Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We pray for your Church throughout the world: Guide and govern us by your Holy 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. (Especially we pray for _________ )
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are in any way afflicted or distressed in body, mind or spirit; comfort and relieve them in their necessities; give them patience under their sufferings, and bring good out of their afflictions. (Especially we pray for ________________)
Lord, in your mercy
Accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
2. Strength
May the strength of God pilot us.
May the power of God preserve us.
May the wisdom of God instruct us.
May the hand of God protect us.
May the way of God direct us.
May the shield of God defend us.
May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world.
May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us.
May your Salvation, O Lord,
be always ours this day and for evermore. Amen.
3. Support
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts;
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil;
Eternal Power, be our support;
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance;
Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us;
That with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. Direction
Be with us, Lord in all our prayers, and direct our way towards the attainment of salvation; that among the changes and chances of this mortal life, we may always be defended by your gracious help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
5. Protection
Almighty and eternal God, sanctify and govern our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that under your protection, now and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6. Guidance
Guide us, Lord, in all our doings with your gracious favour, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and by your mercy attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7. (Prayer Attributed to St. Francis)
Merciful God, to you we commend ourselves and all those who need your help and correction.
Where there is hatred, give love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope;
'Where there is sadness, joy;
Where there is darkness, light.
Grant that we may not seek so much to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving we receive, in pardoning we are pardoned and it is in dying we are born into eternal life. Amen.
8. In Trouble
Grant us, O Lord our God, ever to find in you a very present help in trouble. When we are in the darkness of doubt or perplexity, shed your light upon our way. When we are burdened with the affairs of our daily life, lift us to the calm of your presence. When we are battling with temptation and the flesh is weak, by the might of your Spirit make us strong to overcome. We ask these things through Him in whom we are more than conquerors, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
9. Prayer
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the prayers of those who ask in your Son's Name. We pray that what we have asked faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
10. For Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love, so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
11. For Peace Among the Nations
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
12. For Clergy and People
Almighty and everlasting God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift, send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of your grace; and, that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, 0 Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
13. For the Diocese
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith.. Bless our Bishop(s) N. [and N.], and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. For the Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
15. For a Synod Meeting or Convention
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel [in our Synod / Convention] for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
16. For the Election of a Bishop or an Incumbent
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese (or, rector for this parish), that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
17. For the Unity of the Church
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 whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may 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 you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
18. For Church Musicians and Artists
O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
19. For Sound Government
The responses in italics may be omitted.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Members of the Senate and the House of Assembly, and those who make our laws, give courage, wisdom,and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfil our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honour your holy Name.
For yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
20. For the Unemployed
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
21. Work
O God, the creator of all things, who made us in your own image so that we should seek joy in creative work, we give thanks for your creation and for those whose work brings joy to others.
We pray for those who find their work hard and dull, and for those who are unemployed. Help us to order our public life so that everyone may have the opportunity to work, and may find satisfaction in doing it; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
22. For those who Influence Public Opinion
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read, that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will
righteous; to the honour of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
23. For the Future of the Human Race
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
24. For the Victims of Addiction
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.
25. Our Homes and Families
Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ, born of a woman, sanctified childhood and shared the life of an earthly home; bless the homes and families of our nation. Give to parents a true sense of responsibility in the care and training of their children, that our boys and girls may grow up in the fear of your Name and the fellowship of your Church, for the glory of Christ our Lord. Amen.
26. Marriage
God our Father, who made men and women to live together in families: We pray that marriage may be held in honour; that husbands and wives may live faithfully together, according to their vows; and that the members of every family may grow in mutual love and understanding, in courtesy and kindness, so that they may bear one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ; for His Name's sake. Amen.
27. Our Children
Father, we bring our children to you for your blessing. Help us to be sensitive to their needs. Give us wisdom in our care of them, that they may grow up rooted in love, steadfast in faith, strong and courageous in life. Guide us and all who have the care of children. May we never hinder, but help and encourage them towards independence and maturity, and to a living faith in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
28. Young People
God our Father, we pray for our young people growing up in an unstable and confusing world. Show them that your ways give more meaning to life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
29. Our Friends
Father, as we now remember our friends before you and ask your blessing upon them, we thank you for all that they give to us in affection and companionship, in counsel and spiritual support. Help us on our part to give to them as generously and unselfishly in return, and always to count our friends as among the richest blessings of this life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
30. A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
31. On Sunday
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
32. The Presence of Christ
Come to us, Lord Christ, in your understanding love when all around us seems dark and uncertain, when our faith is low and we cannot feel you near, and we find it hard to pray. Come to us then, dear Lord, as you came to your disciples, in the darkest hour of the night, and let the light of your presence dispel our fears, renew our trust, and bring peace to our hearts, for your tender mercies' sake. Amen.
33. In Time of Disaster
God of goodness and love, in whom we can trust in every hour of need: Have mercy on all who are faced with fear and distress [through hurricane, earthquake, tempest, pestilence, flood... ]. We ask that help may be given to them speedily, and that this emergency may be turned into an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of love and service which bind men and nations together; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THANKSGIVINGS
34. A Litany of ThanksivingLet us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.
For the beauty and wonder of creation,
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food, for our homes and families and friends,
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think and hearts to love,
We thank you, Lord.
For health, strength, and skill to work, and for leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.
For those who are brave and courageous, patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.
For all who pursue peace, justice, and truth,
We thank you, Lord.
[Today we give thanks especially for
We thank you, Lord.]
For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises
given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To Him be praise and glory, with You, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
35. Prayer of ThanksgivingAccept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all you have done for us. We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank you for setting us tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of His word and the example of His life; for His steadfast obedience, by which He overcame temptation; for His dying, through which He overcame death; for His rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make Him known; and through Him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.
36. A General ThanksivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.