407—The Cross: Divine Attraction
O Lord Jesu Christ, take us to Thyself, draw us with cords to the foot of Thy Cross; for we have not strength to come, and we know not the way. Thou art mighty to save, and none can separate us from Thy love: bring us home to Thyself; for we are gone astray. We have wandered; do Thou seek us. Under the shadow of Thy Cross let us live all the rest of our lives, and there we shall be safe. Archbishop Frederick Temple
408—The Cross
Lord Jesus, Who on this holy day of Thy passion didst stretch out Thine arms upon the hard wood of the Cross, that all men might be brought within their saving embrace; draw us unto Thyself with the bands of Thy love, that we may be found of Thee and find Thee; and grant that, evermore being bound unto Thee as Thy faithful servants, we may take up our cross daily and follow Thee, and at last attain to Thine eternal joy; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Unknown
409—The Cross
Grant, O Lord, that in Thy wounds I may find my safety, in Thy stripes my cure, in Thy pain my peace, in Thy Cross my victory, in Thy Resurrection my triumph, and a crown of righteousness in the glories of Thy eternal kingdom. Jeremy Taylor
410—The Cross
O Christ, our God, Who for us sinners didst endure the Cross, and so didst enlighten the world’s darkness: visit our hearts, we beseech Thee, with Thy heavenly light, and open the eyes of our minds to know Thee as Thou art, Thou lover of souls; Who through death didst destroy death and ever livest to make intercession for us; and with the Father and the Holy Spirit art one God, for ever and ever.
411—Lux Crucis
O Lord, Who for our sake didst endure the bitterness of death and despise the shame, and in Thy Cross and passion dost draw all men unto Thyself: kindle in our hearts the vision of Thy love, and shed abroad the light of Thy victory in the darkness of the world; Who now livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and art loved, worshipped, and adored, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt
412—When the Even Was Come
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who at this evening hour didst rest in the sepulchre and didst thereby sanctify the grave to be a bed of hope to Thy people: make us so to abound in sorrow for our sins, which were the cause of Thy passion, that when our bodies lie in the dust, our souls may live with Thee; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Office of Compline
413—Easter Even
O God, Whose loving-kindness is infinite, mercifully hear our prayers: that, as in this life we are united in the mystical body of Thy Church; and in death are laid in holy ground with hope of resurrection, so at the last day we may rise again with all Thy blessed saints; through Him Who died and rose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.
414—Easter Even
My God, my lover, I thirst after Thee, I hunger after Thee. As I can, not as I ought, having in mind Thy passion, Thy buffetings, Thy scourgings, Thy wounds, remembering how Thou wast slain for my sake, how Thou wast embalmed, how and where Thou wast buried, I sit with Mary at the sepulchre in my heart weeping. Where faith hath laid Thee, hope seeketh to find Thee, love to anoint Thee. Come now, O Lord, reveal Thy face to me, show Thy mercy to those that implore it. We know that Thy Resurrection is accomplished: manifest to our eyes Thy blessed incorruption. Abide with us, abide with us until the morning. Let us enjoy Thy presence; let us be glad and rejoice in Thy Resurrection. The darkness thickens, the evening cometh fast. May our sun, the Light eternal, Christ our God, show us the light of His countenance! St. Anselm
415—Abide With Us
Abide with us, O Lord, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent: abide with us, and with Thy whole Church. Abide with us in the evening of the day, in the evening of life, in the evening of the world. Abide with us in Thy grace and mercy, in holy Word and Sacrament, in Thy comfort and Thy blessing. Abide with us in the night of distress and fear, in the night of doubt and temptation, in the night of bitter death, when these shall overtake us. Abide with us and with all Thy faithful ones, O Lord, in time and in eternity. Lutheran Manuel of Prayer
416—Easter: Benedictus
Blessed be Thou, O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to Thine abundant mercy didst beget us again unto a living hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us who are kept by Thy power through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Whom having not seen, we love; to Whom with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, praise and dominion, for ever and ever. After St. Peter
