532—The Church
Lord, for Thy Holy Catholic Church we pray: for the Churches throughout the world, for their truth, unity, and stability, that in all charity may thrive and truth live: for our own Church, that the things that are wanting therein may be supplied, and those things set in order that are not right: that all heresies, schisms, and scandals, as well public and private, may be put out of the way: for the clergy, that they may rightly divide the word of truth, that they may walk uprightly, and that while they are teaching others they may learn themselves: and for the people, that they may not think of themselves more highly than they ought, but be persuaded by reason to walk in the ways of truth and peace. After Lancelot Andrewes
533—The Church
We give Thee thanks, Almighty Father, for Thy gifts to this nation in past times through Thy Church. Grant that we may be worthy of our inheritance; quicken our faith and inspire us with Thy Spirit that we may walk together in fellowship and peace; draw all men unto Thee and one to another by the bands of Thy love; and unite us in a sacred brotherhood, wheren justice, mercy, and faith, truth and freedom, may flourish, to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon.
534—The Church
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast revealed Thy glory in Christ to all the nations: protect, we beseech Thee, what Thy compassion has created, that Thy Church which is spread abroad throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary
535—The Church
O Lord, Who blessest them that bless Thee and hallowest them that put their trust in Thee, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance: guard the fullness of Thy Church; hallow them that love the beauty of Thine house; lift them up in glory and reward them by Thy divine power; and forsake us not whose hope is in Thee. Give Thy peace to Thy world, to Thy Churches, to priests, to the forces, and to all Thy people; for every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from Thee, the Father of lights: and to Thee do we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Liturgy of St. Chrysostom
536—The Church
We pray Thee, Lord, to guide and uphold Thy Church with Thine unfailing goodness; that it may walk warily in times of quiet, and in troublous times with faith and courage; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After St. Francis
537—The Church
Remember, O Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it all evil and to perfect it in Thy love. Strengthen and preserve it by Thy Word and Sacraments. Enlarge its borders, that so Thy Gospel may be preached to all nations; and gather the faithful from all the ends of the earth into the kingdom which Thou hast prepared. Swedish Liturgy
538—The Church
Preserve, O God, the Catholic Church in holiness and truth, in unity and peace, free from persecution, or glorious under it; that she may advance the honour of her Lord Jesus, for ever represent His sacrifice, and glorify His Person, and advance His religion, and be accepted of Thee in her blessed Lord, that being filled with His Spirit she may partake of His glory. Jeremy Taylor
539—The Church
O Thou gracious Father of mercy, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon Thy servants, who bow our heads, and our knees, and our hearts to Thee; pardon and forgive us all our sins; give us the grace of holy repentance, and a strict obedience to Thy holy Word; strengthen us in the inner man with the power of the Holy Ghost for all the parts and duties of our calling and holy living; preserve us for ever in the unity of the Holy Catholic Church, and in the integrity of the Christian Faith, and in the love of God and of our neighbours, and in hope of life eternal. Jeremy Taylor
540—The Church
Gracious Father, we humbly beseech Thee, for Thy Holy Catholic Church; fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purge it; where it is in error, direct it; where it is superstitious, rectify it; where anything is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen and confirm it; where it is in want, furnish it; where it is divided and rent asunder, make up the breaches of it; O Thou Holy One of Israel. Archbishop Laud
541—The Church
O God, we pray for Thy Church which is set today amid the perplexities of a changing order, and is face to face with new tasks: fill us afresh with the Spirit of Pentecost; help us to bear witness boldly to the coming of Thy kingdom; and hasten the time when the knowledge of Thyself shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. Unknown
542—The Church
God, our Shepherd, give to the Church a new vision and a new charity, new wisdom and fresh understanding, the revival of her brightness and the renewal of her unity; that the eternal message of Thy Son, undefiled by the traditions of men, may be hailed as the good news of the new age; through Him Who maketh all things new, Jesus Christ our Lord. Percy Dearmer
543—Unity
O Lord, the God of patience and consolation, grant us to be likeminded one towards another according to Jesus Christ; that with one mind and one mouth we may glorify Thee, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5–6
544—Unity
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. Accession Service, 1714
545—Unity
O Sovereign Lord, Almighty God, look upon Thy Church and upon all Thy people, and all Thy flock, and save us all, Thine unworthy servants, the sheep of Thy flock. Give us Thy peace, and Thy love, and Thy help, and send down upon us the free gift of Thine all-holy Spirit; that with pure heart and good conscience we may be united blameless and spotless in one spirit in the bond of peace and of love, one body and one spirit, in one faith as we have been called in one hope of our calling; so that we all may attain to the divine and boundless love, in Christ Jesus our Lord; with Whom, and with Thy all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, Thou art blessed for evermore. Liturgy of St. Mark
546—Unity
Gracious Lord, Who art the God of concord and peace; unite our hearts and affections in such sort together, that we may walk as brethren in Thy house, in brotherly love and charity, and as members of the Body of Christ. Let the sanctifying oil of Thy Holy Spirit inflame us, and the dew of Thy blessing continually fall upon us, that we may enter into life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. After Scottish Psalter, 1595
547—Unity
Lord, we beseech Thee: let the whole Christian folk be made one; bring together those whom Thou hast called and chosen; break down the walls of division; and frustrate the enemies of peace. Lord, we beseech Thee, bring in the day when there shall be one flock and one Shepherd. From the German
548—Unity
Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to v grant unto the whole Christian people unity, peace, and true concord, both visible and invisible; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon.
