* MAY ] 3 1904 BV 260 .W673 1904 Wotherspoon, H. J. Kyrie eleison. ("Lord, have mercy" ) Ik^rie Eleison {"LORD, HAVE MERCY") MANUAL OF PRIVATE PRAYERS WITH NOTES AND ADDITIONAL MATTER H. J. WOTHERSPOON, M.A. OF ST. Oswald's, Edinburgh PHILADELPHIA THE WESTMINSTER PRESS 1904 Ik^vic jEleison Kvpie hT^erjaov Xpiare, eAerjaov Kt'pt£, e/ierjaov CONTENTS. PAGE I. SHORT FORMS OF PRIVATE PRAYER FOR A WEEK ig II. THE HOLY COMMUNION, BEFORE AND AFTER 5 1 III. AIDS TO INTERCESSION . . . . 9I IV. ADDITIONAL PRAYERS . . . -135 APPENDIX 161 The following short forms of prayer are adapted mainly for those who have but little leisure — whose morning deiwtions must on most days of the week be short, and whose midday prayer must be shorter still. Those who have more time to give to this work of prayer are counselled to supplement these by additional devotions, such as are stcpplied at later pages ; and especially it is recom?nended that some definite work of Intercession be at- tempted at midday prayers ; and that the Holy Scripture be read after prayer (rather than before it) both night and fnorning. The author has to acknowledge his indebted- ness for suggestio?is of method to the many similar manuals already iii circulation, and to the common stock of devotional matter current amoftg Christian people for various sentences and echoes of phrase. A few of the prayers in Part III. are taken from well-known sources and are so marked. If anything has been borrowed without acknowledgment, it is by oversight. Evening, and Morning, and at Noon, will I PRAY. AND CRY ALOUD : AND He SHALL HEAR MY VOICE. — Psalm Iv. 17 Suntrag : Morning. Place yourself in the presence of God ; say with reverence and recollection. This is the day that the Lord hath made : I will rejoice and be glad in it. 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 hu77ibly kneeling, consider zvith yourself that you are about to speak zvith God ; and say : OUR FATHER which art in heaven. Hal- lowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from the evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Ame7i. I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. 6 SIIOR r FORMS OF And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only be- gotten 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 in- carnate 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, accord- ing 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 Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge pne baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. MOST MERCIFUL God, I praise Thee for Thy great glory. I thank Thee for my life. I bless Thee for my rest and for my awaking. In my unworthiness I offer myself to Thee by Jesus Christ our Lord. Depending wholly upon Thee, 1 commend myself to Thy providence for all that PRIVATE PRAYER. 7 to-day shall happen to me ; and for all that to- day 1 shall do, I commend myself to the com- munion of the Holy Ghost. 1 beseech that Thy grace may be sufficient for me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. O God, who as on this day didst begin the glorious work of creation : the world is Thine and the fulness of it — help me therefore to be without anxiety, and to be faithful in my place. O God, who as on this day didst say, Let there be light, and there was light : help me to walk as in the light, to flee all works of dark- ness, and to work Thy work while it is called to-day. O God, who as on this first day of the week didst bring again from the dead Thy Son our Lord, give me part in the joy which therefore filleth Thy Church, and let me know the power of His resurrection. O God, who as on this first day of the week didst fulfil Thy promise, sending the Holy Ghost : help me to-day and always to walk in the Spirit, and to bring forth His fruits to Thy glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. VOUCHSAFE, O Lord, to keep me this day without sin. Unite my heart to fear Thy Name. Open Thou my lips, that my mouth may shew forth Thy praise. 8 SHOR T FORMS OF Prepare nie for my part in celebrating Thine holy ordinances. Bring me to Thy holy house, and number me with Thy saints. Enable me to worship Thee with my whole being, with body and soul ; in reverence and de- votion ; in the Holy Spirit ; and in the truth of the Gospel. Grant me to hear Thy word in the obedience of faith. Let my prayers be accepted. And bless me, even me, O my Father. / was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lo?'d . The Lord is my Shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul ; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though 1 walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for Thou art with me : Thy rod and Thy staff they com- fort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- ence of mine enemies ; Thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to PRIVA TE PR A YKR. 9 the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Atnen. I was glad when they said unto jne, Let us po into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. THE ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful God grant to me to-day, with all who love Him, quietness and salvation. Amen. At the same time, or later if there be more leisure, but if possible before the principal service of the Lords Day, be alone zvith God and inter- cede : IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. I BESEECH Thee to hear me, O God : For all men : that their souls may be precious m Thy sight. For Thy Holy Church throughout all the world • glorify Thy Blessed Son our Lord in her. For Thy Church in this land : be merciful to us, O Lord our God, reviving, restoring, confirm- ing m Thy grace and truth. For the Ministers and Stewards of Thy mys- lo SHORT FORMS OF teries everywhere : that they may be sufficient for the things laid upon them. For Thy servant M. N., to whose pastorship Thou hast been pleased to commit me : that he may be strong and wise and good, and to-day be blessed of Thee in his ministry. For Thy people with whom I shall worship Thee : that together, in one faith and one Spirit and one hope of our calling, we may rejoice in our salvation, be accepted in our sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving, and alms, prevail with Thee in prayer, receive from Thee by Thy Word and benediction, out of Thy fulness which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. For this parish and congregation : that it may be united in Thy fear ; that there be no root of bitterness or beginning of strife in it. For the elders of the people, and all who serve Thee in any charge or office ; for the singers, the teachers, the visitors of the sick, and the helpers of the poor : that they do their holy work with Thy blessing. For those who are to-day in distress, in bodily or spiritual trial, in bodily or spiritual danger, in sorrow, sickness, poverty, anxiety, or temptation. For such known to me, namely, A , B , and C . For the children : that they may grow up in godliness, and to-day learn of Thee. For the aged : that they may be held in rever- PRIVATE PRAYER. ii ence, and may obtain tenderness from us and compassion from Thee. For this house, for those dear to me in it, and for my friends wherever they be, especially for C , D . I pray that Israel may be saved, and the fulness of the nations gathered in. Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace. Through the alone intercession and mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ame?t. If you purpose on this Lord''s Day to receive the Holy Sacrament^ time should be given to prepa- ration and self-examination ; and for this sonie aid and direction is given at p. 59 of this book. SunUag: Evening. The Day of the Lord is ending, and you return to give God thanks. Be alone with IIi?)i ; place yotirself in His presence ; and say : The Sabbath was made for man, and the Son of man is the Lord of it. 1 hanks be to Thee, O God. 12 SHORT FORMS OF Now consider w/iat sacred acts have engaged you to-day: whether you have truly and purely served God in them ; tvhether you have rightly prayed and have 7vorthily given thanks ; what real sacrifice you have offered, in devotion of soul, in reverence of your body, in abns and freei.vill offerings of your substance, or iji deeds of mercy — spiritual or corporal (see/. 171). Consider also your tise of this day of rest, zvh ether in spirit and in truth you have remembered it ; and whether in anything you have offended any {even who are weak), or have caused them to stiwible. Also whether yotc have to-day re- peated any sin of sloth, irreverence, inattention, or neglect, of which you have aforetitne accused yourself. And kneeling, say : IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost : I confess to (jod Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and before the whole company of heaven, that I have sinned exceed- ingly—in thought I ^,,^ ^^„f^^^ fj^^^^ fj^.„^^ ^j. m word > which your conscience in deed J is accused. through my fault, through my own fault, through my grievous fault ; wherefore I pray God to have mercy upon me. PR I VA TE PR A YER. 1 3 Now continue for a space ^ remetnbering^ repent in^^ confessing, resolving ,- deal faithfitlly with your- self, and towards God, and say : ALMIGHTY GOD and Most Merciful Father, grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of all my sins, only through the merit and satisfac- tion of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Avieji O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who, on the even- ing of the first day of the week, didst appear unto Thine Apostles, and didst say unto them. Peace be unto you, though they had forsaken Thee : be merciful to me, who also have sinned against Thee, and be with me, and grant me Thy peace. OUR FATHER THANKS be unto God for the holy and ever- lasting Gospel, to-day sounded in all the earth and preached to me. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift, the Holy Spirit of truth and grace. Thanks be to God for our gathering to Christ. Thanks be to God for our fellowship with one another. Thanks be to God for our rest to-day in body and soul. Thanks be to God for all His mercies. Glory be to Thee, O God. 14 SHORT FORMS OF IN UNWORTHINESS, O God, and in great imperfection, I have this day worshipped Thee. Nevertheless let my sacrifice be remembered, and let there be pity in heaven for me. Let my prayers be set forth before Thee. 1 have made known my requests to Thee : give commandment concerning me. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not turned away my prayer nor His mercies from me. Remember, O Lord, those things which to- night are specially in my mind, to obtain Thy favour concerning them, namely Behold, 1 have cast my care uj)on Thee : care for me, O my Father. I WILL both lay me down in peace and sleep : for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. The Almighty and Most Merciful God grant to me with all His faithful rest and peace. Amen. Before yoti sleep, rejlect on the calling of the mor- row, and set in your heart some purpose (i) o/ things that by God's help you ivill do, and {2) of things that by God's help you loill not do. A^ame to yourself sin or fault that you tvill remetnber to avoid, grace or duty that you will aim to fulfil, task or trial in 7vhich you will be cast on God's aid ; and say : PRIVATE PRAYER. 15 I WILL not go back from Thee, O God : quicken Thou me according to Thy Word. Let the devout and attentive reading of some part of the Holy Scriptures follow. In peace and with due purpose of heart receive the Word of the Lord. And zuhen you have read, say : THANKS be to Thee, O (}od. JHontiaS: Morning. Say with reverence and recollection : I laid me down and slept : I awaked, for the Lord sustained me. 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. Avien. Then humbly kneeling, say : OUR FATHER which art I BELIEVE in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. 1 6 SHORT FORMS OF 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 beheve in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Cathohc Church, the Communion of Saints, the Forgive- ness of Sins, the Resurrection of the Body, and the Life Everlasting. Anient. MOST MERCIFUL and most faithful God, I bless Thee for Thy love and care. I thank Thee for the night that is gone, and for this new day, and that I am kept to it. Now, O my leather, remember how weak 1 am, and how many things this day brings to me, to bear and to do. I know not what an hour may bring forth ; but Thou knowest. I give myself into Thy hands. I beseech Thee to guide me. I pray Thee to spare me trial ; but if I am tried, to keep me from falling. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Aine7i. 1 CALL to mind my purpose and resolution. I renew them. To-day 1 will watch against that my sin To-day I will endeavour that my duty But apart from PRIVATE PRAYER. 17 Christ I can do nothing. O Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord, do not let me to-day stray at all from Thee. Let me do nothing alone. I am the work of Thy hands. I am the sheep whom Thou hast sought and found. I am the sinner for whom Thou didst die. Keep me, O Lord, my Redeemer. Now consider 7vhat to-day may especially need the Divine direction of your path, or for 7vh at dif- ficult thing you desire to be helped ; and say : In this thing guide me, O God. In this protect me, O God. In this bless me, O God. For this, my friend .... hear me, O God. In this matter, which is outside of my care, but which concerns me so much, think of me, O (lod, and order it for me ; for I trust in Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful God grant to me to-day, with all who love Him, quietness and salvation. Amen. 1 8 SIIORr FORMS OF JftOUtiaU: Midday. At middav, even in our common duties^ let us en- deavour to piay. While your hands are still busy, lift your heart to God, and speak i)iwardly with Iliin. If you have control of your own time, it 7vill be 7oell no-iu to seek God in deliberate prayer ; but if not, turn your thoughts to Him, and say in your soul : HITHERTO hath the Lord helped me. O my God, I beheve in Thee. O my God, I hope in Thee. O my God, I love Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, who at midday didst hang upon the Cross for me ; help me to bear about with me Thy dying, and in mv body to show Thy life. Holy Spirit of (}od, strengthen me. Lord, grant me to do this my work to Thy glory ; and bless me in it. O keep me in Thy fear all the day long. Glory Ije to the Father As it was Amen. PRIVATE PRAYER. 19 JHontias: Night. // is well that at the end of a day, before entering- on prayer, ive examine ourselves. Therefore place yourself in I he presence of God ; kneel down humbly before Ilim ; re?jieniber that you are His redeevied servant atid child : call to mind the day ajid the measure of its faithfulness and unfaithfulness ; and bring to recollectioji especially your ptapose and the resolve with ivhich the day began ; and say : I AM Thine, O God save me. Heal my soul ; for I have sinned. I have sinned against Thee, O God, my Father ; for I have not served Thee only. I have sinned against Thee, Jesus, my Lord ; for I have not followed Thee as I ought. I have sinned against Thee, Holy and Blessed Spirit of God ; for 1 have not obeyed Thy voice. Lord, have mercy upon me. Christ, have mercy upon me. Lord, have mercy upon me. I especially confess my sin I especially confess my failure ALMIGHTY GOD, who dost not abhor the 20 SHOK T FORMS OF prayer even of sinful lips, nor the cry of the penitent confessing : have mercy upon me ; for- give my sin, and help me to amend it. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR FATHER which art 1 BELIEVE in God . . . PRAISE be to Thee, O God, who hast this day cared for me. Praise be to Thee for the answer to my prayers, to-day received : where I have seen it, and where I have not perceived it. Praise be to Thee for all Thy love, and that it continues to me, who am unworthy. Glory be to Thee, O (jod. O LORD Jesus Christ, my Lord, who on the second day of the week didst cleanse the courts of the feather's house ; cleanse this temple of my body, in which the Holy Ghost wondrously vouchsafes to dwell. Cast out of my soul also whatever displeases Thee. Give me zeal to be right in Thine eyes, O my Lord and my judge. TO-NIGHT, O God, remember me ; and in one blessing with myself remember all that Thou hast given me, of kindred or of friendship Especially I commend to Thee A and B in their several necessities. PRIVATE PRAYER. 21 LET Thy mercies to-night overshadow all weary, sleepless, suffering, and sorrowful persons. Let Thy grace help the tempted. Let Thy ten- der mercies be over all Thy works, and over me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Aineii. I WILL both lay me down in peace and sleep : For Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father '. As it was Am en. Euestiag : morning. Say with j-everence and recoHecfion : Let me be in the fear of the Lord : I will praise Thee, O God, my strength. Glory be to the Father As it was A?iien. Then hiiitihly kneeling^ say : OUR FATHER I BELIEVE MOST GRACIOUS and loving God, my Father ; I thank Thee for the quiet of the night 22 SHORT FORMS OF now ended, and for the light of this day, and that mine eyes have seen it. I receive the day from Thee ; but do Thou help me to use it. I take my life from Thee ; but do Thou help me to live. I fear to go one step alone. I do not trust myself to choose wisely in anything. Counsel and direct me, I beseech Thee. Do not suffer me to get out of the way, but hold me by Thy grace. For Jesus Christ's sake. I HAVE purposed, O God, to keep Thy com- mandments. 1 have set myself to avoid the sin which besets me. I have considered my way, and have turned unto Thee. Now again I re- member and I renew my resolve ; and I cry to Thee for help. Let me not cry in vain, O Lord ; but grant that to-day 1 may be more careful, more diligent, stronger than yesterday to abide in Christ. Again think carefully of the day before yoti and what trial it brings, 7vhat temptation, or 7vhat diffictilt duty : or if there he anything for -vhich you especially desire help or direction or blessing : and name it to God. Then say : FATHER, without whom not a sparrow falls to the ground ; think of me in these things. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful God PRIVA TE PR A YER. 23 grant to me to-day, with all who love Him, quietness and salvation. Adwu. STuestias: midday. Pause, if you may, in your work, and lift your heart to God. Or even while you work, speak with God, and say : I AM Thy servant : O give me understanding, that I may keep Thy commandments. I will fear no evil ; for Thou art with me. LORD JESUS CHRIST, who at midday didst hang upon the Cross for me ; save me whom Thou hast purchased with Thy blood. Holy Spirit of God, I commend myself, un- worthy as I am, to Thy fellowship. 1 offer to Thee, O God, mv endeavour to be faithful in this my daily labour. O keep me in Thy fear all the day. Glory be to the Father As it w as .... A /urn. 24 SHOR T FORMS OF SCticstJag : night. Place yourself i)i the p7-escnce of God ; kneel before Him ; recall the events of the day, and, as before, examine your conscie7tce ; and say : AFTER Thy great mercy, O God, have mercy upon me. I repent of the sins of my actions I repent of the sins of my speech I repent of the sins of my thought I repent of my omissions of duty God be merciful to me, a sinner. I can pay Thee nothing of all my debt, O God. If Thou shouldst mark iniquity, how shall I stand ? I am cast entirely upon Thy pity ; for I have sinned, and I have repeated my sin ; I have failed, and I have repeated my failure ; I have known, and still I have done the same things. Be merciful, for my soul is afflicted before Thee. O THOU God of my salvation, deliver my soul. Say unto me. Thy sins be forgiven thee. Say unto me, My grace shall be sufficient for thee. Do not suffer me to cease from striving to overcome ; renew me by Thy Holy Spirit. For Jesus' sake. PRIVATE PRAYER. 25 OUR FATHER I BELIEVE . BLESSED art Thou, O God, who hast not ceased to show me kindness. Blessed art Thou, who bearest long, and art of great compassion. Blessed art Thou, the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Glory be to Thee, O God. O L(3RD JESUS CHRIST, who on the third day of the week didst endure so great contradic- tion of sinners, seeking to entangle Thee in Thy speech : teach me Thy patience, and especially give me the grace of sinless speech, to the glory of Thy Name which is named upon me. Or, O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who on the third day of the week didst blight the barren fig-tree : have patience with me, and as Thou yet givest me time for repentance, bring forth in me fruits meet for repentance. THE DAY is Thine ; the night also is Thine. Give me now rest for body and soul, that I may be quiet and safe in sleep, and my heart at peace in Thee. If I have aught against any, I forgive it. Remember, O God, those whom I love (espe- cially . . . . ) ; those to whom I owe duty 26 SHORT FORMS OF (especially . . . . ) ; those whose griefs are known to me (especially . . . . ) ; and those whom I know not, but Thou knowest them ; and those who have asked my prayers Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Aineri. I WILL both lay me down in peace and sleep : for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Feather As it was Amen. X^Xit^m : Morning. Say with reverence attd recollection : Lord, Thou hast redeemed my life : None can keep alive his own soul. Glory be to the Father As it was A))ien. Then humbly kneeling, say : OUR FATHER I BELIEVE PRIVATE PRAYER. 27 TO THEE, O Father, I lift up my heart : for all things come of Thee. Now grant to me, O my God, to render to Thee to-day the glory which is Thine, and the obedience which I owe Thee. O let me not go from Thee. Let me not break Thy holy and just and good law. Take this weakness of mine, and show in it how strong is Thy grace. I pray Thee to grant me a sinless day, fruitful in good works. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Atneii. I WILL watch and pray, that I enter not into temptation. I remember my old sins ; let them teach me, O God. By Thy grace 1 will not to-day . . . . By Thy grace I will to-day .... This, O God, I truly purpose ; but Thou must work it in me, else I shall again err, and 1 shall again come short. Let Thy grace to-day be sufficient for me. For Jesus Christ's sake. N'ow, as on of he?- days, look forjvard to the day and its especial needs ; name them to God : and say : O God, who hast numbered even the hairs of my head, think of me when these things come. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. THE ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful God grant to me, with all who love Him, quietness and salvation. Amen. 28 SHOR T FORMS OF rtnestJag : midday. In such pause of hand, or of yoitr thoughts only, as your duties may permit, lift your soul to God ; and say : THE Lord is my Shepherd ; I have not wanted : The Lord is my shade upon my right hand. O Lord, I am Thy servant ; truly I am Thy servant. Lord Jesus Christ, who at midday didst hang upon the Cross for me : guard me as Thine own, so that nothing may divide me from Thee. Holy Spirit of God, I am not worthy : never- theless, abide with me. Establish Thou the work of my hands, O God ; and let me in these things please Thee by my fidelity. O keep me in Thy fear all the day. Glory be to the Father As it was A^nen. PRIVA TE PR A VER. 29 etinestrag: night. Place yourself in the presence of God; kneel humbly before Him ; recall the events of the day — what you have done and have left undone ; and say : THE sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Look mercifully upon me, O God ; not to judge me, but to restore my soul ; for I have gone astray like a lost sheep. I have sinned in what I have done I have sinned in what I have left undone I have sinned in my speech I have sinned in my silence I have sinned in my heart But there is forgiveness with Thee, my God, that Thou mayest be feared. O blot out my transgressions for Thy mercies' sake. Thou hast willed my salvation ; save me from my sins, pardoning their guilt, cleansing their pollution,' breakmg their hold upon me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ainen. OUR FATPIER I BELIEVE . 30 SHOR T FORMS OF I (;L0RIFY Thee, O God, through Jesus Christ. Thou art my Creator, my Preserver, my Redeemer. All that I am and all that I have is Thine ; of Thine own, O God, will I give Thee. I will yield my body to Thee in living sacrifice. I will give up its members and limbs to be the instruments of Thy righteousness. Into Thy hands I will give my spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Glory be to Thee, O God. O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who on the fourth day of the week didst in silence prepare Thyself against Thy Passion : strengthen my heart, and give me courage and steadfastness to take up my cross daily and to follow Thee ; to bear Thy reproach and to go forth with Thee. Or, O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who on the fourth day of the week wast betrayed and sold for thirty pieces of silver ; preserve me from all fellowship with Thine enemies, and help me to choose Thee rather than any temptation. THE DARKNESS and the light are both alike unto Thee, O God ; look upon me and give me a peaceful night, safety, and refreshing. So also I pray Thee to guard this household, those dear to me whom this roof shelters, and those whom I love who are far away. The Lord watch PRl I 'A TE PR A } PiR. 3 1 between them and me, while we are absent from one another. And let Thy pity be present to-night to all in distress or trial. I remember especially A and B ; I beseech Thee for them. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I WILL both lay me down in peace and sleep ; for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father As it was Avieti. EJ}UrSitia2: Morning. Say with reverence and recollection : Thy mercies are new every morning, O God. Great is Thy faithfulness. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. Then humbly kneeling^ say : OUR FATHER , . I BELIEVE 32 . SHORT FORMS OF MY LIFE is Thine, O God ; created by Thee, redeemed by Thee, preserved by Thee, and mine again to-day, because Thou hast remembered me. And now the calhng of to-day is upon me, with its work and trial, and I go forth to it until the evening. Let Thy blessing go with me into whatever it brings. I do not trust myself at all. I am afraid to live, unless Thou keep me. I am afraid to act or to speak, unless I am guided by Thee. Hold me to-day, that 1 may not leave Thy peace or fall into sin. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Yesterday I purposed well ; yet I offended in much, and in all I came short. To-day grant ;ng steadfastness against the sin of t^^ and to remember my need of • • ; and to attend to my duty in respect of . . . . ; that 1 may come to the evening with a conscience free from reproach. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Korv, as on other days, consider tJie •special ditties, trials, and needs of the day which yoic begin ; name tho/i to God : and say : GIVE ME, O God, hour by hour, to do rightly and to speak wisely. Nothing is too great for Thee, my Father ; and nothing is too small for Thy mercy. I shall be without carefulness, if only Thou wilt bless me. Remember me there- fore, for Jesus' sake. Amen. PRIVATE PRAYER, 33 THE ALMI(;HTY and Most Merciful God grant to me to-day, with all who love Him, quiet- ness and salvation, ^imen. STfjUr^Stiag: Midday. God is not far from any one of tis ; and we are not heard by reason of much speaking. It is possible to pray wherever %ve are and whatever rue do. Therefore, as best you can, set your heart towards God ; and say : HE that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. God is my refuge and strength : A very present help. Lord Jesus Christ, who at midday didst hang upon the Cross for me ; keep me from the evil that is in the world, I beseech Thee. Holy Spirit of God, be to me a Spirit of counsel and might. 1 will do my work, not with eye-service but as serving Thee, O Lord. O keep me in Thy fear all the day. 34 SHOR T FORMS OF Glory be to the Father As it was Aine7t. 2C|}UrStiaS: Night. Place yourself in the presence of God ; kneel hwnbly before Him ; recall the events of the Jay — zvhat you have done and ivhat you have left undone ; and say : ALL we Hke sheep have gone astray : We have turned every one to his own way. MY GOD, I have sinned against Thee, against Thy holy law, for I have broken it ; against Thy warnings, for I have not had them in mind ; against Thy promises, for I have not trusted in them ; against Thy love, for I have not loved Thee as Thou hast loved me ; and I have no excuse for my sin. 1 accuse myself of my fault I accuse myself of my neglect But also of many things unknown to me. or now forgotten ; and I accuse myself because 1 have &o little felt their sin, and because I am now so little able to repent worthily. \ PRIVATE PRAYER. 35 NEVERTHELESS, I hope in Thee, O God, for Thou hast loved me. Thou gavest Thy be- loved Son for me also. I come to the sprinkhng of His blood. Wash me from my sin, and cleanse me from my transgression. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anicii. OUR FATHER I BELIEVE . I KNOW not, O my God, for how many things I have to-night to praise Thee. Some of thy mercies I have perceived, and they are more than I can number. They are wonderful, be- cause they have been to me, who deserve noth- ing from Thee. Above all, there is this, that I have confidence toward Thee, to call Thee my Father. Glory be to Thee, O God. O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who on the fifth day of the week didst wash Thy disciples' feet : teach me to do to others as I have Thee for example. O Lord, who as on this day didst give us the new commandment : teach me how to love the brethren. O Lord, who as on this night didst institute the great Sacrament of Thy Body and Blood : grant that through Thy perpetual intercession I 36 SHORT FORMS OF may be accepted of God, and may ever dwell in Thee and Thou in me. Thou whose Flesh is meat indeed, and whose Blood is drink indeed, give me, out of Thy ful- ness, grace for grace. Or, O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who on the hfth day of the week didst ascend to the Father, and as Thou didst depart spakest of Thy coming again : keep me in Thy fellowship, as one whose citizenship is in the heavens, that in that day I may be found in Thee. GOD, Shepherd of Israel, who slumberest not nor sleepest : keep me to-night in safety and peace. Give Thy holy Angels charge over this dwelling, over all who rest here, over all that is dear or precious to me. For all who suffer I plead before Thee, es- pecially naming A and B , and entreat- ing Thee to be favourable to their prayers, and merciful to their necessity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1 WILL both lay me down in peace and sleep : for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father As it was . . . . . . . Amen. PRIVATE PRAYER. 