417—Easter
O God of peace, Who didst bring again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of the eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus: make us perfect in every good thing to do Thy will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory for ever and ever. After Hebrews 13
418—O God, Who for our redemption didst give Thine only-begotten Son to the death of the Cross, and by His glorious Resurrection hast delivered us from the power of the enemy: grant us so to die daily unto sin, that we may evermore live with Him in the joy of His Resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 1549 Prayer Book
419—Almighty God, Who art worshipped by the heavenly host with hymns that are never silent and thanksgivings that never cease: fill our mouths with Thy praise that we may worthily magnify Thy holy Name for all the wonderful blessings of Thy love, and chiefly on this day for the Resurrection of Thy Son. Grant us, with all those that fear Thee and keep Thy commandments, to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost may praise from all the world be given, now and for evermore. Unknown
420—O Risen Lord, Who after Thy passion didst show Thyself alive unto Thine Apostles by many infallible proofs, and didst speak unto them the things that concern the kingdom of God: speak unto us also who wait upon Thee, and fill us with joy and peace in believing; that we may abound in hope, and knowing Thy will may faithfully perform it, even unto the end; through Thy grace, Who livest and reignest, Lord of the dead and of the living. Unknown
421—Almighty God, Who didst bring again from the dead our Lord Jesus, and hast brought life and immortality to light with Him through the Gospel: grant that we, who are raised together with Him and are partakers of the joy and hope of His Resurrection, may daily die unto sin and walk on earth in the power of His endless life in heaven; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be praise and thanksgiving, dominion and power, both now and for evermore. Frederick B. Macnutt
422—O God, Who through Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as He was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we may walk in newness of life, and seek those things which are above; where with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, He liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
423—Grant to us, Lord, we beseech Thee, that as we joyfully celebrate the mysteries of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, so at His coming we may rejoice before Thee with all Thy saints; through the love of Him Who died for us and rose again.
424—We give Thee thanks, Almighty Father, Who hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of Thy Son: grant, we beseech Thee, that as by His death He has restored to us hope and peace, He may raise us up with Him to life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
425—O Thou, Who didst manifest Thyself in the breaking of bread to Thy disciples at Emmaus, grant us ever through the same blessed Sacrament of Thy Presence to know Thee, and to love Thee more and more with all our hearts. Abide with us, abide in us, that we may ever abide in Thee; dwell in us that we may ever dwell in Thee, O good Jesu, Thou God of our salvation. Edward Bouverie Pusey
426—Lord Jesus, I beseech Thee by Thy glorious Resurrection, raise me up from the sepulchre of my sins and vices, and daily give me a part in Thy Resurrection by grace, that I may be made a partner also in Thy Resurrection of glory. St. Augustine
427—Pour upon us, O Lord, Thy heavenly benediction, that we may be armed with the faith of the Resurrection not to fear any army of men set against us. Archbishop Parker
428—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who when Thou hadst conquered death didst bless those who have not seen Thee and yet have believed: forgive us who, like Thy disciples, are slow of heart to believe, and pour into our hearts the joy of faith unspeakable and full of glory; that being risen with Thee in heart and mind, we may seek those things which are above, where Thou sittest on the right hand of God, and livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt
429—O Christ, the light of men, Who on the third day didst arise from the grave and shed Thy bright beams upon the darkness of the world; grant, we beseech Thee, that, enlightened by Thy presence, we may walk as children of the day, to the glory of Thy Name Who livest and reignest, world without end.