549—Unity
O Lord Jesu Christ, Who didst pray for Thy disciples that they might be one, even as Thou art one with the Father: draw us to Thyself, that in common love and obedience to Thee we may be united to one another, in the fellowship of the one Spirit, that the world may believe that Thou art Lord, to the glory of God the Father. William Temple
550—Unity
O Lord, we pray Thee to set our feet in a large room, where hearts are made pure from sin by faith in Thee, and faces are turned to the light; grant that we may be one in Thee, and that no narrow walls of division between man and man may destroy the unity which Thou hast made in the Spirit of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
551—Unity
Grant, O Lord, that as there is one Spirit, one Lord, one Faith, and one Hope of our calling; so Thy Church, as one Body, may draw all nations into peace and unity; through Him in Whom all men are one, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Unknown
552—The Confession of Faith
O Lord Christ, Who judgest the earth, and hast laid the sure foundation upon which Thy Church has upraised its confession of faith: grant that we may not build our faith upon the sand, where storms may overthrow it; and establish us upon the rock which is steadfast in Thee; to the glory of Thy Name. Mozarabic
553—The Church in Persecution
O God, our refuge and strength, Who art a very present help in time of trouble: have mercy upon Thy Church in its hour of persecution; deliver Thy people by Thy mighty protection from tyranny and oppression; save them from the dangers that beset them; and restore to them the blessings of freedom and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
554—The Persecuted
Blessed Lord, Who Thyself didst undergo the pain suffering of the Cross: uphold, we beseech Thee, with Thy promised gift of strength all those of our brethren who are suffering for their faith in Thee. Grant that in the midst of their persecutions they may hold fast by this faith, and that from their steadfastness Thy Church may grow in grace, and we ourselves increase in perseverance, to the honour of Thy Name; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit art ever one God. Anon.
555—The Persecuted
O Lord, grant, we beseech Thee, liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are in bondage for Thy truth; that Thy people may rejoice in the freedom which Thy mercy giveth, both in this world and that which is to come. Gothic Missal
556—A Conference of Bishops
Eternal Father, Who wouldest make the Church Thy dear Son a city great and fair, the joy of the whole earth; we beseech Thee, by the sending of Thy Holy Spirit to direct its counsels in all manner of wisdom, love, and might; remove perplexity, establish concord, kindle flame; and gather a people single and strong of faith, to the praise of Him Who with Thee and the same Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Lambeth Conference, 1930
557—The Archbishop
Almighty God, giver of all good things, Who by Thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in Thy Church: mercifully behold Thy servant N... enthroned into the high office and dignity of Archbishop and Metropolitan of this Province; and replenish him so with the truth of Thy doctrine, and adorn him with innocency of life, that both by word and deed he may faithfully serve Thee in this office, to the glory of Thy Name, and the edifying and well governing of Thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Book of Common Prayer
558—The Bishops
Almighty God, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed Thy flock: give grace, we beseech Thee, to all bishops, the pastors of Thy Church, that they may diligently preach Thy Word, and duly administer the Godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Book of Common Prayer
559—The Bishop
O God, the Pastor and Ruler of Thy faithful servants, look down in Thy mercy upon Thy servant, our bishop, N..., to whom Thou hast given charge over this diocese; evermore guide, defend, comfort, and save him; and grant that he, with the flock committed to his charge, may attain to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ambrosian Use
560—The Bishop
O God, Who art the Pastor and Ruler of Thy holy Church: look graciously upon this diocese, and especially upon Thy servant N..., our bishop. Endue him plentifully with Thy manifold gifts of grace; and guide him continually in Thy paths, that he may lead aright the flock committed to him. Grant this for His sake, Who is the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. After Ambrosian Use
561 The Bishop
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to Thy servant N..., our bishop, that by preaching and doing those things that be Godly, he may set forth the example of good works, and teach and strengthen the souls of the people committed to his government; and that finally he may receive the everlasting recompense of the reward from Thee, the most merciful Pastor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. As used in St. Paul’s
