known unto them, Thy saving health and mercy to all our race. 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. We commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body or estate, especially those for whom our prayers are now 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 ask as Thy children and disciples of Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Minister and People. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving kindness to us and to all mankind (particularly to Thy children who now desire to offer Thee their thanks and praise). We bless Thee for our creation, for Thy daily care of us, and for 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 the greater glory yet to come. Father, give us such a deep and abiding sense of these Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show 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 Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us, Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Minister alone. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God our Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all for evermore. Amen. Here may be given notice of the hours and occasions of Divine Worship. Other notices, in order that the spirit of worship may not be disturbed, should be posted in the Church porch. After this, where a Collection is customary, shall come the Offertory. During the Offertory an Anthem may be sung, and after the Offering has been reverently presented and placed upon the Holy Table the worship shall then proceed as here. A Hymn. The Sermon. After the sermon a brief silence shall be kept for Private Meditation, followed by a The Minister, standing before the Congregation, shall reverently recite these sentences. Come unto Him all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come, and let him that heareth say Come, and let him that is athirst come and whosoever will let him take the water of Life freely. Surely the Lord is in this place; this is none other than the House of God; and this is the Gate of Heaven. Then shall the Minister pronounce this Address. Brethren, once more we come together in our Father's House that as members of one family we may give thanks for the great benefits which we have received at His hands; to set forth His most worthy praise; to hear His most Holy Word and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul. Wherefore, I pray you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart and humble voice unto the Throne of the Heavenly Grace. Then Minister and People, humbly kneeling, shall say: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts and sadly grieved Thy Holy Spirit. Forgetful of our duty we have left undone those things we ought to have done. Neglectful of Thy wishes we have done those things we ought not to have done. Thou knowest, Lord! Have mercy upon us and forgive us all our errors and our sins. And grant, O most merciful Father, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and nobler life, to the glory of Thy Holy Name and to the better service of Thy Holy Church. Amen. Declaration of God's Forgiveness. Made by Minister alone still kneeling. Almighty God our Heavenly Father, Who is loving unto every man and Whose mercy is over all His works, hath promised forgiveness to all those who confess and forsake their sins. Wherefore, brethren, as we put our whole trust and confidence in His perfect love, let us return unto the Lord and He will have mercy, and to our God and He will abundantly pardon and deliver us from our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and bring us at the last to the full fruition of our immortal hope through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Then shall be said or sung these Versicles: Minister. O Lord, open Thou our lips. People. And our mouth shall show forth Thy praise. Minister. O God, make speed to save us. People. O Lord, make haste to help us. Minister. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; People. : As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen. Minister. Praise ye the Lord. People. The Lord's Name be praised. Here shall be sung the following Hymn or at the discretion of the Minister, some other appropriate Hymn or Anthem. Gloria in Excelsis, Deo. Glory be to God on high, and on earth, peace, Good-will toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship We glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. |