The Book of Common Prayer

OPENING SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

THE LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. Hab. ii. 20.

I was glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the LORD. Psalm cxxii. 1.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm xix. 14.

O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me, and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling. Psalm xliii. 3.

Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah lvii. 15.

The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. St. John iv. 23.

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. i. 2.

Advent.

Repent ye, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. St. Matt. iii. 2.

Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah xl. 3.

Christmas.

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. St. Luke ii. 10, 11.

Epiphany.

From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my Name, and a pure offering: for my Name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. Mal. i. 11.

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem. Isaiah lii. 1.

Lent.

Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel ii. 13.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm li. 17.

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. St. Luke xv. 18, 19.

Good Friday.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me. Lam. i. 12.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Eph. i. 7.

Easter.

He is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. St. Mark xvi. 6; St. Luke xxiv. 34.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm cxviii. 24.

Ascension.

Seeing that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. iv. 14, 16.

Whitsunday.

Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts i. 8.

Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Gal. iv. 6.

Trinity Sunday.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Rev. iv. 8.

Thanksgiving Day.

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Prov. iii. 9, 10.

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. Prov. iii. 19, 20.

DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us, in sundry places, to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought, at all times, humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that 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 and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying--

Or he shall say,

LET us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

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. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind In Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live, hath given power, and commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all those who truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel. Wherefore let us beseech him to grant us true repentance, and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

V. Praise ye the Lord.
R. The Lord’s Name be praised.

Then shall be said or sung the following Canticle; except on those days for which other Canticles are appointed; and except also, that Psalm 95 may be used in this place.

But NOTE, That on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday the Venite may be omitted.

On the days hereafter named, immediately before the Venite may be sung or said,

On the Sundays in Advent.
Our King and Saviour draweth nigh; * O come, let us adore him.

On Christmas Day and until the Epiphany.
Alleluia. Unto us a child is born; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

On the Epiphany and seven days after, and on the Feast of the Transfiguration.
The Lord hath manifested forth his glory; * O come, let us adore him.

On Monday in Easter Week and until Ascension Day.
Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

On Ascension Day and until Whitsunday.
Alleluia. Christ the Lord ascendeth into heaven; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

On Whitsunday and six days after.
Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

On Trinity Sunday.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God; * O come, let us adore him.

On the Purification, and the Annunciation.
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us; * O come, let us adore him.

On other Festivals for which a proper Epistle and Gospel are ordered.
The Lord is glorious in his saints; * O come, let us adore him.

O COME, let us sing unto the LORD; * let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; * and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God; * and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are all the corners of the earth; * and the strength of the hills is his also.

The sea is his, and he made it; * and his hands prepared the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down, * and kneel before the LORD our Maker.

For he is the Lord our God; * and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth stand in awe of him.

For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth; * and with righteousness to judge the world, and the peoples with his truth.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

[Here follows the Psalter and First Lesson, appointed according to the 30-day reading cycle.]

And at the end of every Psalm and the whole of the Psalter, and also after the Venite, Benedictus es, Benedictus, and Jubilate, the following is said:

GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

WE praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.

All the earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting.

To thee all Angels cry aloud; the Heavens, and all the Powers therein;

To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory.

The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee.

The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee.

The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee;

The Father, of an infinite Majesty;

Thine adorable, true, and only Son;

Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

THOU art the King of Glory, O Christ.

Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.

When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, thou didst humble thyself to be born of a Virgin.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.

Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.

We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with thy Saints, in glory everlasting.

O LORD, save thy people, and bless thine heritage.

Govern them, and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee;

And we worship thy Name ever, world without end.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let thy mercy be upon us, as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted; let me never be confounded.

Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: * praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou for the Name of thy Majesty: * praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou in the temple of thy holiness: * praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and dwellest between the Cherubim: * praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: * praised and exalted above all for ever.

Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: * praised and exalted above all for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Winds of God, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O LET the Earth bless the Lord: * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O LET Israel bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

[Here follows the Second Lesson.]

And after that shall be sung or said the Hymn following. But NOTE, That, save on the Sundays in Advent, the latter portion thereof may be omitted.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; * for he hath visited and redeemed his people;

And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, * in the house of his servant David;

As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, * which have been since the world began;

That we should be saved from our enemies, * and from the hand of all that hate us.

To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, * and to remember his holy covenant;

To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, * that he would give us;

That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies * might serve him without fear;

In holiness and righteousness before him, * all the days of our life.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people * for the remission of their sins,

Through the tender mercy of our God; * whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us;

To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

O be joyful in the LORD, all ye lands: * serve the LORD with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.

Be ye sure that the LORD he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; * we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.

For the LORD is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen.

Or the Creed commonly called the Nicene.

SUFFRAGES

V. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us.
R. And grant us thy salvation.

V. O God, make clean our hearts within us.
R. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

The Collect appointed for the day.

O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered by thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

When the Litany is said, the following prayers are omitted, and at other times you may here end the office with such general intercessions as you think fit, or with the Grace.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless thy servant THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh 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 thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for 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. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities; giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy servants, do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and lovingkindness to us, and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Here endeth The Order of Morning Prayer.

OPENING SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

THE LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. Hab. ii. 20.

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psalm xxvi. 8.

Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Psalm cxli. 2.

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth stand in awe of him. Psalm xcvi. 9.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm xix. 14.

Advent.

Watch ye, for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. St. Mark xiii. 35, 36.

Christmas.

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Rev. xxi. 3.

Epiphany.

The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isaiah lx. 3.

Lent.

I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm li. 3.

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. Dan. ix. 9, 10.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 St. John i. 8, 9.

Good Friday.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah liii. 6.

Easter.

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. xv. 57.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Col. iii. 1.

Ascension.

Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Heb. ix. 24.

Whitsunday.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. Psalm xlvi. 4.

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. Rev. xxii. 17.

Trinity Sunday.

Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah vi. 3.

Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

Or else he shall say as followeth.

DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us, in sundry places, to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought, at all times, humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that 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 and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying--

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. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind In Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live, hath given power, and commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all those who truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel. Wherefore let us beseech him to grant us true repentance, and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this.

The Almighty and merciful Lord grant you Absolution and Remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.

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

V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

V. Praise ye the Lord.
R. The Lord’s Name be praised.

[Here follows the Psalter and First Lesson, appointed according to the 30-day reading cycle.]

And at the end of the whole Portion or Selection of Psalms for the day, and also after the Magnificat, Cantate Domino, Bonum est confiteri, Nunc dimittis, Deus misereatur, Benedic, anima mea, shall be sung or said the Gloria Patri; however, at the end of the whole portion of the Psalter, the following may be sung or said:

GLORY be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men.

We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, 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 Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

My soul doth magnify the Lord, * and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded * the lowliness of his handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth * all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me; * and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him * throughout all generations.

He hath showed strength with his arm; * he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble and meek.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; * and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel; * as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

O Sing unto the LORD a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.

With his own right hand, and with his holy arm, * hath he gotten himself the victory.

The LORD declared his salvation; * his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen.

He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel; * and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.

Show yourselves joyful unto the LORD, all ye lands; * sing, rejoice, and give thanks.

Praise the LORD upon the harp; * sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.

With trumpets also and shawms, * O show yourselves joyful before the LORD, the King.

Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is; * the round world, and they that dwell therein.

Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the LORD; * for he cometh to judge the earth.

With righteousness shall he judge the world, * and the peoples with equity.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, * and to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most Highest;

To tell of thy loving-kindness early in the morning, * and of thy truth in the night season;

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the lute; * upon a loud instrument, and upon the harp.

For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy works; * and I will rejoice in giving praise for the operations of thy hands.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

[Here follows the Second Lesson.]

LORD, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, * according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen * thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared * before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

GOD be merciful unto us, and bless us, * and show us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us;

That thy way may be known upon earth, * thy saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise thee, O God; * yea, let all the peoples praise thee.

O let the nations rejoice and be glad; * for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise thee, O God; * yea, let all the peoples praise thee.

Then shall the earth bring forth her increase; * and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.

God shall bless us; * and all the ends of the world shall fear him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Praise the LORD, O my soul; * and all that is within me, praise his holy Name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, * and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thy sin, * and healeth all thine infirmities;

Who saveth thy life from destruction, * and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness.

O praise the LORD, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength; * ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his word.

O praise the LORD, all ye his hosts; * ye servants of his that do his pleasure.

O speak good of the LORD, all ye works of his, in all places of his dominion: * praise thou the LORD, O my soul.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen.

Or the Creed commonly called the Nicene.

V. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us.
R. And grant us thy salvation.

V. O Lord, save the State.
R. And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.

V. Endue thy Ministers with righteousness.
R. And make thy chosen people joyful.

V. O Lord, save thy people.
R. And bless thine inheritance.

V. Give peace in our time, O Lord.
R. For it is thou, Lord, only, that makest us dwell in safety.

V. O God, make clean our hearts within us.
R. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

The Collect appointed for the day.

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

You may here end the office with such general intercessions as are fitting, including the following.

Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting and power infinite; Have mercy upon this whole land; and so rule the hearts of thy servants THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, The Governor of this State, and all others in authority, that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek thy honour and glory; and that we and all the People, duly considering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honour them, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh 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 thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for 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. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities; giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy servants, do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and lovingkindness to us, and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Here endeth The Order of Evening Prayer.

To be used after the Third Collect at Morning or Evening Prayer; or before the Holy Communion; or separately.

O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth;
Have mercy upon us.

O God the Son, Redeemer of the world;
Have mercy upon us.

O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful;
Have mercy upon us.

O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God;
Have mercy upon us.

Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; neither take thou vengeance of our sins: Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.

From all evil and mischief; from sin; from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From all blindness of heart; from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From all inordinate and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and Commandment,
Good Lord, deliver us.

By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation,
Good Lord, deliver us.

By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension, and by the Coming of the Holy Ghost,
Good Lord, deliver us.

In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment,
Good Lord, deliver us.

We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universal in the right way;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee so to rule the heart of thy servant, The President of the United States, that he may above all things seek thy honour and glory;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to bless and preserve all Christian Rulers and Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth, and show it accordingly;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to send forth labourers into thy harvest;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and fear thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace to hear meekly thy Word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; and to comfort and help the weak-hearted; and to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort, all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to preserve all who travel by land, by water, or by air, all women in child-birth, all sick persons, and young children; and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all who are desolate and oppressed;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so that in due time we may enjoy them;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.

O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
Grant us thy peace.

O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.

O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, hear us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

=====

Then shall the Minister, and the People with him, say the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

=====

The Minister may, at his discretion, omit all that followeth, to the Prayer, We humbly beseech thee, O Father, etc.

O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
Neither reward us according to our iniquities.

Let us pray.

O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful; Mercifully assist our prayers which we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by thy good providence, be brought to nought; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Minister and People.
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name’s sake.

Minister.
O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.

Minister and People.
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

From our enemies defend us, O Christ.
Graciously look upon our afflictions.
With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts.
Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.
Favourably with mercy hear our prayers.
O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.

O Lord, let thy mercy be showed upon us;
As we do put our trust in thee.

Let us pray.

We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and, for the glory of thy Name, turn from us all those evils that we most justly have deserved; and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Communion-time the Holy Table shall have upon it a fair white linen cloth. And the Priest, standing reverently before the Holy Table, shall say the Lord’s Prayer and the Collect following, the People kneeling; but the Lord’s Prayer may be omitted at the discretion of the Priest.

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

=====

Then shall the Priest, turning to the People, rehearse distinctly The Ten Commandments; and the People, still kneeling, shall, after every Commandment, ask God mercy for their transgressions for the time past, and grace to keep the law for the time to come.

And NOTE, That in rehearsing The Ten Commandments, the Priest may omit that part of the Commandment which is inset.

The Decalogue may be omitted, provided it be said at least one Sunday in each month. But NOTE, That whenever it is omitted, the Priest shall say the Summary of the Law, beginning, Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.

GOD spake these words, and said: I am the LORD thy God; Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my commandments.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work; thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt do no murder.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not steal.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.

=====

THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW

Then may the Priest say,

Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.

THOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Here, if the Decalogue hath been omitted, shall be said,

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then the Priest may say,

O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

=====

THE COLLECT, EPISTLE, AND GOSPEL

Here shall be said,

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Minister. Let us pray.

Then shall the Priest say the Collect of the Day. And after the Collect the Minister appointed shall read the Epistle, first saying, The Epistle is written in the -- Chapter of --, beginning at the -- Verse.

The Epistle ended, he shall say, Here endeth the Epistle.

Here may be sung a Hymn or an Anthem.

Then, all the People standing, the Minister appointed shall read the Gospel, first saying, The Holy Gospel is written in the -- Chapter of --, beginning at the -- Verse.

Here shall be said,

Glory be to thee, O Lord.

And after the Gospel may be said,

Praise be to thee, O Christ.

=====

THE NICENE CREED

Then shall be said the Creed commonly called the Nicene, or else the Apostles’ Creed; but the Creed may be omitted, if it hath been said immediately before in Morning Prayer; Provided, That the Nicene Creed shall be said on Christmas Day, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Whitsunday, and Trinity Sunday.

I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried: And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets: And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church: I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins: And I look for the Resurrection of the dead: And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

=====

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SERMON

Then shall be declared unto the People what Holy Days, or Fasting Days, are in the week following to be observed; and (if occasion be) shall Notice be given of the Communion, and of the Banns of Matrimony, and of other matters to be published.

Here, or immediately after the Creed, may be said the Bidding Prayer, or other authorized prayers and intercessions.

Then followeth the Sermon.

=====

THE OFFERTORY

After which, the Priest, when there is a Communion, shall return to the Holy Table, and begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient.

REMEMBER the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts xx. 35.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 16.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. St. Matt. vi. 19, 20.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. vii. 21.

He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.

While we have time, let us do good unto all men; and especially unto them that are of the household of faith. Gal. vi. 10.

God is not unrighteous, that he will forget your works, and labour that proceedeth of love; which love ye have showed for his Name’s sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. Heb. vi. 10.

To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16.

Whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 St. John iii. 17.

Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously; if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little: for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. Tobit iv. 8, 9.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. St. Matt. xxv. 40.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? Rom. x. 14, 15.

Jesus said unto them, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest. St. Luke x. 2.

Ye shall not appear before the LORD empty; every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Deut. xvi. 16, 17.

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. 1 Chron. xxix. 11.

All things come of thee, O LORD, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chron. xxix. 14.

And NOTE, That these Sentences may be used on any other occasion of Public Worship when the Offerings of the People are to be received.

The Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit persons appointed for that purpose, shall receive the Alms for the Poor, and other Offerings of the People, in a decent Basin to be provided by the Parish; and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the Holy Table.

And the Priest shall then offer, and shall place upon the Holy Table, the Bread and the Wine.

And when the Alms and Oblations are being received and presented, there may be sung a Hymn, or an Offertory Anthem in the words of Holy Scripture or of the Book of Common Prayer, under the direction of the Priest.

Here the Priest may ask the secret intercessions of the Congregation for any who have desired the prayers of the Church.

=====

PRAYER FOR THE WHOLE STATE OF CHRIST’S CHURCH

Then shall the Priest say,

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men; We humbly beseech thee most mercifully to accept our [alms and] oblations, and to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: And grant that all those who do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

We beseech thee also, so to direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian Rulers, that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and other Ministers, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.

And to all thy People give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love and service, and to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

=====

INVITATION, CONFESSION, AND ABSOLUTION

Then shall the Priest say to those who come to receive the Holy Communion,

YE who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling.

Then shall this General Confession be made, by the Priest and all those who are minded to receive the Holy Communion, humbly kneeling.

ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Priest (the Bishop if he be present) stand up, and turning to the People, say,

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

=====

THE COMFORTABLE WORDS

Then shall the Priest say,

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him.

COME unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. St. Matt. xi. 28.

So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. St. John iii. 16.

Hear also what Saint Paul saith.

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15.

Hear also what Saint John saith.

If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our sins. 1 St. John ii. 1, 2.

=====

THE SURSUM CORDA AND PREFACE

After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,

Lift up your hearts.
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.

Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.

Then shall the Priest turn to the Holy Table, and say,

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.

Here shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed; or else immediately shall be said or sung by the Priest,

THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Priest and People.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Amen.

=====

PROPER PREFACES

CHRISTMAS.
Upon Christmas Day, and seven days after.
BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, etc.

EPIPHANY.
Upon the Epiphany, and seven days after.
THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; who, in substance of our mortal flesh, manifested forth his glory; that he might bring us out of darkness into his own glorious light. Therefore with Angels, etc.

PURIFICATION, ANNUNCIATION, AND TRANSFIGURATION.
Upon the Feasts of the Purification, Annunciation, and Transfiguration.
BECAUSE in the Mystery of the Word made flesh, thou hast caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of thy glory in the face of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore with Angels, etc.

EASTER.
Upon Easter Day, and seven days after.
BUT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, etc.

ASCENSION.
Upon Ascension Day, and seven days after.
THROUGH thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who, after his most glorious Resurrection, manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels, etc.

WHITSUNTIDE.
Upon Whitsunday, and six days after.
THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them, and to lead them into all truth; giving them boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, etc.

TRINITY SUNDAY.
Upon the Feast of Trinity only.
WHO, with thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance. For that which we believe of thy glory, O Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference of inequality. Therefore with Angels, etc.

Or this.
FOR the precious death and merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and for the sending to us of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter; who are one with thee in thy Eternal Godhead. Therefore with Angels, etc.

ALL SAINTS.
Upon All Saints’ Day, and seven days after.
WHO, in the multitude of thy Saints, hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses that we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us, and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Priest and People.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Amen.

=====

THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

When the Priest, standing before the Holy Table, hath so ordered the Bread and Wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency break the Bread before the People, and take the Cup into his hands, he shall say the Prayer of Consecration, as followeth.

ALL glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; who made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again:

For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took Bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me.

Likewise, after supper, he took the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

The Oblation

WHEREFORE, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy Divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same.

The Invocation

AND we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.

AND we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.

And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him.

And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.

And now, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say,

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

=====

THE PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS

Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord’s Table, say, in the name of all those who shall receive the Communion, this Prayer following.

WE do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

Here may be sung a Hymn.

=====

THE COMMUNION

Then shall the Priest first receive the Holy Communion in both kinds himself, and proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, in like manner, (if any be present,) and, after that, to the People also in order, into their hands, all devoutly kneeling. And sufficient opportunity shall be given to those present to communicate.

And when he delivereth the Bread, he shall say,

THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.

And the Minister who delivereth the Cup shall say,

THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.

If the consecrated Bread or Wine be spent before all have communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more, according to the Form before prescribed; beginning at, All glory be to thee, Almighty God, and ending with these words, partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.

When all have communicated, the Priest shall return to the Lord’s Table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated Elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth.

=====

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

Then shall the Priest say,

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of his most precious death and passion. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

=====

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

Then shall be said the Gloria in excelsis, all standing, or some proper Hymn.

GLORY be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, 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 Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

=====

THE BLESSING

Then, the People kneeling, the Priest (the Bishop if he be present) shall let them depart with this Blessing.

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

=====

GENERAL RUBRICS

In the absence of a Priest, a Deacon may say all that is before appointed unto the end of the Gospel.

Upon the Sundays and other Holy Days, (though there be no Sermon or Communion,) may be said all that is appointed at the Communion, unto the end of the Gospel, concluding with the Blessing.

And if any of the consecrated Bread and Wine remain after the Communion, it shall not be carried out of the Church; but the Minister and other Communicants shall, immediately after the Blessing, reverently eat and drink the same.

If among those who come to be partakers of the Holy Communion, the Minister shall know any to be an open and notorious evil liver, or to have done any wrong to his neighbours by word or deed, so that the Congregation be thereby offended; he shall advertise him, that he presume not to come to the Lord’s Table, until he have openly declared himself to have truly repented and amended his former evil life, that the Congregation may thereby be satisfied; and that he hath recompensed the parties to whom he hath done wrong; or at least declare himself to be in full purpose so to do, as soon as he conveniently may.

The same order shall the Minister use with those, betwixt whom he perceiveth malice and hatred to reign; not suffering them to be partakers of the Lord’s Table, until he know them to be reconciled. And if one of the parties, so at variance, be content to forgive from the bottom of his heart all that the other hath trespassed against him, and to make amends for that wherein he himself hath offended; and the other party will not be persuaded to a godly unity, but remain still in his frowardness and malice; the Minister in that case ought to admit the penitent person to the Holy Communion, and not him that is obstinate. Provided, That every Minister so repelling any, as is herein specified, shall be obliged to give an account of the same to the Ordinary, within fourteen days after, at the farthest.

=====

THE EXHORTATIONS

At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, after the prayer for the whole state of Christ’s Church, the Priest may say this Exhortation. And NOTE, That the Exhortation shall be said on the First Sunday in Advent, the First Sunday in Lent, and Trinity Sunday.

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to come to the holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament; so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent you truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the Cross, for us, miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master, and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give, as we are most bounden, continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen.

=====

SECOND EXHORTATION

When the Minister giveth warning for the Celebration of the Holy Communion, (which he shall always do upon the Sunday, or some Holy Day, immediately preceding,) he shall read this Exhortation following; or so much thereof as, in his discretion, he may think convenient.

DEARLY beloved, on -- day next I purpose, through God’s assistance, to administer to all such as shall be religiously and devoutly disposed the most comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; to be by them received in remembrance of his meritorious Cross and Passion; whereby alone we obtain remission of our sins, and are made partakers of the Kingdom of heaven. Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that he hath given his Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, not only to die for us, but also to be our spiritual food and sustenance in that holy Sacrament. Which being so divine and comfortable a thing to them who receive it worthily, and so dangerous to those who will presume to receive it unworthily; my duty is to exhort you, in the mean season to consider the dignity of that holy mystery, and the great peril of the unworthy receiving thereof; and so to search and examine your own consciences, and that not lightly, and after the manner of dissemblers with God; but so that ye may come holy and clean to such a heavenly Feast, in the marriage-garment required by God in holy Scripture, and be received as worthy partakers of that holy Table.

The way and means thereto is: First, to examine your lives and conversations by the rule of God’s commandments; and whereinsoever ye shall perceive yourselves to have offended, either by will, word, or deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess yourselves to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if ye shall perceive your offences to be such as are not only against God, but also against your neighbours; then ye shall reconcile yourselves unto them; being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, according to the uttermost of your powers, for all injuries and wrongs done by you to any other; and being likewise ready to forgive others who have offended you, as ye would have forgiveness of your offences at God’s hand: for otherwise the receiving of the holy Communion doth nothing else but increase your condemnation.

Therefore, if any of you be a blasphemer of God, an hinderer or slanderer of his Word, an adulterer, or be in malice, or envy, or in any other grievous crime; repent you of your sins, or else come not to that holy Table.

And because it is requisite that no man should come to the holy Communion, but with a full trust in God’s mercy, and with a quiet conscience; therefore, if there be any of you, who by this means cannot quiet his own conscience herein, but requireth further comfort or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other Minister of God’s Word, and open his grief; that he may receive such godly counsel and advice, as may tend to the quieting of his conscience, and the removing of all scruple and doubtfulness.

=====

THIRD EXHORTATION

Or, in case he shall see the People negligent to come to the Holy Communion, instead of the former, he may use this Exhortation.

DEARLY beloved brethren, on -- I intend, by God’s grace, to celebrate the Lord’s Supper: unto which, in God’s behalf, I bid you all who are here present; and beseech you, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto, being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. Ye know how grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down; and yet they who are called, without any cause, most unthankfully refuse to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved? Who would not think a great injury and wrong done unto him? Wherefore, most dearly beloved in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing yourselves from this holy Supper, provoke God’s indignation against you. It is an easy matter for a man to say, I will not communicate, because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such excuses are not so easily accepted and allowed before God. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come: wherefore then do ye not repent and amend? When God calleth you, are ye not ashamed to say ye will not come? When ye should return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready? Consider earnestly with yourselves how little such feigned excuses will avail before God. Those who refused the feast in the Gospel, because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused, but counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. Wherefore, according to mine office, I bid you in the Name of God, I call you in Christ’s behalf, I exhort you, as ye love your own salvation, that ye will be partakers of this holy Communion. And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death upon the Cross for your salvation; so it is your duty to receive the Communion in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself hath commanded: which if ye shall neglect to do, consider with yourselves how great is your ingratitude to God, and how sore punishment hangeth over your heads for the same; when ye wilfully abstain from the Lord’s Table, and separate from your brethren, who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These things if ye earnestly consider, ye will by God’s grace return to a better mind: for the obtaining whereof we shall not cease to make our humble petitions unto Almighty God, our heavenly Father.

The Minister of every Parish shall often admonish
the People, that they defer not the Baptism of their Children,
and that it is most convenient that Baptism should be administered
upon Sundays and other Holy Days. Nevertheless, if necessity
so require, Baptism may be administered upon any other day. And
also he shall warn them that, except for urgent cause, they seek
not to have their Children baptized in their houses.

There shall be for every Male-child to be baptized. when
they can be had, two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every
Female, one Godfather and two Godmothers; and Parents shall be
admitted as Sponsors, if it be desired.

When there are Children to be baptized, the Parents or
Sponsors shall give knowledge thereof to the Minister. And then
the Godfathers and Godmothers, and the People with the Children,
must be ready at the Font, either immediately after the Second
Lesson at Morning or Evening Prayer, or at such other time as
the Minister shall appoint.

When any such Persons as are of riper years are to be
baptized, timely notice shall be given to the Minister, that
so due care may be taken for their examination, whether they
be sufficiently instructed in the Principles of the Christian
Religion; and that they may be exhorted to prepare themselves,
with Prayers and Fasting, for the receiving of this holy Sacrament.
And Note, That at the time of the Baptism of an Adult, there
shall be present with him at the Font at least two Witnesses.

The Minister, having come to the Font, which is then to
be filled with pure Water, shall say as followeth, the People
all standing,

HATH this Child (Person) been already baptized, or no?

If they answer, No: then shall the Minister
proceed as followeth.

DEARLY beloved, forasmuch as our Saviour Christ saith, None can
enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born
anew of Water and of the Holy Ghost; I beseech you to call upon
God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous
mercy he will grant to this Child (this Person) that which
by nature he cannot have; that he may be baptized
with Water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ’s holy
Church, and be made a living member of the same.

Then shall the Minister say,

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the helper
of all who flee to thee for succour, the life of those who believe,
and the resurrection of the dead; We call upon thee for this
Child (this thy Servant), that he, coming to thy holy
Baptism, may receive remission of sin, by spiritual regeneration.
Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved
Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. So give now unto us who
ask; let us who seek, find; open the gate unto us who knock;
that this Child (this thy Servant) may enjoy the everlasting
benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal
kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the Minister shall say as followeth.

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint Mark, in the
tenth Chapter, at the thirteenth Verse.

THEY brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them:
and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus
saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the
little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of
such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever
shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall
not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands
upon them, and blessed them.

Or this.

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint John, in the
third Chapter, at the first Verse.

THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of
the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him,
Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no
man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with
him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when
he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb,
and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that
I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where
it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not
tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one
that is born of the Spirit.

Or this.

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint Matthew, in
the twenty-eighth Chapter, at the eighteenth Verse.

JESUS came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.

Then shall the Minister say,

AND now, being persuaded of the good will of our heavenly
Father toward this Child (this Person), declared by his
Son Jesus Christ; let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks
unto him, and say,

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, We give thee humble
thanks, That thou hast vouchsafed to call us To the knowledge
of thy grace, and faith in thee: Increase this knowledge, And
confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to this
Child (this thy Servant), That he may be born again,
And be made an heir of everlasting salvation; Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same
Holy Spirit, Now and for ever. Amen.

When the Office is used for Children, the Minister
shall speak unto the Godfathers and Godmothers on this wise.

DEARLY beloved, ye have brought this Child here to be baptized;
ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to
receive him, to release him from sin, to sanctify
him with the Holy Ghost, to give him the kingdom of
heaven, and everlasting life.