562—A Bishop’s Prayer
O God, the Pastor and Governor of all Thy faithful people, look down in mercy upon me Thy servant whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint chief pastor of Thy Church of Canterbury: grant, I most humbly beseech Thee, that I may profit those whom I am set over, both by doctrine and example; that I, together with my flock committed to my charge, may come to eternal life. Archbishop Laud
563—Bishops And Clergy
O Almighty God, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed Thy flock: make, we beseech Thee, all bishops and pastors of Thy Church diligently to preach Thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, they may together receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book
564—The Diocese
O God, Who hast called us to be members together of Thy Church, which is the Body of Thy Son, pour out, we beseech Thee, Thy Spirit upon this diocese. Endue with strength and love and wisdom all who bear authority and serve Thee therein. Accept our gifts, our labours, and our love, and use them for the advancement of Thy kingdom and the glory of Thy Name. Lead us in all our work for Thee, and unite us in the joyful service of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Bishop A. A. David
565—The Diocese
O God, Who hast graciously united us in a goodly fellowship, we pray for Thy Church in this diocese and for Thy people in our parishes, that comeliness of worship, preaching of the faith, and holiness of living may always abound and everywhere be spread abroad amongst us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. After A. J. Mason
566—The Diocese
Almighty and everlasting God, we beseech Thee to down with mercy upon this diocese. Remember for good its bishop, priests, and deacons, and all Thy faithful people therein; bless, we beseech Thee, the ministration of Thy holy Word and Sacraments, and the preaching of Thy Gospel to those that are without; that Thy holy Name may be glorified and Thy blessed kingdom enlarged; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Oremus, adapted
567—The Diocese
O Lord God, our ruler and guide, Who from generation to generation dost lead Thy people, and givest to those who seek it the guidance of Thy wise and loving Spirit: be present, we pray Thee, with us to whom Thou givest in trust the welfare of this diocese. Unite us ever more closely in the fellowship of faith and devotion; that we may perceive and know what things we ought to do, and have grace and power to fulfill the same. Guide us in all our works and ways, that Thy people may faithfully serve Thee, to the glory of Thy Name, the extension of Thy Church, and the coming of Thy kingdom. Grant this, O Lord, for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. A. B. Daldy
568—The Diocese
O Lord God, the Father of Lights, from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift: pour out, we beseech Thee, Thy heavenly blessing upon Thy people in this diocese; that through their faith and fellowship Thy holy Name may be glorified and Thy Church be strengthened in Thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt
569—The Diocese
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst charge Thine Apostles that they should preach the Gospel to every creature: prosper, we pray Thee, the work of Thy Church in this diocese; and so guide the minds of N . . . our bishop, and those who work with him, that Thy people may be moved to extend to others the means of grace, and to share with them the blessings of Thy redeeming love; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Unknown
570—The Clergy
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. South African Prayer Book
571—The Clergy
O Lord our God, fill, we beseech Thee, all those whom Thou hast set as pastors over Thy flock with righteousness and true holiness; that by their faith and devotion they may overcome evil and deliver us in time of danger and adversity. Gothic Missal
572—The Clergy
O Thou good Shepherd, Who didst lay down Thy life for Thy sheep, and dost ever nourish them with the spiritual food of Thy most precious Body and Blood: we pray Thee to quicken with Thy divine charity the hearts of those whom Thou dost choose to be pastors of Thy flock, that they may resolve gladly to spend whatsoever Thou hast given them in ministering to the salvation of Thine elect servants, and to Thine own eternal praise and glory; Who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Oremus
573—The Clergy
O God, Who makest Thine angels spirits, and Thy ministers a flame of fire: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to stir up and confirm the sacred grace of Orders in all stewards of Thy mysteries; that as ministering spirits they may gather out of Thy kingdom all things that offend, and may kindle in the hearts of all that fire which Thou camest to send upon the earth; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Henry Parry Liddon