37 JFrttiau: morning. Say with reverence and recollection : Thou hast redeemed my life from destruction. God so loved the world that He spared not His own Son. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. Then hnvihly kneeling, say : OUR FATHER I BELIEVE ALMIGHTY GOD, who for the great love wherewith Thou hast loved us didst endure to behold the suffering of Thy Holy One our Lord : for His sake preserve me to-day in body and soul, and lead me in the paths of righteousness. I earnestly desire to be worthy of Him ; give me therefore power to love Him above all things ; and suffer me not to deny Him or to put Him to shame. Help me to take up my cross and to follow Him who bore the Cross for me. To the glory of Thy holy Name. Amen. I VOW to the Lord a greater diligence, a stricter watch, a stronger zeal. I will re- member wherein I have been wont to err. I 38 SHORT FORMS OF will know my infirmity. I will consider my calling.- 1 will be bolder to acknowledge what my due to my Lord is. 1 now confess my need to mortify that sinful affection 1 recognise my need to face that duty . . . and that I ought to make that sacrifice . . . I will forgive that injury I will try to be reconciled with my brother A . In these things help me, O God, for Thy love and pity in Jesus Christ. AtneJi. Now, as formerly, look into the hours, so far as you know what they will hold or foresee your need of help from God. Name these things to Him; and say : IN ALL things, O God, and not in these only, I have need of Thee. But in these I know how much I shall need Thee. And I beseech Thee to order them for me, and to prepare me to be right and faithful in their trial. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ameji. THE ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful God grant to me to-day, with all who love Him, quiet- ness and salvation. Amen. PRIVATE PRAYER. 39 jFritiag: Midday. Although we shotild pray without ceasing, at all times holding to God by faith and grasping our trust in Him, yet ive should also have times to speak xoith Him face to face, though it be but for a moment. Therefore tiow, whatever you are doing, turn to Him ; and say : I WILL cry with my whole heart : Hear me, O God, Thou God of my salvation. Blessed be God, who holdeth my soul in life. He is my Rock. O Lord Jesus Christ, who at midday didst hang upon the Cross for me, save me and help me, I humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Holy Spirit of God, be to me the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Lord, Thou knowest how many things I have to do. If at all in their heat and burden 1 forget Thee, do not Thou forget me, 1 entreat Thee. O Keep me in Thy fear all the day. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. 40 SHORT FORMS OF jFritiag: Night. Place yoti7'self in the presence of God ; kneel humbly before Hbn ; recall the events of the day, what you hai'e done and have left undone. Remember also that on this day of the tveek the Lord uias crucified ; and say : SURELY He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows : the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquities of us all. ALMIGHTY GOD, who by the Cross of Thy Son hast judged the world and condemned my sin : I judge myself in Thy sight ; because, though I am redeemed by so great a price, I have kept back so much from Thee. To-day also I have sinned. I fear that in some things I have even broken Thy law. I know that in all I have come short, and that in nothing have I been worthy of Christ. I remember I confess God be mercifid to me. I acknowledge my transgressions. For Christ's sake forgive me ; for Christ's sake hear me. Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. PRIVA TE PR A YER. 41 OUR FATHER I BELIEVE GOD of all mercy and grace, I worship Thee and bless Thee for the Cross of my Lord. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own Blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father — to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Glory be to Thee, O God. O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who as on this sixth day of the week didst offer Thyself in death for the salvation of the world, I humbly beseech Thee that, by the virtue of Thy most sacred Passion, Thou wouldst blot out my sins, and mercifully bring me to the glory of Thy blessedness ; who livest and reignest God, world without end. Amett. ABIDE with me, O God, for the night is come, and I commit myself to Thy protection. Stretch out the defence of Thy providence over me, over this dwelling, over all that I love. Hear me for my friends A and B , whose griefs Thou knowest. I entreat Thee also for all to whom this night brings not rest but pain, not refreshing but sorrow ; and for all who to-night shall die. 42 SHORT FORMS OF Be merciful, O God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Allien. I WILL both lay me down in peace and sleep : for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. Saturtrag: Morning. Sav luith reverence and recollection : So teach me to number my days : That I may apply my heart unto wisdom. There remaineth a rest to the people of God. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. Then humbly kneeling, say : OUR FATHER I BELIEVE HITHERTO hast Thou helped me, O Lord my PRIVATE PRAYER, 43 God. Now for this day also remember me with such kindness as in all my days I have proved. As I go into what it brings, suffer me to see how Thou hast been beforehand with me, preparing my way, ordering it in the great tenderness of Thy providence. Take out of my path the stumbling-blocks. Let no temptation, greater than I can bear, come upon me. Let no call of duty find me unready, or unable, or unwilling to see where my duty lies. Let me come to this night also with thanksgiving, when I have seen the kindness which in this day too Thou hast prepared for me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I EARNESTLY desire that this week do not end without my having reached some better thing during its course. I again set before me the resolutions which day by day I have repeated. I pray Thee by Thy faithful promises to help me to. carry the recollection of them into whatever I go to do : — That I may keep my heart That I may keep my lips That I remember to avoid That I remember to do Grant that to-night I may think of these several things without reproach, knowing that I have not willingly grieved the Holy Spirit in respect of any of them. For Jesus Christ's sake. Ajuen. 44 SHORT FORMS OF Now, as formerly, look into the day, and consider what in its work or trial is most to be co?nme7tded to the Divine remembrance for help and guidance to be granted to yon. iVame these things to God ; and say : HELP me, O God, in these things to be strong, to quit me hke a man, to confess Jesus Christ, and to please Thee. The hearts of men are in Thy hand, O God ; dispose them in peaceableness towards me, and give me wisdom in my way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Almighty and Most Merciful God grant to me to-day, with all who love Him, quietness and salvation. Amen. Saturtrag: midday. For many the labour of the week is ended or e?iding. The hours that remain are for recreation. There is therefore the rather need of prayer ; for it is easier to serve God in ivork than in play. Seek some moment to lift your soul to God ; and say : THY hands have made me and fashioned me : O give me understanding, that I may keep Thy law. PRIVATE PRAYER. 