The Book of Common Prayer
United States England Scotland Ireland Wales Canada World

    The Scottish Book of Common Prayer (1929)

 

 

PRAYERS AND THANKS-
GIVINGS

 

Which may be used before the two final prayers of the Litany or of Morning and Evening Prayer, and at other times.

 

PRAYERS

1. For all Conditions of men.

 
SEASONS

2, 3. At the New-year.
4. In Penitential Seasons, &c.
5, 6. In the Ember Weeks.
7-10. On Rogation Days.

 
The following nine prayers
(11-19) are suitable for the Rogation Days.

 
THE CHURCH AND RELIGIOUS WORK

11. For the Church.
12, 13. For the Unity of all Christian people.
14. For Home Missions.
15. For Missionaries in Distant Lands.
16, 17. For the Conversion of the Heathen.
18. For the Conversion of the Jews.
19. For the Conversion of Mohammedans and all who know not Christ.

20, 21. For Synods and Councils.
22. For the increase of the Sacred Ministry.
23. For Theological Colleges.
24, 25. For Universities, Colleges, and Schools.
26, 27. For use during a vacancy of a Bishopric or Pastoral Charge.
28. For the Congregation and District of a Charge.
29. For Candidates for Confirmation.
30. For Church Workers.
31. For Religious Communities.
32, 33. For Festivals of Church Choirs.

 
THE STATE AND THE COUNTRY

34, 35. For the Queen's Majesty.
36. For the High Court of Parliament.
37. For the Unity of the British Empire.
38. For the Forces of the Queen.
39. For use at the time of an Election.
40, 41. For Industrial Peace.
42. For the Preservation of Peace.
43. For the League of Nations.
44, 45. For use in time of War.

 
GENERAL

46. For Favourable Weather.
47. For use in the time of Dearth and Famine.
48. For use in the time of any common Plague or Sickness.
49. For Hospitals and Infirmaries.
50. For the Recovery of a Sick Person.
51-53. For the Commemoration of the Saints and Faithful Departed.
54. For absent Brethren and Friends.
55. For those who travel by sea.
56, 57. For use at sea.

 

THANKSGIVINGS

1. A General Thanksgiving.
2. For Favourable Weather.
3. For the Blessings of Harvest.
4. For Plenty.
5. For Peace and Deliverance from our Enemies.
6. For restoring Public Peace at Home.
7. For Deliverance from Common Sickness.
8. For Overseas Missions.

 

 

PRAYERS

The Versicles and Responses may be said, if need be, by the Priest alone, or they may be omitted.

The Biddings may be made in other words.

 
1. For all Conditions of men.

To be used when the Litany is not appointed to be said.*

Let us pray for all men according to their needs.
  V. The Lord is loving unto every man;
  R. And his mercy is over all his works.

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 the good estate of the Catholic Church; 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 any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; [to be said when any desire prayers*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 his sake. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Now optional.

 

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.

 

 

42. For the Preservation of Peace.*

  Let us pray for the preservation of peace.
  V. The Lord shall give strength unto his people;
  R. The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

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

43. For the Assembly and Council of the League of Nations, and all who are labouring for the cause of peace.

  Let us pray for the Assembly and Council of the League of Nations, and for all who are labouring for the cause of peace.
  V. He maketh wars to cease in all the world;
  R. He breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots in the fire.

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

 
An alternative for the above prayer:

43. For the Preservation of Peace

  V. He maketh wars to cease in all the world;
  R. He breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots in the fire.

GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peacefully ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
44 and 45. In the time of War.

  Let us pray for the help and guidance of God in this time of War.
  V. God is our hope and strength;
  R. A very present help in trouble.