430—O God, Who by Thine only-begotten Son hast destroyed the reign of death, and hast made us partakers of the kingdom of Thy love: grant, we beseech Thee, that as Thou hast begotten us again unto a living hope by His Resurrection, so also we may be kept by His power through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in Him, where He reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt
431—Ascension
O Almighty God, Who by Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to set our affection on things above: grant us so to labour in this life as ever to be mindful of our citizenship in those heavenly places whither our Saviour Christ is gone before; to Whom with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. South African Prayer Book
432—Almighty God, Whose blessed Son, our Saviour Christ, ascended far above all heavens that He might fill all things: mercifully give us faith to perceive that according to His promise He abideth with His Church on earth, even unto the end of the world; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book
433—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast gone up on high that Thou mayest fill all things, and didst fulfill Thy promise to Thy Church and send gifts unto men: we beseech Thee to dwell continually with us by Thy Spirit, that we may seek those things which are above, where Thou sittest on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting till Thine enemies be made Thy footstool, world without end.
434—Almighty God, Who after Thy Son had ascended on high didst send forth Thy Spirit in the Church to draw all men unto Thee: fulfill, we beseech Thee, this Thy gracious purpose, and in the fullness of time gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him, Who is the head over all things in the Church which is His Body, Jesus Christ our Lord.
435—O God, Who hast exalted the Crucified, Thy Son, by a triumphant Resurrection and Ascension into heaven: may His triumphs and glories so shine in the eyes of our hearts and minds, that we may more clearly comprehend His sufferings, and more courageously pass through our own; for His sake Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. E. Milner-White
436—Almighty and merciful God, into Whose gracious presence we ascend, not by the frailty of the flesh, but by the activity of the soul: make us ever by Thine inspiration to seek the courts of the heavenly city, whither our Saviour Christ hath ascended, that by Thy mercy we may confidently enter them both now and hereafter; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary
437—Grant us, Lord, we beseech Thee, not to mind earthly things, but to seek things heavenly; so that though we are set among scenes that pass away, our heart and affection may steadfastly cleave to the things that endure for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary
438—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst gloriously ascend into heaven after Thy Resurrection: grant us the help of Thy grace, that as Thou hast promised to dwell with us always on earth, so in heart and mind we may never cease to dwell with Thee in heaven; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit Thou livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt
439—O Christ, the King of glory, Who through the eternal doors didst ascend to the throne of Thy Father, and open the kingdom of heaven to all believers: grant that, while Thou dost reign in heaven, our hearts may not be bowed down by the things of earth, but rather be lifted up whither Thou; our Redemption, hast gone before; Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Mozarabic
440—O Lord Jesus Christ, Who after Thy Resurrection didst manifestly appear to Thine Apostles, and in their sight didst ascend into heaven to prepare a place for us: grant that, being risen with Thee, we may lift up our hearts continually to seek Thee where Thou art, and never cease to serve Thee faithfully here on earth; until at last, when Thou comest again, Thou shalt receive us unto Thyself; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Frederick B. Macnutt
441—O King of glory, Lord of might, Who in triumph didst ascend this day above all heavens: leave us not bereaved, but send upon us the promise of the Father, even the Spirit of Truth. Sarum
442—To Christ Ascended
O Lord, the only joy and comfort of our souls, show us Thy loving countenance; embrace us with the arms of Thy mercy; pour Thy Holy Spirit into our hearts; pluck us up from the earth and things earthly; open our eyes and lift them up unto Thee; open Thy mouth, and call us unto Thee; open our ears, that we may hear Thee: so that, whatsoever we do speak or think, it may be directed unto Thee alone, our Redeemer, Mediator, and Advocate. Ludovicus Vives
443—Whitsunday
O Almighty God, Who on the day of Pentecost didst send the Holy Ghost the Comforter to abide in Thy Church unto the end: bestow upon us and upon all Thy faithful people His manifold gifts of grace, that with minds enlightened by His truth, and hearts purified by His presence, we may day by day be strengthened with power in the inward man; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the same Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Bishop John Dowden
444—O God, Who in all ages hast sent forth Thy power to sanctify the faithful: let the flame of Thy Spirit so kindle and cleanse Thy Church that in purity and strength we may present unto Thee the glad oblation of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. J. W. Suter