45 I will keep Thy statutes : I will not forget Thy words. O Lord Jesus Christ, who at midday didst hang upon the Cross for me : suffer me not at any time to forget that Thy name is named upon me. Holy Spirit of God, work in me recollection and self-control. Whether I eat or drink, or whatsoever I do, let me do all to the glory of God. O keep me in Thy fear all the day. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. ■ Saturtiag: night. Place yourself in the presence of God; kneel humbly before Him. Recall the events of the day and of the week, what you have done and zvhat left undone ; in what you have attained, and in 7vhat come short ; and say : BUT the mercies of the Lord are from ever- lasting to everlasting. There is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared. II. TLbc Ibolp (Tommunton BEFORE AND AFTER Of the Need and of the Kinds of Preparation, Public and Private, Methods of Self-examination : — (a) By the Decalogue. {d) By the Creed. (c) By the Beatitudes. (d) By the Catechism. (e) By our Duties. A forn\ of Devotion before Communion. A form of Devotion after Communion. I. ©f ^rtparatton Before the Holy Communion. I. The Holy Communion is at once the high- est act of worship and the chiefest means of grace. It is first an approach to God, to do that for Christ's memorial which He has commanded ; and then it is the gift from God to us of the su- preme nourishment of our hfe in Christ. We commemorate before God the one Sacrifice for sins, showing the Lord's death with those things of which He has said : " This is My Body : this is My Blood." We plead His atonement, de- siring both thereby to glorify God, who so loved us that He spared not His own Son ; and also to obtain the mercy of God for Christ's sake, with the remission of our sins, and all other things of which we have need. For to show Christ's death is both to present an oblation of all possible thanksgiving and praise, and also to urge the most prevailing of all prayers. And when we have done this, God is pleased in answer to give us from His Table those Holy Things which we have presented before Him, that we may receive them for our spiritual nourishment and growth in grace. " The Bread which we break, is it not the Com- munion of the Body of Christ ? The Cup of 51 52 THE HOL V COMMUNION. Blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of the Blood of Christ ? ' ' 2. For so great a service, so holy a ministry, so near a contact, we have in all cases need oi prepa- ration. Above all of a habitual preparedness, which stands in true faith and righteous and de- vout walking with God ; but also, because of our frailty and forgetfulness, and because we live in a sinful world, of special exercise in view of each approach to the Holy Table of the Lord. As it is written, " Let a man examine himself ; and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup " (i Cor. xi. 28). We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the Blood of Jesus ; but it must be, not only having in Baptism ' ' our bodies washed with pure water, ' ' but also ' ' with a true heart, in the full assurance of faith" (Heb. x. 19-22). We must come in penitence, for ' ' the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit" (Ps. H. 17). And we must come in peace and charity with all men, for the Lord has said, " If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee ; leave thou thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first be recon- ciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift (St. Matt. v. 23, 24). And we must come, having dealt faithfully with ourselves in con- science ; for it is written, "I will wash mine hands in innocency : so will I compass Thine altar, O Lord" (Ps. xxvi. 6). 3. The greater the interval between our Com- THE HOL V COMMUNION. 53 munions, the more careful should be our pre- paration, and the more time should be given to it. If our practice conformed to the apostolic and primitive practice in the rtiatter of frequency of Communion, each Communion would be in a great measure the preparation for the next. The monthly Communion, which Calvin, Knox and the Reformers, generally, treated as a minimum, would imply that we have more to remember, and more need to stir up grace given us. For longer intervals than of a month, this will hold more urgently true ; and preparation should then be of more days than one beforehand — both deliberate and anxious. But it should always be in the faith of our place in Christ Jesus, and in a resolve to be worthy of Him. We are to examine ourselves, and so come. We are to be reconciled with our brother, and so come. We are to wash in inno- cency, and so compass the altar. There is no direction in the Word of God how to stay away from Communion, but only how to co77ie. 4. Preparation may be of two kinds — picblic and private. Of these the first may be in cer- tain cases impossible, or less necessary ; the second is always necessary, and must never be omitted. {a) Public preparation usually consists of a service or services appointed for a day previous to the celebration of the Holy Sacrament. The Westminster Directory requires it to be observed 54 THE HOL Y COMMUNION. " where this Sacrament cannot with convenience be frequently administered" ; which, from the context, seems to mean ' ' when it is less frequent than weekly." Such services are usual ; and, where they are appointed, every one who intends to communi- cate ought to regard it as his solemn and absolute duty to be present, unless he is really unable to be there. Otherwise he implies that, while preparation may be needful for some, for him it is not needful. (d) Private preparation is always possible, and there can hardly be imagined a case in which it is not also requisite. It may be longer or shorter, as we have time, or as we have the mind, or as we have recently been at Communion, or not re- cently. But it must never be omitted. The foundation must be in a general prepared- 7iess of habit. One should never communicate without preparation. But also, one should never be entirely unprepared to communicate. There is also a preparation of circumstances. One should seek to be free, so far as it is possible, in the time immediately before the Holy Com- munion, from distractions and from unnecessary excitement. One should withdraw in a measure from outside things which, though innocent, are unhelpful to spiritual readiness, for at least one or two evenings before. One should arrange to be at liberty, if possible, to attend any public service of preparation ; and if at liberty, to be sure to THE IIOL Y COMMUNION. 55 go to it. And very specially one should consider whether there is any variance or quarrel to be adjusted. One should seek reconciliation. One should ask for the forgiveness of offence. One should forgive the wrong. There is a supremely important prcpcu^ation of self-vxaini?iatio7t, which should be undertaken deliberately and upon some system, and for which the suitable time is upon the Friday and Saturday before the Lord's Day on which you will communicate. And finally there is a dei'otional preparation , to which some time ought to be given at the least on the Saturday evening, and as much time as can be given on the Sunday morning before going to the Holy Table. How are they that 7'eeeive the Sacrament of the Lord' s Supper to prepare the in selves before they come unto it ? They that receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper are, before they come, to pre- pare themselves thereunto, by examining them- selves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants ; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance, love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, for- giving those who have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience ; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation and fer- vent prayer. — Larger Catechism, 171. 