Dost thou, therefore, in the name of this Child, renounce the
devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world,
with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires
of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them?

Answer. I renounce them all; and, by God’s help,
will endeavour not to follow, nor be led by them.

Minister. Dost thou believe all the Articles of the Christian
Faith, as contained in the Apostles’ Creed?

Answer. I do.

Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this Faith?

Answer. That is my desire.

Minister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God’s holy will
and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life?

Answer. I will, by God’s help.

Minister. Having now, in the name of this Child, made
these promises, wilt thou also on thy part take heed that this
Child learn the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments,
and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe
to his soul’s health?

Answer. I will, by God’s help.

Minister. Wilt thou take heed that this Child, so soon
as sufficiently instructed, be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed
by him?

Answer. I will, God being my helper.

When the Office is used for Adults, the Minister shall
address them on this wise, the Persons to be baptized answering
the questions for themselves.

WELL-BELOVED, you have come hither desiring to receive holy Baptism.
We have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to
receive you, to release you from sin, to sanctify you with the
Holy Ghost, to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting
life.

DOST thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp
and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same,
and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow,
nor be led by them?

Answer. I renounce them all; and, by God’s help,
will endeavour not to follow, nor be led by them.

Minister. Dost thou believe in Jesus the Christ,
the Son of the Living God?

Answer. I do.

Minister. Dost thou accept him, and desire to follow
him as thy Saviour and Lord?

Answer. I do.

Minister. Dost thou believe all the Articles of
the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles’ Creed?

Answer. I do.

Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this
Faith?

Answer. That is my desire.

Minister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God’s
holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days
of thy life?

Answer. I will, by God’s help.

Then shall the Minister say,

O MERCIFUL God, grant that like as Christ died and rose again,
so this Child (this thy Servant) may die to sin and rise
to newness of life. Amen.

Grant that all sinful affections may die in him, and that
all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him.
Amen.

Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory,
and to triumph, against the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Amen.

Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office
and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly
rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live,
and govern all things, world without end. Amen.

Minister. The Lord be with you.

Answer. And with thy spirit.

Minister. Lift up your hearts.

Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.

Minister. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.

Answer. It is meet and right so to do.

Then the Minister shall say,

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should
give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting
God, for that thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness
of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water
and blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should
go teach all nations, and baptize them In the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Regard, we beseech thee,
the supplications of thy congregation; sanctify this Water to
the mystical washing away of sin; and grant that this Child (this
thy Servant), now to be baptized therein, may receive the fulness
of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful children;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and
evermore. Amen.

Then the Minister shall take the Child into his
arms, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers,

Name this Child.

And then, naming the Child after them, he shall
dip him in the Water discreetly, or shall pour Water upon him,
saying,

N. I baptize thee In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

But NOTE, That if the Person to be baptized be an
Adult, the Minister shall take him by the hand, and shall ask
the Witnesses the Name; and then shall dip him in the Water,
or pour Water upon him, using the same form of words.

Then the Minister shall say,

WE receive this Child (Person) into the congregation
of Christ’s flock; and do sign him with the sign of the
Cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed
to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight
under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil; and
to continue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant unto his
life’s end. Amen.

Then shall the Minister say,

SEEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that this Child (this
Person) is regenerate, and grafted into the body of Christ’s
Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God for these benefits;
and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that this Child
(this Person) may lead the rest of his life according
to this beginning.

Then shall be said,

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

Then shall the Minister say,

WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it
hath pleased thee to regenerate this Child (this thy Servant)
with thy Holy Spirit, to receive him for thine own Child,
and to incorporate him into thy holy Church. And humbly
we beseech thee to grant, that he, being dead unto sin,
may live unto righteousness, and being buried with Christ in
his death, may also be partaker of his resurrection; so that
finally, with the residue of thy holy Church, he may be
an inheritor of thine everlasting kingdom; through Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Then the Minister shall add,

THE Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named; Grant you
to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
that, Christ dwelling in your hearts by faith, ye may be filled
with all the fulness of God. Amen.

It is expedient that every Adult, thus baptized,
should be confirmed by the Bishop, so soon after his Baptism
as conveniently may be; that so he may be admitted to the Holy
Communion.

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

When, in consideration of extreme sickness, necessity
may require, then the following form shall suffice:

The Child (or Person) being named by some one who is present,
the Minister shall pour Water upon him, saying these words:

N. I baptize thee In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

After which shall be said the Lord’s Prayer, and
the Thanksgiving from this Office, beginning, We yield thee hearty
thanks, etc.

But NOTE, That in the case of an Adult, the Minister shall
first ask the questions provided in this Office for the Baptism
of Adults.

In cases of extreme sickness, or any imminent peril, if
a Minister cannot be procured, then any baptized person present
may administer holy Baptism, using the foregoing form. Such Baptism
shall be promptly reported to the Parish authorities.

THE RECEIVING OF ONE PRIVATELY
BAPTIZED.

It is expedient that a Child or Person so baptized
be afterward brought to the Church, at which time these parts
of the foregoing service shall be used:

The Gospel, the Questions (omitting the question Wilt thou be
baptized in this Faith? and the answer thereto), the Declaration,
We receive this Child (or Person), etc., and the remainder of
the Office.

CONDITIONAL BAPTISM.

If there be reasonable doubt whether any person
was baptized with Water, In the Name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (which are essential parts of Baptism),
such person may be baptized in the form before appointed in the
Office; saving that, at the immersion or the pouring of water,
the Minister shall use the form of words:

IF thou art not already baptized, N., I baptize thee In the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

All Rights Reserved. 1996-2000 episcopalnet.org

Question. What is your Name?
Answer. N. or N. N.

Question. Who gave you this Name?
Answer. My Sponsors in Baptism; wherein I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven.

Question. What did your Sponsors then for you?
Answer. They did promise and vow three things in my name: First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh; Secondly, that I should believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith; And Thirdly, that I should keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life.

Question. Dost thou not think that thou art bound to believe, and to do, as they have promised for thee?
Answer. Yes, verily; and by God’s help so I will. And I heartily thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. And I pray unto God to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same unto my life’s end.

=====

Catechist. Rehearse the Articles of thy Belief.

Answer. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen.

Question. What dost thou chiefly learn in these Articles of thy Belief?
Answer. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who hath made me, and all the world. Secondly, in God the Son, who hath redeemed me, and all mankind. Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me, and all the people of God.

=====

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Question. You said that your Sponsors did promise for you, that you should keep God’s Commandments. Tell me how many there are?
Answer. Ten.

Question. Which are they?
Answer. The same which God spake in the twentieth Chapter of Exodus, saying, I am the LORD thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

I. Thou shalt have none other gods but me.

II. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my commandments.

III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain.

IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work; thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.

V. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

VI. Thou shalt do no murder.

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

VIII. Thou shalt not steal.

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his.

=====

DUTY TOWARDS GOD AND NEIGHBOUR

Question. What dost thou chiefly learn by these Commandments?
Answer. I learn two things; my duty towards God, and my duty towards my Neighbour.

Question. What is thy duty towards God?
Answer. My duty towards God is To believe in him, to fear him, And to love him with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength: To worship him, to give him thanks: To put my whole trust in him, to call upon him: To honour his holy Name and his Word: And to serve him truly all the days of my life.

Question. What is thy duty towards thy Neighbour?
Answer. My duty towards my Neighbour is To love him as myself, and to do to all men as I would they should do unto me: To love, honour, and succour my father and mother: To honour and obey the civil authority: To submit myself to all my governors, teachers, spiritual pastors and masters: To order myself lowly and reverently to all my betters: To hurt nobody by word or deed: To be true and just in all my dealings: To bear no malice nor hatred in my heart: To keep my hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil speaking, lying, and slandering: To keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity: Not to covet nor desire other men’s goods; But to learn and labour truly to get mine own living, And to do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me.

=====

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Catechist. My good Child, know this; that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him, without his special grace; which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent prayer. Let me hear, therefore, if thou canst say the Lord’s Prayer.

Answer. Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Question. What desirest thou of God in this Prayer?
Answer. I desire my Lord God, our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all goodness, to send his grace unto me, and to all people; that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto God, that he will send us all things that are needful both for our souls and bodies; and that he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us our sins; and that it will please him to save and defend us in all dangers both of soul and body; and that he will keep us from all sin and wickedness, and from our spiritual enemy, and from everlasting death. And this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore I say, Amen, So be it.

=====

THE SACRAMENTS

Question. How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church?
Answer. Two only, as generally necessary to salvation; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.

Question. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament?
Answer. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us; ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.

Question. How many parts are there in a Sacrament?
Answer. Two; the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual grace.

=====

HOLY BAPTISM

Question. What is the outward visible sign or form in Baptism?
Answer. Water; wherein the person is baptized, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Question. What is the inward and spiritual grace?
Answer. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness: for being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we are hereby made the children of grace.

Question. What is required of persons to be baptized?
Answer. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin; and Faith, whereby they stedfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament.

Question. Why then are Infants baptized, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them?
Answer. Because they promise them both by their Sureties; which promise, when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform.

=====

THE LORD’S SUPPER

Question. Why was the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper ordained?
Answer. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Christ, and of the benefits which we receive thereby.

Question. What is the outward part or sign of the Lord’s Supper?
Answer. Bread and Wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received.

Question. What is the inward part, or thing signified?
Answer. The Body and Blood of Christ, which are spiritually taken and received by the faithful in the Lord’s Supper.

Question. What are the benefits whereof we are partakers thereby?
Answer. The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine.

Question. What is required of those who come to the Lord’s Supper?
Answer. To examine themselves, whether they repent them truly of their former sins, stedfastly purposing to lead a new life; have a lively faith in God’s mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death; and be in charity with all men.

=====

RUBRICS

The Minister of every Parish shall diligently, upon Sundays and Holy Days, or on some other convenient occasions, openly in the Church, instruct or examine so many Children of his Parish, sent unto him, as he shall think convenient, in some part of this Catechism.

And all Fathers, Mothers, Masters, and Mistresses, shall cause their Children, Servants, and Apprentices, who have not learned their Catechism, to come to the Church at the time appointed, and obediently to hear and to be ordered by the Minister, until such time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learn.

So soon as Children are come to a competent age, and can say the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and can answer to the other questions of this short Catechism, they shall be brought to the Bishop.

And whensoever the Bishop shall give knowledge for Children to be brought unto him for their Confirmation, the Minister of every Parish shall either bring, or send in writing, with his hand subscribed thereunto, the Names of all such Persons within his Parish, as he shall think fit to be presented to the Bishop to be confirmed.

After the singing of a Hymn, shall be said by the
Minister and People together, all kneeling, the following Prayer,
the Minister first pronouncing,

The Lord be with you.

Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

LORD of all power and might, Who art the author and giver
of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name,
Increase in us true religion, Nourish us with all goodness, And
of thy great mercy keep us in the same; Through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Then, the People being seated, the Minister shall
ask them the Questions which follow, the People reading or repeating
the Answers as appointed.

Question. What is your Christian Name?

Answer. My Christian Name is ____________.

Question. Who gave you this Name?

Answer. My Sponsors gave me this Name in Baptism; wherein
I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor
of the kingdom of heaven.

Question. What did your Sponsors then promise for you?

Answer. My Sponsors did promise and vow three things in my name:
First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the
pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts
of the flesh; Secondly, that I should believe all the Articles
of the Christian Faith; And Thirdly, that I should keep God’s
holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days
of my life.

Question. Do you not think that you are bound so to do?

Answer. Yes, verily; and by God’s help so I will. And
I heartily thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me
to this state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
And I pray unto God to give me his grace, that I may continue
in the same unto my life’s end.

Then the Minister shall say,

YOU said that your Sponsors promised and vowed that you should
believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith. Recite the Articles
of the Christian Faith as contained in the Apostles’ Creed.

Then, all standing, shall be said the Apostles’ Creed
by the Minister and People.

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived
by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius
Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe
in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of
Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body:
And the Life everlasting. Amen.

Then, the Minister, turning to the People, shall ask the
Question following, the People responding.

Question. What do you chiefly learn in these Articles
of your Belief?

Answer. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who
hath made me, and all the world.

Secondly, in God the Son, who hath redeemed me, and all mankind.

Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me, and all the
people of God. And this Holy Trinity, One God, I praise and magnify,
saying,

Minister and People.

GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Here may be sung a Hymn, after which the Minister, turning
to the People, shall say,

YOU said that your Sponsors promised and vowed that you should
keep God’s holy will and commandments. Tell me how many Commandments
there are. Answer. There are Ten Commandments, given in old time
by God to the people of Israel.

Then shall the Minister say,

Let us ask God’s help to know and to keep them.

The Lord be with you.

Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Then shall be said this Prayer by the Minister
and People together, all kneeling.

ALMIGHTY God, Who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections
of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, That they may love the
thing which thou commandest, And desire that which thou dost
promise; That so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the
world, Our hearts may surely there be fixed, Where true joys
are to be found; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Minister repeat the Ten Commandments,
and after every Commandment the People shall say the response.
But NOTE, That where so instructed, the People may repeat the
Commandments, the Minister saying the response. And NOTE further,
That the part of the Commandment which is inset - [ ]
- may be omitted.

I. Thou shalt have none other gods but me.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

II. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth
beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow
down to them, nor worship them; [for I the LORD thy God am a
jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children,
unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and
show mercy unto thou sands in them that love me and keep my commandments.]

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain;

[for the LORD will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name
in vain.]

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. [Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh
day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God. In it thou shalt do no
manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant,
and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within
thy gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore
the LORD blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.]

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

V. Honour thy father and thy mother; [that thy days may be long
in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.]

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

VI. Thou shalt do no murder.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

VIII. Thou shalt not steal.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this
law.

X. Thou shalt not covet [thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not
covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his.]

Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our
hearts, we beseech thee.

Then shall the Minister say,

GRANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and
do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do any
thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live
according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

After this, the People being seated, the Minister, turning
to them, shall ask the Questions which follow, the People reading
or repeating the Answers.

Question. What does our Lord Jesus Christ teach us about
these Commandments?

Answer. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that they are
summed up in these two Commandments: Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy soul,
and with all thy strength; this is the first and great Commandment.
And the second is: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Question. What then do you chiefly learn from the Ten
Commandments?

Answer. I learn two things from these Commandments; my
duty towards God, and my duty towards my Neighbour.

Question. What is your duty towards God?

Answer. My duty towards God is To believe in him, to fear
him, And to love him with all my heart, with all my mind, with
all my soul, and with all my strength:

I., II. To worship him, to give him thanks: To put my whole trust
in him, to call upon him:

III. To honour his holy Name and his Word:

IV. And to serve him truly all the days of my life.

Question. What is your duty towards your Neighbour?

Answer. My duty towards my Neighbour is To love him as
myself, and to do to all men as I would they should do unto me:

V. To love, honour, and help my father and mother: To honour
and obey the civil authority: To submit myself to all my governors,
teachers, spiritual pastors and masters: And to order myself
in that lowliness and reverence which becometh a servant of God:

VI. To hurt nobody by word or deed: To bear no malice nor hatred
in my heart:

VII. To keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity:

VIII. To keep my hands from picking and stealing: To be true
and just in all my dealings:

IX. To keep my tongue from evil speaking, lying, and slandering:

X. Not to covet nor desire other men’s goods; But to learn and
labour truly to earn mine own living, And to do my duty in that
state of life unto which it shall please God to call me.

Then shall be sung a Hymn, after which
the Minister shall say as followeth.

KNOW this; that you are not able to do these things of yourself,
nor to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him, without
his special grace; which you must learn at all times to call
for by diligent prayer. What is the prayer that our Lord taught
us to pray?

Answer. The Lord’s Prayer.

Minister. Let us pray, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us,
and say,

Then shall be said by the Minister and
People together, all kneeling,

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

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

SECOND OFFICE.

After the singing of a Hymn, there shall be said
the following Sentence by the Minister and People together.

COME ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. And he will
teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.

Minister. Show thy servants thy work;

People. And their children thy glory.

Minister. Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us;

People. As we do put our trust in thee.

Minister. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,

People. But unto thy Name be the praise.

Minister. Lord, hear our prayer.

People. And let our cry come unto thee.

Minister. The Lord be with you.

People. And with thy spirit.

Minister. Let us pray.

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation
of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the
head corner-stone; Grant us so to be joined together in unity
of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple
acceptable unto thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Here may be sung a Hymn, after which, the People
being seated, the Minister shall ask them the Questions concerning
the Church which follow, the People responding.

WHEN were you made a member of the Church?

Answer. I was made a member of the Church when I was baptized.

Question. What is the Church?

Answer. The Church is the Body of which Jesus Christ is
the Head, and all baptized people are the members.

Question. How is the Church described in the Apostles’
and Nicene Creeds?

Answer. The Church is described in the Creeds as One,
Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.

Question. What do we mean by these words?

Answer. We mean that the Church is One; because it is
one Body under one Head; Holy; because the Holy Spirit dwells
in it, and sanctifies its members; Catholic; because it is universal,
holding earnestly the Faith for all time, in all countries, and
for all people; and is sent to preach the Gospel to the whole
world; Apostolic; because it continues stedfastly in the Apostles’
teaching and fellowship.

Question. What is your bounden
duty as a member of the Church?

Answer. My bounden duty is to follow Christ, to worship
God every Sunday in his Church; and to work and pray and give
for the spread of his kingdom.

Question. What special means does the Church provide to
help you to do all these things?

Answer. The Church provides the Laying on of Hands, or
Confirmation, wherein, after renewing the promises and vows of
my Baptism, and declaring my loyalty and devotion to Christ as
my Master, I receive the strengthening gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Question. After you have been confirmed, what great privilege
doth our Lord provide for you?

Answer. Our Lord provides the Sacrament of the Lord’s
Supper, or Holy Communion, for the continual strengthening and
refreshing of my soul.

After another Hymn, the Minister shall proceed with the
Questions on the Sacraments, as followeth.

HOW many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church?

Answer. Christ hath ordained two Sacraments only, as generally
necessary to salvation; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper
of the Lord.

Question. What do you mean by this word Sacrament?

Answer. I mean by this word Sacrament an outward and visible
sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us; ordained
by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive this grace,
and a pledge to assure us thereof.

Question. How many parts are there in a Sacrament?

Answer. There are two parts in a Sacrament; the outward
and visible sign, and the inward and spiritual grace.

Question. What is the outward and visible sign or form
in Baptism?

Answer. The outward and visible sign or form in Baptism
is Water; wherein the person is baptized, In the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Question. What is the inward and spiritual grace in Baptism?

Answer. The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is a
death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness; whereby we
are made the children of grace.

Question. What is required of persons to be baptized?

Answer. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin; and Faith,
whereby they stedfastly believe the promises of God to them in
that Sacrament.

Question. Why then are infants baptized, when by reason
of their tender age they cannot perform them?

Answer. Because, by the faith of their Sponsors, infants
are received into Christ’s Church, become the recipients of his
grace, and are trained in the household of faith.

Question. Why was the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper ordained?

Answer. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was ordained
for the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of
Christ, and of the benefits which we receive thereby.

Question. What is the outward part or sign of the Lord’s
Supper?

Answer. The outward part or sign of the Lord’s Supper
is, Bread and Wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received.

Question. What is the inward part, or thing signified?

Answer. The inward part, or thing signified, is the Body
and Blood of Christ, which are spiritually taken and received
by the faithful in the Lord’s Supper.

Question. What are the benefits whereof we are partakers
in the Lord’s Supper?

Answer. The benefits whereof we are partakers in the Lord’s
Supper are the strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the
Body and Blood of Christ, as our bodies are strengthened and
refreshed by the Bread and Wine.

Question. What is required of those who come to the Lord’s
Supper?

Answer. It is required of those who come to the Lord’s
Supper to examine themselves, whether they repent them truly
of their former sins, with stedfast purpose to lead a new life;
to have a lively faith in God’s mercy through Christ, with a
thankful remembrance of his death; and to be in charity with
all men.

Here may be sung a Hymn, after which the Minister shall
ask the People the following Questions concerning the Ministry,
the People responding.

WHAT orders of Ministers are there in the Church?

Answer. Bishops, Priests, and Deacons; which orders have
been in the Church from the earliest times.

Question. What is the office of a Bishop?

Answer. The office of a Bishop is, to be a chief pastor
in the Church; to confer Holy Orders; and to administer Confirmation.

Question. What is the office of a Priest?

Answer. The office of a Priest is, to minister to the
people committed to his care; to preach the Word of God; to baptize;
to celebrate the Holy Communion; and to pronounce Absolution
and Blessing in God’s Name.

Question. What is the office of a Deacon?

Answer. The office of a Deacon is, to assist the Priest
in Divine Service, and in his other ministrations, under the
direction of the Bishop.

Then shall the Minister add,

The Lord be with you.

People. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

GRANT, O Lord, that they who shall renew the promises and
vows of their Baptism, and be confirmed by the Bishop, may receive
such a measure of thy Holy Spirit, that they may grow in grace
unto their life’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRANT, O Father, that when we receive the blessed Sacrament of
the Body and Blood of Christ, coming to those holy mysteries
in faith, and love, and true repentance, we may receive remission
of our sins, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

The Minister of every Parish shall diligently, upon
Sundays and Holy Days, or on some other convenient occasions,
openly in the Church, instruct or examine the Youth of his Parish.

And all Fathers, Mothers, Guardians, and Sponsors shall
bring those, for whose religious nurture they are responsible,
to the Church at the time appointed, to receive instruction by
the Minister.

So soon as Children are come to a competent age, and can
say the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments and
are sufficiently instructed in the matter contained in these
Offices they shall be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by
him.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Upon the day appointed, all that are to be confirmed shall stand in order before the Bishop, sitting in his chair near to the Holy Table, the People all standing until the Lord’s Prayer; and the Minister shall say:

REVEREND Father in God, I present unto you these persons to receive the Laying on of Hands.

Then the Bishop, or some Minister appointed by him, may say:

Hear the words of the Evangelist Saint Luke, in the eighth Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

WHEN the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

=====

Then shall the Bishop say:

DO ye here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that ye made, or that was made in your name, at your Baptism; ratifying and confirming the same; and acknowledging yourselves bound to believe and to do all those things which ye then undertook, or your Sponsors then undertook for you?

And every one shall audibly answer:

I do.

Then shall the Bishop say:

DO ye promise to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

And every one shall answer:

I do.

=====

THE LAYING ON OF HANDS

Bishop. Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
Answer. Who hath made heaven and earth.

Bishop. Blessed be the Name of the Lord;
Answer. Henceforth, world without end.

Bishop. Lord, hear our prayer.
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Bishop. Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these thy servants by Water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto them forgiveness of all their sins; Strengthen them, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness; and fill them, O Lord, with the spirit of thy holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.

Then all of them in order kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lay his hand upon the head of every one severally, saying:

DEFEND, O Lord, this thy Child with thy heavenly grace; that he may continue thine for ever; and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until he come unto thy everlasting kingdom. Amen.

=====

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Then shall the Bishop say:

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Bishop. Let us pray.

Then shall the Bishop say the Lord’s Prayer, the People kneeling and repeating it with him:

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

Then shall the Bishop say:

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who makest us both to will and to do those things which are good, and acceptable unto thy Divine Majesty; We make our humble supplications unto thee for these thy servants, upon whom, after the example of thy holy Apostles, we have now laid our hands, to certify them, by this sign, of thy favour and gracious goodness towards them. Let thy fatherly hand, we beseech thee, ever be over them; let thy Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of thy Word, that in the end they may obtain everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the same Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

=====

THE BLESSING

Then the Bishop shall bless them, saying thus:

THE Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The Minister shall not omit earnestly to move the Persons confirmed to come, without delay, to the Lord’s Supper.

And there shall none be admitted to the Holy Communion, until such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed.

The Form of
Solemnization of Matrimony

At the day and time appointed for Solemnization of
Matrimony, the Persons to be married shall come into the body
of the Church, or shall be ready in some proper house, with their
friends and neighbours; and there standing together, the Man
on the right hand, and the Woman on the left, the Minister shall
say,

DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of
God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man
and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate,
instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that
is betwixt Christ and his Church: which holy estate Christ adorned
and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought
in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable
among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into
unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly,
soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these
two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show
just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let
him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

And also speaking unto the Persons who are to be married,
he shall say,

I REQUIRE and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful
day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed,
that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be
lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it.
For be ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together
otherwise than as God’s Word doth allow, their marriage is not
lawful.

The Minister, if he shall have reason to doubt
of the lawfulness of the proposed Marriage, may demand sufficient
surety for his indemnification: but if no impediment shall be
alleged, or suspected, the Minister shall say to the Man,

N. WILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together
after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou
love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in
health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so
long as ye both shall live?

The Man shall answer,

I will.

Then shall the Minister say unto the Woman,

N. WILT thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live
together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?
Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness
and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto
him, so long as ye both shall live?

The Woman shall answer,

I will.

Then shall the Minister say,

Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?

Then shall they give their troth to each other
in this manner. The Minister, receiving the Woman at her father’s
or friend’s hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand to
take the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as followeth.

I N. take thee N. to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from
this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death
us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I
plight thee my troth.

Then shall they loose their hands; and the Woman with
her right hand taking the Man by his right hand, shall likewise
say after the Minister,

I N. take thee N. to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from
this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death
us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I
give thee my troth.

Then shall they again loose their hands; and the Man shall
give unto the Woman a Ring on this wise: the Minister taking
the Ring shall deliver it unto the Man, to put it upon the fourth
finger of the Woman’s left hand. And the Man holding the Ring
there, and taught by the Minister, shall say,

WITH this Ring I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

And, before delivering the Ring to the Man, the Minister
may say as followeth.

BLESS, O Lord, this Ring, that he who gives it and she who wears
it may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favour, unto their
life’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then, the Man leaving the Ring upon the fourth
finger of the Woman’s left hand, the Minister shall say,

Let us pray.

Then shall the Minister and the People, still standing,
say the Lord’s Prayer.

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

Then shall
the Minister add,

O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver
of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send
thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman,
whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together,
may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them
made, (whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge,)
and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live
according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Minister may add one or both of the following
prayers.

O ALMIGHTY God, Creator of mankind, who only art the well-spring
of life; Bestow upon these thy servants, if it be thy will, the
gift and heritage of children; and grant that they may see their
children brought up in thy faith and fear, to the honour and
glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O GOD, who hast so consecrated the state of Matrimony that in
it is represented the spiritual marriage and unity betwixt Christ
and his Church; Look mercifully upon these thy servants, that
they may love, honour, and cherish each other, and so live together
in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that
their home may be a haven of blessing and of peace; through the
same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee
and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Minister join their right hands together,
and say,

Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.

Then shall the Minister speak unto the company.

FORASMUCH as N. and N. have consented together in holy wedlock,
and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and
thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other,
and have declared the same by giving and receiving a Ring, and
by joining hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.

The Man and Wife kneeling, the Minister shall add
this Blessing.

GOD the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve,
and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you,
and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that ye
may so live together in this life, that in the world to come
ye may have life everlasting. Amen.

The laws respecting Matrimony, whether by publishing
the Banns in Churches, or by Licence, being different in the
several States, every Minister is left to the direction of those
laws, in every thing that regards the civil contract between
the parties.

And when the Banns are published, it shall be in the following
form: I publish the Banns of Marriage between N. of--, and N.
of--. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these
two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony,
ye are to declare it. This is the first [second or third] time
of asking.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

The following Service, or any part thereof, may be
used at the discretion of the Minister.
When any person is sick, notice shall be given thereof
to the Minister of the Parish; who, coming into the sick person’s
presence, shall say,

PEACE be to this house, and to all that dwell in it.

After which he shall say the Antiphon following,
and then, according to his discretion, one of the Penitential
Psalms.

Antiphon. Remember not, Lord, our iniquities; Nor the
iniquities of our forefathers.