445—O God, Who didst graciously send to Thy disciples the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, in the likeness of fiery flame: grant to Thy people ;hat they may be united in fervent faith, and that abiding ever in Thy love, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in serving Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary
446—O God, Who on the day of Pentecost didst fulfill Thy promise to pour out Thy Spirit upon all flesh: we beseech Thee to shed abroad upon Thy Church in every race and nation the gifts of the same Spirit; that through the preaching of the Gospel Thy glory may be manifested unto all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
447—O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who after His Ascension didst send upon the first disciples Thy promised gift of the Holy Spirit: regard, we pray Thee, the need of Thy Church, and grant us by the same Spirit to be endued with power from on high, that we may bear effectual witness to the truth of Thy holy Gospel, and be strengthened to serve Thee with fervent hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
448—Trinity Sunday
O my Lord God Almighty, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries of Whose being are unsearchable: accept, we beseech Thee, our praises for the revelation which Thou hast made of Thyself, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons and one God; and mercifully grant that, ever holding fast this faith, we may magnify Thy glorious Name; Who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Bishop John Dowden
449—The Transfiguration
O God, Who before the passion of Thine only-begotten Son didst reveal His glory upon the holy mount: grant unto us Thy servants, that in faith beholding the light of His countenance, we may be strengthened to bear the cross, and be changed into His likeness from glory to glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 1928 Prayer Book
450—O Almighty and everlasting God, Whose blessed Son revealed Himself to His chosen Apostles when He was transfigured on the holy mount, and amidst the excellent glory spake with Moses and Elijah of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem: grant to us Thy servants that beholding the brightness of Thy countenance we may be strengthened to bear the cross; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book
451—O God, Who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses Thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering: mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in His beauty; Who with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. American Prayer Book
452—O God, Who on the holy mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses Thy well-beloved Son wonderfully transfigured: mercifully grant unto us such a vision of His divine majesty, that we, being purified and strengthened by Thy grace, may be transformed into His likeness from glory to glory; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Canadian Prayer Book
453—Christ our God, Who wast transfigured upon the mountain, and didst manifest Thy glory to Thy disciples as they were able to bear it: shed forth Thine everlasting light upon us, Thy servants, that we may behold Thy glory and enter into Thy sufferings, and proclaim Thee to the world, O Thou Who givest light in the darkness and art Thyself the light of men, Jesus Christ our Lord. Eastern Orthodox
454—All Saints
O God, we give Thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all Thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of Thy grace, and lights of the world in their several generations; most humbly beseeching Thee to give us grace so to follow the example of their steadfastness, that we, with all those who are of the mystical body of Thy Son, may be set on His right hand, Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. The English Liturgy
455—All Saints
Almighty God, Who dost choose Thine elect out of every nation, and dost show forth Thy glory in their lives: grant, we pray Thee, that, following the example of Thy saints, we may be fruitful in good works to the praise of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Scottish Prayer Book
456—All Saints
O Almighty God, Who wiliest to be glorified in Thy saints and hast raised them up to shine as lights in the world: shine, we pray Thee, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth Thy praises, Who hast called us out of darkness into marvellous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. South African Prayer Book
457—All Saints
O Lord most High, Who in the righteousness of Thy saints hast given us an ensample of Godly living, and in their blessedness a glorious pledge of the hope of our calling: grant, we beseech Thee, that being compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run with patience the race that is set before us, and with them receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
458—All Saints
O God, Who hast brought us near to an innumerable company of angels and to the spirits of just men made perfect: grant us in our pilgrimage on earth to continue in their fellowship, and in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Bright
459—All Saints
Almighty and everlasting God, Who dost kindle the flame of Thy love in the hearts of Thy saints: grant to our minds the same faith and power of love; that as we rejoice in their triumph, we may also follow the example of their patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Gothic Missal
460—The Example of the Saints
Grant, O Lord, that the example of Thy saints may incline our hearts to holiness of living; and that always having in remembrance their faith and patience, we may steadfastly dedicate ourselves to follow with them in the following of Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