56 THE HOL V COMMUNION. 57 II. S Preparation Before receivIxNG the Holy Communion. It will be helpful to prepare your mind by reading and considering some part of zuhat is written concerning this Sacrament : As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the dis- ciples, and said, " Take, eat ; this is My Body." And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, " Drink ye all of it ; for this is My Blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sin." (St. Matt. xxvi. 26-28.) (So also St. Markxiv. 22-26 ; St. Luke xxii. 14-20.) I have re eived of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread : and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, "Take, eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you ; this do in remembrance of Me. ' ' After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying. " This cup is the 58 THE HOL V COMMUNION. new testament in My Blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord' s Body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, (i Cor. xi. 23-31.) The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of the Blood of Christ? The Bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ ? For we, being many, are one bread and one body ; for we are all partakers of that one Bread. Behold Israel after the flesh : are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar ? What say I then ? that the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any- thing ? But this I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God : and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils : ye cannot THE HOL V COMMUNION. 59 be partakers of the Lord's Table and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy ? are we stronger than He? (i Cor. x. 16-22.) ' ' 1 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. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, " How can this Man give us His Flesh to eat ?' ' Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man and 'drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My Flesh is meat in- deed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Feather hath sent Me, and I hve by the Father ; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that Bread which came down from heaven : not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead : he that eateth of this Bread shall live for ever." (St. John vi. 51-58.) From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My Name shall be great among 6o THE HOL V COMMUNION. 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. (Mai. i, ii.) Every High Priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices : wherefore it is of neces.^ity that this Man have somewhat also to offer. (Heb. viii. 3.) He is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world, (ist John ii. 2.) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the Blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His Flesh ; and having an High Priest over the house of God ; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised) ; and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works ; not for- saking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another ; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Heb. x. 19-25.) THE HOL V COMMUNION. 6i |Brtt)otiis of . Remember , ^ ^ . ^ -, t t t the Sabbath day to set it apart ? Have I ren- daytokeepit dered to God the worship that is holy,&c. His due? V. Honour thy Have I given honour to those to father and thy whom honour is due (especially to mother, &c. parents) ? Have I remembered what care and consideration are due to my depen- dents ? VI. Thou Shalt Have I kept myself from malice, not kill. hatred, and causeless or excessive anger? Have I for pleasure or for gain done anything to endanger or shorten human life, or to injure the health of others ? VII. Thou Have I shunned impurity, and Shalt not com- been chaste in word, desire, thought, mit adultery, and action ? 64 THE HOL V COMMUNION. VIII Thou Have I been just and honest in Shalt not buying and selling ; in employing ^*^*'*** others, and in serving employers ; giving to each his own, and content to take what is mine and no more ? — or have I sought the advantage ? IX Thou Shalt Have I spoken the truth ? Have not bear false I acted the truth? Have I spoken uitness,&c. ^j^e truth in love only? Have I feared to misrepresent ? and have I avoided gossip ? X. Thou Shalt Have I desired what God has not notco?et, &c. in providence made mine? Have I been in haste to be rich ? Have I loved the world ? Have 1 envied the good of others ? Have I studied contentment ? Ask yourself these questions one by one. When you remejuber a sin, accuse yourself of it and say : O God, I have sinned in this thing : have mercy upon me and heal my soul, for the sake of Jesus Christ. [b) Ex AMEN BY THE CrEED. Or, call to wind one by one the words of the Apostles'* Greedy into the faith of which you are baptised ; and consider as to each whether THE nOL Y COMMUNION. 65 in that you have ''kept the faith;' and are " in the faith ' ' / Have I walked as a man may who believes in God ? who believes that God is Father ? that God is Almighty ? that God is Maker of heaven and earth, so that all is His, and all ruled by one holy law ? Have I walked as a man mav who believes in Jesus ? who beheves that He is the Christ ? who believes that He is the only Son of God ? who believes that He is our Lord ? Am I living as one who believes in the In- carnation ?— that God has taken humanity into the Godhead ; honouring manhood ; reverencino- womanhood ; sanctifying the flesh ; keeping my own body — as a man may live who believes that the Son of God became man, being conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a pure Virgin ? Have I lived as a man ought who believes that the Son of God suffered ? as a man may who worships the Crucified ? as a man ought who believes that he is redeemed and pardoned through the Cross of his Lord ? Have I lived as one who believes that his Lord and God died that he might live— not to himself, but to Him who loved him and gave Himself for him ? Have I such victory over the fear of the grave as one should have who believes that the Son of God was buried among our dead ? in such 66 THE IIOL V COMMUNION. mindfulness of my ' ' burying with Him in my baptism " ? in such fearlessness of death ? in such reverence and tenderness for the dead in Christ ? Have I lived as a man may who believes that Christ is risen from the dead ? am I walking in newness of life ? do I know the power of His Resurrection ? am I strong in the hope of a real immortality ? am I seeking a good resurrection ? Am I walking as one who believes that the Son of man is at the right hand of God ? has my heart gone with Him to the heavenly things ? Do I live as one must live who beheves that Christ's feet will stand again upon the earth? have I received the blessed hope of His kingdom and appearing ? do I love it ? do I watch for it ? Have I lived as a man must live who believes that he will be judged ? that he will be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ, who knows man through and through, and who knows what a man in earnest can do against temptation ? who believes that he must give account of the deeds done in the flesh, and receive them again, good or evil ? Have I lived as a man may who believes that the Holy Ghost is come ? who believes that He abides in the Church ? who believes that his own body is the temple of the Holy Ghost ? Have I lived as becomes one who believes in the Church ? who believes that it is holy ? who believes that it is Catholic ? THE IIOL V COMMUXION. 