SEASONS
2. At the New-year.
Let us pray for a blessing on the New-year.
V. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness;
R. Prosper thou the work of our hands upon us.
O IMMORTAL Lord God,
who inhabitest eternity, and hast brought us, thine unworthy servants,
to the beginning [or close] of another year: Pardon, we most
humbly beseech thee, our transgressions in the past, and graciously
abide with us all the days of our life; guard and direct us in all trials
and temptations, that by thy blessing we may grow in grace as we grow
in years, and at the last may finish our course with joy; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. On New-year's Day.
O SAVIOUR of the world,
who as on this day wast called Jesus, according to the word of the angel:
Fulfil unto us, we beseech thee, the gracious promise of that holy Name,
and, of thy great mercy, save thy people from their sins; who with the
Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, one God, world without
end. Amen.
4. In Penitential Seasons and at other times.
O GOD, whose nature and
property is ever to have mercy and to forgive: Receive our humble petitions;
and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let
the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus
Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
5 and 6. In the Ember Weeks.
To be said every day, for those that are to be admitted
into Holy Orders.
NOTE. - During the
Ember Weeks the second of these prayers may be said after the Collect
of the Day at Holy Communion, and also on the day of an Ordination or
of a Consecration.
Let us pray for those that are to be admitted
into Holy Orders.
V. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
R. And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly
Father, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious
blood of thy dear Son: Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time
so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors
of thy flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully
and wisely make choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred Ministry
of thy Church. And to those which shall be ordained to any holy function
give thy grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and
doctrine they may set forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation
of all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or this,
ALMIGHTY
God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast
appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech
thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration
in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and
endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before
thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7-10. On Rogation Days.
These prayers may be used also at other times.
Let us pray for God's blessing on the fruits
of the earth and the labours of men.
V. The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord;
R. And thou givest them their meat in due season.
ALMIGHTY God, Lord of
heaven and earth, in whom we live and move and have our being, who makest
the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendest rain on the
just and on the unjust: We beseech thee at this time favourably to behold
thy people who call upon thee, and to send thine abundant blessing upon
the earth that it may bring forth its fruits in due season, and that
we, being filled with thy bounty, may evermore give thanks unto thee,
the giver of all good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast
created the earth for man, and man for thy glory: Mercifully hear the
supplications of thy people, and be mindful of thy covenant; that both
the earth may yield her increase, and the good seed of thy word may
bring forth abundantly, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for a blessing on fisheries.
O ALMIGHTY God, who madest
the sea, and gavest all that moveth therein for the use of man: Bestow
thy blessing, we beseech thee, on the harvest of the waters that it
may be abundant in its season; protect from every peril of the deep
all fishermen and mariners, and grant that they may with thankful hearts
acknowledge thee, who art Lord of the sea and of the dry land; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for a blessing on the industries of this country.
O ALMIGHTY Father, who
through thy Son Jesus Christ hast consecrated labour to the blessing
of mankind: Prosper, we pray thee, the industries of this land [especially
in this place]; defend those who are engaged therein from all perils,
and grant that they may rejoice in the fruits of thy bounty, and bless
thee for thy lovingkindness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
A men.
The following nine prayers (11-19)
are suitable for the Rogation Days.
THE CHURCH AND RELIGIOUS WORK
11. For the Church.
Let us pray for the Church.
V. Christ loved the Church;
R. And gave himself for it.
O GOD of unchangeable
power and eternal light, look favourably on thy whole Church, that wonderful
and sacred mystery; and by the tranquil operation of thy perpetual providence
carry out the work of man's salvation, and let the whole world feel
and see that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things
which had grown old are being made new, and all things are returning
to perfection through him from whom they took their origin, even Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
12 and 13. For the Unity of all
Christian people.
Let us pray for the unity of all Christian people.
V. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
R. They shall prosper that love thee.
O LORD Jesus Christ,
who didst say unto thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace
I give unto you: Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church, and
grant unto all Christian people that peace and unity which is agreeable
to thy will; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Or this,
O
GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince
of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers
we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice,
and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that,
as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling,
one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we
may henceforth be all of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy
bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind
and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. For Home Missions.
Let us pray for Home Missions.