O ALMIGHTY God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent: Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this,

O ALMIGHTY Lord, who art a most strong tower to all them that put their trust in thee: Be now and evermore our defence; give victory to the forces of the Queen; look in pity upon the wounded and the prisoners; cheer the anxious; comfort the bereaved; succour the dying; have mercy on the fallen; and hasten the time when war shall cease in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

GENERAL

46. For Favourable Weather.

  Let us pray for favourable weather.
  V. The Lord will fulfil the desire of them that fear him;
  R. He also will hear their cry and will help them.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who art the author and giver of all good things: Look, we beseech thee, in thy loving-kindness upon us thine un-worthy servants, and grant to us at this time such fair weather that we may receive the fruits of the earth in their season, to our comfort and the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

 
47. In the time of Dearth and Famine.

  Let us pray for relief in this time of scarcity.
  V. Cast thy burden upon the Lord;
  R. And he shall nourish thee.

O GOD our heavenly Father, who by thy blessed Son hast taught us to ask of thee our daily bread: Behold, we beseech thee, the affliction of thy people, and send us relief in this our necessity; increase the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction, and grant that we, receiving with thankfulness thy gracious gifts, may use them to thy glory, the relief of those that are needy, and our own comfort; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
48. In the time of any common Plague or Sickness.

  Let us pray for succour in this time of sickness.
  V. He forgiveth all thy sin;
  R. And healeth all thine infirmities.

O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, with whom are the issues of life and death: Grant us, we beseech thee, help and deliverance in this time of grievous sickness and mortality, and sanctify to us this affliction, that in our sore distress we may turn our hearts unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
49. For Hospitals and Infirmaries.

  Let us pray for God's blessing on all hospitals and infirmaries.
  V. Himself took our infirmities;
  R. And bare our sicknesses.

ALMIGHTY God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue, we beseech thee, his gracious work among us in all hospitals and infirmaries; console and heal the sufferers; grant to the physicians, surgeons, and nurses, wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience; prosper their work, O Lord, with thy continual blessing; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
50. For the Recovery of a Sick Person.

  Let us pray for the sick and suffering.
  V. He healeth those that are broken in heart;
  R. And giveth medicine to heal their sickness.

ALMIGHTY and immortal God, giver of life and health: We beseech thee to hear our prayers for thy servant N., for whom we implore thy mercy, that by thy blessing upon him and upon those who minister to him of thy healing gifts, he may be restored, if it be thy gracious will, to soundness of health, and give thanks to thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
51-53. A Commemoration of the Saints and Faithful Departed.

  Let us commemorate before God the saints and faithful departed.
  V. The righteous live for evermore;
  R. Their reward also is with the Lord.

O GOD the King of saints, we praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear, for the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs, and for all other thy righteous servants; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their example, strengthened by their fellowship, and aided by their prayers, we may attain unto everlasting life; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  V. Grant them, O Lord, eternal rest;
  R. And let light perpetual shine upon them.

ALMIGHTY God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity: We praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear; and we most humbly beseech thee that, at the day of the general resurrection, we, and all they who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

O ALMIGHTY God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus, the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be perfected unto the day of Jesus Christ. And of thy mercy, O heavenly Father, vouchsafe that we, who now serve thee here on earth, may at the last, together with them, be found meet to be par-takers of the inheritance of the saints in light; for the sake of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

 
54. For absent Brethren and Friends.

  Let us pray for brethren and friends now absent from us.
  V. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in;
  R. From this time forth for evermore.

ALMIGHTY Father, who art present in thy power in every place: Give ear in thy loving-kindness to the supplications which we offer unto thee on behalf of our brethren and friends now absent from us; may thy mighty hand shield and protect them from all evil; may thy Holy Spirit guide them in the right way and bless their going out and their coming in; [bring them back to us in safety,] audi grant that, being united by our fellowship with thee, we may all at the last be gathered in the home which is above; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
55. For those who travel by sea.

  Let us pray for those who travel by sea.
  V. God which dwelleth in heaven prosper their journey;
  R. And let his angel go with them.

O ALMIGHTY God, whose way is in the sea, and whose paths are in the great waters: Be present, we beseech thee, with our brethren in the manifold dangers of the deep; protect them from all its perils; prosper them in their course; and in safety bring them, with a grateful sense of thy mercies, to the haven where they would be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Prayers to be used at sea.

56

O ETERNAL Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the sea; who hast compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end: Be pleased to receive into thy almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us thy servants and the ship in which we sail. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea, that we may reach in safety the land to which we go, and with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies may praise and glorify thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
In storms at sea.