461—English Saints
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to multiply Thy grace upon us who commemorate the saints of our nation; that, as we rejoice to be their fellow-citizens on earth, so we may have fellowship also with them in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1928 Prayer Book
462—Commemoration of the Saints of England
God, Whom all the saints adore, assembled in Thy glorious presence from all times and places of Thy dominion; Who gathered us far dwellers of the islands of the sea into the kingdom of Thy Son; and hast adorned our country with many splendid lamps of holiness: grant us worthily to celebrate the saints of England by following their footsteps throughout the world, whithersoever Thou shalt send us, each in his office lowly serving, till all nations confess Thy Name and all mankind know and fulfill its destiny in Christ; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Alexander Nairne
463—A Martyr’s Witness: St. Thomas of Canterbury
Almighty God, Who didst suffer Thy martyr Thomas to be cruelly slain by the swords of wicked men, and yet madest him in his death to become a flaming sword of witness to the might of things unseen: grant unto us that we may be ever mindful of his example, and show forth our thankfulness in loyalty to Thy Church, and in strong confidence and faith in Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Frederick B. Macnutt
464—The Martyrs
Almighty God, by Whose grace and power Thy holy martyrs triumphed over suffering and despised death: grant, we beseech Thee, that, enduring hardness and waxing valiant in fight, we may receive with them the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
465—All Souls
Almighty, eternal God, Who wouldest have all men to be saved: be merciful, we beseech Thee, to the souls of Thy servants who have departed from this world in the confession of Thy Name, that they may be joined to the company of Thy saints; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Church Union Prayer
466—Rogation: Harvest
O gracious Father, Who openest Thine hands and fillest all things living with plenteousness: vouchsafe to bless the lands and multiply the harvests of the world; let Thy breath go forth to renew the face of the earth; show Thy loving-kindness that our land may give her increase; and so fill us with good things that the poor and needy may give thanks unto Thy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Adapted from American Prayer Book
467—Rogation: Harvest
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. Canadian Prayer Book
468—Rogation: Harvest
O almighty God, Who in Thine unfailing providence givest food to all flesh: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to bless the seed sown in our fields, and to grant that, having received Thy good gifts in due season, we may ever with thankful hearts offer up our praises unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
469—Rogation: Harvest
O Lord, Who alone givest seed to the sower and bread to the eater, and hast taught us to seek from Thee our daily bread: bless the sowing of the seed, and grant fertility to the soil that receives it; and accept the labours of Thy servants, for Thy glory and the wellbeing of Thy people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
470—Rogation: Harvest
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, in Whom we live and move and have our being; Who doest good unto all men, making Thy sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sending rain on the just and on the unjust; favourably behold us Thy servants, who call upon Thy Name, and send us Thy blessing from heaven, in giving us fruitful seasons, and filling our hearts with food and gladness; that both our hearts and mouths may be continually filled with Thy praise, giving thanks to Thee in Thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Cosin
471—Rogation: Harvest
Almighty God, Who crownest the year with Thy goodness, we beseech Thee to bless with Thy bounty the farmers and workers on the land, that as they sow in hope so in due time they may gather in the sheaves with joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Unknown
472—Harvest of Land and Sea
Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth; of Thy great goodness, we beseech Thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, the treasures of mines, and the harvest of the sea, so as in due time we may enjoy them with thanksgiving. Archbishop Benson
473—Thanksgiving for Harvest
O Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us the fruits of the earth in their season, and hast crowned the year with Thy goodness: give us grateful hearts, that we may unfeignedly thank Thee for all Thy loving-kindness, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop John Dowden
474—Thanksgiving for Harvest
O Most merciful Father, Who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman and given unto us the fruits of the earth in their season: we give Thee humble and hearty, thanks for this Thy bounty; and we beseech Thee to continue this Thy loving-kindness toward us, that year by year our land may yield her increase, to Thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. American Prayer Book
475—Thanksgiving for Harvest
O Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant us grace to use the same to Thy glory, the relief of those that need, and our own comfort, through Jesus Christ, Who is the living bread which cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world; to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Anon.
