
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. 
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, 
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; 
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
  
19.  For the President of the United States and all in Civil
Authority
 
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:  We
commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided
by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace.  Grant
to the President of the United States, the Governor of this
State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom
and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the
love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful
of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.

20.  For Congress or a State Legislature
 
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and
gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide
and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress
assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Common-
wealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee,
to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
  
21.  For Courts of Justice
 
Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We
humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the
magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of
wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth,
and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone;
through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our
Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.
  
22.  For Sound Government
 
The responses in italics may be omitted.
 
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we
may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to
other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
 
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors
of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative
authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their
duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our
laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and
foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to
fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
 
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and
justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
 
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they
may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for
the well-being of our society; that we may serve you
faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all.  Amen. 
 
23.   For Local Government
 
Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those
who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County,
Town, __________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice;
that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their
offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
24.  For an Election
 
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers
and privileges:  Guide the people of the United States (or of
this community) in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of
all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your
purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

25.  For those in the Armed Forces of our Country
 
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and
keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home
and abroad.  Defend them day by day with your heavenly
grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give
them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant
them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
26.  For those who suffer for the sake of Conscience
 
O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he
was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer
for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them
from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them
from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from
despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their
witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be
cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus
Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge.  Amen. 

Prayers for the Social Order
 
27.  For Social Justice
 
See also Various Occasions no. 21.
 
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the
people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our
divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

28.  In Times of Conflict
 
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, 
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront 
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
29.  For Agriculture
 
See also Various Occasions no. 19.
 
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so
that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who
work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that
we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your
goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
For prayers for Industry and Labor, see Various Occasions no. 19,
no. 24, and no. 25. 
 
30.  For the Unemployed
 
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer
want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this
land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find
suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment
for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
31.  For Schools and Colleges
 
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities
[and especially __________], that they may be lively centers for
sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom;
and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find
you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.  Amen.

For Education, see Various Occasions no. 23. 
 
32.  For the Good Use of Leisure
 
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of
refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our
leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
33.  For Cities
 
Heavenly Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of
that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their
glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth.
Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life.
Send us honest and able leaders.  Enable us to eliminate
poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail
with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and
women from different cultures and with differing talents may
find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
34.  For Towns and Rural Areas
 
Lord Christ, when you came among us, you proclaimed the
kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places: Grant
that your presence and power may be known throughout this
land.  Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural
areas [especially ___________]; and grant that all the people
of our nation may give thanks to you for food and drink and
all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to
produce them, and honor the land and the water from which
these good things come.  All this we ask in your holy Name.
Amen.

35.  For the Poor and the Neglected
 
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you
all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us
to forget:  the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,
and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those
who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow
into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for
our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
36.  For the Oppressed
 
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this
land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as
their constant companions.  Have mercy upon us.  Help us to
eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those
who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law
and equal opportunities for all.  And grant that every one of
us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through
Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
37.  For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
 
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal:
Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment.
Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance
and amendment of life according to your will, and give them
hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them
release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice.
Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them
humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming
brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison,
O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All
this we ask for your mercy's sake.  Amen.

38.  For the Right Use of God's Gifts
 
Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we
possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our
substance, and, remembering the account which we must one
day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through
Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
39.  For those who Influence Public Opinion
 
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many
voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where
many listen and write what many read; that they may do their
part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
For Social Service, see Various Occasions no. 22 
 
Prayers for the Natural Order
 
40.  For Knowledge of God's Creation
 
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with
all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and
the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we
probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know
you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your
eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
41.  For the Conservation of Natural Resources
 
See also Various Occasions no. 19.
 
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth,
you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom
and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one
may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet
to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through
Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

42.  For the Harvest of Lands and Waters
 
O gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all
things living with plenteousness:  Bless the lands and waters,
and multiply the harvests of the world; let thy Spirit go
forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show thy
loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and
save us from selfish use of what thou givest, that men and
women everywhere may give thee thanks; through Christ
our Lord.  Amen. 
 
