(1928 BCP p.74)
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;
Here we remember that our prayers and offerings are based on God’s command and God’s mercy. Therefore we come with reverence asking God mercifully to accept the prayers and offerings that He has taught us to bring.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.
Here we pray for the general health and Biblical grounding of the Church, asking God that His people would be grounded on and united in the Truth of His Word.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.
Here we pray for secular leaders that God’s people may enjoy peaceful lives and that their service and witness may go forth unencumbered by the situations of the world.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.
Here we pray for the internal leadership and nurture of the ChurchAnd 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.
Here we pray for the spiritual health and well being of the specific Parish, to which we belong asking God that we would faithfully teach, receive, and live His WordAnd we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succor all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [Especially_______________ ].
Here we turn to specific areas of need that confront various members of our congregation. As we do so we are reminded that God does not limit his concern to the inward life of man. Rather He cares for and redeems the whole of life.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.
Here we thank God for the life and ministry of those who have died in Christ and ask God to grant us the grace to follow their good examples. As such, this portion of the prayer gives expression to the ongoing unity of the whole body of Christ.