V. Come, ye children, and hearken unto me;
R. I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
O LORD Jesus Christ,
thou good Shepherd of the sheep, who didst come to seek and to save
that which was lost: We beseech thee to be present in thy power with
the Missions of thy Church in this our land. Shew forth thy compassion
to the helpless, enlighten the ignorant, succour those in peril, and
bring home the wanderers in safety to thy fold; who livest and reignest
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
15. For Missionaries in Distant Lands.
Let us pray for Missionaries in distant lands.
V. Brethren, pray for them;
R. That the word of the Lord may run and be glorified.
O GOD our Saviour, who
wiliest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the
truth: Prosper, we pray thee, our brethren who labour in distant lands,
[especially those for whom our prayers are desired]. Protect
them in all perils; support them in loneliness and in the hour of trial;
give them grace to bear faithful witness unto thee; and endue them with
burning zeal and love, that they may turn many to righteousness, and
finally obtain a crown of glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
16 and 17. For the Conversion of
the Heathen.
Let us pray for the conversion of the heathen.
V. Tell it out among the heathen;
R. That the Lord is King.
O GOD, who hast made
of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the
earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to them that are
afar off and to them that are nigh: Grant that the people who sit in
darkness and the shadow of death may feel after thee and find thee;
and hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of thy promise to pour out thy Spirit
upon all flesh; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O GOD of all the nations
of the earth, remember the multitudes of the heathen, who, though created
in thine image, are ignorant of thy love; and, according to the propitiation
of thy Son Jesus Christ, grant that by the prayers and labours of thy
holy Church they may be delivered from all superstition and unbelief,
and brought to worship thee; through him whom thou hast sent to be our
salvation, the Resurrection and the Life of all the faithful, the same
thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. A men.
18. For the Conversion of the Jews.
Let us pray for the conversion of the Jews.
V. O think upon thy Congregation;
R. Whom thou hast purchased and redeemed of old.
[A prayer of Bishop Wilson.]
O GOD, the God of Abraham,
look upon thine ever-lasting covenant, and cause the captivity of Judah
and Israel to return. They are thy people; O be thou their Saviour,
that all who love Jerusalem and mourn for her may rejoice with her;
for Jesus Christ's sake, their Saviour and ours. Amen.
19. For the Conversion of Mohammedans and all who
know not Christ.
Let us pray for the conversion of Mohammedans,
and all who know not Christ.
V. Let thy way be known upon earth;
R. Thy saving health among all nations.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly
Father, who in thy goodness hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine
in our land: Extend thy mercy, we beseech thee, to the nations of the
world that still walk in darkness. Enlighten the Moslems with the knowledge
of thy truth; and grant that the Gospel of salvation may be made known
in all lands, that the heart of the peoples may be turned unto thee;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
20 and 21. For Synods and Councils.
Let us pray for God's blessing upon ——
.
V. Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servants;
R. And teach them thy statutes.
For Synods of the Church, Provincial or Diocesan.
To
be said on the Sunday and following days immediately preceding the meeting
of the Synod, and on the morning of each day while the Synod is in session.
O
ETERNAL God, the fountain of all wisdom. who didst send thy Holy Spirit
to lead the disciples into all the truth: Vouchsafe that he being present
with thy servants, the Bishops [or Bishop] and Presbyters about
to assemble [or now assembled] in the Synod of this Province
[or Diocese], may so rule their hearts and guide their counsels
that in all things they may seek only thy glory and the good of thy
holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Representative Church Council, the Diocesan
Councils, and the Consultative Church Council.
To be said on the Sunday preceding the meeting, and
daily during the session.
ALMIGHTY
and Everlasting God, from whom cometh wisdom and understanding: Be present,
we humbly beseech thee, with thy servants about to deliberate [or
assembled to deliberate] in Council upon those things that make
for the maintenance, well-being, and extension of thy holy Church; and
grant that they, seeking only thy honour and glory, may be guided in
all their consultations to perceive the more excellent way, and may
have grace and strength to follow the same; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
22. For the increase of the Sacred Ministry.
Let us pray for the increase of the sacred ministry.
V. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest;
R. That he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
O LORD Jesus Christ,
whose servants Simon Peter and Andrew his brother did at thy word straightway
leave their nets to become fishers of men: Give thy grace, we humbly
beseech thee, to those whom thou dost call to the sacred ministry of
thy Church, that they may hear thy voice, and with glad hearts obey
thy call; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
23. For Theological Colleges.
Let us pray for theological colleges, especially
for that in this Province.