476—Thanksgiving for Harvest
O Most merciful Father, Who of Thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of Thy Church, and hast granted us to gather in the kindly fruits of the earth in their season: we give Thee humble thanks for this Thy bounty, beseeching Thee to continue Thy loving-kindness towards us, that our land may yield her increase; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon.
477—Spiritual Harvest
O God, Who by the voice of holy prophets hast made manifest in the children of Thy Church in every place of Thy dominion that Thou dost sow good seed and cultivate the branches of Thy vine: grant to Thy people, from whom Thou wilt gather in Thy harvest, that they may be freed from the evil growths of thorns and briars, and abundantly bring forth good fruit to the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
478—Spiritual Harvest
O Lord, we pray Thee, sow the seed of Thy Word in our hearts, and send down upon us Thy heavenly grace; that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, and at the great day may be gathered by Thy holy angels into Thy garner, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anon.
479—Food Bodily And Spiritual
Most mighty Lord and merciful Father, we yield Thee hearty thanks for our bodily sustenance, requiring also most entirely thy gracious goodness, so to feed us with the food of Thy heavenly grace that we may worthily glorify Thy holy Name in this life, and after be partakers of the life everlasting, through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Primer
Section 4: The Holy Communion
Preparation
480—i.
O Lord, Who in a wonderful Sacrament didst leave us a memorial of Thy Cross and passion: grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may always receive within ourselves the fruits of Thy redemption; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. St. Thomas Aquinas
481—ii.
Most gracious God, incline Thy merciful ears to our prayers, and enlighten our hearts by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may worthily celebrate these holy mysteries, and love Thee with an everlasting love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
482—iii.
Cleanse us, O Lord, from our secret faults, and absolve us from our presumptuous sins; that we may receive these holy mysteries with pure minds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Leonine Sacramentary
483—iv.
May the sacred Feast of Thy Table, O Lord, always strengthen and renew us, guide and protect our weakness amid the storms of the world, and bring us into the haven of everlasting salvation. Leonine Sacramentary
484—v.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to visit and purify our souls and bodies, that Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He cometh may find in us a mansion prepared for Himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Gelasian Sacramentary
485—vi.
O God, Who didst wonderfully create the glory of our human nature, and hast yet more wonderfully restored it: grant that as Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has deigned to take upon Him our flesh, so also, through the mysteries of His Body and Blood, we may become partakers of His divine nature, Who was made in our likeness; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
486—vii.
Grant, O Lord, that we who shall receive the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, may come to that holy mystery with faith, charity, and true repentance; that being filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction, we may obtain remission of our sins and all other benefits of His passion, to our great and endless comfort; through Him Who died and rose again and ascended for us, that He might fill all things, Jesus Christ our Lord.
487—viii.
O God, Who in our baptism hast made us partakers of Thy grace: grant, we beseech Thee, that as we have been made members of the Body of Thy Son, so by the Sacrament of His Cross and passion we may be strengthened to grow up in all things unto Him Who is the Head, even Jesus Christ; to Whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be honour and glory, world without end.
488—ix.
O Lord and heavenly Father, Who hast given unto us Thy people the true Bread that cometh down from heaven, even Thy Son Jesus Christ: grant that our souls may so be fed by Him Who giveth life unto the world, that we may abide in Him and He in us, and Thy Church be filled with the power of His unending life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
489—x.
O Lord our God, Bread of heaven, Life of the world, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and I am not worthy to partake of Thine immaculate mysteries. But Thou art God, full of compassion; deem me worthy, I beseech Thee, by Thy grace to partake of Thy holy Body and Thy precious Blood without condemnation, unto remission of sins and eternal life. Liturgy of St. James
490—xi.