Then the Minister shall say,

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Minister. O Lord, save thy servant;
Answer. Who putteth his trust in thee.
Minister. Send him help from thy holy place;
Answer. And evermore mightily defend him.
Minister. Let the enemy have no advantage of him;
Answer. Nor the wicked approach to hurt him.
Minister. Be unto him, O Lord, a strong tower;
Answer. From the face of his enemy.
Minister. O Lord, hear our prayer.
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Minister.
O LORD, look down from heaven, behold, visit, and relieve
this thy servant. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy,
give him comfort and sure confidence in thee, defend
him in all danger, and keep him in perpetual peace
and safety; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here may be said any one or more of the Psalms
following, with Antiphon and Collect.

Antiphon. I did call upon the LORD with my voice; And
he heard me out of his holy hill.

Domine, quid multiplicati? Psalm iii.
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that
rise against me.
Many one there be that say of my soul, There is no help for him
in his God.
But thou, O LORD, art my defender; thou art my worship, and the
lifter up of my head.
I did call upon the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of
his holy hill.
I laid me down and slept, and rose up again; for the LORD sustained
me.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD; and thy blessing is upon thy
people.

The Collect.
HEAR us, Almighty and most merciful God and Saviour; extend
thy accustomed goodness to this thy servant who is grieved with
sickness. Visit him, O Lord, with thy loving mercy, and
so restore him to his former health, that he
may give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Antiphon. I will go unto the altar of God; Unto the God
of my joy and gladness.

Judica me, Deus. Psalm xliii.
GIVE sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the
ungodly people; O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
For thou art the God of my strength; why hast thou put me from
thee? and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me, and
bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling;
And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of
my joy and gladness; and upon the harp will I give thanks unto
thee, O God, my God.
Why art thou so heavy, O my soul? and why art thou so disquieted
within me?
O put thy trust in God; for I will yet give him thanks, which
is the help of my countenance, and my God.

The Collect.
SANCTIFY, we beseech thee, O Lord, the sickness of this thy
servant; that the sense of his weakness may add strength
to his faith, and seriousness to his repentance;
and grant that he may dwell with thee in life everlasting;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Antiphon. I have considered the days of old; And the years
that are past.

Voce mea ad Dominum. Psalm lxxvii.
I WILL cry unto God with my voice; even unto God will I cry with
my voice, and he shall hearken unto me.
In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord: I stretched forth
my hands unto him, and ceased not in the night season; my soul
refused comfort.
When I am in heaviness, I will think upon God; when my heart
is vexed, I will complain.
Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so feeble that I cannot speak.
I have considered the days of old, and the years that are past.
I call to remembrance my song, and in the night I commune with
mine own heart, and search out my spirit.
Will the Lord absent himself for ever? and will he be no more
intreated?
Is his mercy clean gone for ever? and is his promise come utterly
to an end for evermore?
Hath God forgotten to be gracious? and will he shut up his loving-kindness
in displeasure?
And I said, It is mine own infirmity; but I will remember the
years of the right hand of the Most Highest.

The Collect.
HEAR, O Lord, we beseech thee, these our prayers, as we call
upon thee on behalf of this thy servant; and bestow upon him
the help of thy merciful consolation; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Antiphon. Though I walk in the midst of trouble; Yet shalt
thou refresh me.

Confitebor tibi. Psalm cxxxviii.
I WILL give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; even
before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy Name, because
of thy loving-kindness and truth; for thou hast magnified thy
Name, and thy word, above all things.
When I called upon thee, thou heardest me; and enduedst my soul
with much strength.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh
me; thou shalt stretch forth thy hand upon the furiousness of
mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
The LORD shall make good his loving-kindness toward me; yea,
thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever; despise not then the works
of thine own hands.

The Collect.
O GOD, the strength of the weak
and the comfort of sufferers; Mercifully accept our prayers,
and grant to thy servant the help of thy power, that his sickness
may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Antiphon. The LORD saveth thy life from destruction; And
crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness.

Benedic, anima mea. Psalm ciii.
PRAISE the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, praise
his holy Name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thine infirmities;
Who saveth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with
mercy and loving-kindness.
O praise the LORD, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength;
ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of
his word.
O praise the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye servants of his that
do his pleasure.
O speak good of the LORD, all ye works of his, in all places
of his dominion: praise thou the LORD, O my soul.

The Collect.
ACCEPT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, the devout praise
of thy humble servant; and grant him an abiding sense
of thy loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Any of the following Psalms, 20, 27, 42, 91, 121,
146, may, at the discretion of the Minister, be substituted for
any of those given above.

Here shall be said,

O SAVIOUR of the world, who by thy Cross and precious Blood
hast redeemed us;
Save us, and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.

As occasion demands, the Minister shall address
the sick person on the meaning and use of the time of sickness,
and the opportunity it affords for spiritual profit.
Here may the Minister inquire of the sick person as to
his acceptance of the Christian Faith, and as to whether he repent
him truly of his sins, and be in charity with all the world;
exhorting him to forgive, from the bottom of his heart, all persons
that have offended him; and if he hath offended any other, to
ask them forgiveness; and where he hath done injury or wrong
to any man, that he make amends to the uttermost of his power.
Then shall the sick person be moved to make a special
confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with
any matter; after which confession, on evidence of his repentance,
the Minister shall assure him of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Then the Minister shall say,

Let us pray.
O MOST merciful God, who, according to the multitude of thy
mercies, dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent,
that thou rememberest them no more; Open thine eye of mercy upon
this thy servant, who most earnestly desireth pardon and forgiveness.
Renew in him, most loving Father, whatsoever hath been
decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil, or by his own
carnal will and frailness; preserve and continue this sick member
in the unity of the Church; consider his contrition, accept
his tears, assuage his pain, as shall seem to thee
most expedient for him. And forasmuch as he putteth
his full trust only in thy mercy, impute not unto him
his former sins, but strengthen him with thy blessed
Spirit; and, when thou art pleased to take him hence,
take him unto thy favour; through the merits of thy most
dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Minister say,

THE Almighty Lord, who is a most strong tower to all those
who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, in
earth, and under the earth, do bow and obey; Be now and evermore
thy defence; and make thee know and feel, that there is none
other Name under heaven given to man, in whom, and through whom,
thou mayest receive health and salvation, but only the Name of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here the Minister may use any part of the service
of the Book, which, in his discretion, he shall think convenient
to the occasion; and after that shall say,

UNTO God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit thee. The
LORD bless thee, and keep thee. The LORD make his face to shine
upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The LORD lift up his countenance
upon thee, and give thee peace, both now and evermore. Amen.

PRAYERS.

These Prayers may be said with the foregoing Service,
or any part thereof, at the discretion of the Minister.

A
Prayer for Recovery.
O GOD of heavenly powers, who, by the might of thy command,
drivest away from men’s bodies all sickness and all infirmity;
Be present in thy goodness with this thy servant, that his
weakness may be banished and his strength recalled; that
his health being thereupon restored, he may bless
thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A
Prayer for Healing.
O ALMIGHTY God, who art the giver of all health, and the aid
of them that turn to thee for succour; We entreat thy strength
and goodness in behalf of this thy servant, that he may
be healed of his infirmities, to thine honour and glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A
Thanksgiving for the Beginning of a Recovery.
GREAT and mighty God, who bringest down to the grave, and
bringest up again; We bless thy wonderful goodness, for having
turned our heaviness into joy and our mourning into gladness,
by restoring this our brother to some degree of his
former health. Blessed be thy Name that thou didst not forsake
him in his sickness; but didst visit him with comforts
from above; didst support him in patience and submission
to thy will; and at last didst send him seasonable relief.
Perfect, we beseech thee, this thy mercy towards him;
and prosper the means which shall be made use of for his cure:
that, being restored to health of body, vigour of mind, and cheerfulness
of spirit, he may be able to go to thine house, to offer
thee an oblation with great gladness, and to bless thy holy Name
for all thy goodness towards him; through Jesus Christ
our Saviour, to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honour
and glory, world without end. Amen.

A Prayer for a Sick Person,
when there appeareth but small hope of Recovery.
O FATHER of mercies, and God of all comfort, our only help
in time of need; We fly unto thee for succour in behalf of this
thy servant, here lying in great weakness of body. Look graciously
upon him, O Lord; and the more the outward man decayeth,
strengthen him, we beseech thee, so much the more continually
with thy grace and Holy Spirit in the inner man. Give him
unfeigned repentance for all the errors of his life past,
and stedfast faith in thy Son Jesus; that his sins may
be done away by thy mercy, and his pardon sealed in heaven;
through the same thy Son, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

A Prayer for the Despondent.
COMFORT, we beseech thee, most gracious God, this thy servant,
cast down and faint of heart amidst the sorrows and difficulties
of the world; and grant that, by the power of thy Holy Spirit,
he may be enabled to go upon his way rejoicing, and give
thee continual thanks for thy sustaining providence; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer which may be said
by the Minister in behalf of all present at the Visitation.
O GOD, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot
be numbered; Make us, we beseech thee, deeply sensible of the
shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let thy Holy Spirit
lead us in holiness and righteousness, all our days: that, when
we shall have served thee in our generation, we may be gathered
unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience;
in the communion of the Catholic Church; in the confidence of
a certain faith; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and
holy hope; in favour with thee our God, and in perfect charity
with the world. All which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Commendatory Prayer for
a Sick Person at the point of Departure.
O ALMIGHTY God, with whom do live the spirits of just men
made perfect, after they are delivered from their earthly prisons;
We humbly commend the soul of this thy servant, our dear brother,
into thy hands, as into the hands of a faithful Creator,
and most merciful Saviour; beseeching thee, that it may be precious
in thy sight. Wash it, we pray thee, in the blood of that immaculate
Lamb, that was slain to take away the sins of the world; that
whatsoever defilements it may have contracted, through the lusts
of the flesh or the wiles of Satan, being purged and done away,
it may be presented pure and without spot before thee; through
the merits of Jesus Christ thine only Son our Lord. Amen.

LITANY FOR THE DYING.
O GOD the Father;
Have mercy upon the soul of thy servant.
O God the Son;
Have mercy upon the soul of thy servant.
O God the Holy Ghost;
Have mercy upon the soul of thy servant.
O holy Trinity, one God;
Have mercy upon the soul of thy servant.

From all evil, from all sin, from all tribulation;
Good Lord, deliver him.
By thy holy Incarnation, by thy Cross and Passion, by thy precious
Death and Burial;
Good Lord, deliver him.
By thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension, and by the coming
of the Holy Ghost;
Good Lord, deliver him.

We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; That it may
please thee to deliver the soul of thy servant from the power
of the evil one, and from eternal death;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee mercifully to pardon all his sins.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to grant him a place of refreshment
and everlasting blessedness;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give him joy and gladness in
thy kingdom, with thy saints in light;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon him.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon him.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
Grant him thy peace.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Let us pray.
O SOVEREIGN Lord, who desirest not the death of a sinner;
We beseech thee to loose the spirit of this thy servant from
every bond, and set him free from all evil; that he
may rest with all thy saints in the eternal habitations; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

An Absolution to be said by the Priest.
THE Almighty and merciful Lord grant thee pardon and remission
of all thy sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

A Commendation.
DEPART, O Christian soul, out of this world,
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created thee. In the
Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed thee.
In the Name of the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth thee.
May thy rest be this day in peace, and thy dwellingplace in the
Paradise of God.

A Commendatory Prayer when the Soul is Departed.
INTO thy hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend the soul of
thy servant, now departed from the body. Acknowledge, we humbly
beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own
flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Receive him into the
arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company of-the saints in light. Amen.

UNCTION OF THE SICK.

When any sick person shall in humble faith desire
the ministry of healing through Anointing or Laying on of Hands,
the Minister may use such portion of the foregoing Office as
he shall think fit, and the following:

O BLESSED Redeemer, relieve, we beseech thee, by thy indwelling
power, the distress of this thy servant; release him from
sin, and drive away all pain of soul and body, that being restored
to soundness of health, he may offer thee praise and thanksgiving;
who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one
God, world without end. Amen.

I ANOINT thee with oil (or I lay my hand upon thee), In the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; beseeching
the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all thy pain and sickness
of body being put to flight, the blessing of health may be restored
unto thee. Amen.

The Minister is ordered, from time to time, to
advise the People, whilst they are in health, to make Wills arranging
for the disposal of their temporal goods, and, when of ability,
to leave Bequests for religious and charitable uses.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Forasmuch as all mortal men are subject to many
sudden perils, diseases and sicknesses, and ever uncertain what
time they shall depart out of this life; therefore, to the intent
they may be always in readiness to die, whensoever it shall please
Almighty God to call them, the Ministers shall diligently from
time to time, but especially in the time of pestilence, or other
infectious sickness, exhort their parishioners to the often receiving
of the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ,
when it shall be publicly administered in the Church; that so
doing, they may, in case of sudden visitation, have the less
cause to be disquieted for lack of the same. But if the sick
person be not able to come to the Church, and yet is desirous
to receive the Communion in his house; then he must give timely
notice to the Minister, signifying also how many there are to
communicate with him; and all things necessary being prepared,
the Minister shall there celebrate the Holy Communion, beginning
with the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, here following.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY, everliving God, Maker of mankind, who dost correct
those whom thou dost love, and chastise every one whom thou dost
receive; We beseech thee to have mercy upon this thy servant
visited with thine hand, and to grant that he may take his sickness
patiently, and recover his bodily health, if it be thy gracious
will; and that, whensoever his soul shall depart from the body,
it may be without spot presented unto thee; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Hebrews xii. 5.
MY son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

The Gospel. St. John v. 24.
VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall
not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Or the following Collect, Epistle, and
Gospel.

The Collect.
O LORD, holy Father, by whose loving-kindness our souls and
bodies are renewed; Mercifully look upon this thy servant, that,
every cause of sickness being removed, he may be restored to
soundness of health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. 1 St. John v. 13.
THESE things have I written unto you that believe on the name
of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,
and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this
is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing
according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he
hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions
that we desired of him.

The Gospel. St. John vi. 47.
JESUS said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth
on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers
did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread
which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and
not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if
any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread
that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life
of the world.

After which the Minister shall proceed according
to the form before prescribed for the Holy Communion, beginning
at these words, Ye who do truly, etc.
At the time of the distribution of the holy Sacrament,
the Minister shall first receive the Communion himself, and after
minister unto those who are appointed to communicate with the
sick, and last of all to the sick person.
When circumstances render it expedient to shorten the
Service, the following form shall suffice: The Confession and
the Absolution; Lift up your hearts, etc., through the Sanctus;
The Prayer of Consecration, ending with these words, partakers
of his most blessed Body and Blood; The Prayer of Humble Access;
The Communion; The Lord’s Prayer; The Blessing. And NOTE, That
for the Confession and Absolution the following may be used.

The Confession.
O ALMIGHTY Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we confess that
we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed. Have
mercy upon us, O God, after thy great goodness; according to
the multitude of thy mercies, do away our offences and cleanse
us from our sins; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

The Absolution.
THE Almighty and merciful Lord grant you Absolution and Remission
of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the
grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.

But if a man, either by reason of extremity of
sickness, or for want of warning in due time to the Minister,
or by any other just impediment, do not receive the Sacrament
of Christ’s Body and Blood, the Minister shall instruct him,
that if he do truly repent him of his sins, and stedfastly believe
that Jesus Christ hath suffered death upon the Cross for him,
and shed his Blood for his redemption, earnestly remembering
the benefits he hath thereby, and giving him hearty thanks therefor,
he doth eat and drink the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ
profitably to his soul’s health, although he do not receive the
Sacrament with his mouth.

This Office may be used with aged and bed-ridden persons,
or such as are not able to attend the public Ministration in
Church, substituting the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel for the
Day, for those appointed above.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Copyright 1996-2000. episcopalnet.org

The Minister, meeting the Body, and going before
it, either into the Church or towards the Grave, shall say or
sing,

I AM the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth
in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever
liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.

I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth: and though this body be destroyed,
yet shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes
shall behold, and not as a stranger.

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD.

After they are come into the Church, shall be said
one or more of the following Selections, taken from the Psalms.
The Gloria Patri may be omitted except at the end of the whole
portion or selection from the Psalter.

Dixi, custodiam. Psalm xxxix.

LORD, let me know mine end, and the number of my days; * that
I may be certified how long I have to live.
Behold, thou hast made my days as it were a span long, and mine
age is even as nothing in respect of thee; * and verily every
man living is altogether vanity.
For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth himself in
vain; * he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather
them.
And now, Lord, what is my hope? * truly my hope is even in thee.
Deliver me from all mine offences; * and make me not a rebuke
unto the foolish.
When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, thou makest
his beauty to consume away, like as it were a moth fretting a
garment: * every man therefore is but vanity.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and with thine ears consider my calling;
* hold not thy peace at my tears;
For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, * as all my fathers
were.
O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, * before
I go hence, and be no more seen.

Domine, refugium. Psalm xc.

LORD, thou hast been our refuge, * from one generation to
another.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and
the world were made, * thou art God from everlasting, and world
without end.
Thou turnest man to destruction; * again thou sayest, Come again,
ye children of men.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday, when
it is past, * and as a watch in the night.
As soon as thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep; * and
fade away suddenly like the grass.
In the morning it is green, and groweth up; * but in the evening
it is cut down, dried up, and withered.
For we consume away in thy displeasure, * and are afraid at thy
wrathful indignation.
Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee; * and our secret sins
in the light of thy countenance.
For when thou art angry all our days are gone: * we bring our
years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.
The days of our age are threescore years and ten; and though
men be so strong that they come to fourscore years, * yet is
their strength then but labour and sorrow; so soon passeth it
away, and we are gone.
So teach us to number our days, * that we may apply our hearts
unto wisdom.

Dominus illuininatio. Psalm xxvii.

THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
* the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be
afraid?
One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require; *
even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of
my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit
his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle;
* yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me,
and set me up upon a rock of stone.
And now shall he lift up mine head * above mine enemies round
about me.
Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation, with great
gladness: * I will sing and speak praises unto the LORD.
Hearken unto my voice, O LORD, when I cry unto thee; * have mercy
upon me, and hear me.
My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face: * Thy face, LORD,
will I seek.
O hide not thou thy face from me, * nor cast thy servant away
in displeasure.
Thou hast been my succour; * leave me not, neither forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
I should utterly have fainted, * but that I believe verily to
see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
O tarry thou the LORD’S leisure; * be strong, and he shall comfort
thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the LORD.

Deus noster refugium. Psalm xlvi.

GOD is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and
though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the mountains
shake at the tempest of the same.
There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God;
* the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most Highest.
God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed;
* God shall help her, and that right early.
Be still then, and know that I am God: * I will be exalted among
the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Levavi oculos. Psalm cxxi.

I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills; * from whence cometh
my help?
My help cometh even from the LORD, * who hath made heaven and
earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; * and he that keepeth
thee will not sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD himself is thy keeper; * the LORD is thy defence upon
thy right hand;
So that the sun shall not burn thee by day, * neither the moon
by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; * yea, it is even
he that shall keep thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, * from
this time forth for evermore.

De profundis. Psalm cxxx.

OUT of the deep have I called unto thee, O LORD; * Lord, hear
my voice.
O let thine ears consider well * the voice of my complaint.
If thou, LORD, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who may abide it?
For there is mercy with thee; * therefore shalt thou be feared.
I look for the LORD; my soul doth wait for him; * in his word
is my trust.
My soul fleeth unto the Lord before the morning watch; * I say,
before the morning watch.
O Israel, trust in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy,
* and with him is plenteous redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel * from all his sins.

Then shall follow the Lesson, taken out of the
fifteenth Chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians xv. 20.

NOW is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits
of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even
so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own
order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s
at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered
up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put
down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign,
till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that
shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under
his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it
is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under
him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall
the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things
under him, that God may be all in all.

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what
body do they come? Thou foolish one, that which thou sowest is
not quickened, except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou
sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance
of wheat, or of some other grain: but God giveth it a body as
it hath pleased him, and to every seed its own body. All flesh
is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men,
another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but
the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial
is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory
of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth
from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the
dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it
is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there
is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam
was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which
is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first
man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from
heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:
and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear
the image of the heavenly.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit
the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead
shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put
on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed
up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is
thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin
is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in
the Lord.

Or this.

Romans viii. 14.

AS many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again
to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby
we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with
our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and jointheirs with Christ; if so be
that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for
the manifestation of the sons of God. We know that all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to his purpose. What shall we then say to
these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that
spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who is
he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that
is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also
maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love
of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things
we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I
am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Or this.

St. John xiv. 1.

JESUS said, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in
God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place
for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye
may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas
saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how
can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the
truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Here may be sung a Hymn or Anthem; and, at the
discretion of the Minister, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the
Prayer which followeth, and such other fitting Prayers as are
elsewhere provided in this Book, ending with the Blessing; the
Minister, before the Prayers, first pronouncing,

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

REMEMBER thy servant, O Lord, according to the favour which
thou bearest unto thy people, and grant that, increasing in knowledge
and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength, in the
life of perfect service, in thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

UNTO God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit you. The LORD
bless you and keep you. The LORD make his face to shine upon
you, and be gracious unto you. The LORD lift up his countenance
upon you, and give you peace, both now and evermore. Amen.

AT THE GRAVE.

When they come to the Grave, while the Body is
made ready to be laid into the earth, shall be sung or said,

MAN, that is born of a woman, hath but a short time to live,
and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down, like a
flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in
one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death; of whom may we seek for
succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most
merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal
death.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful
ears to our prayer; but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most
mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal,
suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall
from thee.

Or this.

ALL that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
He that raised up Jesus from the dead will also quicken our mortal
bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in us.
Wherefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh
also shall rest in hope.
Thou shalt show me the path of life; in thy presence is the fulness
of joy, and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the
Body by some standing by, the Minister shall say,

UNTO Almighty God we commend the soul of our brother departed,
and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth,
ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the
Resurrection unto eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ;
at whose coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth
and the sea shall give up their dead; and the corruptible bodies
of those who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like unto
his own glorious body; according to the mighty working whereby
he is able to subdue all things unto himself.

Then shall be said or sung,

I HEARD a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, From henceforth
blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: even so saith the Spirit;
for they rest from their labours.

Then the Minister shall say,

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Then the Minister shall say one or more of
the following Prayers, at his discretion.

O GOD, whose mercies cannot be numbered; Accept our prayers on
behalf of the soul of thy servant departed, and grant him
an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship
of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart
hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after
they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and
felicity; We give thee hearty thanks for the good examples of
all those thy servants, who, having finished their course in
faith, do now rest from their labours. And we beseech thee, that
we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of thy
holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both
in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the
Resurrection and the Life; in whom whosoever believeth, shall
live, though he die; and whosoever liveth, and believeth in him,
shall not die eternally; who also hath taught us, by his holy
Apostle Saint Paul, not to be sorry, as men without hope, for
those who sleep in him; We humbly beseech thee, O Father, to
raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness;
that, when we shall depart this life, we may rest in him; and
that, at the general Resurrection in the last day, we may be
found acceptable in thy sight; and receive that blessing, which
thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all who love and
fear thee, saying, Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive
the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.
Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus
Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen.

THE God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus
Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of
the everlasting covenant; Make you perfect in every good work
to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in
his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

The Minister, at his discretion, may also use any of
the following Prayers before the final Blessing.

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

MOST merciful Father, who hast been pleased to take unto thyself
the soul of this thy servant (or this thy child); Grant
to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by
faith, that having served thee with constancy on earth, we may
be joined hereafter with thy blessed saints in glory everlasting;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O LORD Jesus Christ, who by thy death
didst take away the sting of death; Grant unto us thy servants
so to follow in faith where thou hast led the way, that we may
at length fall asleep peacefully in thee, and awake up after
thy likeness; through thy mercy, who livest with the Father and
the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we yield unto 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 the lights of the world in their several generations; most
humbly beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow the example
of their stedfastness in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy
commandments, that at the day of the general Resurrection, we,
with all those who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be
set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice: Come,
ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O Father, for the
sake of the same, thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and
Advocate. Amen.

Inasmuch as it may sometimes be expedient to say
under shelter of the Church the whole or a part of the service
appointed to be said at the Grave the same is hereby allowed
for weighty cause.

It is to be noted that this Office is appropriate to be
used only for the faithful departed in Christ, provided that
in any other case the Minister may, at his discretion, use such
part of this Office, or such devotions taken from other parts
of this Book, as may be fitting.

At the Burial of the Dead at Sea.

The same Office may be used; but instead of the
Sentence of Committal, the Minister shall say,

UNTO Almighty God we commend the soul of our brother departed,
and we commit his body to the deep; in sure and certain
hope of the Resurrection unto eternal life, through our Lord
Jesus Christ; at whose coming in glorious majesty to judge the
world, the sea shall give up her dead; and the corruptible bodies
of those who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like unto
his glorious body; according to the mighty working whereby he
is able to subdue all things unto himself.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

The Minister, meeting the Body, and going
before it, either into
the Church or towards the Grave, shall say,

I AM the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth
in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth
and believeth in me, shall never die.
JESUS called them unto him and said, Suffer the little children
to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom
of God.
HE shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs
with his arms, and carry them in his bosom.

When they are come into the Church, shall be said
the following Psalms; and at the end of each Psalm shall be said
the Gloria Patri.

Dominus regit me. Psalm xxiii.
THE LORD is my shepherd; * therefore can I lack nothing.
He shall feed me in a green pasture, * and lead me forth beside
the waters of comfort.
He shall convert my soul, * and bring me forth in the paths of
righteousness for his Name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff
comfort me.
Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that
trouble me; * thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup
shall be full.
Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life; * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Levavi oculos. Psalm cxxi.
I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills; * from whence cometh
my help?
My help cometh even from the LORD, * who hath made heaven and
earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; * and he that keepeth
thee will not sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD himself is thy keeper; * the LORD is thy defence upon
thy right hand;
So that the sun shall not burn thee by day, * neither the moon
by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; * yea, it is even
he that shall keep thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, * from
this time forth for evermore.

Then shall follow the Lesson taken out of the eighteenth
Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew.

AT the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is
the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little
child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily
I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore
shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest
in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little
child in my name receiveth me. Take heed that ye despise not one
of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their
angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Here may be sung a Hymn or an Anthem; then shall
the Minister say,

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then shall be said by the Minister and People,

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Minister. Blessed are the pure in heart;
Answer. For they shall see God.
Minister. Blessed be the Name of the Lord;
Answer. Henceforth, world without end.
Minister. Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Here shall be said the following Prayers, or other
fitting Prayers from this Book.

O MERCIFUL Father, whose face the angels of thy little ones do
always behold in heaven; Grant us stedfastly to believe that this
thy child hath been taken into the safe keeping of thine eternal
love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and merciful Father, who dost grant to children an abundant
entrance into thy kingdom; Grant us grace so to conform our lives
to their innocency and perfect faith, that at length, united with
them, we may stand in thy presence in fulness of joy; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

When they are come to the Grave shall be
said or sung,

JESUS saith to his disciples, Ye now therefore have sorrow: but
I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy
no man taketh from you.

While the earth is being cast upon the Body,
the Minister shall say,

IN sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life through
our Lord Jesus Christ, we commit the body of this child to the
ground. The LORD bless him and keep him, the LORD
make his face to shine upon him and be gracious unto him,
the LORD lift up his countenance upon him, and give
him peace, both now and evermore.

Then shall be said or sung,

THEREFORE are they before the throne of God, and serve him day
and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall
dwell among them.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall
the sun light on them, nor any heat.

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall
wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Then shall the Minister say,

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O GOD, whose most dear Son did take little children into his
arms and bless them; Give us grace, we beseech thee, to entrust
the soul of this child to thy neverfailing care and love, and
bring us all to thy heavenly kingdom; through the same thy Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, Father of mercies and giver of all comfort; Deal
graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that, casting
every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MAY Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless
you and keep you, now and for evermore. Amen.

Go to 1928 Book of Common
Prayer

On the First Day of Lent, the Office ensuing may be read immediately after the Prayer, We humbly beseech thee, O Father, in the Litany; or it may be used with Morning Prayer, or Evening Prayer, or as a separate Office.

The same Office may be read at other times, at the discretion of the Minister.