V. Ye that are the Lord's remembrancers, keep not silence;
R. Till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
O GOD, who through thy
Holy Spirit dost illuminate the minds and sanctify the lives of those
whom thou dost call to the work of pastors and teachers: Look with thy
favour upon all colleges for the instruction and discipline of those
who are to serve in the sacred ministry of thy Church; bless those who
teach and those who learn, that they may apply themselves with such
diligence to the knowledge which is able to make men wise unto salvation,
and submit themselves with such ready obedience to the law of thy Son
our Saviour, that they may fulfil their ministry with joy; through the
same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
24 and 25. For Universities, Colleges,
and Schools.
Let us pray for all universities, colleges,
and schools.
V. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
R. And to depart from evil is understanding.
ALMIGHTY God, of whose
only gift cometh wisdom and understanding: We beseech thee with thy
gracious favour to behold our universities, colleges, and schools, that
the confines of knowledge may be ever enlarged, and all good learning
flourish and abound; bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant
that both teachers and learners in humility of heart may look ever upward
unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
V. The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom;
R. A good understanding have all they that do thereafter.
O HEAVENLY Father, whose
blessed Son hath said, Suffer the little children to come unto me: Prosper
with thy blessing the work of all who labour for the instruction and
up-bringing of the young in virtue and true godliness; grant that, as
the minds of thy children are enlightened with knowledge, so their hearts
may be daily drawn to the love of thee and of thy only Son, our Saviour;
and this we beg for the sake of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26 and 27. During a vacancy of a Bishopric or Pastoral
Charge in the Scottish Church.
Let us pray that a faithful Pastor may be given
to the Diocese of —— [or this Diocese, or the
Pastoral Charge of —— , or this Pastoral Charge].
V. Endue thy Ministers with righteousness;
R. And make thy chosen people joyful.
A Bishopric.
To be said up to the day of the election.
ALMIGHTY
God, the giver of every good gift: Bestow at this time, we humbly beseech
thee, thine especial blessing upon the Presbyters and Lay-electors of
the Diocese of ---- [or of this Diocese] about to assemble for
the election of a Bishop; and grant unto them in their deliberations
the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that by thee they may be guided
to the choice of a chief Pastor who shall minister before thee to the
glory of thy holy Name, the good government of the flock committed to
him, and the welfare of thy whole Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A Pastoral Charge.
This prayer may also be said at meetings of Patrons
during a vacancy.
O
GOD, who knowest the needs of thy people in every place: Look graciously
at this time on this church and Congregation; and give to them a faithful
Pastor, who may serve before thee in all diligence and lowliness of
heart, and, by thy blessing, bring many souls to the joys of thine eternal
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
28. For the Congregation and District of a Charge.
Let us pray for this Congregation and District.
V. I will put my Spirit within you;
R. And cause you to walk in my statutes.
ALMIGHTY and Everlasting
God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear
our prayers, and grant unto us in this Congregation and District all
things that are needful for our spiritual welfare; strengthen and confirm
the faithful; visit and relieve the sick; bless and protect the children;
turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen;
restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of thy
truth; and bring all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of
thy holy Church, to the honour and glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
29. For Candidates for Confirmation.
Let us pray for those who are being prepared
for Confirmation.
V. Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost;
R. For the promise is unto you and to your children.
O GOD, who through the
teaching of thy Son Jesus Christ didst prepare the disciples for the
coming of the Comforter: Make ready, we beseech thee, the hearts and
minds of thy servants who at this time are seeking the gift of the Holy
Ghost through the laying on of hands, that, drawing near with penitent
and faithful hearts, they may be filled with the power of his divine
presence; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
30. For Church Workers.
Let us pray for all Church Workers.
V. Shew thy servants thy work;
R. And their children thy glory.
ALMIGHTY and Everlasting
God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified:
Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for
all estates 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.
31. For Religious Communities.
Let us pray that God may bless those serving
in Religious Communities, and that many may be called to this life and
service.
V. Shew thou me the way that I should walk in;
R. For I lift my soul unto thee.
O LORD Jesus Christ,
who hast taught us that he who loseth his life for thy sake shall find
it: Bestow, we pray thee, thine abundant blessing on those who have
left all that they may give themselves to this service, and grant that
those whom thou dost call may hear and obey thy voice, and receive the
manifold reward which thou hast promised in this time, and in the world
to come life everlasting; who livest and reignest with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
32 and 33. For Festivals of Church
Choirs.