I Am not worthy, Lord and Master, that Thou shouldest come under the roof of my soul; but since Thou desirest to dwell within me, O Lover of mankind, I am bold to draw near. Thou dost bid me to open the door which Thou alone hast made, that Thou mayest enter and bring light into my darkened mind. I believe that Thou wilt do this, for Thou didst not cast out the harlot when she came to Thee in tears, nor reject the publican when he repented, nor cast out the robber when he confessed Thy kingdom, nor forsake the persecutor when he repented; but Thou didst number among Thy friends all who came to Thee in penitence, O Thou Who alone art blessed, now and world without end. St. Chrysostom
491—xii.
O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not my partaking of Thy most pure and life-giving mysteries bring me into judgement, and let me not become weak in soul and body by reason of unworthy partaking of them. Grant me, even unto my last breath, to receive uncondemned my share of Thy holy things, and to receive thereby my portion in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an account acceptable at Thy dread judgement-seat; that with all Thine elect I also may be partaker of those good things undefiled which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, O Lord; amongst whom Thou abidest and art glorified for ever. St. Basil the Great
492—xiii.
Lord, Thou hast prepared a table for me against that trouble me: let that holy sacrament of the Eucharist be to me a defense and shield, a nourishment and medicine, life and health, a means of sanctification and spiritual growth; that I, receiving the Body of my dearest Lord, may be one with His mystical Body, and of the same spirit, united with indissoluble bonds of a strong faith, and a holy hope, and a never-failing charity, that from this veil I may pass into the visions of eternal clarity, from eating Thy Body to beholding Thy face in the glories of Thy everlasting kingdom, O blessed and eternal Jesus. Jeremy Taylor
493—xiv.
O Lord, into a clean, charitable, and thankful heart, give me grace to receive the blessed Body and Blood of Thy Son, my most blessed Saviour, that it may more perfectly cleanse me from all dregs of sin; that being made clean, it may nourish me in faith, hope, charity, and obedience, with all other fruits of spiritual life and growth in Thee; that in all the future course of my life, I may show myself such an ingrafted member into the Body of Thy Son, that I may never be drawn to do anything that may dishonour His Name. Grant this, O Lord, I beseech Thee, even for His merit’s and mercy’s sake. Archbishop Laud
494—xv.
Behold, O God, I am now coming to Thee, O Thou fountain of purgation. Thou well of living waters, wash me clean; be unto me the bread of life to strengthen me in my pilgrimage toward heaven. Thy flesh is meat indeed, and Thy blood is drink indeed: O give me grace to receive both worthily. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe all that Thou hast said, and all that Thou hast promised; help Thou mine unbelief. Thou art the Author, be Thou the Finisher of my faith; and for Thy glory’s sake, for Thine own Name’s sake, lead me in the right way to this great mercy and mystery. Henry Vaughan
Before Reception
495—i.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast taught us that man Both not live by bread alone: feed us, we humbly beseech Thee, with the true bread that cometh down from heaven, even Thyself, O Blessed Saviour; Who livest and reignest, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Bishop John Dowden
496—ii.
Come, Lord Jesus, in the fullness of Thy grace, and dwell in the hearts of us Thy servants; that, adoring Thee by faith, we may with joy receive Thee, and with love and thankfulness abide in Thee, our Guide, our Bread of pilgrims, our comrade by the way. E. D. Sedding, S.S.J.E.
497—iii.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who by the sacrifice of Thyself didst break the power of sin and death and open unto us the gate of life eternal: mercifully look upon us Thy servants, and feed us with Thyself, the living Bread; that, established in Thy grace and strengthened by Thy Spirit, we may walk before Thee in faith and holiness, and serve Thee unto our lives’ end. Frederick B. Macnutt