The Minister and the People kneeling, then shall be said by them the Psalm following.

=====

Miserere mei, Deus. Psalm li.

Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness; according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.

Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my faults, and my sin is ever before me.

Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and clear when thou art judged.

Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath my mother conceived me.

But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts, and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.

Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds.

Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me.

O give me the comfort of thy help again, and stablish me with thy free Spirit.

Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness.

Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show thy praise.

For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it thee; but thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.

The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

=====

If the Litany hath been already said, the Minister may pass at once to O Lord, save thy servants; etc.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

O Lord, save thy servants;
That put their trust in thee.

Send unto them help from above.
And evermore mightily defend them.

Help us, O God our Saviour.
And for the glory of thy Name deliver us; be merciful to us sinners, for thy Name’s sake.

O Lord, hear our prayer.
And let our cry come unto thee.

=====

Let us pray.

O Lord, we beseech thee, mercifully hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee; that they, whose consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Most mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his sin, and be saved; Mercifully forgive us our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgment with thy servants; but so turn thine anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our transgressions, and truly repent us of our faults, and so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

=====

RESPONSIVE PRAYER

Then shall the People say this that followeth, after the Minister.

Turn thou us, O good Lord, and so shall we be turned.
Be favourable, O Lord,
Be favourable to thy people,
Who turn to thee in weeping, fasting, and praying.
For thou art a merciful God,
Full of compassion,
Long-suffering, and of great pity.
Thou sparest when we deserve punishment,
And in thy wrath thinkest upon mercy.
Spare thy people, good Lord, spare them,
And let not thine heritage be brought to confusion.
Hear us, O Lord, for thy mercy is great,
And after the multitude of thy mercies look upon us;
Through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

=====

ABSOLUTION AND BLESSING

Then the Minister shall say,

O GOD, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive; Receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

THE LORD bless us, and keep us. The LORD make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The LORD lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen.

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

Here may follow the Collect for the day.

Acknowledgment of God’s Mercy and Preservation, especially through the Night past.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being; We, thy needy creatures, render thee our humble praises, for thy preservation of us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and especially for having delivered us from the dangers of the past night. For these thy mercies, we bless and magnify thy glorious Name; humbly beseeching thee to accept this our morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; for his sake who lay down in the grave, and rose again for us, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Dedication of Soul and Body to God’s Service, with a Resolution to be growing daily in Goodness.

AND since it is of thy mercy, O gracious Father, that another day is added to our lives; We here dedicate both our souls and our bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober, righteous, and godly life: in which resolution, do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen us; that, as we grow in age, we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Grace to enable us to perform that Resolution.

BUT, O God, who knowest the weakness and corruption of our nature, and the manifold temptations which we daily meet with; We humbly beseech thee to have compassion on our infirmities, and to give us the constant assistance of thy Holy Spirit; that we may be effectually restrained from sin, and incited to our duty. Imprint upon our hearts such a dread of thy judgments, and such a grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may make us both afraid and ashamed to offend thee. And, above all, keep in our minds a lively remembrance of that great day, in which we must give a strict account of our thoughts, words, and actions to him whom thou hast appointed the Judge of quick and dead, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Grace to guide and keep us the following Day, and for God’s Blessing on the business of the Same.

IN particular, we implore thy grace and protection for the ensuing day. Keep us temperate in all things, and diligent in our several callings. Grant us patience under our afflictions. Give us grace to be just and upright in all our dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all men, according to our abilities and opportunities. Direct us in all our ways. Defend us from all dangers and adversities; and be graciously pleased to take us, and all who are dear to us, under thy fatherly care and protection. These things, and whatever else thou shalt see to be necessary and convenient to us, we humbly beg, through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

=====

The Family being together, a little before bedtime, let the Master or Mistress, or any other who may be appointed, say as followeth, all kneeling, and repeating with him the Lord’s Prayer.

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

Here may follow the Collect for the day.

Confession of Sins, with a Prayer for Contrition and Pardon.

MOST merciful God, who art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, and hast promised forgiveness to all those who confess and forsake their sins; We come before thee in an humble sense of our own unworthiness, acknowledging our manifold transgressions of thy righteous laws.

[Here let him who reads make a short pause, that every one may secretly confess the sins and failings of that day.]

But, O gracious Father, who desirest not the death of a sinner, look upon us, we beseech thee, in mercy, and forgive us all our transgressions. Make us deeply sensible of the great evil of them; and work in us an hearty contrition; that we may obtain forgiveness at thy hands, who art ever ready to receive humble and penitent sinners; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.

Prayer for Grace to reform and grow Better.

AND lest, through our own frailty, or the temptations which encompass us, we be drawn again into sin, vouchsafe us, we beseech thee, the direction and assistance of thy Holy Spirit. Reform whatever is amiss in the temper and disposition of our souls; that no unclean thoughts, unlawful designs, or inordinate desires, may rest there. Purge our hearts from envy, hatred, and malice; that we may never suffer the sun to go down upon our wrath; but may always go to our rest in peace, charity, and good-will, with a conscience void of offence towards thee, and towards men; that so we may be preserved pure and blameless, unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Intercession.

AND accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all mankind. Let the light of thy Gospel shine upon all nations; and may as many as have received it, live as becomes it. Be gracious unto thy Church; and grant that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may serve thee faithfully. Bless all in authority over us; and so rule their hearts and strengthen their hands, that they may punish wickedness and vice, and maintain thy true religion and virtue. Send down thy blessings, temporal and spiritual, upon all our relations, friends, and neighbours. Reward all who have done us good, and pardon all those who have done or wish us evil, and give them repentance and better minds. Be merciful to all who are in any trouble; and do thou, the God of pity, administer to them according to their several necessities; for his sake who went about doing good, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Thanksgiving.

TO our prayers, O Lord, we join our unfeigned thanks for all thy mercies; for our being, our reason, and all other endowments and faculties of soul and body; for our health, friends, food, and raiment, and all the other comforts and conveniences of life. Above all, we adore thy mercy in sending thy only Son into the world, to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and in giving us the knowledge and sense of our duty towards thee. We bless thee for thy patience with us, notwithstanding our many and great provocations; for all the directions, assistances, and comforts of thy Holy Spirit; for thy continual care and watchful providence over us through the whole course of our lives; and particularly for the mercies and benefits of the past day; beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to us, and to give us grace to show our thankfulness in a sincere obedience to his laws, through whose merits and intercession we received them all, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for God’s Protection through the Night following.

IN particular, we beseech thee to continue thy gracious protection to us this night. Defend us from all dangers and mischiefs, and from the fear of them; that we may enjoy such refreshing sleep as may fit us for the duties of the coming day. And grant us grace always to live in such a state that we may never be afraid to die; so that, living and dying, we may be thine, through the merits and satisfaction of thy Son Christ Jesus, in whose Name we offer up these our imperfect prayers. Amen.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

On Sundays, and on other days when it may be convenient, it will be proper to begin with a Chapter, or part of a Chapter, from the New Testament.

=====

A SHORTER FORM

MORNING.

After the reading of a brief portion of Holy Scripture, let the Head of the Household, or some other member of the family, say as followeth, all kneeling, and repeating with him the Lord’s Prayer.

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

O LORD, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered by thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here may be added any special Prayers.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

EVENING.

After the reading of a brief portion of Holy Scripture, let the Head of the Household, or some other member of the family, say as followeth, all kneeling and repeating with him the Lord’s Prayer.

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

LIGHTEN our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here may be added any special Prayers.

THE Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this night and evermore. Amen.

=====

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS

For the Spirit of Prayer.

ALMIGHTY God, who pourest out on all who desire it, the spirit of grace and of supplication; Deliver us, when we draw nigh to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with stedfast thoughts and kindled affections, we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the Morning.

O GOD, the King eternal, who dividest the day from the darkness, and turnest the shadow of death into the morning; Drive far off from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep thy law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that having done thy will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when the night cometh, rejoice to give thee thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who alone gavest us the breath of life, and alone canst keep alive in us the holy desires thou dost impart; We beseech thee, for thy compassion’s sake, to sanctify all our thoughts and endeavours; that we may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without thy blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of the mind opened to behold things invisible and unseen, we may in heart be inspired by thy wisdom, and in work be upheld by thy strength, and in the end be accepted of thee as thy faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

At Night.

O LORD, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

O GOD, who art the life of mortal men, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labour, and the repose of the dead; We thank thee for the timely blessings of the day, and humbly supplicate thy merciful protection all this night. Bring us, we beseech thee, in safety to the morning hours; through him who died for us and rose again, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sunday Morning.

O GOD, who makest us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of thy Son our Lord; Vouchsafe us this day such blessing through our worship of thee, that the days to come may be spent in thy service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Quiet Confidence.

O GOD of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength; By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Guidance.

O GOD, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Trustfulness.

O MOST loving Father, who willest us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of thee, and to cast all our care on thee, who carest for us; Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which thou hast manifested unto us in thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O HEAVENLY Father, thou understandest all thy children; through thy gift of faith we bring our perplexities to the light of thy wisdom, and receive the blessed encouragement of thy sympathy, and a clearer knowledge of thy will. Glory be to thee for all thy gracious gifts. Amen.

For Joy in God’s Creation.

O HEAVENLY Father, who hast filled the world with beauty; Open, we beseech thee, our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him by whom all things were made, thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Children.

ALMIGHTY God, heavenly Father, who hast blessed us with the joy and care of children; Give us light and strength so to train them, that they may love whatsoever things are true and pure and lovely and of good report, following the example of their Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

For the Absent.

O GOD, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth; We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together by thy love in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Those We Love.

ALMIGHTY God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come; knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Recovery of a Sick Person.

O MERCIFUL God, giver of life and health; Bless, we pray thee, thy servant, [N.], and those who administer to him of thy healing gifts; that he may be restored to health of body and of mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For One about to undergo an Operation.

ALMIGHTY God our heavenly Father, we beseech thee graciously to comfort thy servant in his suffering, and to bless the means made use of for his cure. Fill his heart with confidence, that though he be sometime afraid, he yet may put his trust in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

WATCH over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be, keeping him unspotted from the world. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For an Anniversary of One Departed.

ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant [N.], and we pray thee that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service; that he may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Those in Mental Darkness.

O HEAVENLY Father, we beseech thee to have mercy upon all thy children who are living in mental darkness. Restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit, and give them health and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For a Blessing on the Families of the Land.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families; We commend to thy continual care the homes in which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vain-glory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh; turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we be evermore kindly affectioned with brotherly love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For all Poor, Homeless, and Neglected Folk.

O GOD, Almighty and merciful, who healest those that are broken in heart, and turnest the sadness of the sorrowful to joy; Let thy fatherly goodness be upon all that thou hast made. Remember in pity such as are this day destitute, homeless, or forgotten of their fellow-men. Bless the congregation of thy poor. Uplift those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all discouraged and unhappy people, and by thy heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose penury tempteth them to sin; though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they be perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him, who for our sakes became poor, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Faithfulness in the Use of this World’s Goods.

ALMIGHTY God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess; Grant us grace that we may honour thee with our substance, and remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A General Intercession.

O GOD, at whose word man goeth forth to his work and to his labour until the evening; Be merciful to all whose duties are difficult or burdensome, and comfort them concerning their toil. Shield from bodily accident and harm the workmen at their work. Protect the efforts of sober and honest industry, and suffer not the hire of the labourers to be kept back by fraud. Incline the heart of employers and of those whom they employ to mutual forbearance, fairness, and good-will. Give the spirit of governance and of a sound mind to all in places of authority. Bless all those who labour in works of mercy or in schools of good learning. Care for all aged persons, and all little children, the sick and the afflicted, and those who travel by land or by sea. Remember all who by reason of weakness are overtasked, or because of poverty are forgotten. Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before thee; and according to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die. Give ear unto our prayer, O merciful and gracious Father, for the love of thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

=====

GRACE BEFORE MEALS

BLESS, O Father, thy gifts to our use and us to thy service; for Christ’s sake. Amen.

GIVE us grateful hearts, our Father, for all thy mercies, and make us mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Thanksgiving of Women
after Child-birth

Commonly called the Churching
of Women

This Service, or the concluding prayer alone, as
it stands among the Occasional Prayers and Thanksgivings, may
be used at the discretion of the Minister.
The Woman, at the usual time after her delivery, shall
come into the Church decently apparelled, and there shall kneel
down in some convenient place as hath been accustomed, or as
the Ordinary shall direct.
The Minister shall then say unto her,

FORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God, of his goodness, to
give you safe deliverance, and to preserve you in the great danger
of Child-birth; you shall therefore give hearty thanks unto God,
and say,

Then shall be said by both of them the following Hymn,
the Woman still kneeling.

Dilexi, quoniam. Psalm cxvi.

MY delight is in the LORD; because he hath heard the voice of
my prayer;
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me; therefore will I call
upon him as long as I live.
I found trouble and heaviness; then called I upon the Name of
the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
What reward shall I give unto the LORD for all the benefits that
he hath done unto me?
I will receive the cup of salvation, and call upon the Name of
the LORD.
I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people, in
the courts of the LORD’S house; even in the midst of thee, O
Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Then shall the Minister say the Lord’s Prayer, with what
followeth: but the Lord’s Prayer may be omitted, if this be used
with the Morning or Evening Prayer.

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Minister. O Lord, save this woman thy servant;Answer. Who putteth her trust in thee.Minister. Be thou to her a strong tower;Answer. From the face of her enemy.Minister. Lord, hear our prayer.Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.Minister. Let us pray.

O ALMIGHTY God, we give thee humble thanks for that thou hast
been graciously pleased to preserve, through the great pain and
peril of child-birth, this woman, thy servant, who desireth now
to offer her praises and thanksgivings unto thee. Grant, we beseech
thee, most merciful Father, that she, through thy help, may faithfully
live according to thy will in this life, and also may be partaker
of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Then may be said,

GRANT, we beseech thee, O heavenly
Father, that the child of this thy servant may daily increase
in wisdom and stature, and grow in thy love and service, until
he come to thy eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Woman, that cometh to give her Thanks, must offer
accustomed offerings, which shall be applied by the Minister
and the Church-wardens to the relief of distressed women in child-bed;
and if there be a Communion, it is convenient that she receive
the Holy Communion.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there
shall be a Sermon, or Exhortation, declaring the Duty and Office
of such as come to be admitted Deacons; how necessary that Order
is in the Church of Christ, and also, how the People ought to
esteem them in their Office.

The Sermon being ended, a Priest shall present unto the
Bishop, sitting in his chair near to the Holy Table, such as desire
to be ordained Deacons, each of them being decently habited, saying
these words,

REVEREND Father in God, I present unto you these persons present,
to be admitted Deacons.

The Bishop

TAKE heed that the persons, whom ye present unto us, be apt and
meet, for their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their
Ministry duly, to the honour of God, and the edifying of his Church.

The Priest shall answer,

I HAVE inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think
them so to be.

Then the Bishop shall say unto the People,

BRETHREN, if there be any of you who knoweth any Impediment, or
notable Crime, in any of these persons presented to be ordered
Deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to that Office,
let him come forth in the Name of God, and show what the Crime
or Impediment is.

And if any great Crime or Impediment be objected,
the Bishop shall cease from Ordering that person, until such time
as the party accused shall be found clear of that Crime.

Then the Bishop (commending such as shall be found meet
to be Ordered, to the Prayers of the congregation) shall, with
the Clergy and People present, say the Litany.

And NOTE, That after the Suffrage, That it may please thee
to illuminate all Bishops, etc., shall be said the following Suffrage:

THAT it may please thee to bless these thy servants, now to be
admitted to the Order of Deacons, and to pour thy grace upon them;
that they may duly execute their Office, to the edifying of thy
Church, and the glory of thy holy Name;

And NOTE further, That in the discretion of the
Bishop, instead of the Litany appointed, may be said the Litany
for Ordinations.

Then shall be said the Service for the Communion, with
the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, as followeth.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who by thy divine providence hast appointed divers
Orders of Ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thine Apostles
to choose into the Order of Deacons the first Martyr Saint Stephen,
with others; Mercifully behold these thy servants now called to
the like Office and Administration: so replenish them with the
truth of thy Doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life,
that, both by word and good example, they may faithfully serve
thee in this Office, to the glory of thy Name, and the edification
of thy Church; through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and
for ever. Amen.

The Epistle. 1 Timothy iii. 8.
LIKEWISE must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not
given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery
of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be
proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found
blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers,
sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands
of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to
themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which
is in Christ Jesus.

Or else.

The Epistle. Acts vi. 2.
THEN the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto
them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word
of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among
you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves
continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the
saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus,
and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte
of Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had
prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased;
and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;
and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Then, the People being sealed, the Bishop shall
examine every one of those who are to be Ordered, in the presence
of the People, after this manner following

DO you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to
take upon you this Office and Ministration, to serve God for the
promoting of his glory, and the edifying of his people?
Answer. I trust so.

Bishop. Do you think that you are truly called, according
to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the Canons
of this Church, to the Ministry of the same?
Answer. I think so.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain
all Doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through
faith in Jesus Christ?
Answer. I am so persuaded.

Bishop. Will you diligently read the same unto the people
assembled in the Church where you shall be appointed to serve?
Answer. I will.

Bishop. It appertaineth to the Office of a Deacon, in the
Church where he shall be appointed to serve, to assist the Priest
in Divine Service, and specially when he ministereth the Holy
Communion, and to help him in the distribution thereof; and to
read Holy Scriptures and Homilies in the Church; and to instruct
the youth in the Catechism; in the absence of the Priest to baptize
infants; and to preach, if he be admitted thereto by the Bishop.
And furthermore, it is his Office, where provision is so made,
to search for the sick, poor, and impotent people of the Parish,
that they may be relieved with the alms of the Parishioners, or
others. Will you do this gladly and willingly?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

Bishop. Will you apply all your diligence to frame and
fashion your own lives, and the lives of your families, according
to the Doctrine of Christ; and to make both you selves and them,
as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you reverently obey your Bishop, and other
chief Ministers, who, according to the Canons of the Church, may
have the charge and government over you; following with a glad
mind and will their godly admonitions?
Answer. I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper.

Then, the People standing, the Bishop shall lay his Hands
severally upon the Head of every one to be made Deacon, humbly
kneeling before him, and shall say,

TAKE thou Authority to execute the Office of a Deacon in the Church
of God committed unto thee; In the Name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the
New Testament, saying,

TAKE thou Authority to read the Gospel in the Church of God, and
to preach the same, if thou be thereto licensed by the Bishop
himself.

Then one of them, appointed by the Bishop, shall read the
Gospel.

The Gospel. St. Luke xii. 35.
LET your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and
ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he
will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh,
they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants,
whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say
unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down
to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come
in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them
so, blessed are those servants.

Then shall the Bishop proceed in the Communion;
and all who are Ordered shall tarry, and receive the Holy Communion
the same day, with the Bishop.

The Communion ended, after the last Collect, and immediately
before the Benediction, shall be said this Collect following.

ALMIGHTY God, giver of all good things, who of thy great goodness
hast vouchsafed to accept and take these thy servants unto the
Office of Deacons in thy Church; Make them, we beseech thee, O
Lord, to be modest, humble, and constant in their Ministration,
to have a ready will to observe all spiritual Discipline; that
they, having always the testimony of a good conscience, and continuing
ever stable and strong in thy Son Christ, may so well behave themselves
in this inferior Office, that they may be found worthy to be called
unto the higher Ministries in thy Church; through the same thy
Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and honour, world
without end. Amen.

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding. keep your hearts
and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you
always. Amen.

And here it must be declared unto the Deacon, that
he must continue in that Office of a Deacon the space of a whole
year, (except for reasonable causes it shall otherwise seem good
unto the Bishop,) to the intent he may be perfect and well expert
in the things appertaining to the Ecclesiastical Administration.
In executing whereof if he be found faithful and diligent, he
may be admitted by his Diocesan to the Order of Priesthood, at
the times appointed in the Canon; or else, on urgent occasion,
upon some other day, in the face of the Church, in such manner
and form as hereafter followeth.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there
shall be a Sermon or Exhortation, declaring the Duty and Office
of such as come to be admitted Priests; how necessary that Order
is in the Church of Christ, and also, how the People ought to
esteem them in their Office.

A Priest shall present unto the Bishop, sitting in his
chair near to the Holy Table, all those who are to receive the
Order of Priesthood that day, each of them being decently habited,
and shall say,

REVEREND Father in God, I present unto you these persons present,
to be admitted to the Order of Priesthood.

The Bishop.

TAKE heed that the persons, whom ye present unto us, be apt and
meet, for their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their
Ministry duly, to the honour of God, and the edifying of his Church.

The Priest shall answer,

I HAVE inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think
them so to be.

Then the Bishop shall say unto the People,

GOOD People, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, to receive
this day unto the holy Office of Priesthood; for, after due examination,
we find not to the contrary, but that they are lawfully called
to their Function and Ministry, and that they are persons meet
for the same. But yet, if there be any of you who knoweth any
Impediment, or notable Crime, in any of them, for the which he
ought not to be received into this holy Ministry, let him come
forth in the Name of God, and show what the Crime or Impediment
is.

And if any great Crime or Impediment be objected,
the Bishop shall cease from Ordering that person, until such time
as the party accused shall be found clear of that Crime.

Then the Bishop (commending such as shall be found meet
to be Ordered, to the Prayers of the congregation) shall, with
the Clergy and People present, say the Litany.

And NOTE, That after the Suffrage, That it may please thee
to illuminate all Bishops, etc., shall be said the following Suffrage:

THAT it may please thee to bless these thy servants, now to be
admitted to the Order of Priests, and to pour thy grace upon them;
that they may duly exercise their Office, to the edifying of thy
Church, and the glory of thy holy Name;

And NOTE further, That in the discretion of the Bishop,
instead of the Litany appointed, may be said the Litany for Ordinations.

Then shall be said the Service for the Communion, with
the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, as followeth.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit
hast appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church; Mercifully
behold these thy servants now called to the Office of Priesthood;
and so replenish them with the truth of thy Doctrine, and adorn
them with innocency of life, that, both by word and good example,
they may faithfully serve thee in this Office, to the glory of
thy Name, and the edification of thy Church; through the merits
of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee
and the same Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle. Ephesians iv. 7.
UNTO every one of us is given grace according to the measure
of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up
on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now
that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first
into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same
also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill
all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

The Gospel. St. Matthew ix. 36.
WHEN Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion
on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad as sheep
having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest
truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore
the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into
his harvest.

Or else.

The Gospel. St. John x. 1.
VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the
door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same
is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is
the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the
sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and
leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he
goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his
voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from
him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake
Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were
which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily,
verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever
came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not
hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall
be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief
cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am
come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his
life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd,
whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth
the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth
the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and
careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my
sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and
I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other
sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring,
and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and
one shepherd.

Then, the People being seated, the Bishop shall
say unto those who are to be ordained Priests as followeth.

YE have heard, Brethren, as well in your private examination,
as in the exhortation which was now made to you, and in the holy
Lessons taken out of the Gospel, and the writings of the Apostles,
of what dignity, and of how great importance this Office is, whereunto
ye are called. And now again we exhort you, in the Name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that ye have in remembrance, into how high
a Dignity, and to how weighty an Office and Charge ye are called:
that is to say, to be Messengers, Watchmen, and Stewards of the
Lord; to teach, and to premonish, to feed and provide for the
Lord’s family; to seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad,
and for his children who are in the midst of this naughty world,
that they may be saved through Christ for ever.

Have always therefore printed in your remembrance, how great a
treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of
Christ, which he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his
blood. The Church and Congregation whom you must serve, is his
Spouse, and his Body. And if it shall happen that the same Church,
or any Member thereof, do take any hurt or hindrance by reason
of your negligence, ye know the greatness of the fault, and also
the horrible punishment that will ensue. Wherefore consider with
yourselves the end of the Ministry towards the children of God,
towards the Spouse and Body of Christ; and see that ye never cease
your labour, your care and diligence, until ye have done all that
lieth in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such
as are or shall be committed to your charge, unto that agreement
in the faith and knowledge of God, and to that ripeness and perfectness
of age in Christ, that there be no place left among you, either
for error in religion, or for viciousness in life.

Forasmuch then as your Office is both of so great excellency,
and of so great difficulty, ye see with how great care and study
ye ought to apply yourselves, as well to show yourselves dutiful
and thankful unto that Lord, who hath placed you in so high a
dignity; as also to beware that neither you yourselves offend,
nor be occasion that others offend. Howbeit, ye cannot have a
mind and will thereto of yourselves; for that will and ability
is given of God alone: therefore ye ought, and have need, to pray
earnestly for his Holy Spirit. And seeing that ye cannot by any
other means compass the doing of so weighty a work, pertaining
to the salvation of man, but with doctrine and exhortation taken
out of the Holy Scriptures, and with a life agreeable to the same;
consider how studious ye ought to be in reading and learning the
Scriptures, and in framing the manners both of yourselves, and
of them that specially pertain unto you, according to the rule
of the same Scriptures; and for this self-same cause, how ye ought
to forsake and set aside, as much as ye may, all worldly cares
and studies.

We have good hope that ye have well weighed these things with
yourselves, long before this time; and that ye have clearly determined,
by God’s grace, to give yourselves wholly to this Office, whereunto
it hath pleased God to call you: so that, as much as lieth in
you, ye will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw
all your cares and studies this way; and that ye will continually
pray to God the Father, by the mediation of our only Saviour Jesus
Christ, for the heavenly assistance of the Holy Ghost; that, by
daily reading and weighing the Scriptures, ye may wax riper and
stronger in your Ministry; and that ye may so endeavour yourselves,
from time to time, to sanctify the lives of you and yours, and
to fashion them after the Rule and Doctrine of Christ, that ye
may be wholesome and godly examples and patterns for the people
to follow.

And now, that this present Congregation of Christ may also understand
your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise
may the more move you to do your duties; ye shall answer plainly
to these things, which we, in the Name of God, and of his Church,
shall demand of you touching the same.

DO you think in your heart, that you are truly called, according
to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the Canons
of this Church, to the Order and Ministry of Priesthood?
Answer. I think it.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain
all Doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through
faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined, out of the said
Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge; and
to teach nothing, as necessary to eternal salvation, but that
which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the
Scripture?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and have so determined, by God’s
grace.

Bishop. Will you then give your faithful diligence always
so to minister the Doctrine and Sacraments, and the Discipline
of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded, and as this Church hath
received the same, according to the Commandments of God; so that
you may teach the people committed to your Cure and Charge with
all diligence to keep and observe the same?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.

Bishop. Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence,
to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange
doctrines contrary to God’s Word; and to use both public and private
monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole,
within your Cures, as need shall require, and occasion shall be
given?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you be diligent in Prayers, and in reading
the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge
of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh?
Answer. I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your
own selves, and your families, according to the Doctrine of Christ;
and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth,
wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will apply myself thereto, the Lord being my
helper.

Bishop. Will you maintain and set forwards, as much as
lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian
people, and especially among them that are or shall be committed
to your charge?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you reverently obey your Bishop, and other
chief Ministers, who, according to the Canons of the Church, may
have the charge and government over you; following with a glad
mind and will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourselves
to their godly judgments?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Then, all standing, shall the Bishop say,

ALMIGHTY God, who hath given you this will to do all these things;
Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that
he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

After this, the Congregation shall be desired, secretly
in their Prayers, to make their humble supplications to God for
all these things; for the which Prayers there shall be silence
kept for a space.

After which, the Persons to be ordained Priests kneeling,
and others standing, the Bishop shall sing or say the Veni, Creator
Spiritus; the Bishop beginning, and the Priests, and others that
are present, answering by verses, as followeth.

Veni, Creator Spiritus.
COME, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.

Thy blessed unction from above,
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.

Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee, of both, to be but One;
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Or this.

COME, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
Vouchsafe within our souls to rest;
Come with thy grace and heavenly aid,
And fill the hearts which thou hast made.

To thee, the Comforter, we cry;
To thee, the Gift of God most high;
The Fount of life, the Fire of love,
The soul’s Anointing from above.