43.  For Rain
.
O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ
hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its
righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send
us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain
and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to
our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.  Amen. 
 
44.  For the Future of the Human Race
 
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us
dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before
the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes
for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in
making provision for its future in accordance with your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
  
Prayers for Family and Personal Life
 
45.  For Families
 
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary
in families:  We commend to thy continual care the homes in
which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee,

every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride
of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance,
patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those
who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the
hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the
children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among
us all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one
to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
A prayer for parents is on page 444. 
 
46.  For the Care of Children
 
Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the
joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient
wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love
whatever is just and true and good, following the example of
our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. 
 
47.  For Young Persons
 
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an
unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways
give more life than the ways of the world, and that following
you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to
take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance
for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you,
and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
48.  For Those Who Live Alone
 
Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head:
Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their
solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find
fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen.

49.  For the Aged
 
Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing
years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation.  Provide for
them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding
helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their
strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance
of your love.  This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our
Lord.  Amen. 
 
50.  For a Birthday
 
O God, our times are in your hand:  Look with favor, we
pray, on your servant N. as he begins another year.  Grant
that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his
trust in your goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
51.  For a Birthday
 
Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and
guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he
stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise
him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which
passeth understanding abide all the days of his life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
52.  For the Absent
 
O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts
of the earth: We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold
and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend
them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both
they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together
by thy love in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the
fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

53.  For Travelers
 
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole
creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel [in particular _____________]; surround 
them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
54.  For those we Love
 
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy
never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come,
knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we
can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
55.  For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement
 
O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that
thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men:
Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom
our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy,
nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of
thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give
him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
Prayers for the sick are on pages 458-461. See also Various Occasions
no. 20.
 
56.  For the Victims of Addiction
 
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you:  Look
with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost
their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of
your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset
them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to
those who care for them, give patient understanding and
persevering love.  Amen.

57.  For Guidance
 
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious
favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our
works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify
thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting
life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
58.  For Guidance
 
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and
light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all
our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou
wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save
us from all 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. 
 
59.  For Quiet Confidence
 
O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and
rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be
our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee,
to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou
art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
60.  For Protection
 
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and
prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the
attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the
changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be
defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
61.  A Prayer of Self-Dedication
 
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so
guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our

wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto
thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always
to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. 
 
62.  A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
 
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we 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; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life.  Amen.
  
Other Prayers
 
Prayers for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and for morning and
evening, are on pages 56, 69, 98, and 123. 
 
63.  In the Evening
 
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows
lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is
hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest,
and peace at the last.  Amen. 
 
64.  Before Worship
 
O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it the
spirit of grace and of supplication:  Deliver us, when we draw
near to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind,
that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may
worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.  Amen.

65.  For the Answering of Prayer
 
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in thy Son's Name: We beseech thee mercifully
to incline thine ear to us who have now made our prayers and
supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we
have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be
obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth
of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
66.  Before Receiving Communion
 
See also the Prayer of Humble Access on page 337.
 
Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you
were present with your disciples, and be know to us in the
breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen. 
 
67.  After Receiving Communion
 
O Lord Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left
unto us a memorial of thy passion: Grant us, we beseech
thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and
Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of
thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen. 
 
68.  After Worship
 
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which
we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through
thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may
bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and
praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

69.  On Sunday
 
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to
flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all
our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears,
make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us
to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last
great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
70.  Grace at Meals
 
Give us grateful hearts, our Father, for all thy mercies, and
make us mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.  Amen.
 
or this
 
Bless, O Lord, thy gifts to our use and us to thy service; for
Christ's sake.  Amen.
 
or this
 
Blessed are you, O Lord God, King of the Universe, for you
give us food to sustain our lives and make our hearts glad;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
or this
 
For these and all his mercies, God's holy Name be blessed
and praised; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Thanksgivings

General Thanksgivings
  
1.  A General Thanksgiving
 
Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have
done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole
creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.
 