574—The Clergy
Remember, O gracious Lord, for good these Thy ministering servants: pour out upon them evermore Thy Holy Spirit, to strengthen, deepen, chasten, and purify them; that, giving themselves up to Thy service, they may do and suffer all that Thou willest, and finally may reign with Thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. Armitage Robinson
575—The Clergy
O Lord, Who delightest to effect by grace what the weakness of our nature cannot attain: illuminate the stewards of Thy mysteries with Thy indwelling purity, that in the work of the ministry their word may go forth as fire to purify the unclean, to enlighten the ignorant, and to quicken the dead. Richard Meux Benson
576—The Clergy
Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, to all whom Thou hast called to the sacred ministry of Thy Church, such a sense of their high calling that they may count no sacrifice too great to make in Thy service; and that, so bringing a blessing to their people, they may themselves be blessed of Thee; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Peter Green
577—The Clergy
O Lord, we beseech Thee to support, guide, and bless the clergy who are called to labour in this diocese: give them grace to witness to the faith, endue them with burning zeal and love, make them patient under disappointments and meekly submissive under provocations; that they may turn many to righteousness, and themselves obtain a crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Wells Office Book
578—Increase of the Ministry
O Lord, we beseech Thee to raise up for the work of the ministry faithful and able men, counting it all joy to spend and be spent for the sake of Thy dear Son, and for the souls for which He shed His most precious Blood upon the Cross; and we pray Thee to fit them for their holy function by Thy bountiful grace and heavenly benediction. Archbishop Benson
579—During a Vacancy in a Parish
O merciful God, Who knowest the needs of Thy Church and people in this place: look favourably upon us at this time, and of Thy great goodness grant unto us a parish priest according to Thy heart, who shall perform all Thy will; through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
580—A Retreat
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst say to Thy disciples, Come ye apart into a desert place and rest awhile: grant, we beseech Thee, to Thy servants now gathered together, so to seek Thee Whom our souls desire to love, that we may both find Thee and be found of Thee; and grant such love and such wisdom to accompany the words which shall be spoken in Thy Name, that they may not fall to the ground, but may be helpful in leading us onward through the toils of our pilgrimage to that rest which remaineth; where, nevertheless, they rest not day nor night from Thy perfect service; Who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Richard Meux Benson
581—Before a Retreat
O Lord Jesu Christ, Who didst say to Thine apostles, ‘Come ye apart into a desert place and rest awhile,’ for there were many coming and going: grant, we beseech Thee, to Thy servants, here gathered together, that they may rest awhile at this present time with Thee. May they so seek Thee, Whom their souls desire to love, that they may both find Thee and be found of Thee. And grant such love, and such wisdom to accompany the words which shall be spoken in Thy name, that they may not fall to the ground, but may be helpful in leading us onward through the toils of our pilgrimage to that rest, which remaineth to the people of God; where, nevertheless, they rest not day and night from Thy perfect service; Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest ever one God, world without end. Richard Meux Benson
582—Readers
Look, we beseech Thee, merciful Father, upon those whom Thou hast called to be readers in Thy Church; and grant that they may be so filled with Thy Holy Spirit that, seeking only Thy glory and the salvation of souls, they may preach Thy Word with steadfast devotion, and by the constancy of their faith and the innocency of their lives may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour in all things; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt
583—Deaconesses
Almighty God, Who hast committed to men and women the ministry of the Gospel: pour Thy grace upon Thy servants called to the order of deaconesses; that in all they do and teach they may love and serve Thee, to the glory of Thy Name and the benefit of Thy Church; through Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Prayer of the Order
584—A Deaconess