The sevenfold gifts of grace are thine,
O Finger of the Hand Divine;
True Promise of the Father thou,
Who dost the tongue with speech endow.

Thy light to every sense impart,
And shed thy love in every heart;
Thine own unfailing might supply
To strengthen our infirmity.

Drive far away our ghostly foe,
And thine abiding peace bestow;
If thou be our preventing Guide,
No evil can our steps betide.

That done, the Bishop shall pray in this
wise, and say,

Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY God, and heavenly Father, who, of thine infinite love
and goodness towards us, hast given to us thy only and most dearly
beloved Son Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer, and the Author of
everlasting life; who, after he had made perfect our redemption
by his death, and was ascended into heaven, sent abroad into the
world his Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Doctors, and Pastors;
by whose labour and ministry he gathered together a great flock
in all the parts of the world, to set forth the eternal praise
of thy holy Name: For these so great benefits of thy eternal goodness,
and for that thou hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants here
present to the same Office and Ministry, appointed for the salvation
of mankind, we render unto thee most hearty thanks, we praise
and worship thee; and we humbly beseech thee, by the same thy
blessed Son, to grant unto all, which either here or elsewhere
call upon thy holy Name, that we may continue to show ourselves
thankful unto thee for these and all thy other benefits; and that
we may daily increase and go forwards in the knowledge and faith
of thee and thy Son, by the Holy Spirit. So that as well by these
thy Ministers, as by them over whom they shall be appointed thy
Ministers, thy holy Name may be for ever glorified, and thy blessed
kingdom enlarged; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Holy
Spirit, world without end. Amen.

When this Prayer is done, the Bishop with the Priests
present, shall lay their Hands severally upon the Head of every
one that receiveth the Order of Priesthood; the Receivers humbly
kneeling, and the Bishop saying,

RECEIVE the Holy Ghost for the Office and Work of a Priest in
the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the Imposition of
our hands. Whose sins thou dost forgive, they are forgiven; and
whose sins thou dost retain, they are retained. And be thou a
faithful Dispenser of the Word of God, and of his holy Sacraments;
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Or this.

TAKE thou Authority to execute the Office of a Priest in the Church
of God, now committed to thee by the Imposition of our hands.
And be thou a faithful Dispenser of the Word of God, and of his
holy Sacraments; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then the Bishop shall deliver to every one of them kneeling,
the Bible into his hand, saying,

TAKE thou Authority to preach the Word of God, and to minister
the holy Sacraments in the Congregation, where thou shalt be lawfully
appointed thereunto.

When this is done, the Nicene Creed shall be said,
and the Bishop shall go on in the Service of the Communion, which
all they who receive Orders shall take together, and remain in
the same place where Hands were laid upon them, until such time
as they have received the Communion.

The Communion being done, after the last Collect, and immediately
before the Benediction, shall be said this Collect.

MOST merciful Father, we beseech thee to send upon these thy servants
thy heavenly blessing; that they may be clothed with righteousness,
and that thy Word spoken by their mouths may have such success,
that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also, that we may have
grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most
holy Word, or agreeable to the same, as the means of our salvation;
that in all our words and deeds we may seek thy glory, and the
increase of thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts
and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you
always. Amen

And if, on the same day, the Order of Deacons be
given to some, and the Order of Priesthood to others; the Deacons
shall be first presented, and then the Priests; and it shall suffice
that the Litany be once said for both. The Epistle shall be Ephesians
iv.7 to 13, as before in this Office. Immediately after which,
they that are to be made Deacons, shall be examined and Ordained,
as is above prescribed. Then one of them having read the Gospel,
(which shall be either Saint Matthew ix. 36 to 38, as before in
this Office; or else Saint Luke xii. 35 to 38, as before in the
Form for the Ordering of Deacons,) they that are to be made Priests
shall likewise be examined and Ordained, as is in this Office
before appointed. The Collect shall be as followeth.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit
hast appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church; Mercifully
behold these thy servants now called to the Office of Deacon and
these thy servants now called to the Office of Priest; and so
replenish them with the truth of thy Doctrine, and adorn them
with innocency of life, that, both by word and good example, they
may faithfully serve thee in their Ministry, to the glory of thy
Name, and the edification of thy Church; through the merits of
our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the same Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

When all things are duly prepared in the Church,
and set in order, the Presiding Bishop, or some other Bishop appointed
by the Bishops present, shall begin the Communion Service, in
which this shall be

The Collect.
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 the same thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

And another Bishop shall read the Epistle.

The Epistle. 1 Timothy iii. 1.
THIS is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop,
he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the
husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given
to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not
greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house,
how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, lest
being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the
devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without;
lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Or this.

For the Epistle. Acts xx. 17.
FROM Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of
the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them,
Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what
manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with
all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which
befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back
nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and
have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying
both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God,
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go
bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that
shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in
every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none
of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,
so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which
I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the
grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom
I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no
more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure
from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto
you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves,
and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made
you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased
with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall
grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember,
that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one
night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to
God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you
up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves
know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and
to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that
so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the
words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give
than to receive.

Then another Bishop shall read the Gospel.

The Gospel. St. John xxi. 15.
JESUS saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest
that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to
him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He
saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because
he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto
him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.
Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Or this.

The Gospel. St. John xx. 19.
THE same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when
the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear
of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and saith unto
them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto
them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when
they saw the Lord. Then saith Jesus to them again, Peace be unto
you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he
had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive
ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted
unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Or this.

The Gospel. St. Matthew xxviii. 18.
JESUS came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world.

Then shall follow the Nicene Creed, and after that
the Sermon; which being ended, the Elected Bishop, vested with
his Rochet, shall be presented by two Bishops of this Church unto
the Presiding Bishop, or to the Bishop appointed, sitting in his
chair, near the Holy Table; the Bishops who present him saying,

REVEREND Father in God, we present unto you this godly and well-learned
man, to be Ordained and Consecrated Bishop.

Then shall the Presiding Bishop demand Testimonials
of the person presented for Consecration, and shall cause them
to be read.

He shall then require of him the following Promise of Conformity
to the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of the Protestant Episcopal
Church.

IN the Name of God, Amen. I, N., chosen Bishop of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in N., do promise conformity and obedience to
the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America. So help me God, through
Jesus Christ.

Then the Presiding Bishop shall move the Congregation
present to pray, saying thus to them:

BRETHREN, it is written in the Gospel of Saint Luke, that our
Saviour Christ continued the whole night in prayer, before he
chose and sent forth his twelve Apostles. It is written also,
that the holy Apostles prayed before they ordained Matthias to
be of the number of the Twelve. Let us, therefore, following the
example of our Saviour Christ, and his Apostles, offer up our
prayers to Almighty God, before we admit and send forth this person
presented unto us, to the work whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost
hath called him.

And then shall be said the Litany; save only, that
after this place, That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops,
etc., the proper Suffrage shall be,

THAT it may please thee to bless this our Brother elected, and
to send thy grace upon him, that he may duly execute the Office
whereunto he is called, to the edifying of thy Church, and to
the honour, praise, and glory of thy Name;

Answer. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

And NOTE, That in the discretion of the Presiding
Bishop, instead of the Litany, may be said the Litany for Ordinations.

Then shall be said the Prayer following.

ALMIGHTY God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit
hast appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church; Mercifully
behold this thy servant, now called to the Work and Ministry of
a Bishop; and so replenish him 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
the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth
with thee and the same Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

Then, the People being seated, the Presiding Bishop,
sitting in his chair shall say to him that is to be Consecrated,

BROTHER, forasmuch as the Holy Scripture and the ancient Canons
command, that we should not be hasty in laying on hands, and admitting
any person to Government in the Church of Christ, which he hath
purchased with no less price than the effusion of his own blood;
before we admit you to this Administration, we will examine you
in certain Articles, to the end that the Congregation present
may have a trial, and bear witness, how you are minded to behave
yourself in the Church of God.

ARE you persuaded that you are truly called to this Ministration,
according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order
of this Church?
Answer. I am so persuaded.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain
all Doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through
faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined out of the same
Holy Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge;
and to teach or maintain nothing, as necessary to eternal salvation,
but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved
by the same?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and determined, by God’s grace.

Bishop. Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the
Holy Scriptures, and call upon God by prayer for the true understanding
of the same; so that you may be able by them to teach and exhort
with wholesome Doctrine, and to withstand and convince the gainsayers?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

Bishop. Are you ready, with all faithful diligence, to
banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange
doctrine contrary to God’s Word; and both privately and openly
to call upon and encourage others to the same?
Answer. I am ready, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts,
and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;
that you may show yourself in all things an example of good works
unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing
to say against you?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you maintain and set forward, as much as shall
lie in you, quietness, love, and peace among all men; and diligently
exercise such discipline as by the authority of God’s Word, and
by the order of this Church, is committed to you?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

Bishop. Will you be faithful in Ordaining, sending, or
laying hands upon others?
Answer. I will so be, by the help of God.

Bishop. Will you show yourself gentle, and be merciful
for Christ’s sake to poor and needy people, and to all strangers
destitute of help?
Answer. I will so show myself, by God’s help.

Then, all standing, the Presiding Bishop
shall say,

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who hath given you a good will
to do all these things; Grant also unto you strength and power
to perform the same; that, he accomplishing in you the good work
which he hath begun, you may be found perfect and irreprehensible
at the latter day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop elect put on the rest of the Episcopal
habit, and shall kneel down; and the Veni, Creator Spiritus shall
be sung or said over him; the Presiding Bishop shall begin, and
the Bishops, and the others that are present, standing, shall
answer by verses, as followeth.

COME, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.

Thy blessed unction from above,
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.

Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee, of both, to be but One;
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Or this.

COME, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
Vouchsafe within our souls to rest;
Come with thy grace and heavenly aid,
And fill the hearts which thou hast made.

To thee, the Comforter, we cry;
To thee, the gift of God most high;
The Fount of life, the Fire of love,
The soul’s Anointing from above.

The sevenfold gifts of grace are thine,
O Finger of the Hand Divine;
True Promise of the Father thou,
Who dost the tongue with speech endow.

Thy light to every sense impart,
And shed thy love in every heart;
Thine own unfailing might supply
To strengthen our infirmity.

Drive far away our ghostly foe,
And thine abiding peace bestow;
If thou be our preventing Guide,
No evil can our steps betide.

That ended, the Presiding Bishop shall say,

Lord, hear our prayer.
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY God, and most merciful Father, who, of thine infinite
goodness, hast given thy only and dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ,
to be our Redeemer, and the Author of everlasting life; who, after
that he had made perfect our redemption by his death, and was
ascended into heaven, poured down his gifts abundantly upon men,
making some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors
and Doctors, to the edifying and making perfect his Church; Grant,
we beseech thee, to this thy servant, such grace, that he may
evermore be ready to spread abroad thy Gospel, the glad tidings
of reconciliation with thee; and use the authority given him,
not to destruction, but to salvation; not to hurt, but to help:
so that, as a wise and faithful servant, giving to thy family
their portion in due season, he may at last be received into everlasting
joy; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who, with thee and
the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end.
Amen.

Then the Presiding Bishop and Bishops present shall
lay their hands upon the head of the Elected Bishop, kneeling
before them, the Presiding Bishop saying,

RECEIVE the Holy Ghost for the Office and Work of a Bishop in
the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the Imposition of
our hands; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen. And remember that thou stir up the grace of
God, which is given thee by this Imposition of our hands; for
God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love,
and soberness.

Then the Presiding Bishop shall deliver
him the Bible, saying,

GIVE heed unto reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Think upon
the things contained in this Book. Be diligent in them, that the
increase coming thereby may be manifest unto all men; for by so
doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. Be
to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf; feed them, devour
them not. Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken,
bring again the outcasts, seek the lost. Be so merciful, that
you be not too remiss; so minister discipline, that you forget
not mercy; that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you may
receive the never-fading crown of glory; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Then the Presiding Bishop shall proceed
in the Communion Service; with whom the newly consecrated Bishop,
with others, shall also communicate.
And immediately before the Benediction, shall be said this
Prayer.

MOST merciful Father, send down, we beseech thee, upon this thy
servant thy heavenly blessing; and so endue him with thy Holy
Spirit, that he, preaching thy Word, may not only be earnest to
reprove, beseech, and rebuke, with all patience and doctrine;
but also may be, to such as believe, a wholesome example in word,
in conversation, in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity;
that, faithfully fulfilling his course, at the latter day he may
receive the crown of righteousness, laid up by the Lord Jesus,
the righteous Judge, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
same Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts
and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you
always. Amen.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

GOD the Father,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy upon us.
O holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy upon us.
WE beseech thee to hear us, good Lord; and that it may please
thee to grant peace to the whole world, and to thy Church;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to sanctify and bless thy holy Church
throughout the world;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to inspire all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons,
with love of thee and of thy truth;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to endue all Ministers of thy Church with
devotion to thy glory and to the salvation of souls;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Here, at the Ordination of Deacons or of Priests
shall be said,

That it may please thee to bless these thy servants, now to be
admitted to the Order of Deacons (or Priests), and to pour thy
grace upon them; that they may duly execute their Office to the
edifying of thy Church, and to the glory of thy holy Name;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Here, at the Consecration of a Bishop shall
be said,

That it may please thee to bless this our Brother elected, and
to send thy grace upon him, that he may duly execute the Office
whereunto he is called, to the edifying of thy Church, and to
the honour, praise, and glory of thy Name;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to guide by thy indwelling Spirit those
whom thou dost call to the Ministry of thy Church; that they may
go forward with courage, and persevere unto the end;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to increase the number of the Ministers
of thy Church, that the Gospel may be preached to all people;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to hasten the fulfilment of thy purpose,
that thy Church may be one;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to grant that we, with all thy saints,
may be partakers of thy everlasting kingdom;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Minister. Hearken unto our voice, O Lord, when we cry unto
thee;
Answer. Have mercy upon us and hear us.

Minister. O Lord, arise, help us;
Answer. And deliver us for thy Name’s sake.

Minister. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
Answer. And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.

Minister. Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.
GOD, who dost ever hallow and protect thy Church; Raise up
therein, through thy Spirit, good and faithful stewards of the
mysteries of Christ, that by their ministry and example thy people
may abide in thy favour and be guided in the way of truth; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the
unity of the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

The Form of Consecration
of a Church or Chapel

The following Office may be used with the Order for the Holy
Communion, or at Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer, or separately.

The Bishop is to be received at the entrance of the Church, or Chapel,
by the Church-wardens and Vestrymen, or some other persons appointed for
that purpose. The Bishop and the Clergy who are present shall go up the
aisle of the Church, or Chapel, to the Holy Table, repeating the following
Psalm alternately, the Bishop one verse and the Clergy another.

Domini est terra. Psalm xxiv.
THE earth is the LORD’S, and all that therein is; * the compass of the world,
and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? * or who shall rise up in
his holy place?
4 Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift
up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, * and righteousness from
the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek
thy face, O Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
* and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? * It is the LORD strong and mighty, even the
LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
* and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? * Even the LORD of hosts, he is the King of
glory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end.
Amen.

The Bishop shall go within the rails, with such of the Clergy as
can be there accommodated. The Bishop, sitting in his chair, shall have
the instruments of Donation and Endowment, if there be any, presented to
him; and then standing up, and turning to the Congregation, he shall say,

DEARLY beloved in the Lord; forasmuch as devout and holy men, as well under
the Law as under the Gospel, moved either by the express command of God,
or by the secret inspiration of the blessed Spirit, and acting agreeably
to their own reason and sense of the natural decency of things, have erected
houses for the public worship of God, and separated them from all unhallowed,
worldly, and common uses, in order to fill men’s minds with greater reverence
for his glorious Majesty, and affect their hearts with more devotion and
humility in his service; which pious works have been approved of and graciously
accepted by our heavenly Father; Let us not doubt but that he will also
favourably approve our godly purpose of setting apart this place in solemn
manner, for the several Offices of religious worship, and let us faithfully
and devoutly beg his blessing on this our undertaking.

Then the Bishop, kneeling, shall say the following
Prayer.

O ETERNAL God, mighty in power, and of majesty incomprehensible, whom the
heaven of heavens cannot contain, much less the walls of temples made with
hands; and who yet hast been graciously pleased to promise thy especial
presence, wherever two or three of thy faithful servants shall assemble
in thy Name, to offer up their praises and supplications unto thee; Vouchsafe,
O Lord, to be present with us, who are here gathered together with all humility
and readiness of heart, to consecrate this place to the honour of thy great
Name; separating it henceforth from all unhallowed, ordinary, and common
uses; and dedicating it to thy service, for reading thy holy Word, for celebrating
thy holy Sacraments, for offering to thy glorious Majesty the sacrifices
of prayer and thanksgiving, for blessing thy people in thy Name, and for
all other holy offices: accept, O Lord, this service at our hands, and bless
it with such success as may tend most to thy glory, and the furtherance
of our happiness both tem- poral and spiritual; through Jesus Christ our
blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

After this the Bishop shall stand up, and turning his face towards
the Congregation, shall say,

REGARD, O Lord, the supplications of thy servants, and grant that whosoever
in this house shall be received by Baptism into the congregation of Christ’s
flock, may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost, and may continue Christ’s faithful
soldier and servant unto his life’s end. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that they who at this place shall in their own persons renew
the promises and vows of their Baptism, and be Confirmed by the Bishop,
may receive such a measure of thy Holy Spirit, that they may grow in grace
unto their life’s end. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that whosoever shall receive in this place the blessed Sacrament
of the Body and Blood of Christ, may come to that holy ordinance with faith,
charity, and true repentance; and being filled with thy grace and heavenly
benediction, may, to their great and endless comfort, obtain remission of
their sins, and all other benefits of his passion. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that by thy holy Word which shall be read and preached in
this place, and by thy Holy Spirit grafting it inwardly in the heart, the
hearers thereof may both perceive and know what things they ought to do,
and may have power and strength to fulfil the same. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that whosoever shall be joined to- gether in this place in
the holy estate of Matrimony, may faithfully perform and keep the vow and
covenant betwixt them made, and may remain in perfect love together unto
their life’s end. Amen.

GRANT, we beseech thee, blessed Lord, that whosoever shall draw near to
thee in this place, to give thee thanks for the benefits which they have
received at thy hands, to set forth thy most worthy praise, to confess their
sins unto thee, and to ask such things as are requisite and necessary, as
well for the body as for the soul, may do it with such steadiness of faith,
and with such seriousness, affection, and devotion of mind, that thou mayest
accept their bounden duty and service, and vouchsafe to give whatever in
thy infinite wisdom thou shalt see to be most expedient for them. All which
we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Then, the Bishop sitting in his chair, the Sentence of Consecration
is to be read by some person appointed by him, and then laid by him upon
the Communion Table; after which, the Bishop shall say,

BLESSED be thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased thee to put it into the
hearts of thy servants to appropriate and devote this house to thy honour
and worship; and grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious
work, may show forth their thankfulness, by making a right use of it, to
the glory of thy blessed Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

When there is a Communion, the following shall be the Collect,
Epistle, and Gospel.
The Collect.MOST glorious God, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain; Graciously
accept the Dedication of this place to thy service; and grant that all who
shall call upon thee here may worship thee in spirit and in truth, and may
in their lives show forth thy praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Epistle. Revelation xxi. 2.AND I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great
voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and
he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall
be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their
eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither
shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And
he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he
said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
The Gospel. St. John ii. 13.AND the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and
found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers
of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove
them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out
the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold
doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house
hath eaten me up.

And immediately before the final Blessing, the
Bishop shall say this Prayer.

BLESSED be thy Name, O Lord God, for that it hath pleased thee to have thy
habitation among the sons of men, and to dwell in the midst of the assembly
of the saints upon the earth; Grant, we beseech thee, that in this place
now set apart to thy service, thy holy Name may be worshipped in truth and
purity through all generations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our
Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

An Office of Institution
of Ministers into Parishes or Churches

The Bishop having received due Notice of the Election
of a Minister into a Parish or Church, as prescribed by Canon,
and being satisfied that the Person chosen is a qualified Minister
of this Church, may proceed to institute him into the Parish.

The following Office may be used with the Order for the
Holy Communion, or at Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer, or separately.

In any Diocese, the concluding Paragraph in the Letter
of Institution may be omitted, where it interferes with the Usages,
Laws, or Charters of the Church in the same.

To our well-beloved in Christ, A. B., Presbyter, Greeting.
WE do by these Presents give and grant unto you, in whose Learning
Diligence, sound Doctrine, and Prudence, we do fully confide,
our Licence and Authority to perform the Office of a Priest, in
the Parish (or Church) of E. And also hereby do institute you
into said Parish, (or Church,) possessed of full power to perform
every Act of sacerdotal Function among the People of the same;
you continuing in communion with us, and complying with the rubrics
and canons of the Church, and with such lawful directions as you
shall at any time receive from us.

And as a canonically instituted Priest into the Office of Rector
of Parish, (or Church,) you are faithfully to feed that portion
of the flock of Christ which is now intrusted to you; not as a
man-pleaser, but as continually bearing in mind that you are accountable
to us here, and to the Chief Bishop and Sovereign Judge of all,
hereafter. And as the Lord hath ordained that they who serve at
the altar should live of the things belonging to the altar; so
we authorize you to claim and enjoy all the accustomed temporalities
appertaining to your cure, until some urgent reason or reasons
occasion a wish in you, or in the congregation committed to your
charge, to bring about a separation, and dissolution of all sacerdotal
relation, between you and them; of all which you will give us
due notice; and in case of any difference between you and your
congregation, as to a separation and dissolution of all sacerdotal
connection between you and them, we, your Bishop, with the advice
of our Presbyters, are to be the ultimate arbiter and judge.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto affixed our episcopal seal
and signature, at___ , this____ day of___ , A. D.____ , and in
the _____ year of our consecration.

At the time designated for the new Incumbent’s Institution,
the Bishop, or the Institutor appointed by him, attended by the
new Incumbent, and by the other Clergy present, shall enter the
Chancel. Then all the Clergy present standing in the Chancel or
Choir, except the Bishop, or the Priest who acts as Institutor,
who shall go within the rails of the Altar; the Wardens (or, in
case of their necessary absence, two members of the Vestry) standing
on the right and left of the Altar, without the rails; the Senior
Warden (or the member of the Vestry supplying his place) holding
the keys of the Church in his hand, in open view, the Bishop,
or the Priest who acts as the Institutor, shall say,

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, we have assembled for the purpose
of instituting the Rev. A. B. into this Parish, (or Church,) as
Priest and Rector of the same; and we are possessed of your Vote
that he has been so elected; as also of the prescribed Letter
of Institution. But if any of you can show just cause why he may
not be instituted, we proceed no further, because we would not
that an unworthy person should minister among you.

If any objection be offered, the Bishop, or the
Priest who acts as the Institutor, shall judge whether it afford
just cause to suspend the Service.

No objection being offered, or the Institutor choosing
to go on with the Service, then shall be read the Letter of Institution.

And then shall the Senior Warden (or the member of the
Vestry supplying his place) present the keys of the Church to
the new Incumbent, saying,

IN the name and behalf of--Parish (or Church) I do receive and
acknowledge you, the Rev. A. B., as Priest and Rector of the same;
and in token thereof, give into your hands the keys of this Church.

Then the new Incumbent shall say,

I, A. B., receive these keys of the House of God at your hands,
as the pledges of my Institution, and of your parochial recognition,
and promise to be a faithful shepherd over you; In the Name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Here the Institutor shall begin the Office.

Minister. The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious
favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our
works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy
holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who hath taught us to Fay unto
thee, O Almighty Father, in his prevailing Name and words,

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

Then shall the Institutor receive the Incumbent
within the rails of the Altar, and present him the Bible, Book
of Common Prayer, and Books of Canons of the General and Diocesan
Convention, saying as follows.

RECEIVE these Books; and let them be the rule of thy conduct in
dispensing the divine Word, in leading the Devotions of the People,
and in exercising the Discipline of the Church; and be thou in
all things a pattern to the flock committed to thy care.

Then shall be said or sung Exsurgat Deus, Psalm
Ixviii., or Judica me, Domine, Psalm xxvi.

Minister. The Law was given by Moses;
People. But Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ:
Minister and People. Who is God over all, blessed for evermore.
Amen.
Let us pray.
MOST gracious Father, the giver of all good and perfect gifts,
who of thy wise providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy
Church; Give thy grace, we beseech thee, to thy servant, to whom
the charge of this Congregation is now committed; and so replenish
him with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue him with innocency
of life, that he may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory
of thy great Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church; through
Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Redeemer. Amen.

O HOLY Jesus, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church,
and hast promised to be with the Ministers of Apostolic Succession
to the end of the world; Be graciously pleased to bless the ministry
and service of him who is now appointed to offer the sacrifices
of prayer and praise to thee in this house, which is called by
thy Name. May the words of his mouth, and the meditation of his
heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength
and our Redeemer. Amen.

O GOD, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, visit, we pray
thee, this Congregation with thy love and favour; enlighten their
minds more and more with the light of the everlasting Gospel;
graft in their hearts a love of the truth; increase in them true
religion; nourish them with all goodness; and of thy great mercy
keep them in the same, O blessed Spirit, whom, with the Father
and the Son together, we worship and glorify as one God, world
without end. Amen.

Benediction.
THE God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood
of the everlasting covenant; Make you perfect in every good work
to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in
his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

Then shall the Instituted Minister kneel at the
Altar, to present his supplication for himself, in this form.

O LORD my God, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under
my roof; yet thou hast honoured thy servant with appointing him
to stand in thy House, and to serve at thy holy Altar. To thee
and to thy service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit, with
all their powers and faculties. Fill my memory with the words
of thy Law; enlighten my understanding with the illumination of
the Holy Ghost; and may all the wishes and desires of my will
centre in what thou hast commanded. And, to make me instrumental
in promoting the salvation of the people now committed to my charge,
grant that I may faithfully administer thy holy Sacraments, and
by my life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively Word. Be
ever with me in the performance of all the duties of my ministry:
in prayer, to quicken my devotion; in praises, to heighten my
love and gratitude; and in preaching, to give a readiness of thought
and expression suitable to the clearness and excellency of thy
holy Word. Grant this for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our
Saviour.

The Instituted Minister, standing up, shall
say,

The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation
of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner-stone; Grant that, by the operation of the Holy Ghost,
all Christians may be so joined together in unity of spirit, and
in the bond of peace, that they may be an holy temple acceptable
unto thee. And especially to this Congregation present, give the
abundance of thy grace; that with one heart they may desire the
prosperity of thy holy Apostolic Church, and with one mouth may
profess the faith once delivered to the Saints. Defend them from
the sins of heresy and schism; let not the foot of pride come
nigh to hurt them, nor the hand of the ungodly to cast them down.
And grant that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered
by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in
all godly quietness; that so they may walk in the ways of truth
and peace, and at last be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting;
through the merits of the same thy blessed Son Jesus Christ, the
gracious Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, who liveth and reigneth
with thee and the same Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
Amen.

Then shall follow the Sermon. And after that, if
there be a Communion, the Instituted Minister shall proceed to
that Service, and to administer the holy Eucharist to his Congregation;
and after the Benediction, (which he shall always pronounce,)
the Wardens, Vestry, and others, shall salute and welcome him,
bidding him God-speed.

When the Bishop of the Diocese * present at the Institution
of a Minister, he shall make to him the address, as prescribed
in the Office in the form of a letter.

Go to 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 1. Beatus vir qui non abiit.
BLESSED is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * and hath not sat
in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; * and in his law
will he exercise himself day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side, * that
will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4 His leaf also shall not wither; * and look, whatsoever he doeth,
it shall prosper.
5 As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; * but they are
like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face
of the earth.
6 Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgment,
* neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7 But the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous; * and the way
of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 2. Quare fremuerunt gentes?
WHY do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the
people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel
together * against the LORD, and against his Anointed:
3 Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords
from us.
4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: * the
Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them
in his sore displeasure:
6 Yet have I set my King * upon my holy hill of Sion.
7 I will rehearse the decree; * the LORD hath said unto me, Thou
art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
8 Desire of me, and I shall give thee the nations for thine inheritance,
* and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron, * and break them
in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be instructed, ye that
are judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the
right way, if his wrath be kindled, yea but a little. * Blessed
are all they that put their trust in him.