57

O MOST glorious and gracious Lord God, who dwellest in heaven, but beholdest all things below: Look down, we beseech thee, and hear us, who are in peril; send thy word of command to rebuke the raging winds, and the roaring sea; that we, being delivered from this distress, may live to serve thee, and to glorify thy Name all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 


 

THANKSGIVINGS

 

1. A General Thanksgiving.

ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men; [to be said when any desire to return praise*particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgivings for thy late mercies vouchsafed unto them.] We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

When thanks are given for particular mercies the following Bidding may be used: Let us give thanks for ——, or like words.

 
2. For Favourable Weather.

O LORD God, who hast in thy mercy relieved and comforted thy servants by this favourable change of weather: We yield thee hearty thanks for thy goodness towards us, beseeching thee to give us grace to use all thy mercies to the honour and glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
3. For the Blessings of Harvest.

O LORD God Almighty, who hast promised that while the earth remaineth seedtime and harvest shall not cease: We give thee hearty thanks for the blessings of the harvest which of thy bounty we have received, and for these and all other thy mercies we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, .be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen.

 
4. For Plenty.

O MOST merciful Father, who of thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of thy Church: We give thee humble thanks for thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness unto us, that our land may yield her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
5. For Peace and Deliverance from our Enemies.

O ALMIGHTY God, who art a strong tower of defence unto thy servants against the face of their enemies: We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance [or for thy gracious gift of peace], confessing that it is of thy goodness alone that we have been preserved; and we beseech thee to continue thy mercies towards us, that we may always acknowledge thee as our Saviour and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
6. For restoring Public Peace at Home.

O ETERNAL God, our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in an house: We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleased thee to appease the strife which hath lately prevailed amongst us; most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy commandments; and leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
7. For Deliverance from Common Sickness.

O LORD God, who dost not willingly afflict the children of men, and in thy mercy hast assuaged the grievous sickness that hath prevailed amongst us: Accept the praises and thanksgivings which we now offer unto thee for thy great goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
8. For Overseas Missions.

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who in days of old didst cause thy Word to grow mightily and to prevail: We praise and magnify thy holy Name for the manifestation of thy presence in this our day, and we beseech thee to pour out thy Spirit upon the Church, that thy way may be known upon earth and thy saving health among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 


 

THE BIDDING PRAYER

 

LET us pray for Christ's Holy Catholic Church throughout the world, especially for the Churches of Great Britain and Ireland; for all Christian Sovereigns, Princes, and Governors, particularly our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, over all estates of men in these her dominions supreme; for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Charles Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family; for the ministers of God's holy word and sacraments, especially for N. Bishop of this Diocese, and all the clergy of the same; for the great Council of the nation [now in Parliament assembled], for the Nobility, Judges, and Magistrates of the realm, *especially for the [Lord]to be used in cities and burghs Provost and Magistrates of this ancient [and royal] city [or burgh]: that all these in their several callings may serve truly and faithfully to the glory of God and the edifying and well-governing of his people, remembering always the strict and solemn account which they must give before the judgement-seat of Christ. And for all other subjects of this realm, let us pray that they may live in the true faith and fear of God, in dutiful obedience to the Queen and brotherly charity one to another. And that there may never be wanting a supply of fit persons to serve God in Church and State, let us pray for a blessing on our universities [especially on . . . . . . .], and on all colleges and schools, especially on the Theological College of our Church, that in these and in all places set apart for God's honour and service true religion and sound learning may ever flourish and abound.d. 2. to be used at Dedication Festivals or Commemorations of benefactors[2And let us give thanks to Almighty God for all his servants, both living and departed, who have given of their substance or service towards the founding, building, maintenance, and adornment of this church or institution or college3; and especially are we bound to remember. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]
    Finally, let us praise God for those who are departed out of this life in the faith of Christ, and let us pray unto him that we may be made partakers with them in the glorious resurrection unto life everlasting. All which things let us humbly ask in the words which Christ himself hath taught us, saying:

OUR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

* Alternative title, “For all those labouring for peace”

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