We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for
the loving care which surrounds us on every side.
 
We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best
efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy
and delight us.
 
We thank you also for those disappointments and failures
that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.
 
Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the
truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast
obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying,
through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life
again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
 
Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and
make him known; and through him, at all times and in all
places, may give thanks to you in all things.  Amen. 
 
2.  A Litany of Thanksgiving
 
For optional use on Thanksgiving Day, in place of the Prayers of the
People at the Eucharist, or at any time after the Collects at Morning or
Evening Prayer, or separately.

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so
freely bestowed upon us.
 
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and
sky and sea,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women,
revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and
our friends,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering
and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,
We thank you, Lord.
 
For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.
 
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and
promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the
Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen.
 
See also The General Thanksgiving on pages 58 and 101.

Thanksgivings for the Church
 
3.  For the Mission of the Church
 
Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile
the world to yourself: We praise and bless you for those
whom you have sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the
Gospel to all nations. We thank you that in all parts of the
earth a community of love has been gathered together by
their prayers and labors, and that in every place your servants
call upon your Name; for the kingdom and the power and
the glory are yours for ever.  Amen. 
 
4.  For the Saints and Faithful Departed
 
See also the prayer "O God, the King of Saints," page 489 and 504.
 
We give thanks to you, O Lord our God, for all your servants
and witnesses of time past: for Abraham, the father of believers,
and Sarah his wife; for Moses, the lawgiver, and Aaron, the
priest; for Miriam and Joshua, Deborah and Gideon, and
Samuel with Hannah his mother; for Isaiah and all the prophets;
for Mary, the mother of our Lord; for Peter and Paul and all
the apostles; for Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene; for
Stephen, the first martyr, and all the martyrs and saints in
every age and in every land.  In your mercy, O Lord our God,
give us, as you gave to them, the hope of salvation and the
promise of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the
first-born of many from the dead.  Amen. 
 
Thanksgivings for National Life
 
5.  For the Nation
 
Almighty God, giver of all good things:
We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land.
They restore us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us.

We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They
make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us.
 
We thank you for the men and women who have made this
country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall
short of them.
Inspire us.
 
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in
this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we
have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.
 
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich
variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless
again and again.
Renew us.
 
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun.
Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice,
and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when
all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will
glorify your holy Name.  Amen. 
 
6.  For Heroic Service
 
O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful
hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of
decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant
that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the
benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This
we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Thanksgiving for the Social Order
 
7.  For the Diversity of Races and Cultures
 
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you
for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and
show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until
our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all
your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Thanksgivings for the Natural Order
 
8.  For the Beauty of the Earth
 
We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of
earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains,
and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers.
We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may
safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue
to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation,
to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen. 
 
9.  For the Harvest
 
Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are
broken up and the clouds drop down the dew: We yield thee
hearty thanks and praise for the return of seedtime and harvest,
for the increase of the ground and the gathering in of its fruits,
and for all the other blessings of thy merciful providence
bestowed upon this nation and people. And, we beseech thee,
give us a just sense of these great mercies, such as may appear
in our lives by a humble, holy, and obedient walking before
thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom,
with thee and the Holy Ghost be all glory and honor, world
without end.  Amen.

Thanksgivings for Family and Personal Life
 
10.  For the Gift of a Child
 
See also the Thanksgiving for a Child on page 439.
 
Heavenly Father, you sent; your own Son into this world. We
thank you for the life of this child, N., entrusted to our care.
Help us to remember that we are all your children, and so to
love and nurture him, that he may attain to that full stature
intended for him in your eternal kingdom; for the sake of
your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 
 
11.  For the Restoration of Health
 
Almighty God and heavenly Father, we give thee humble
thanks because thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver
from his sickness thy servant N., in whose behalf we bless
and praise thy Name. Grant, O gracious Father, that he,
through thy help, may live in this world according to thy will,
and also be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
Thanksgivings for the departed are on pages 487-489 and 503-504.