Psalm 3. Domine, quid multiplicati?
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! * many are they
that rise against me.
2 Many one there be that say of my soul, * There is no help for
him in his God.
3 But thou, O LORD, art my defender; * thou art my worship, and
the lifter up of my head.
4 I did call upon the LORD with my voice, * and he heard me out
of his holy hill.
5 I laid me down and slept, and rose up again; * for the LORD
sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid for ten thousands of the people, * that
have set themselves against me round about.
7 UP, LORD, and help me, O my God, * for thou smitest all mine
enemies upon the cheek-bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the
ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD; * and thy blessing is upon
thy people.

Psalm 4. Cum invocarem.
HEAR me when I call, O God of my righteousness: * thou hast set
me at liberty when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me, and
hearken unto my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme mine honour, *
and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after falsehood?
3 Know this also, that the LORD hath chosen to himself the man
that is godly; * when I call upon the LORD he will hear me.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not; * commune with your own heart, and
in your chamber, and be still.
5 Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, * and put your trust
in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, * Who will show us any good?
7 LORD, lift thou up* the light of thy countenance upon us.
8 Thou hast put gladness in my heart; * yea, more than when their
corn and wine and oil increase.
9 I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest; * for it is
thou, LORD, only, that makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5. Verba mea auribus.
PONDER my words, O LORD, * consider my meditation.
2 O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my King and my
God: * for unto thee will I make my prayer.
3 My voice shalt thou hear betimes, O LORD; * early in the morning
will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4 For thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness; *
neither shall any evil dwell with thee.
5 Such as be foolish shall not stand in thy sight; * for thou
hatest all them that work iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak lies: * the LORD will abhor
both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
7 But as for me, in the multitude of thy mercy I will come into
thine house; * and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy
temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness, because of mine enemies;
* make thy way plain before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; * their inward
parts are very wickedness.
10 Their throat is an open sepulchre; * they flatter with their
tongue.
11 Destroy thou them, O God; let them perish through their own
imaginations; * cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness;
for they have rebelled against thee.
12 And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice: * they
shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them;
they that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee;
13 For thou, LORD, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous,
* and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with
a shield.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 6. Domine, ne in furore.
O LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation, * neither chasten
me in thy displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am weak; * O LORD, heal me,
for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul also is sore troubled: * but, LORD, how long wilt thou
punish me?
4 Turn thee, O LORD, and deliver my soul; * O save me, for thy
mercy’s sake.
5 For in death no man remembereth thee; * and who will give thee
thanks in the pit?
6 I am weary of my groaning; * every night wash I my bed, and
water my couch with my tears.
7 My beauty is gone for very trouble, * and worn away because
of all mine enemies.
8 Away from me, all ye that work iniquity; * for the LORD hath
heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD hath heard my petition; * the LORD will receive my
prayer.
10 All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed; * they
shall be turned back, and put to shame suddenly.

Psalm 7. Domine, Deus meus.
O LORD my God, in thee have I put my trust: * save me from all
them that persecute me, and deliver me;
2 Lest he devour my soul like a lion, and tear it in pieces,
* while there is none to help.
3 O LORD my God, if I have done any such thing; * or if there
be any wickedness in my hands;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me;
* (yea, I have delivered him that without any cause is mine enemy;)
5 Then let mine enemy persecute my soul, and take me; * yea,
let him tread my life down upon the earth, and lay mine honour
in the dust.
6 Stand up, O LORD, in thy wrath, and lift up thyself, because
of the indignation of mine enemies; * arise up for me in the
judgment that thou hast commanded.
7 And so shall the congregation of the peoples come about thee:
* for their sakes therefore lift up thyself again.
8 The LORD shall judge the peoples: give sentence with me, O
LORD, * according to my righteousness, and according to the innocency
that is in me.
9 O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end; * but guide
thou the just.
10 For the righteous God * trieth the very hearts and reins.
11 My help cometh of God, * who preserveth them that are true
of heart.
12 God is a righteous Judge, strong, and patient; * and God is
provoked every day.
13 If a man will not turn, he will whet his sword; * he hath
bent his bow, and made it ready.
14 He hath prepared for him the instruments of death; * he ordaineth
his arrows against the persecutors.
15 Behold, the ungodly travaileth with iniquity; * he hath conceived
mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
16 He hath graven and digged up a pit, * and is fallen himself
into the destruction that he made for other.
17 For his travail shall come upon his own head, * and his wickedness
shall fall on his own pate.
18 I will give thanks unto the LORD, according to his righteousness;
* and I will praise the Name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 8. Domine, Dominus noster.
O LORD our Governor, how excellent is thy Name in all the world;
* thou that hast set thy glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained
strength, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest still
the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, even the work of thy fingers;
* the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of
man, that thou visitest him?
5 Thou madest him lower than the angels, * to crown him with
glory and worship.
6 Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands;
* and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen; * yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever
walketh through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Governor, * how excellent is thy Name in all the
world!

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 9. Confitebor tibi.
I WILL give thanks unto thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; *
I will speak of all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee; * yea, my songs will I
make of thy Name, O thou Most Highest.
3 While mine enemies are driven back, * they shall fall and perish
at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; * thou art
set in the throne that judgest right.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, and destroyed the ungodly; *
thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6 O thou enemy, thy destructions are come to a perpetual end;
* even as the cities which thou hast destroyed, whose memorial
is perished with them.
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever; * he hath also prepared
his seat for judgment.
8 For he shall judge the world in righteousness, * and minister
true judgment unto the people.
9 The LORD also will be a defence for the oppressed, * even a
refuge in due time of trouble.
10 And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee;
* for thou, LORD, hast never failed them that seek thee.
11 O praise the LORD which dwelleth in Sion; * show the people
of his doings.
12 For when he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them,
* and forgetteth not the complaint of the poor.
13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider the trouble which I suffer
of them that hate me, * thou that liftest me up from the gates
of death;
14 That I may show all thy praises within the gates of the daughter
of Sion: * I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made; * in
the same net which they hid privily is their foot taken.
16 The LORD is known to execute judgment; * the ungodly is trapped
in the work of his own hands.
17 The wicked shall be turned to destruction, * and all the people
that forget God.
18 For the poor shall not alway be forgotten; * the patient abiding
of the meek shall not perish for ever.
19 UP, LORD, and let not man have the upper hand; * let the heathen
be judged in thy sight.
20 Put them in fear, O LORD, * that the heathen may know themselves
to be but men.

Psalm 10. Ut quid, Domine ?
WHY standest thou so far off, O LORD, * and hidest thy face in
the needful time of trouble?
2 The ungodly, for his own lust, doth persecute the poor: * let
them be taken in the crafty wiliness that they have imagined.
3 For the ungodly hath made boast of his own heart’s desire,
* and speaketh good of the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
4 The ungodly is so proud, that he careth not for God, * neither
is God in all his thoughts.
5 His ways are alway grievous; * thy judgments are far above
out of his sight, and therefore defieth he all his enemies.
6 For he hath said in his heart, Tush, I shall never be cast
down, * there shall no harm happen unto me.
7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and fraud; * under his
tongue is ungodliness and vanity.
8 He sitteth lurking in the thievish corners of the streets,
* and privily in his lurking dens doth he murder the innocent;
his eyes are set against the poor.
9 For he lieth waiting secretly; even as a lion lurketh he in
his den, * that he may ravish the poor.
10 He doth ravish the poor, * when he getteth him into his net.
11 He falleth down, and humbleth himself, * that the congregation
of the poor may fall into the hands of his captains.
12 He hath said in his heart, Tush, God hath forgotten; * he
hideth away his face, and he will never see it.
13 Arise, O LORD God, and lift up thine hand; * forget not the
poor.
14 Wherefore should the wicked blaspheme God, * while he doth
say in his heart, Tush, thou God carest not for it?
15 Surely thou hast seen it; * for thou beholdest ungodliness
and wrong, that thou mayest take the matter into thy hand.
16 The poor committeth himself unto thee; * for thou art the
helper of the friendless.
17 Break thou the power of the ungodly and malicious; * search
out his ungodliness, until thou find none.
18 The LORD is King for ever and ever, * and the heathen are
perished out of the land.
19 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the poor; * thou preparest
their heart, and thine ear hearkeneth;
20 To help the fatherless and poor unto their right, * that the
man of the earth be no more exalted against them.

Psalm 11. In Domino confido.
IN the LORD put I my trust; * how say ye then to my soul, that
she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
2 For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows
within the quiver, * that they may privily shoot at them which
are true of heart.
3 If the foundations be destroyed, * what can the righteous do?
4 The LORD is in his holy temple; * the LORD’S seat is in heaven.
5 His eyes consider the poor, * and his eyelids try the children
of men.
6 The LORD approveth the righteous: * but the ungodly, and him
that delighteth in wickedness, doth his soul abhor.
7 Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone,
storm and tempest: * this shall be their portion to drink.
8 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; * his countenance
will behold the thing that is just.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 12. Salvum me fac.
HELP me, LORD, for there is not one godly man left; * for the
faithful are minished from among the children of men.
2 They talk of vanity every one with his neighbour; * they do
but flatter with their lips, and dissemble in their double heart.
3 The LORD shall root out all deceitful lips, * and the tongue
that speaketh proud things;
4 Which have said, With our tongue will we prevail; * we are
they that ought to speak; who is lord over us?
5 Now, for the comfortless troubles’ sake of the needy, * and
because of the deep sighing of the poor,
6 I will up, saith the LORD; * and will help every one from him
that swelleth against him, and will set him at rest.
7 The words of the LORD are pure words; * even as the silver
which from the earth is tried, and purified seven times in the
fire.
8 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD; * thou shalt preserve them from
this generation for ever.
9 The ungodly walk on every side: * when they are exalted, the
children of men are put to rebuke.

Psalm 13. Usquequo, Domine?
HOW long wilt thou forget me, O LORD; for ever? * how long wilt
thou hide thy face from me?
2 How long shall I seek counsel in my soul, and be so vexed in
my heart? * how long shall mine enemy triumph over me?
3 Consider, and hear me, O LORD my God; * lighten mine eyes,
that I sleep not in death;
4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him: * for if
I be cast down, they that trouble me will rejoice at it.
5 But my trust is in thy mercy, * and my heart is joyful in thy
salvation.
6 I will sing of the LORD, because he hath dealt so lovingly
with me; * yea, I will praise the Name of the Lord Most Highest.

Psalm 14. Dixit insipiens.
THE fool hath said in his heart, * There is no God.
2 They are corrupt, and become abominable in their doings; *
there is none that doeth good, no not one.
3 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men,
* to see if there were any that would understand, and seek after
God.
4 But they are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become
abominable; * there is none that doeth good, no not one.
5 Have they no knowledge, that they are all such workers of mischief,
* eating up my people as it were bread, and call not upon the
LORD?
6 There were they brought in great fear, even where no fear was;
* for God is in the generation of the righteous.
7 As for you, ye have made a mock at the counsel of the poor;
* because he putteth his trust in the LORD.
8 Who shall give salvation unto Israel out of Sion? * When the
LORD turneth the captivity of his people, then shall Jacob rejoice,
and Israel shall be glad.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 15. Domine, quis habitabit?
LORD, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest
upon thy holy hill?
2 Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, * and doeth the thing
which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart.
3 He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to
his neighbour, * and hath not slandered his neighbour.
4 He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes,
* and maketh much of them that fear the LORD.
5 He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him
not, * though it were to his own hindrance.
6 He that hath not given his money upon usury, * nor taken reward
against the innocent.
7 Whoso doeth these things * shall never fall.

Psalm 16. Conserva me, Domine.
PRESERVE me, O God; * for in thee have I put my trust.
2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, * Thou art my God;
I have no good like unto thee.
3 All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth, *
and upon such as excel in virtue.
4 But they that run after another god * shall have great trouble.
5 Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, * neither
make mention of their names within my lips.
6 The LORD himself is the portion of mine inheritance, and of
my cup; * thou shalt maintain my lot.
7 The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground; * yea, I have a
goodly heritage.
8 I will thank the LORD for giving me warning; * my reins also
chasten me in the night season.
9 I have set the LORD alway before me; * for he is on my right
hand, therefore I shall not fall.
10 Wherefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: * my flesh
also shall rest in hope.
11 For why? thou shalt not leave my soul in hell; * neither shalt
thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.
12 Thou shalt show me the path of life: in thy presence is the
fulness of joy, * and at thy right hand there is pleasure for
evermore.

Psalm 17. Exaudi, Domine.
HEAR the right, O LORD, consider my complaint, * and hearken
unto my prayer, that goeth not out-of feigned lips.
2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; * and let thine
eyes look upon the thing that is equal.
3 Thou hast proved and visited mine heart in the night season;
thou hast tried me, and shalt find no wickedness in me; * for
I am utterly purposed that my mouth shall not offend.
4 As for the works of men, * by the word of thy lips I have kept
me from the ways of the destroyer.
5 O hold thou up my goings in thy paths, * that my footsteps
slip not.
6 I have called upon thee, O God, for thou shalt hear me: * incline
thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words.
7 Show thy marvellous loving-kindness, thou that art the Saviour
of them which put their trust in thee, * from such as resist
thy right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of an eye; * hide me under the shadow
of thy wings,
9 From the ungodly, that trouble me; * mine enemies compass me
round about, to take away my soul.
10 They are inclosed in their own fat, * and their mouth speaketh
proud things.
11 They lie waiting in our way on every side, * watching to cast
us down to the ground;
12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, * and as it were
a lion’s whelp lurking in secret places.
13 Up, LORD, disappoint him, and cast him down; * deliver my
soul from the ungodly, by thine own sword;
14 Yea, by thy hand, O LORD; from the men of the evil world;
* which have their portion in this life, whose bellies thou fillest
with thy hid treasure.
15 They have children at their desire, * and leave the rest of
their substance for their babes.
16 But as for me, I shall behold thy presence in righteousness;
* and when I awake up after thy likeness, I shall be satisfied.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 18. Diligam te, Domine.
I WILL love thee, O LORD, my strength. * The LORD is my stony
rock, and my defence;
2 My Saviour, my God, and my might, in whom I will trust; * my
buckler, the horn also of my salvation, and my refuge.
3 I will call upon the LORD, which is worthy to be praised; *
so shall I be safe from mine enemies.
4 The sorrows of death compassed me, * and the overflowings of
ungodliness made me afraid.
5 The pains of hell came about me; * the snares of death overtook
me.
6 In my trouble I called upon the LORD, * and complained unto
my God:
7 So he heard my voice out of his holy temple, * and my complaint
came before him; it entered even into his ears.
8 The earth trembled and quaked, * the very foundations also
of the hills shook, and were removed, because he was wroth.
9 There went a smoke out in his presence, * and a consuming fire
out of his mouth, so that coals were kindled at it.
10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down, * and it was dark
under his feet.
11 He rode upon the Cherubim, and did fly; * he came flying upon
the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness his secret place, * his pavilion round about
him with dark water, and thick clouds to cover him.
13 At the brightness of his presence his clouds removed; * hailstones
and coals of fire.
14 The LORD also thundered out of heaven, and the Highest gave
his thunder; * hailstones and coals of fire.
15 He sent out his arrows, and scattered them; * he cast forth
lightnings, and destroyed them.
16 The springs of waters were seen, and the foundations of the
round world were discovered, * at thy chiding, O LORD, at the
blasting of the breath of thy displeasure.
17 He sent down from on high to fetch me, * and took me out of
many waters.
18 He delivered me from my strongest enemy, and from them which
hate me; * for they were too mighty for me.
19 They came upon me in the day of my trouble; * but the LORD
was my upholder.
20 He brought me forth also into a place of liberty; * he brought
me forth, even because he had a favour unto me.
21 The LORD rewarded me after my righteous dealing, * according
to the cleanness of my hands did he recompense me.
22 Because I have kept the ways of the LORD, * and have not forsaken
my God, as the wicked doth.
23 For I have an eye unto all his laws, * and will not cast out
his commandments from me.
24 I was also uncorrupt before him, * and eschewed mine own wickedness.
25 Therefore the LORD rewarded me after my righteous dealing,
* and according unto the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
26 With the holy thou shalt be holy, * and with a perfect man
thou shalt be perfect.
27 With the clean thou shalt be clean, * and with the froward
thou shalt be froward.
28 For thou shalt save the people that are in adversity, and
shalt bring down the high looks of the proud.
29 Thou also shalt light my candle; * the LORD my God shall make
my darkness to be light.
30 For in thee I shall discomfit an host of men, * and with the
help of my God I shall leap over the wall.
31 The way of God is an undefiled way: * the word of the LORD
also is tried in the fire; he is the defender of all them that
put their trust in him.
32 For who is God, but the LORD? * or who hath any strength,
except our God?
33 It is God that girdeth me with strength of war, * and maketh
my way perfect.
34 He maketh my feet like harts’ feet, * and setteth me up on
high.
35 He teacheth mine hands to fight, * and mine arms shall bend
even a bow of steel.
36 Thou hast given me the defence of thy salvation; * thy right
hand also shall hold me up, and thy loving correction shall make
me great.
37 Thou shalt make room enough under me for to go, * that my
footsteps shall not slide.
38 I will follow upon mine enemies, and overtake them; * neither
will I turn again till I have destroyed them.
39 I will smite them, that they shall not be able to stand, *
but fall under my feet.
40 Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle; * thou
shalt throw down mine enemies under me.
41 Thou hast made mine enemies also to turn their backs upon
me, * and I shall destroy them that hate me.
42 They shall cry, but there shall be none to help them; * yea,
even unto the LORD shall they cry, but he shall not hear them.
43 I will beat them as small as the dust before the wind: * I
will cast them out as the clay in the streets.
44 Thou shalt deliver me from the strivings of the people, *
and thou shalt make me the head of the nations; a people whom
I have not known shall serve me.
45 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me; * the strangers
shall feign obedience unto me.
46 The strangers shall fail, * and come trembling out of their
strongholds.
47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my strong helper, * and praised
be the God of my salvation;
48 Even the God that seeth that I be avenged, * and subdueth
the people unto me.
49 It is he that delivereth me from my cruel enemies, and setteth
me up above mine adversaries: * thou shalt rid me from the wicked
man.
50 For this cause will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among
the Gentiles, * and sing praises unto thy Name.
51 Great prosperity giveth he unto his King, * and showeth loving-kindness
unto David his anointed, and unto his seed for evermore.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 19. Caeli enarrant.
THE heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament showeth
his handy-work.
2 One day telleth another; * and one night certifieth another.
3 There is neither speech nor language; * but their voices are
heard among them.
4 Their sound is gone out into all lands; * and their words into
the ends of the world.
5 In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun; * which cometh
forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a
giant to run his course.
6 It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and runneth
about unto the end of it again; * and there is nothing hid from
the heat thereof.
7 The law of the LORD is an undefiled law, converting the soul;
* the testimony of the LORD is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the
simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, and rejoice the heart;
* the commandment of the LORD is pure, and giveth light unto
the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, and endureth for ever; * the
judgments of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine
gold; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is thy servant taught; * and in keeping
of them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how oft he offendeth? * O cleanse thou me from
my secret faults.
13 Keep thy servant also from presumptuous sins, lest they get
the dominion over me; * so shall I be undefiled, and innocent
from the great offence.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be alway acceptable in thy sight, * O LORD, my strength and my
redeemer.

Psalm 20. Exaudiat te Dominus.
THE LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; * the Name of the God
of Jacob defend thee:
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, * and strengthen thee out
of Sion:
3 Remember all thy offerings, * and accept thy burnt-sacrifice:
4 Grant thee thy heart’s desire, * and fulfil all thy mind.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and triumph in the Name of
the Lord our God: * the LORD perform all thy petitions.
6 Now know I that the LORD helpeth his anointed, and will hear
him from his holy heaven, * even with the wholesome strength
of his right hand.
7 Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses; * but
we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen; * but we are risen and stand
upright.
9 Save, LORD; and hear us, O King of heaven, * when we call upon
thee.

Psalm 21. Domine, in virtute tua.
THE King shall rejoice in thy strength, O LORD; * exceeding glad
shall he be of thy salvation.
2 Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, * and hast not denied
him the request of his lips.
3 For thou shalt meet him with the blessings of goodness, * and
shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of thee; and thou gavest him a long life, * even
for ever and ever.
5 His honour is great in thy salvation; * glory and great worship
shalt thou lay upon him.
6 For thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, * and make him
glad with the joy of thy countenance.
7 And why? because the King putteth his trust in the LORD; *
and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not miscarry.
8 All thine enemies shall feel thine hand; * thy right hand shall
find out them that hate thee.
9 Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath:
* the LORD shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire
shall consume them.
10 Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, * and their
seed from among the children of men.
11 For they intended mischief against thee, * and imagined such
a device as they are not able to perform.
12 Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, * and the strings
of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the face of them.
13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength; * so will we
sing, and praise thy power.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 22. Deus, Deus meus.
MY God, my God, look upon me; why hast thou forsaken me? * and
art so far from my health, and from the words of my complaint?
2 O my God, I cry in the day-time, but thou hearest not; * and
in the night season also I take no rest.
3 And thou continuest holy, * O thou Worship of Israel.
4 Our fathers hoped in thee; * they trusted in thee, and thou
didst deliver them.
5 They called upon thee, and were holpen; * they put their trust
in thee, and were not confounded.
6 But as for me, I am a worm, and no man; * a very scorn of men,
and the outcast of the people.
7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn; * they shoot out their
lips, and shake their heads, saying,
8 He trusted in the LORD, that he would deliver him; * let him
deliver him, if he will have him.
9 But thou art he that took me out of my mother’s womb; * thou
wast my hope, when I hanged yet upon my mother’s breasts.
10 I have been left unto thee ever since I was born; * thou art
my God even from my mother’s womb.
11 O go not from me; for trouble is hard at hand, * and there
is none to help me.
12 Many oxen are come about me; * fat bulls of Bashan close me
in on every side.
13 They gape upon me with their mouths, * as it were a ramping
and a roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint;
* my heart also in the midst of my body is even like melting
wax.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my
tongue cleaveth to my gums, * and thou bringest me into the dust
of death.
16 For many dogs are come about me, * and the council of the
wicked layeth siege against me.
17 They pierced my hands and my feet: I may tell all my bones:
* they stand staring and looking upon me.
18 They part my garments among them, * and cast lots upon my
vesture.
19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD; * thou art my succour,
haste thee to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword, * my darling from the power
of the dog.
21 Save me from the lion’s mouth; * thou hast heard me also from
among the horns of the unicorns.
22 I will declare thy Name unto my brethren; * in the midst of
the congregation will I praise thee.
23 O praise the LORD, ye that fear him: * magnify him, all ye
of the seed of Jacob; and fear him, all ye seed of Israel.
24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the low estate of the
poor; * he hath not hid his face from him; but when he called
unto him he heard him.
25 My praise is of thee in the great-congregation; * my vows
will I perform in the sight of them that fear him.
26 The poor shall eat, and be satisfied; they that seek after
the LORD shall praise him: * your heart shall live for ever.
27 All the ends of the world shall remember themselves, and be
turned unto the LORD; * and all the kindreds of the nations shall
worship before him.
28 For the kingdom is the LORD’S, * and he is the Governor among
the nations.
29 All such as be fat upon earth * have eaten, and worshipped.
30 All they that go down into the dust shall kneel before him;
* and no man hath quickened his own soul.
31 My seed shall serve him: * they shall be counted unto the
Lord for a generation.
32 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness * unto
a people that shall be born, whom the Lord hath made.

Psalm 23. Dominus regit me.
THE LORD is my shepherd; * therefore can I lack nothing.
2 He shall feed me in a green pasture, * and lead me forth beside
the waters of comfort.
3 He shall convert my soul, * and bring me forth in the paths
of righteousness for his Name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me; thy rod and thy
staff comfort me.
5 Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them
that trouble me; * thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my
cup shall be full.
6 Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life; * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for ever.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 24. Domini est terra.
THE earth is the LORD’S, and all that therein is; * the compass
of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon
the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? * or who shall
rise up in his holy place?
4 Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that
hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his
neighbour.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, * and righteousness
from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them
that seek thy face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? * It is the LORD strong and mighty,
even the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? * Even the LORD of hosts, he is
the King of glory.

Psalm 25. Ad te, Domine, levavi.
UNTO thee, O LORD, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put
my trust in thee: * O let me not be confounded, neither let mine
enemies triumph over me.
2 For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed; * but
such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
3 Show me thy ways, O LORD, * and teach me thy paths.
4 Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me: * for thou art the
God of my salvation; in thee hath been my hope all the day long.
5 Call to remembrance, O LORD, thy tender mercies, * and thy
loving-kindnesses, which have been ever of old.
6 O remember not the sins and offences of my youth; * but according
to thy mercy think thou upon me, O LORD, for thy goodness.
7 Gracious and righteous is the LORD; * therefore, will he teach
sinners in the way.
8 Them that are meek shall he guide in judgment; * and such as
are gentle, them shall he learn his way.
9 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, * unto such
as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10 For thy Name’s sake, O LORD, * be merciful unto my sin; for
it is great.
11 What man is he that feareth the LORD? * him shall he teach
in the way that he shall choose.
12 His soul shall dwell at ease, * and his seed shall inherit
the land.
13 The secret of the LORD is among them that fear him; * and
he will show them his covenant.
14 Mine eyes are ever looking unto the LORD; * for he shall pluck
my feet out of the net.
15 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; * for I am desolate,
and in misery.
16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: * O bring thou me out
of my troubles.
17 Look upon my adversity and misery, * and forgive me all my
sin.
18 Consider mine enemies, how many they are; * and they bear
a tyrannous hate against me.
19 O keep my soul, and deliver me: * let me not be confounded,
for I have put my trust in thee.
20 Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me; * for
my hope hath been in thee.
21 Deliver Israel, O God, * out of all his troubles.

Psalm 26. Judica me, Domine.
BE thou my Judge, O LORD, for I have walked innocently: * my
trust hath been also in the LORD, therefore shall I not fall.
2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; * try out my reins and my
heart.
3 For thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes; * and I will
walk in thy truth.
4 I have not dwelt with vain persons; * neither will I have fellowship
with the deceitful.
5 I have hated the congregation of the wicked; * and will not
sit among the ungodly.
6 I will wash my hands in innocency, O LORD; * and so will I
go to thine altar;
7 That I may show the voice of thanksgiving, * and tell of all
thy wondrous works.
8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, * and the place
where thine honour dwelleth.
9 O shut not up my soul with the sinners, * nor my life with
the blood-thirsty;
10 In whose hands is wickedness, * and their right hand is full
of gifts.
11 But as for me, I will walk innocently: * O deliver me, and
be merciful unto me.
12 My foot standeth right: * I will praise the LORD in the congregations.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 27. Dominus illuminatio.
THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
* the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be
afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me
to eat up my flesh, * they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my
heart be afraid; * and though there rose up war against me, yet
will I put my trust in him.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require;
* even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days
of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit
his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle;
* yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me,
and set me up upon a rock of stone.
6 And now shall he lift up mine head * above mine enemies round
about me.
7 Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation, with great
gladness: * I will sing and speak praises unto the LORD.
8 Hearken unto my voice, O LORD, when I cry unto thee; * have
mercy upon me, and hear me.
9 My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face: * Thy face,
LORD, will I seek.
10 O hide not thou thy face from me, * nor cast thy servant away
in displeasure.
11 Thou hast been my succour; * leave me not, neither forsake
me, O God of my salvation.
12 When my father and my mother forsake me, * the LORD taketh
me up.
13 Teach me thy way, O LORD, * and lead me in the right way,
because of mine enemies.
14 Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries: * for
there are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak
wrong.
15 I should utterly have fainted, * but that I believe verily
to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
16 O tarry thou the LORD’S leisure; * be strong, and he shall
comfort thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the LORD.