Almighty God, Who hast called this Thy servant to the office and ministry of a deaconess in Thy Church: mercifully grant unto her grace and power to perform the work which Thou givest her to do; that through her service Thou mayest forward Thy purposes of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Convocation
585—Church Extension
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast taught us that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that to whom much is given, of them shall much be required: pour out upon us the spirit of Thine own abundant giving; that as we have received the Churches in which we worship, we also may freely give, that others may enjoy a like inheritance, and become partakers with us in the fellowship of Thy Church; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt
586—Building a New Church
Almighty Father, Who dwellest not in temples made with hands, and yet wiliest that Thy children shall worship Thee in houses set apart to Thine honour: look graciously, we beseech Thee, upon us whom Thou hast called to build a Church for this parish, that Thou mayest put Thy Name there and hallow it as a witness to generations that are yet to come. Inspire us by Thy Spirit, that we may lay its foundations in love and set up its pillars with sacrifice. Move the hearts of Thy people to give willingly and to work patiently that this Thy house may be brought to fulfillment in beauty, and that we ourselves may be built up a spiritual temple acceptable unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt
587—A Parish Church and Congregation
O Everlasting God, Who art ever adored by the holy angels, and yet dost choose us to be stewards of Thy mysteries: bless, we beseech Thee, the work of this Church and congregation, that we may serve before Thee in purity and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Office of Compline, adapted
588—Beauty in Worship
O God, Who hast chosen material things to be the instruments of divine grace: grant us so to realize the glory of that heavenly fellowship wherein Thou callest us to worship Thee, that we may the better show our reverence for Thy majesty by our care for Thy holy house; and, rejoicing in the outward beauty of Thy sacred functions, may gain fuller experience of their inward power; to the glory of Thy great Name through Christ our Lord. Richard Meux Benson
589—Church Institutions
Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, merciful Lord, to prosper with Thy blessing all institutions designed for the promotion of Thy glory and the good of souls. Grant that those who serve Thee in religious houses, hospitals, and schools, may set Thy holy will ever before them, and do that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight, and persevere in Thy service unto the end. Richard Mews Benson
590—Choirs
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who before Thy Passion didst join with Thy disciples in a hymn of praise: grant, we beseech Thee, to those who offer the sacrifice of song in Thy Church that they may be admitted hereafter to have their part in the music of Thy Church in heaven, and adore Thee for ever; to Whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. As used at Salisbury
591—Choirs
Almighty God, Who hast given unto men power to invent for themselves instruments of music, and skill to use them in sounding forth Thy praise: grant that the music heard in this Thy holy and beautiful house may kindle a spirit of devotion in us Thy servants; and that we, taking our part in prayer and praise to Thee here on earth, may hereafter be admitted into Thy heavenly temple, and join in the everlasting song of the redeemed around Thy throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. As used at Salisbury
592—Choirs
O Lord God Almighty, behold and hallow Thy servants who bear office in the choirs of Thy Church; and grant that in purity of heart and mind they may sing Thy praises and offer unto Thee true and acceptable worship. Keep them, we beseech Thee, in the fellowship of Thy saints; through the grace of Thine only-begotten Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
593—A Choir
O Lord our God, before Whom the heavens do bow and adore, Who dost give ear to the praises of Thy Church on earth: look, we beseech Thee, upon those who sing in this choir; give them reverence in worship, sincerity of purpose, and purity of life; that what they sing with their lips may be the sacrifice of their hearts; to the honour and glory of Thy holy Name. Unknown
594—Choirs and Choral Festivals
Almighty God, Who hast ordained that the hearts of men are moved by sacred harmonies, and their minds attuned thereby to the understanding of Thy divine mysteries: grant, we pray Thee, that all who in this holy house unite in making unto Thee an offering of music may know themselves to be Thy ministers, and that the hearts of those who hear may be uplifted and strengthened in their faith and hope in Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon.