Let us pray for God's blessing on this Festival.
V. God is the King of all the earth;
R. Sing ye praises with understanding.
O GOD, in whose Temple
at Jerusalem were appointed singers and those skilled in instruments
of music to set forth thy praises: Be present, we beseech thee, with
us thy servants, and grant that in this our service we may worship thee
in spirit and in truth, and at last be found meet to glorify thy Name
in thy Temple which is on high; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O LORD God Almighty,
whose glory the Cherubin, and Seraphin, and all the host of heaven,
with ceaseless voice proclaim: We beseech thee to look graciously from
thy dwelling-place upon us, thy humble servants, and in thy mercy vouchsafe
to accept our unworthy prayers and praises; for the sake of our only
Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE
STATE AND THE COUNTRY
34 and 35. For
the Queen's Majesty.
Let us pray for the Queen.
V. The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord;
R. Exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation.
ALMIGHTY
God, whose kingdom is everlasting, and power infinite: Have mercy upon
the whole Church; and so rule the heart of thy chosen servant Elizabeth,
our Queen
and Governor, that she (knowing whose minister she is) may above all
things seek thy honour and glory: and that we and all her subjects (duly
considering whose authority she hath) may faithfully serve, honour,
and humbly obey her, in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed
word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and
the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end.
Amen.
ALMIGHTY
and Everlasting God, we are taught by thy holy word, that the hearts
of kings are in thy rule and governance, and that thou dost dispose
and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: We humbly beseech
thee so to dispose and govern the heart of Elizabeth thy servant,
our Queen and Governor, that in all her thoughts, words, and works,
she may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people
committed to her charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness; grant this,
O merciful Father, for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
36. For the High Court of Parliament, to be read
during their session.
Let us pray for the High Court of Parliament.
V. Commit thy way unto the Lord;
R. And put thy trust in him.
MOST gracious God, we
humbly beseech thee, as for this Kingdom in general, so especially for
the High Court of Parliament, under our Sovereign Lady the Queen at
this time assembled: That thou wouldest be Pleased to direct and prosper
all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of
thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign and her
dominions; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours,
upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth
and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all
generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and
thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and Mediation of Jesus Christ
our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
37. For the Unity of the British Empire.
Let us pray for the unity of our Empire.
V. Behold how good and joyful a thing it is;
R. To dwell together in unity.
ALMIGHTY God, who dost
raise up nations and empires to fulfil thy purposes: Bind into one,
we beseech thee, the hearts of the peoples in our Empire, that, inspired
by a common loyalty, they may be strong to further thy holy will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
38. For the Forces of the Queen.
Let us pray for the Forces of the Queen.
V. Thou hast given me the defence of thy salvation;
R. Thy right hand also shall hold me up.
O LORD God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect
in every peril those who are serving in the forces of the Queen; shelter
them in the day of battle, and ever keep them safe from all evil; endue
them ever with loyalty and courage; and grant that in all things they
may serve as seeing thee who art invisible; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
39. For use at the time of an Election to Parliament
or to a local Council or Authority.
Let us pray for God's guidance in this election.
V. In all thy ways acknowledge him;
R. And he shall direct thy paths.
ALMIGHTY God, the fountain
of all wisdom: Guide and direct, we humbly beseech thee, the minds of
all those who are called at this time to elect fit persons to serve
in the Parliament of this nation [or the Council of this county,
or city, or town, or place]; grant that in the
exercise of their choice they may promote thy glory and the welfare
of thy people; and to those who shall be elected give, we pray thee,
the spirit of wisdom and true godliness. All this we beg for the sake
of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
40 and 41. For Industrial Peace.
Let us pray for industrial peace.
V. Eschew evil and do good;
R. Seek peace and ensue it.
O GOD, who in thy providence
dost appoint to every man his work: Assuage, we humbly beseech thee,
all strife and contention amongst those who are engaged in industry
[especially those who are now at variance]; defend them from all greed
and covetousness, and grant that they, seeking only that which is just,
may live and work together in brotherly union and concord, to their
own well-being, and the prosperity of this realm; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
O GOD, the Father of
all mankind, we beseech thee to inspire us with such love, truth, and
equity, that in all our dealings one with another we may shew forth
our brotherhood in thee; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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