Psalm 28. Ad te, Domine.
UNTO thee will I cry, O LORD, my strength: * think no scorn of
me; lest, if thou make as though thou hearest not, I become like
them that go down into the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my humble petitions, when I cry unto thee;
* when I hold up my hands towards the mercyseat of thy holy temple.
3 O pluck me not away, neither destroy me with the ungodly and
wicked doers, * which speak friendly to their neighbours, but
imagine mischief in their hearts.
4 Reward them according to their deeds, * and according to the
wickedness of their own inventions.
5 Recompense them after the work of their hands; * pay them that
they have deserved.
6 For they regard not in their mind the works of the LORD, nor
the operation of his hands; * therefore shall he break them down,
and not build them up.
7 Praised be the LORD; * for he hath heard the voice of my humble
petitions.
8 The LORD is my strength, and my shield; my heart hath trusted
in him, and I am helped; * therefore my heart danceth for joy,
and in my song will I praise him.
9 The LORD is my strength, * and he is the wholesome defence
of his anointed.
10 O save thy people, and give thy blessing unto thine inheritance:
* feed them, and set them up for ever.

Psalm 29. Afferte Domino.
A SCRIBE unto the LORD, O ye mighty, * ascribe unto the LORD
worship and strength.
2 Ascribe unto the LORD the honour due unto his Name; * worship
the LORD with holy worship.
3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; * it is the glorious
God that maketh the thunder.
4 It is the LORD that ruleth the sea; the voice of the LORD is
mighty in operation; * the voice of the LORD is a glorious voice.
5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedar-trees; * yea, the
LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; * Lebanon also, and
Sirion, like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire; the voice
of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; * yea, the LORD shaketh the
wilderness of Kadesh.
8 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to bring forth young,
and strippeth bare the forests: * in his temple doth every thing
speak of his honour.
9 The LORD sitteth above the water-flood, * and the LORD remaineth
a King for ever.
10 The LORD shall give strength unto his people; * the LORD shall
give his people the blessing of peace.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 30. Exaltabo te, Domine.
I WILL magnify thee, O LORD; for thou hast set me up, * and not
made my foes to triumph over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee; * and thou hast healed me.
3 Thou, LORD, hast brought my soul out of hell: * thou hast kept
my life, that I should not go down into the pit.
4 Sing praises unto the LORD, O ye saints of his; * and give
thanks unto him, for a remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye, and in
his pleasure is life; * heaviness may endure for a night, but
joy cometh in the morning.
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be removed: * thou,
LORD, of thy goodness, hast made my hill so strong.
7 Thou didst turn thy face from me, * and I was troubled.
8 Then cried I unto thee, O LORD; * and gat me to my LORD right
humbly.
9 What profit is there in my blood, * when I go down into the
pit?
10 Shall the dust give thanks unto thee? * or shall it declare
thy truth?
11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me; * LORD, be thou my helper.
12 Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy; * thou hast put off
my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness:
13 Therefore shall every good man sing of thy praise without
ceasing. * O my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalm 31. In te, Domine, speravi.
IN thee, O LORD, have I put my trust; let me never be put to
confusion; * deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; * make haste to deliver me.
3 And be thou my strong rock, and house of defence, * that thou
mayest save me.
4 For thou art my strong rock, and my castle: * be thou also
my guide, and lead me for thy Name’s sake.
5 Draw me out of the net that they have laid privily for me;
* for thou art my strength.
6 Into thy hands I commend my spirit; * for thou hast redeemed
me, O LORD, thou God of truth.
7 I have hated them that hold of lying vanities, * and my trust
hath been in the LORD.
8 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy; * for thou hast considered
my trouble, and hast known my soul in adversities.
9 Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; * but
hast set my feet in a large room.
10 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble, * and mine
eye is consumed for very heaviness; yea, my soul and my body.
11 For my life is waxen old with heaviness, * and my years with
mourning.
12 My strength faileth me, because of mine iniquity, * and my
bones are consumed.
13 I became a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially
among my neighbours; * and they of mine acquaintance were afraid
of me; and they that did see me without, conveyed themselves
from me.
14 I am clean forgotten as a dead man out of mind; * I am become
like a broken vessel.
15 For I have heard the blasphemy of the multitude, and fear
is on every side; * while they conspire together against me,
and take their counsel to take away my life.
16 But my hope hath been in thee, O LORD; * I have said, Thou
art my God.
17 My times are in thy hand; deliver me from the hand of mine
enemies, * and from them that persecute me.
18 Show thy servant the light of thy countenance, * and save
me for thy mercy’s sake.
19 Let me not be confounded, O LORD, for I have called upon thee;
* let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence
in the grave.
20 Let the lying lips be put to silence, * which cruelly, disdainfully,
and despitefully speak against the righteous.
21 O how plentiful is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for
them that fear thee, * and that thou hast prepared for them that
put their trust in thee, even before the sons of men!
22 Thou shalt hide them in the covert of thine own presence from
the plottings of men: * thou shalt keep them secretly in thy
tabernacle from the strife of tongues.
23 Thanks be to the LORD; * for he hath showed me marvellous
great kindness in a strong city.
24 But in my haste I said, * I am cast out of the sight of thine
eyes.
25 Nevertheless, thou heardest the voice of my prayer, * when
I cried unto thee.
26 O love the LORD, all ye his saints; * for the LORD preserveth
them that are faithful, and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer.
27 Be strong, and he shall establish your heart, * all ye that
put your trust in the LORD.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 32. Beati quorum.
BLESSED is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven, * and whose
sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth no sin, * and
in whose spirit there is no guile.
3 For whilst I held my tongue, * my bones consumed away through
my daily complaining.
4 For thy hand was heavy upon me day and night, * and my moisture
was like the drought in summer.
5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee; * and mine unrighteousness
have I not hid.
6 I said, I will confess my sins unto the LORD; * and SO thou
forgavest the wickedness of my sin.
7 For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto
thee, in a time when thou mayest be found; * surely the great
water-floods shall not come nigh him.
8 Thou art a place to hide me in; thou shalt preserve me from
trouble; * thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
9 I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein thou
shalt go; * and I will guide thee with mine eye.
10 Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no understanding;
* whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle, else they will
not obey thee.
11 Great plagues remain for the ungodly; * but whoso putteth
his trust in the LORD, mercy embraceth him on every side.
12 Be glad, O ye righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; * and be
joyful, all ye that are true of heart.

Psalm 33. Exultate, justi.
REJOICE in the LORD, O ye righteous; * for it becometh well the
just to be thankful.
2 Praise the LORD with harp; * sing praises unto him with the
lute, and instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing praises lustily unto
him with a good courage.
4 For the word of the LORD is true; * and all his works are faithful.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment; * the earth is full of
the goodness of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; * and all the
host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together, as it were upon
an heap; * and layeth up the deep, as in a treasure-house.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: * stand in awe of him, all
ye that dwell in the world.
9 For he spake, and it was done; * he commanded, and it stood
fast.
10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought, *
and maketh the devices of the people to be of none effect, and
casteth out the counsels of princes.
11 The counsel of the LORD shall endure for ever, * and the thoughts
of his heart from generation to generation.
12 Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord JEHOVAH; * and
blessed are the folk that he hath chosen to him, to be his inheritance.
13 The LORD looketh down from heaven, and beholdeth all the children
of men; * from the habitation of his dwelling, he considereth
all them that dwell on the earth.
14 He fashioneth all the hearts of them, * and understandeth
all their works.
15 There is no king that can be saved by the multitude of an
host; * neither is any mighty man delivered by much strength.
16 A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man; * neither
shall he deliver any man by his great strength.
17 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, *
and upon them that put their trust in his mercy;
18 To deliver their soul from death, * and to feed them in the
time of dearth.
19 Our soul hath patiently tarried for the LORD; * for he is
our help and our shield.
20 For our heart shall rejoice in him; * because we have hoped
in his holy Name.
21 Let thy merciful kindness, O LORD, be upon us, * like as we
do put our trust in thee.

Psalm 34. Benedicam Dominum.
I WILL alway give thanks unto the LORD; * his praise shall ever
be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; * the humble shall
hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O praise the LORD with me, * and let us magnify his Name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me; * yea, he delivered me
out of all my fear.
5 They had an eye unto him, and were lightened; * and their faces
were not ashamed.
6 Lo, the poor crieth, and the LORD heareth him; * yea, and saveth
him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD tarrieth round about them that fear him,
* and delivereth them.
8 O taste, and see, how gracious the LORD is: * blessed is the
man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye that are his saints; * for they that fear
him lack nothing.
10 The lions do lack, and suffer hunger; * but they who seek
the LORD shall want no manner of thing that is good.
11 Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; * I will teach you
the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is he that lusteth to live, * and would fain see
good days?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips, that they speak
no guile.
14 Eschew evil, and do good; * seek peace, and ensue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are over the righteous, * and his ears
are open unto their prayers.
16 The countenance of the LORD is against them that do evil,
* to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth them, * and delivereth
them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, *
and will save such as be of an humble spirit.
19 Great are the troubles of the righteous; * but the LORD delivereth
him out of all.
20 He keepeth all his bones, * so that not one of them is broken.
21 But misfortune shall slay the ungodly; * and they that hate
the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The LORD delivereth the souls of his servants; * and all they
that put their trust in him shall not be destitute.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 35. Judica, Domine.
PLEAD thou my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me, *
and fight thou against them that fight against me.
2 Lay hand upon the shield and buckler, * and stand up to help
me.
3 Bring forth the spear, and stop the way against them that pursue
me: * say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
4 Let them be confounded, and put to shame, that seek after my
soul; * let them be turned back, and brought to confusion, that
imagine mischief for me.
5 Let them be as the dust before the wind, * and the angel of
the LORD scattering them.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery, * and let the angel of
the LORD pursue them.
7 For they have privily laid their net to destroy me without
a cause; * yea, even without a cause have they made a pit for
my soul.
8 Let a sudden destruction come upon him unawares, and his net
that he hath laid privily catch himself; * that he may fall into
his own mischief.
9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; * it shall rejoice
in his salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, who deliverest
the poor from him that is too strong for him; * yea, the poor,
and him that is in misery, from him that spoileth him?
11 False witnesses did rise up: * they laid to my charge things
that I knew not.
12 They rewarded me evil for good, * to the great discomfort
of my soul.
13 Nevertheless, when they were sick, I put on sackcloth, and
humbled my soul with fasting; * and my prayer shall turn into
mine own bosom.
14 I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother;
* I went heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
15 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves
together; * yea, the very abjects came together against me unawares,
making mouths at me, and ceased not.
16 With the flatterers were busy mockers, * who gnashed upon
me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long wilt thou look upon this? * O deliver my soul
from the calamities which they bring on me, and my darling from
the lions.
18 So will I give thee thanks in the great congregation; * I
will praise thee among much people.
19 O let not them that are mine enemies triumph over me ungodly;
* neither let them wink with their eyes, that hate me without
a cause.
20 And why? their communing is not for peace; * but they imagine
deceitful words against them that are quiet in the land.
21 They gaped upon me with their mouths, and said, * Fie on thee!
fie on thee! we saw it with our eyes.
22 This thou hast seen, O LORD; * hold not thy tongue then; go
not far from me, O Lord.
23 Awake, and stand up to judge my quarrel; * avenge thou my
cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; *
and let them not triumph over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, There! there! so would we
have it; * neither let them say, We have devoured him.
26 Let them be put to confusion and shame together, that rejoice
at my trouble; * let them be clothed with rebuke and dishonour,
that boast themselves against me.
27 Let them be glad and rejoice, that favour my righteous dealing;
* yea, let them say alway, Blessed be the LORD, who hath pleasure
in the prosperity of his servant.
28 And as for my tongue, it shall be talking of thy righteousness,
* and of thy praise, all the day long.

Psalm 36. Dixit injustus.
MY heart showeth me the wickedness of the ungodly, * that there
is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flattereth himself in his own sight, * until his abominable
sin be found out.
3 The words of his mouth are unrighteous and full of deceit:
* he hath left off to behave himself wisely, and to do good.
4 He imagineth mischief upon his bed, and hath set himself in
no good way; * neither doth he abhor any thing that is evil.
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, reacheth unto the’ heavens, * and thy faithfulness
unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains: * thy
judgments are like the great deep.
7 Thou, LORD, shalt save both man and beast: how excellent is
thy mercy, O God! * and the children of men shall put their trust
under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house;
* and thou shalt give them drink of thy pleasures, as out of
the river.
9 For with thee is the well of life; * and in thy light shall
we see light.
10 O continue forth thy loving-kindness unto them that know thee,
* and thy righteousness unto them that are true of heart.
11 O let not the foot of pride come against me; * and let not
the hand of the ungodly cast me down.
12 There are they fallen, all that work wickedness; * they are
cast down, and shall not be able to stand.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 37. Noli aemulari.
FRET not thyself because of the ungodly; * neither be thou envious
against the evil doers.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, * and be withered
even as the green herb.
3 Put thou thy trust in the LORD, and be doing good; * dwell
in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thou in the LORD, * and he shall give thee thy heart’s
desire.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD, and put thy trust in him, * and
he shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light, * and
thy just dealing as the noon-day.
7 Hold thee still in the LORD, and abide patiently upon him:
* but grieve not thyself at him whose way doth prosper, against
the man that doeth after evil counsels.
8 Leave off from wrath, and let go displeasure: * fret not thyself,
else shalt thou be moved to do evil.
9 Wicked doers shall be rooted out; * and they that patiently
abide the LORD, those shall inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while, and the ungodly shall be clean gone: *
thou shalt look after his place, and he shall be away.
11 But the meek-spirited shall possess the earth, * and shall
be refreshed in the multitude of peace.
12 The ungodly seeketh counsel against the just, * and gnasheth
upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh him to-scorn; * for he hath seen that
his day is coming.
14 The ungodly have drawn out the sword, and have bent their
bow, * to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be
upright in their ways.
15 Their sword shall go through their own heart, * and their
bow shall be broken.
16 A small thing that the righteous hath, * is better than great
riches of the ungodly.
17 For the arms of the ungodly shall be broken, * and the LORD
upholdeth the righteous.
18 The LORD knoweth the days of the godly; * and their inheritance
shall endure for ever.
19 They shall not be confounded in the perilous time; * and in
the days of dearth they shall have enough.
20 As for the ungodly, they shall perish, and the enemies of
the LORD shall consume as the fat of lambs: * yea, even as the
smoke shall they consume away.
21 The ungodly borroweth, and payeth not again; * but the righteous
is merciful and liberal.
22 Such as are blessed of God, shall possess the land; * and
they that are cursed of him, shall be rooted out.
23 The LORD ordereth a good man’s going, * and maketh his way
acceptable to himself.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be cast away; * for the LORD
upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; * and yet saw I never the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their bread.
26 The righteous is ever merciful, and lendeth; * and his seed
is blessed.
27 Flee from evil, and do the thing that is good; * and dwell
for evermore.
28 For the LORD loveth the thing that is right; * he forsaketh
not his that be godly, but they are preserved for ever.
29 The unrighteous shall be punished; * as for the seed of the
ungodly, it shall be rooted out.
30 The righteous shall inherit the land, * and dwell therein
for ever.
31 The mouth of the righteous is exercised in wisdom, * and his
tongue will be talking of judgment.
32 The law of his God is in his heart, * and his goings shall
not slide.
33 The ungodly watcheth the righteous, * and seeketh occasion
to slay him.
34 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, * nor condemn him
when he is judged.
35 Hope thou in the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall promote
thee, that thou shalt possess the land: * when the ungodly shall
perish, thou shalt see it.
36 I myself have seen the ungodly in great power, * and flourishing
like a green bay-tree.
37 I went by, and lo, he was gone: * I sought him, but his place
could no where be found.
38 Keep innocency, and take heed unto the thing that is right;
* for that shall bring a man peace at the last.
39 As for the transgressors, they shall perish together; * and
the end of the ungodly is, they shall be rooted out at the last.
40 But the salvation of the righteous cometh of the LORD; * who
is also their strength in the time of trouble.
41 And the LORD shall stand by them, and save them: * he shall
deliver them from the ungodly, and shall save them, because they
put their trust in him.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 38. Domine, ne in furore.
PUT me not to rebuke, O LORD, in thine anger; * neither chasten
me in thy heavy displeasure:
2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, * and thy hand presseth
me sore.
3 There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure;
* neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin.
4 For my wickednesses are gone over my head, * and are like a
sore burden, too heavy for me to bear.
5 My wounds stink, and are corrupt, * through my foolishness.
6 I am brought into so great trouble and misery, * that I go
mourning all the day long.
7 For my loins are filled with a sore disease, * and there is
no whole part in my body.
8 I am feeble and sore smitten; * I have roared for the very
disquietness of my heart.
9 Lord, thou knowest all my desire; * and my groaning is not
hid from thee.
10 My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me, * and the light
of mine eyes is gone from me.
11 My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble,
* and my kinsmen stood afar off.
12 They also that sought after my life laid snares for me; *
and they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness,
and imagined deceit all the day long.
13 As for me, I was like a deaf man, and heard not; * and as
one that is dumb, who doth not open his mouth.
14 I became even as a man that heareth not, * and in whose mouth
are no reproofs.
15 For in thee, O LORD, have I put my trust; * thou shalt answer
for me, O Lord my God.
16 I have required that they, even mine enemies, should not triumph
over me; * for when my foot slipt, they rejoiced greatly against
me.
17 And I truly am set in the plague, * and my heaviness is ever
in my sight.
18 For I will confess my wickedness, * and be sorry for my sin.
19 But mine enemies live, and are mighty; * and they that hate
me wrongfully are many in number.
20 They also that reward evil for good are against me; * because
I follow the thing that good is.
21 Forsake me not, O LORD my God; * be not thou far from me.

Psalm 39. Dixi, Custodiam.
I SAID, I will take heed to my ways, * that I offend not in my
tongue
2 I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle, * while the
ungodly is in my sight.
3 I held my tongue, and spake nothing: * I kept silence, yea,
even from good words; but it was pain and grief to me.
4 My heart was hot within me: and while I was thus musing the
fire kindled, * and at the last I spake with my tongue:
5 LORD, let me know mine end, and the number of my days; * that
I may be certified how long I have to live.
6 Behold, thou hast made my days as it were a span long, and
mine age is even as nothing in respect of thee; * and verily
every man living is altogether vanity.
7 For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth himself in
vain; * he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather
them.
8 And now, Lord, what is my hope? * truly my hope is even in
thee.
9 Deliver me from all mine offences; * and make me not a rebuke
unto the foolish.
10 I became dumb, and opened not my mouth; * for it was thy doing.
11 Take thy plague away from me: * I am even consumed by the
means of thy heavy hand.
12 When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, thou makest
his beauty to consume away, like as it were a moth fretting a
garment: * every man therefore is but vanity.
13 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and with thine ears consider my calling;
* hold not thy peace at my tears;
14 For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, * as all my
fathers were.
15 O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, * before
I go hence, and be no more seen.

Psalm 40. Expectans expectavi.
I WAITED patiently for the LORD, * and he inclined unto me, and
heard my calling.
2 He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire
and clay, * and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, * even a thanksgiving
unto our God.
4 Many shall see it, and fear, * and shall put their trust in
the LORD.
5 Blessed is the man that hath set his hope in the LORD, * and
turned not unto the proud, and to such as go about with lies.
6 O LORD my God, great are the wondrous works which thou hast
done, like as be also thy thoughts, which are to us-ward; * and
yet there is no man that ordereth them unto thee.
7 If I should declare them, and speak of them, * they should
be more than I am able to express.
8 Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, * but mine ears hast
thou opened.
9 Burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin hast thou not required:
* then said I, LO, I come;
10 In the volume of the book it is written of me, that I should
fulfil thy will, O my God: * I am content to do it; yea, thy
law is within my heart.
11 I have declared thy righteousness in the great congregation:
* lo, I will not refrain my lips, O LORD, and that thou knowest.
12 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; * my talk
hath been of thy truth, and of thy salvation.
13 I have not kept back thy loving mercy and truth * from the
great congregation.
14 Withdraw not thou thy mercy from me, O LORD; * let thy loving-kindness
and thy truth alway preserve me.
15 For innumerable troubles are come about me; my sins have taken
such hold upon me, that I am not able to look up; * yea, they
are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart hath
failed me.
16 O LORD, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me; * make haste,
O LORD, to help me.
17 Let them be ashamed, and confounded together, that seek after
my soul to destroy it; * let them be driven backward, and put
to rebuke, that wish me evil.
18 Let them be desolate, and rewarded with shame, * that say
unto me, Fie upon thee! fie upon thee!
19 Let all those that seek thee, be joyful and glad in thee;
* and let such as love thy salvation, say alway, The LORD be
praised.
20 As for me, I am poor and needy; * but the Lord careth for
me.
21 Thou art my helper and redeemer; * make no long tarrying,
O my God.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 41. Beatus qui intelligit.
BLESSED is he that considereth the poor and needy; * the LORD
shall deliver him in the time of trouble.
2 The LORD preserve him, and keep him alive, that he may be blessed
upon earth; * and deliver not thou him into the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD comfort him when he lieth sick upon his bed; * make
thou all his bed in his sickness.
4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me; * heal my soul, for I have
sinned against thee.
5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, * When shall he die, and his
name perish?
6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity, * and his heart
conceiveth falsehood within himself; and when he cometh forth,
he telleth it.
7 All mine enemies whisper together against me; * even against
me do they imagine this evil.
8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him; * and now
that he lieth, he shall rise up no more.
9 Yea, even mine own familiar friend whom I trusted, * who did
also eat of my bread, hath laid great wait for me.
10 But be thou merciful unto me, O LORD; * raise thou me up again,
and I shall reward them.
11 By this I know thou favourest me, * that mine enemy doth not
triumph against me.
12 And in my innocency thou upholdest me, * and shalt set me
before thy face for ever.
13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, * world without end. Amen.

Psalm 42. Quemadmodum.
LIKE as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul
after thee, O God.
2 My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: *
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily
say unto me, Where is now thy God?
4 Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself;
* for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into
the house of God;
5 In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * among such as keep
holy-day.
6 Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? * and why art
thou so disquieted within me?
7 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is
the help of my countenance, and my God.
8 My soul is vexed within me; * therefore will I remember thee
from the land of Jordan, from Hermon and the little hill.
9 One deep calleth another, because of the noise of thy water-floods;
* all thy waves and storms are gone over me.
10 The LORD will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime; *
and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer
unto the God of my life.
11 I will say unto the God of my strength, Why hast thou forgotten
me? * why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
12 My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword, * while mine
enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth;
13 Namely, while they say daily unto me, * Where is now thy God?
14 Why art thou so vexed, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted
within me?
15 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which
is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 43. Judica me, Deus.
GIVE sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the
ungodly people; * O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked
man.
2 For thou art the God of my strength; why hast thou put me from
thee? * and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
3 O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me,
* and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling;
4 And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God
of my joy and gladness; * and upon the harp will I give thanks
unto thee, O God, my God.
5 Why art thou so heavy, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted
within me?
6 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet give him thanks, which
is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 44. Deus, auribus.
WE have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us
* what thou hast done in their time of old:
2 How thou hast driven out the heathen with thy hand, and planted
our fathers in; * how thou hast destroyed the nations, and made
thy people to flourish.
3 For they gat not the land in possession through their own sword,
* neither was it their own arm that helped them;
4 But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance;
* because thou hadst a favour unto them.
5 Thou art my King, O God; * send help unto Jacob.
6 Through thee will we overthrow our enemies, * and in thy Name
will we tread them under that rise up against us.
7 For I will not trust in my bow, * it is not my sword that shall
help me;
8 But it is thou that savest us from our enemies, * and puttest
them to confusion that hate us.
9 We make our boast of God all day long, * and will praise thy
Name for ever.
10 But now thou art far off, and puttest us to confusion, * and
goest not forth with our armies.
11 Thou makest us to turn our backs upon our enemies, * so that
they which hate us spoil our goods.
12 Thou lettest us be eaten up like sheep, * and hast scattered
us among the heathen.
13 Thou sellest thy people for nought, * and takest no money
for them.
14 Thou makest us to be rebuked of our neighbours, * to be laughed
to scorn, and had in derision of them that are round about us.
15 Thou makest us to be a by-word among the nations, * and that
the peoples shake their heads at us.
16 My confusion is daily before me, * and the shame of my face
hath covered me;
17 For the voice of the slanderer and blasphemer, * for the enemy
and avenger.
18 And though all this be come upon us, yet do we not forget
thee, * nor behave ourselves frowardly in thy covenant.
19 Our heart is not turned back, * neither our steps gone out
of thy way;
20 No, not when thou hast smitten us into the place of dragons,
* and covered us with the shadow of death.
21 If we have forgotten the Name of our God, and holden up our
hands to any strange god, * shall not God search it out? for
he knoweth the very secrets of the heart.
22 For thy sake also are we killed all the day long, * and are
counted as sheep appointed to be slain.
23 Up, Lord, why sleepest thou? * awake, and be not absent from
us for ever.
24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, * and forgettest our misery
and trouble?
25 For our soul is brought low, even unto the dust; * our belly
cleaveth unto the ground.
26 Arise, and help us, * and deliver us, for thy mercy’s sake.

Psalm 45. Eructavit cor meum.
MY heart overfloweth with a good matter; I speak the things which
I have made concerning the King. * My tongue is the pen of a
ready writer.
2 Thou art fairer than the children of men; * full of grace are
thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for ever.
3 Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, O thou Most Mighty,
* according to thy worship and renown.
4 Good luck have thou with thine honour: * ride on, because of
the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; and thy right
hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5 Thy arrows are very sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies,
* and the people shall be subdued unto thee.
6 Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom
is a right sceptre.
7 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore
God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness
above thy fellows.
8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia; * out of
the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9 Kings’ daughters are among thy honourable women; * upon thy
right hand doth stand the queen in a vesture of gold, wrought
about with divers colours.
10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider; incline thine ear; * forget
also thine own people, and thy father’s house.
11 So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is
thy Lord, and worship thou him.
12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * like
as the rich also among the people shall make their supplication
before thee.
13 The King’s daughter is all glorious within; * her clothing
is of wrought gold.
14 She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework:
* the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and
shall be brought unto thee.
15 With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * and shall enter
into the King’s palace.
16 Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou
mayest make princes in all lands.
17 I will make thy Name to be remembered from one generation
to another; * therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee,
world without end.

Psalm 46. Deus noster refugium.
GOD is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and
though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the
mountains shake at the tempest of the same.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of
God; * the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most Highest.
5 God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed;
* God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are moved; * but
God hath showed his voice, and the earth shall melt away.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8 O come hither, and behold the works of the LORD, * what destruction
he hath brought upon the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease in all the world; * he breaketh the
bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots
in the fire.
10 Be still then, and know that I am God: * I will be exalted
among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 47. Omnes gentes, plaudite.
CLAP your hands together, all ye peoples: * O sing unto God with
the voice of melody.
2 For the LORD is high, and to be feared; * he is the great King
upon all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the peoples under us, * and the nations under
our feet.
4 He shall choose out an heritage for us, * even the excellency
of Jacob, whom he loved.
5 God is gone up with a merry noise, * and the LORD with the
sound of the trump.
6 O sing praises, sing praises unto our God; * O sing praises,
sing praises unto our King.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: * sing ye praises with
understanding.
8 God reigneth over the nations; * God sitteth upon his holy
seat.
9 The princes of the peoples are joined unto the people of the
God of Abraham; * for God, which is very high exalted, doth defend
the earth, as it were with a shield.