595—Music
O God, Who in the gift of music hast given unto us a revelation of Thy divine beauty: teach us to love Thee in all Thy gifts, and so to devote ourselves in all our work to Thy glory, that through music we may raise men from the sorrows of this world to the enjoyment of Thy divine loveliness. Harold Anson
596—The Parish
Almighty and everlasting God, Who dost govern all things in heaven and earth, mercifully hear the supplications of us Thy servants, and grant unto this parish all things that are needful for its spiritual welfare: schools wherein to bring up the young in Thy faith and fear, ministers to labour in this portion of Thy vineyard, a Church restored to the beauty of holiness. Strengthen and increase the faithful: visit and relieve the sick: turn and soften the wicked: rouse the careless: recover the fallen: restore the penitent: remove all hindrances to the advancement of Thy truth: bring us all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of Thy holy Church, to the honour and glory of Thy Name. W. T. Butler
597—A Parochial Church Council
Almighty God, Who hast united us in Thy as members of one body: grant that we may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith Thou hast called us; may brotherly kindness abound amongst us, Thy blessing rest upon our work, Thy Name be hallowed in our midst, and Thy peace guard our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
598—A Parochial Church Council
O Lord and heavenly Father, strengthen us, we beseech Thee, in love one to another, and increase in us the love of Thyself. Deliver us from self-seeking in the work that we undertake for Thee; and grant us grace so faithfully to serve Thee with one heart and soul in the fellowship of Thy Church on earth, that hereafter we may be united in the communion of Thy saints in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
599—Churchworkers
Almighty Father, from Whom every family in heaven and earth is named, Who hast called us into the fellowship of Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that in all our parishes we may fulfill the duties and enjoy the privileges of our spiritual home. And upon those who offer themselves for Thy service bestow the fullness of Thy grace; that, united in love to Thee and to one another, we may show forth Thy glory and hasten the coming of Thy kingdom. Unknown
600—Churchworkers
O Thou true light that lightest every man, coming into the world: we pray Thee in Thy mercy to inflame the heart and enlighten the understanding of all whom Thou dost call to the service of Thy Church; that they may cheerfully acknowledge and readily obey Thy call, to the benefit of Thy people and the glory of Thy holy Name; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, world without end. Henry Parry Liddon
601—Churchworkers
Grant, O Lord, that those whom Thou dost choose to work for Thee may labour in union with Thy holy purposes, and in living unity with Thy dear Son Jesus Christ; lat by the power of Thy Holy Spirit we may accomplish far more than we ever know, and work not for results but for the single love of Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop G. H. Wilkinson
602—Churchworkers
O Lord, without Whom our labour is but lost, and with Whom Thy little ones go forth as the mighty: be present to all works in Thy Church which are undertaken according to Thy will; and grant to Thy labourers a pure intention, patient faith, sufficient success upon earth, and the bliss of serving Thee in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Bright
603—Churchworkers
O God, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and admitted us into the fellowship of Thy saints; grant, we beseech Thee, that as by baptism we are made members of the Body of Christ, so by Thy grace we may grow up in all things into Him Who is the Head, even Jesus Christ our Lord.
604—Women Workers
O almighty God, Who makest us to will and to do of Thy good pleasure: give Thy servants grace that they may be faithful to the charge committed to them, and that they may be a Godly example to the people among whom they are called to work; so that, this life ended, they may come to Thy heavenly kingdom; through Christ our Lord. As used in Southwark Diocese
605—Increase of Lay Workers
Blessed Jesus, Lord of the harvest, send forth, we pray Thee, labourers into Thy harvest, and by Thy Holy Spirit stir the hearts of many, that they may be ready to spend and be spent in Thy service; and, if it please Thee, so to lose their life in this world that they may gather fruit unto life eternal, O Lord, Thou lover of souls. Bishop Milman
606—Bell-Ringers
Grant, O Lord, that those who are appointed to ring the bells of Thy church may serve Thee faithfully in this their calling; and being ever mindful that Thy house is holy, may put away from them light behaviour and evil thoughts, and so continue in purity of life that they may be accounted worthy at last to praise Thee in Thy heavenly temple; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
607—Church Bells
Incline Thine ear, O Lord, to our prayers, and grant that whensoever the bells of Thy church shall sound in this parish, they may awaken in the hearts of those who hear them the desire to worship Thee with Thy church, that faith and devotion may be increased in all Christian people among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
608—Guidance in Finance
O Lord our God, Who art the supreme owner of all that we possess: grant us grace to use our stewardship of money in accordance with Thy will, and wisdom that we may prudently administer that which has been committed to our trust, to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
609—Liberal Giving
Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful people: that they who have freely received of Thy bounty, may of Thy bounty freely give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John Dowden
Section 7: Evangelism
610—Christ the King
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast willed to restore all things in Thy well-beloved Son, the King and Lord of all: mercifully grant that all peoples and nations, divided and wounded by sin, may be brought under the gentle yoke of His most loving rule; Who with Thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Sarum
611—The Kingdom of God
O Lord, Who hast set before us the great hope that Thy kingdom shall come, and hast taught us to pray for its coming: give us grace to discern the signs of its dawning, and to work for the perfect day when Thy will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Percy Dearmer
612—The Kingdom of God
O God and Father of all, Whom the whole heavens adore: let the whole earth also worship Thee, all kingdoms obey Thee, all tongues confess and bless Thee, and the sons of men love Thee and serve Thee in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. E. Milner-White
613—The Kingdom of God
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