Psalm 48. Magnus Dominus.
GREAT is the LORD, and highly to be praised * in the city of
our God, even upon his holy hill.
2 The hill of Sion is a fair place, and the joy of the whole
earth; * upon the north side lieth the city of the great King:
God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge.
3 For lo, the kings of the earth * were gathered, and gone by
together.
4 They marvelled to see such things; * they were astonished,
and suddenly cast down.
5 Fear came there upon them; and sorrow, * as upon a woman in
her travail.
6 Thou dost break the ships of the sea * through the east-wind.
7 Like as we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD
of hosts, in the city of our God; * God upholdeth the same for
ever.
8 We wait for thy loving-kindness, O God, * in the midst of thy
temple.
9 O God, according to thy Name, so is thy praise unto the world’s
end; * thy right hand is full of righteousness.
10 Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Judah be
glad, * because of thy judgments.
11 Walk about Sion, and go round about her; * and tell the towers
thereof.
12 Mark well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, * that ye may
tell them that come after.
13 For this God is our God for ever and ever: * he shall be our
guide unto death.

Psalm 49. Audite haec, omnes.
O HEAR ye this, all ye people; * ponder it with your ears, all
ye that dwell in the world;
2 High and low, rich and poor, * one with another.
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom, * and my heart shall muse of
understanding.
4 I will incline mine ear to the parable, * and show my dark
speech upon the harp.
5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, * when wickedness
at my heels compasseth me round about?
6 There be some that put their trust in their goods, * and boast
themselves in the multitude of their riches.
7 But no man may deliver his brother, * nor give a ransom unto
God for him,
8 (For it cost more to redeem their souls, * so that he must
let that alone for ever;)
9 That he shall live alway, * and not see the grave.
10 For he seeth that wise men also die and perish together, *
as well as the ignorant and foolish, and leave their riches for
other.
11 And yet they think that their houses shall continue for ever,
and that their dwelling-places shall endure from one generation
to another; * and call the lands after their own names.
12 Nevertheless, man being in honour abideth not, * seeing he
may be compared unto the beasts that perish;
13 This their way is very foolishness; * yet their posterity
praise their saying.
14 They lie in the grave like sheep; death is their shepherd;
and the righteous shall have dominion over them in the morning:
* their beauty shall consume in the sepulchre, and have no abiding.
15 But God hath delivered my soul from the power of the grave;
* for he shall receive me.
16 Be not thou afraid, though one be made rich, * or if the glory
of his house be increased;
17 For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth, *
neither shall his pomp follow him.
18 For while he lived, he counted himself an happy man; * and
so long as thou doest well unto thyself, men will speak good
of thee.
19 He shall follow the generation of his fathers, * and shall
never see light.
20 Man that is in honour but hath no understanding * is compared
unto the beasts that perish.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 50. Deus deorum.
THE LORD, even the Most Mighty God, hath spoken, * and called
the world, from the rising up of the sun unto the going down
thereof.
2 Out of Sion hath God appeared * in perfect beauty.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence; * there shall
go before him a consuming fire, and a mighty tempest shall be
stirred up round about him.
4 He shall call the heaven from above, * and the earth, that
he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; * those that have made a
covenant with me with sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness; * for God
is Judge himself.
7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; * I myself will testify
against thee, O Israel; for I am God, even thy God.
8 I will not reprove thee because of thy sacrifices; * as for
thy burnt-offerings, they are alway before me.
9 I will take no bullock out of thine house, * nor he-goats out
of thy folds.
10 For all the beasts of the forest are mine, * and so are the
cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls upon the mountains, * and the wild beasts
of the field are in my sight.
12 If I be hungry, I will not tell thee; * for the whole world
is mine, and all that is therein.
13 Thinkest thou that I will eat bulls’ flesh, * and drink the
blood of goats?
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving, * and pay thy vows unto the Most
Highest.
15 And call upon me in the time of trouble; * so will I hear
thee, and thou shalt praise me.
16 But unto the ungodly saith God, * Why dost thou preach my
laws, and takest my covenant in thy mouth;
17 Whereas thou hatest to be reformed, * and hast cast my words
behind thee?
18 When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst unto him; * and
hast been partaker with the adulterers.
19 Thou hast let thy mouth speak wickedness, * and with thy tongue
thou hast set forth deceit.
20 Thou sattest and spakest against thy brother; * yea, and hast
slandered thine own mother’s son.
21 These things hast thou done, and I held my tongue, and thou
thoughtest wickedly, that I am even such a one as thyself; *
but I will reprove thee, and set before thee the things that
thou hast done.
22 O consider this, ye that forget God, * lest I pluck you away,
and there be none to deliver you.
23 Whoso offereth me thanks and praise, he honoureth me; * and
to him that ordereth his way aright, will I show the salvation
of God.

Psalm 51. Miserere mei, Deus.
HAVE mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness; * according
to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.
2 Wash me throughly from my wickedness, * and cleanse me from
my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my faults, * and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy
sight; * that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and clear
when thou shalt judge.
5 Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, * and in sin hath my mother
conceived me.
6 But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts, * and shalt
make me to understand wisdom secretly.
7 Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; * thou
shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, * that the bones
which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Turn thy face from my sins, * and put out all my misdeeds.
10 Make me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit within
me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence, * and take not thy holy
Spirit from me.
12 O give me the comfort of thy help again, * and stablish me
with thy free Spirit.
13 Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, * and sinners
shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou that art the
God of my health; * and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness.
15 Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall show
thy praise.
16 For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it thee;
* but thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
17 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: * a broken and
contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise.
18 O be favourable and gracious unto Sion; * build thou the walls
of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness,
with the burnt-offerings and oblations; * then shall they offer
young bullocks upon thine altar.

Psalm 52. Quid gloriaris?
WHY boastest thou thyself, thou tyrant, * that thou canst do
mischief;
2 Whereas the goodness of God * endureth yet daily?
3 Thy tongue imagineth wickedness, * and with lies thou cuttest
like a sharp razor.
4 Thou hast loved unrighteousness more than goodness, * and falsehood
more than righteousness.
5 Thou hast loved to speak all words that may do hurt, * O thou
false tongue.
6 Therefore shall God destroy thee for ever; * he shall take
thee, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling, and root thee out of
the land of the living.
7 The righteous also shall see this, and fear, * and shall laugh
him to scorn:
8 Lo, this is the man that took not God for his strength; * but
trusted unto the multitude of his riches, and strengthened himself
in his wickedness.
9 As for me, I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God;
* my trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever.
10 I will alway give thanks unto thee for that thou hast done;
* and I will hope in thy Name, for thy saints like it well.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 53. Dixit insipiens.
THE foolish body hath said in his heart, * There is no God.
2 Corrupt are they, and become abominable in their wickedness;
* there is none that doeth good.
3 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, * to
see if there were any that would understand, and seek after God.
4 But they are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become
abominable; * there is also none that doeth good, no not one.
5 Are not they without understanding that work wickedness, *
eating up my people as if they would eat bread? they have not
called upon God.
6 They were afraid where no fear was; * for God hath broken the
bones of him that besieged thee; thou hast put them to confusion,
because God hath despised them.
7 O that the salvation were given unto Israel out of Sion! *
O that the Lord would deliver his people out of captivity!
8 Then should Jacob rejoice, * and Israel should be right glad.

Psalm 54. Deus, in Nomine.
SAVE me, O God, for thy Name’s sake, * and avenge me in thy strength.
2 Hear my prayer, O God, * and hearken unto the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers are risen up against me; * and tyrants, which
have not God before their eyes, seek after my soul.
4 Behold, God is my helper; * the Lord is with them that uphold
my soul.
5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: * destroy thou them
in thy truth.
6 An offering of a free heart will I give thee, and praise thy
Name, O LORD; * because it is so comfortable.
7 For he hath delivered me out of all my trouble; * and mine
eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.

Psalm 55. Exaudi, Deus.
HEAR my prayer, O God, * and hide not thyself from my petition.
2 Take heed unto me, and hear me, * how I mourn in my prayer,
and am vexed;
3 The enemy crieth so, and the ungodly cometh on so fast; * for
they are minded to do me some mischief, so maliciously are they
set against me.
4 My heart is disquieted within me, * and the fear of death is
fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, * and an horrible
dread hath overwhelmed me.
6 And I said, O that I had wings like a dove! * for then would
I flee away, and be at rest.
7 Lo, then would I get me away far off, * and remain in the wilderness.
8 I would make haste to escape, * because of the stormy wind
and tempest.
9 Destroy their tongues, O Lord, and divide them; * for I have
spied unrighteousness and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go about within the walls thereof: * mischief
also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
11 Wickedness is therein; * deceit and guile go not out of her
streets.
12 For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonour;
* for then I could have borne it;
13 Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against
me; * for then peradventure I would have hid myself from him;
14 But it was even thou, my companion, * my guide, and mine own
familiar friend.
15 We took sweet counsel together, * and walked in the house
of God as friends.
16 Let death come hastily upon them, and let them go down alive
into the pit; * for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among
them.
17 As for me, I will call upon God, * and the LORD shall save
me.
18 In the evening, and morning, and at noon-day will I pray,
and that instantly; * and he shall hear my voice.
19 It is he that hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle
that was against me; * for there were many that strove with me.
20 Yea, even God, that endureth for ever, shall hear me, and
bring them down; * for they will not turn, nor fear God.
21 He laid his hands upon such as be at peace with him, * and
he brake his covenant.
22 The words of his mouth were softer than butter, having war
in his heart; * his words were smoother than oil, and yet be
they very swords.
23 O cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall nourish thee,
* and shall not suffer the righteous to fall for ever.
24 And as for them, * thou, O God, shalt bring them into the
pit of destruction.
25 The blood-thirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half
their days: * nevertheless, my trust shall be in thee, O Lord.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 56. Miserere mei, Deus.
BE merciful unto me, O God, for man goeth about to devour me;
* he is daily fighting, and troubling me.
2 Mine enemies are daily at hand to swallow me up; * for they
be many that fight against me, O thou Most Highest.
3 Nevertheless, though I am sometime afraid, * yet put I my trust
in thee.
4 I will praise God, because of his word: * I have put my trust
in God, and will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
5 They daily mistake my words; * all that they imagine is to
do me evil.
6 They hold all together, and keep themselves close, * and mark
my steps, when they lay wait for my soul.
7 Shall they escape for their wickedness? * thou, O God, in thy
displeasure shalt cast them down.
8 Thou tellest my wanderings; put my tears into thy bottle: *
are not these things noted in thy book?
9 Whensoever I call upon thee, then shall mine enemies be put
to flight: * this I know; for God is on my side.
10 In God’s word will I rejoice; * in the LORD’S word will I
comfort me.
11 Yea, in God have I put my trust; * I will not be afraid what
man can do unto me.
12 Unto thee, O God, will I pay my vows; * unto thee will I give
thanks.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, and my feet from
falling, * that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Psalm 57. Miserere mei, Deus.
BE merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul
trusteth in thee; * and under the shadow of thy wings shall be
my refuge, until this tyranny be overpast.
2 I will call unto the Most High God, * even unto the God that
shall perform the cause which I have in hand.
3 He shall send from heaven, * and save me from the reproof of
him that would eat me up.
4 God shall send forth his mercy and truth: * my soul is among
lions;
5 And I lie even among the children of men, that are set on fire,
* whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp
sword.
6 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens; * and thy glory above
all the earth.
7 They have laid a net for my feet, and pressed down my soul;
* they have digged a pit before me, and are fallen into the midst
of it themselves.
8 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; * I will sing
and give praise.
9 Awake up, my glory; awake, lute and harp: * I myself will awake
right early.
10 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the peoples; *
and I will sing unto thee among the nations.
11 For the greatness of thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens,
* and thy truth unto the clouds.
12 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens; * and thy glory
above all the earth.

Psalm 58. Si vere utique.
ARE your minds set upon righteousness, O ye congregation? * and
do ye judge the thing that is right, O ye sons of men?
2 Yea, ye imagine mischief in your heart upon the earth, * and
your hands deal with wickedness.
3 The ungodly are froward, even from their mother’s womb; * as
soon as they are born, they go astray, and speak lies.
4 They are as venomous as the poison of a serpent, * even like
the deaf adder, that stoppeth her ears;
5 Which refuseth to hear the voice of the charmer, * charm he
never so wisely.
6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouths; * smite the jaw-bones
of the lions, O LORD.
7 Let them fall away like water that runneth apace; * when they
shoot their arrows, let them be rooted out.
8 Let them consume away like a snail, and be like the untimely
fruit of a woman; * and let them not see the sun.
9 Or ever your pots be made hot with thorns, * he shall take
them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance; *
he shall wash his footsteps in the blood of the ungodly.
11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the
righteous; * doubtless there is a God that judgeth the earth.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 59. Eripe me de inimicis.
DELIVER me from mine enemies, O God; * defend me from them that
rise up against me.
2 O deliver me from the wicked doers, * and save me from the
blood-thirsty men.
3 For lo, they lie waiting for my soul; * the mighty men are
gathered against me, without any offence or fault of me, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault; * arise thou
therefore to help me, and behold.
5 Stand up, O LORD God of hosts, thou God of Israel, to visit
all the heathen, * and be not merciful unto them that offend
of malicious wickedness.
6 They go to and fro in the evening, * they grin like a dog,
and run about through the city.
7 Behold, they speak with their mouth, and swords are in their
lips; * for who doth hear?
8 But thou, O LORD, shalt have them in derision, * and thou shalt
laugh all the heathen to scorn.
9 My strength will I ascribe unto thee; * for thou art the God
of my refuge.
10 God showeth me his goodness plenteously; * and God shall let
me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget it; * but scatter them
abroad among the people, and put them down, O Lord our defence.
12 For the sin of their mouth, and for the words of their lips,
they shall be taken in their pride: * and why? their talk is
of cursing and lies.
13 Consume them in thy wrath, consume them, that they may perish;
* and know that it is God that ruleth in Jacob, and unto the
ends of the world.
14 And in the evening they will return, * grin like a dog, and
will go about the city.
15 They will run here and there for meat, * and grudge if they
be not satisfied.
16 As for me, I will sing of thy power, and will praise thy mercy
betimes in the morning; * for thou hast been my defence and refuge
in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing; * for thou, O God,
art my refuge, and my merciful God.

Psalm 60. Deus, repulisti nos.
O GOD, thou hast cast us out, and scattered us abroad; * thou
hast also been displeased: O turn thee unto us again.
2 Thou hast moved the land, and divided it: * heal the sores
thereof, for it shaketh.
3 Thou hast showed thy people heavy things; * thou hast given
us a drink of deadly wine.
4 Thou hast given a token for such as fear thee, * that they
may triumph because of the truth.
5 Therefore were thy beloved delivered; * help me with thy right
hand, and hear me.
6 God hath spoken in his holiness, I will rejoice, and divide
Shechem, * and mete out the valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; * Ephraim also is the
strength of my head; Judah is my law-giver;
8 Moab is my wash-pot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; * Philistia,
be thou glad of me.
9 Who will lead me into the strong city? * who will bring me
into Edom?
10 Hast not thou cast us out, O God? * wilt not thou, O God,
go out with our hosts?
11 O be thou our help in trouble; * for vain is the help of man.
12 Through God will we do great acts; * for it is he that shall
tread down our enemies.

Psalm 61. Exaudi, Deus.
HEAR my crying, O God, * give ear unto my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth will I call upon thee, * when my
heart is in heaviness.
3 O set me up upon the rock that is higher than I; * for thou
hast been my hope, and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
4 I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever, * and my trust shall
be under the covering of thy wings.
5 For thou, O Lord, hast heard my desires, * and hast given an
heritage unto those that fear thy Name.
6 Thou shalt grant the King a long life, * that his years may
endure throughout all generations.
7 He shall dwell before God for ever: * O prepare thy loving
mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him.
8 So will I alway sing praise unto thy Name, * that I may daily
perform my vows.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 62. Nonne Deo?
MY soul truly waiteth still upon God; * for of him cometh my
salvation.
2 He verily is my strength and my salvation; * he is my defence,
so that I shall not greatly fall.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against every man? * Ye shall
be slain all the sort of you; yea, as a tottering wall shall
ye be, and like a broken hedge.
4 Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt;
* their delight is in lies; they give good words with their mouth,
but curse with their heart.
5 Nevertheless, my soul, wait thou still upon God; * for my hope
is in him.
6 He truly is my strength and my salvation; * he is my defence,
so that I shall not fall.
7 In God is my health and my glory; * the rock of my might; and
in God is my trust.
8 O put your trust in him alway, ye people; * pour out your hearts
before him, for God is our hope.
9 As for the children of men, they are but vanity; the children
of men are deceitful; * upon the weights they are altogether
lighter than vanity itself.
10 O trust not in wrong and robbery; give not yourselves unto
vanity: * if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same, * that
power belongeth unto God;
12 And that thou, Lord, art merciful; * for thou rewardest every
man according to his work.

Psalm 63. Deus, Deus meus.
O GOD, thou art my God; * early will I seek thee.
2 My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh also longeth after thee,
* in a barren and dry land where no water is.
3 Thus have I looked for thee in the sanctuary, * that I might
behold thy power and glory.
4 For thy loving-kindness is better than the life itself: * my
lips shall praise thee.
5 As long as I live will I magnify thee in this manner, * and
lift up my hands in thy Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and
fatness, * when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips.
7 Have I not remembered thee in my bed, * and thought upon thee
when I was waking?
8 Because thou hast been my helper; * therefore under the shadow
of thy wings will I rejoice.
9 My soul hangeth upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me.
10 These also that seek the hurt of my soul, * they shall go
under the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, * that they may
be a portion for foxes.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear
by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak
lies shall be stopped.

Psalm 64. Exaudi, Deus.
HEAR my voice, O God, in my prayer; * preserve my life from fear
of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the gathering together of the froward, * and from
the insurrection of wicked doers;
3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword, * and shoot out their
arrows, even bitter words;
4 That they may privily shoot at him that is perfect: * suddenly
do they hit him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in mischief, * and commune among
themselves, how they may lay snares; and say, that no man shall
see them.
6 They imagine wickedness, and practise it; * that they keep
secret among themselves, every man in the deep of his heart.
7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow, *
that they shall be wounded.
8 Yea, their own tongues shall make them fall; * insomuch that
whoso seeth them shall laugh them to scorn.
9 And all men that see it shall say, This hath God done; * for
they shall perceive that it is his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the LORD, and put his trust
in him; * and all they that are true of heart shall be glad.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 65. Te decet hymnus.
THOU, O God, art praised in Sion; * and unto thee shall the vow
be performed in Jerusalem.
2 Thou that hearest the prayer, * unto thee shall all flesh come.
3 My misdeeds prevail against me: * O be thou merciful unto our
sins.
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and receivest unto thee:
* he shall dwell in thy court, and shall be satisfied with the
pleasures of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5 Thou shalt show us wonderful things in thy righteousness, O
God of our salvation; * thou that art the hope of all the ends
of the earth, and of them that remain in the broad sea.
6 Who in his strength setteth fast the mountains, * and is girded
about with power.
7 Who stilleth the raging of the sea, * and the noise of his
waves, and the madness of the peoples.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth shall
be afraid at thy tokens, * thou that makest the out-goings of
the morning and evening to praise thee.
9 Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it; * thou makest it
very plenteous.
10 The river of God is full of water: * thou preparest their
corn, for so thou providest for the earth.
11 Thou waterest her furrows; thou sendest rain into the little
valleys thereof; * thou makest it soft with the drops of rain,
and blessest the increase of it.
12 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; * and thy clouds
drop fatness.
13 They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness; * and
the little hills shall rejoice on every side.
14 The folds shall be full of sheep; * the valleys also shall
stand so thick with corn, that they shall laugh and sing.

Psalm 66. Jubilate Deo.
O BE joyful in God, all ye lands; * sing praises unto the honour
of his Name; make his praise to be glorious.
2 Say unto God, O how wonderful art thou in thy works! * through
the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies bow down unto
thee.
3 For all the world shall worship thee, * sing of thee, and praise
thy Name.
4 O come hither, and behold the works of God; * how wonderful
he is in his doing toward the children of men.
5 He turned the sea into dry land, * so that they went through
the water on foot; there did we rejoice thereof.
6 He ruleth with his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations:
* and such as will not believe shall not be able to exalt themselves.
7 O praise our God, ye peoples, * and make the voice of his praise
to be heard;
8 Who holdeth our soul in life; * and suffereth not our feet
to slip.
9 For thou, O God, hast proved us; * thou also hast tried us,
like as silver is tried.
10 Thou broughtest us into the snare; * and laidest trouble upon
our loins.
11 Thou sufferedst men to ride over our heads; * we went through
fire and water, and thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
12 I will go into thine house with burnt-offerings, and will
pay thee my vows, * which I promised with my lips, and spake
with my mouth, when I was in trouble.
13 I will offer unto thee fat burnt-sacrifices, with the incense
of rams; * I will offer bullocks and goats.
14 O come hither, and hearken, all ye that fear God; * and I
will tell you what he hath done for my soul.
15 I called unto him with my mouth, * and gave him praises with
my tongue.
16 If I incline unto wickedness with mine heart, * the Lord will
not hear me.
17 But God hath heard me; * and considered the voice of my prayer.
18 Praised be God, who hath not cast out my prayer, * nor turned
his mercy from me.

Psalm 67. Deus misereatur.
GOD be merciful unto us, and bless us, * and show us the light
of his countenance, and be merciful unto us;
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, * thy saving health among
all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; * yea, let all the peoples
praise thee.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad; * for thou shalt judge
the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; * yea, let all the peoples
praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase; * and God, even
our own God, shall give us his blessing.
7 God shall bless us; * and all the ends of the world shall fear
him.

Morning Prayer.

Psalm 68. Exsurgat Deus.
LET God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; * let them also
that hate him flee before him.
2 Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away;
* and like as wax melteth at the fire, so let the ungodly perish
at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad, and rejoice before God; * let
them also be merry and joyful.
4 O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his Name; magnify him
that rideth upon the heavens; * praise him in his Name JAH, and
rejoice before him.
5 He is a Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of
the widows; * even God in his holy habitation.
6 He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house,
and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity; * but letteth the
runagates continue in scarceness.
7 O God, when thou wentest forth before the people; * when thou
wentest through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the heavens dropped at the presence of
God; * even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God, who
is the God of Israel.
9 Thou, O God, sentest a gracious rain upon thine inheritance,
* and refreshedst it when it was weary.
10 Thy congregation shall dwell therein; * for thou, O God, hast
of thy goodness prepared for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word; * great was the company of women that
bare the tidings.
12 Kings with their armies did flee, and were discomfited, *
and they of the household divided the spoil.
13 Though ye have lain among the sheep-folds, yet shall ye be
as the wings of a dove * that is covered with silver wings, and
her feathers like gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings for their sake, * then were
they as white as snow in Salmon.
15 As the hill of Bashan, so is God’s hill; * even an high hill,
as the hill of Bashan.
16 Why mock ye so, ye high hills? this is God’s hill, in the
which it pleaseth him to dwell; * yea, the LORD will abide in
it for ever.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of
angels; * and the Lord is among them as in the holy place of
Sinai.
18 Thou art gone up on high, thou hast led captivity captive,
and received gifts from men; * yea, even from thine enemies,
that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19 Praised be the Lord daily, * even the God who helpeth us,
and poureth his benefits upon us.
20 He is our God, even the God of whom cometh salvation: * GOD
is the Lord, by whom we escape death.
21 God shall wound the head of his enemies, * and the hairy scalp
of such a one as goeth on still in his wickedness.
22 The Lord hath said, I will bring my people again, as I did
from Bashan; * mine own will I bring again, as I did sometime
from the deep of the sea.
23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies,
* and that the tongue of thy dogs may be red through the same.
24 It is well seen, O God, how thou goest; * how thou, my God
and King, goest in the sanctuary.
25 The singers go before, the minstrels follow after, * in the
midst of the damsels playing with the timbrels.
26 Give thanks unto God the Lord in the congregation, * ye that
are of the fountain of Israel.
27 There is little Benjamin their ruler, and the princes of Judah
their council; * the princes of Zebulon, and the princes of Naphthali.
28 Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee; * stablish the
thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us,
29 For thy temple’s sake at Jerusalem; * so shall kings bring
presents unto thee.
30 Rebuke thou the dragon and the bull, with the leaders of the
heathen, so that they humbly bring pieces of silver; * scatter
thou the peoples that delight in war;
31 Then shall the princes come out of Egypt; * the Morians’ land
shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
32 Sing unto God, O ye kingdoms of the earth; * O sing praises
unto the Lord;
33 Who sitteth in the heavens over all, from the beginning: *
lo, he doth send out his voice; yea, and that a mighty voice.
34 Ascribe ye the power to God over Israel; * his worship and
strength is in the clouds.
35 O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places: * even the God
of Israel, he will give strength and power unto his people. Blessed
be God.

Evening Prayer.

Psalm 69. Salvum me fac.
SAVE me, O God; * for the waters are come in, even unto my soul.
2 I stick fast in the deep mire, where no ground is; * I am come
into deep waters, so that the floods run over me.
3 I am weary of crying; my throat is dry; * my sight faileth
me for waiting so long upon my God.
4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of
my head; * they that are mine enemies, and would destroy me guiltless,
are mighty.
5 I paid them the things that I never took: * God, thou knowest
my simpleness, and my faults are not hid from thee.
6 Let not them that trust in thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed
for my cause; * let not those that seek thee be confounded through
me, O Lord God of Israel.
7 And why? for thy sake have I suffered reproof; * shame hath
covered my face.
8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, * even an alien unto
my mother’s children.
9 For the zeal of thine house hath even eaten me; * and the rebukes
of them that rebuked thee are fallen upon me.
10 I wept, and chastened myself with fasting, * and that was
turned to my reproof.
11 I put on sackcloth also, * and they jested upon me.
12 They that sit in the gate speak against me, * and the drunkards
make songs upon me.
13 But, LORD, I make my prayer unto thee * in an acceptable time.
14 Hear me, O God, in the multitude of thy mercy, * even in the
truth of thy salvation.
15 Take me out of the mire, that I sink not; * O let me be delivered
from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
16 Let not the water-flood drown me, neither let the deep swallow
me up; * and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
17 Hear me, O LORD, for thy loving-kindness is comfortable; *
turn thee unto me according to the multitude of thy mercies.
18 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble:
* O haste thee, and hear me.
19 Draw nigh unto my soul, and save it; * O deliver me, because
of mine enemies.
20 Thou hast known my reproach, my shame, and my dishonour: *
mine adversaries are all in thy sight.
21 Reproach hath broken my heart; I am full of heaviness: * I
looked for some to have pity on me, but there was no man, neither
found I any to comfort me.
22 They gave me gall to eat; * and when I was thirsty they gave
me vinegar to drink.
23 Let their table be made a snare to take themselves withal;
* and let the things that should have been for their wealth be
unto them an occasion of falling.
24 Let their eyes be blinded, that they see not; * and ever bow
thou down their backs.
25 Pour out thine indignation upon them, * and let thy wrathful
displeasure take hold of them.
26 Let their habitation be void, * and no man to dwell in their
tents.
27 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; * and they
talk how they may vex them whom thou hast wounded.
28 Let them fall from one wickedness to another, * and not come
into thy righteousness.
29 Let them be wiped out of the book of the living, * and not
be written among the righteous.
30 As for me, when I am poor and in heaviness, * thy help, O
God, shall lift me up.
31 I will praise the Name of God with a song, * and magnify it
with thanksgiving.
32 This also shall please the LORD * better than a bullock that
hath horns and hoofs.
33 The humble shall consider this, and be glad: * seek ye after
God, and your soul shall live.
34 For the LORD heareth the poor, * and despiseth not his prisoners.
35 Let heaven and earth praise him: * the sea, and all that moveth
therein.
36 For God will save Sion, and build the cities of Judah, * that
men may dwell there, and have it in possession.
37 The posterity also of his servants shall inherit it; * and
they that love his Name shall dwell therein.

Psalm 70. Deus, in adjutorium.
HASTE thee, O God, to deliver me; * make haste to help me, O
LORD.
2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul;
* let them be turned backward and put to confusion that wish
me evil.
3 Let them for their reward be soon brought to shame, * that
cry over me, There! there!
4 But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee:
* and let all such as delight in thy salvation say alway, The
Lord be praised.
5 As for me, I am poor and in misery: * haste thee unto me, O
God.
6 Thou art my helper, and my redeemer: * O LORD, make no long
tarrying.