67 Have I lived as a man should who believes in the Communion of the Saints ? in the fellowship of all who are Christ's — of all the living who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth — and of all the dead, who have died in Him ? have I lived in such charity, in such faith, in such hope ? Have I lived as a man may live who believes in the forgiveness of sin ? and therefore in the peace of reconciliation to God ? in such penitence as one feels for sin forgiven ? in such holy fear of repeating sin that has been forgiven ? in such carefulness to kill out confessed sin ? in such joy of forgiveness ? Have I lived as a man must who believes that the dead rise again ? who believes that he him- self shall return to a real life ? who believes that his body as well as his soul is redeemed and is holy to God ? Have I lived as he can live who believes in life everlasting ? — a life which he already has, because he is in Christ, and which will carry' him through death into an eternity with Christ ? Have I believed these things ? and have I allowed my belief in them to govern my conduct ? And as often as you remember any action, any thotight, any neglect of duty, any failure to obey, any submission to temptation, or any fear, xuhich has witnessed to your want of faith, or to 68 THE HOL V COMMUNION. your forgetfulness of zvhat you believe^ then accuse yourself of it to God, aud say : O God, I have sinned in this thing : for the sake of Christ have mercy upon me and heal my soul. Lord, increase my faith. Lord, help my unbelief. (r) EXAMEN BY THE BEATITUDES. Or, again, consider one by one the Beatitudes of our Blessed Saviour, and bethink you how it stands xvith you in respect of their promises : '' Blessed are the poor in spirit,'' saith the Lord : am I one of them ? or have I been proud, ready to assert myself, insisting upon my due ? May I believe that it is well with me, and that the kingdom of heaven is mine ? ' 'Blessed are they that vioiirn, ' ' saith the Lord : am I one of them ? have I mourned for my sin ? do I grieve for the evil that is done ? do I bear Christ's sorrows in my heart? May I think that it is well with me, because I shall be comforted in His joy ? ''Blessed are the meek,'" saith the Lord : have I shown myself such ? gentle and easy to be en- treated ? forbearing ? slow to take offence ? May I think that it is well with me, because when Christ's kingdom comes, I shall inherit? ' 'Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after THE HOL Y COMMUNION. 69 righteousness, ' ' saith the Lord : am I one of them ? do I earnestly long to be right with God, and to do right and see right done on earth ? May I think that it is well with me, because I shall be filled with righteousness ? ' 'Blessed are the merciful, ' ' saith the Lord : am I one of them ? — showing pity ? forgiving ? sparing wrong-doers ? ready to perceive suffering ? ready to help ? May 1 think that it is well with me, because I shall obtain mercy from God ? ''Blessed are the piire iji heart,'' saith the Lord : am I one of them ? To be pure in act has its own reward — but not this blessing. May I think that therefore it is well with me, because I shall see God ? "Blessed are the peace-makers,'' saith the Lord : am I one of them ? do I help to make quietness and rest of spirit where I go ? — in the Church ? with my fellows ? in my household ? among my friends ? Or am I of those who stir dispeace and promote restlessness, and who are followed by anxiety, and round whom strife grows up ? May I think that it is well with me, because I 'shall be reckoned one of the children of the very God of Peace ? "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteous7iess' sake, ' ' saith the Lord : am I at least ready to suffer for the right ? have I ever found need or occasion to lose anything by standing out for the right, or by refusing to do wrong? May I think that it is well with me 70 THE IJOL V COMMUNION. therefore, and that the kingdom of heaven is mine ? Wherever your heart bears you witness^ the Spirit of God testifying %vith your spirit that you are His, give God the glory and thajik Him ; say : It is Thy gift, O God ; Thou only hast wrought all our works in us. But as often as you perceive your shortcoming, acctise yourself of it to God ; say : By my own fault I have failed of this grace. Have mercy upon me, O God, and for Christ's sake heal my soul. Give me diligence to lay hold of eternal life. {d) EXAMEN BY THE CaTECHISM. Or, again, set before you the words of the Cate- chism, and exaviine yourself of your knowl- edge to discern the Lord's Body, of your {2i\\\\ to feed upon Him, of your repentance, love, and new obedience, your charity to all men, and your forgiving those who have done you wrong. See ho7u many things this will sho7v you for which to thank God ; and how many for which you must grieve, for which you must make amends, or ivhich you must diligently correct ; and confess, and repent, and pray. THE HOL Y COMMUNION. 71 (e) EXAMEN BY OUR DUTIES. Or, once more, consider your duty to God, your- self, and your neighbour ; and deal with your- self as to your carefulness and obedience in respect of each. I. Have I kept myself in the love of God? -(St. Jude 21.) Have I failed — To keep His commandments ? — (St. John XV. 9, 10.) To keep the faith ? — (2 Tim. iv. 7.) To endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with my fellow-Christians? — (Eph. iv. 3.) Have I neglected prayer, or forsaken church attendance? — (i Thess. v. 17; Heb. X. 25.) Have I failed or come short in Christian giving? — (Heb. xiii. 16.) 2. Have I sinned against my neighbour — By leading him into sin ? By untruthfulness ? By unkindness or want of thought ? By evil speaking ? By covetousness ? By selfishness ? By lack of diligence in his service ? 72 THE HOL V COMMUNION. By dishonesty ? By neglect of any duty to him ? 3. Have I sinned against my own soul or body — By indifference to the voice of wisdom and righteousness ? By impurity ? By sloth, intemperance in food or in drink, or other self-indulgence ? As often as you remember fault or sin, name it to God, accuse yotirself of it ; and say : I repent of this thing— this thing that I did wrongly— this thing in which I did not do rightly. If it is possible, I will make amends. For the time to come, I will keep myself, not to do this evil — to do this that I have omitted. For Christ's sake, O God, have mercy upon me, and heal my soul. Having completed your self-examination after one of these or the like methods, consider to zuhat particular resolutioiz you are led by it : as to a fault of temper, speech, ^c, which you will correct ; a -weakness of desire or of habit ruhich you zvill reform ; a neglect of duty or omission of diligence ; a temptatioji which has overcome yotc — or a cause of tc77iptation to be henceforth THE HOL V COMMUNION. 73 avoided. It is often ivell to write doxvn such resolves and to read them at your next self- exojninatioft. At the least, record thevi in your memory, and set them deep in your heart. Then, still kneeling^ call upon God, and say : I CONFESS to Thee, O God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and before the whole company of heaven, that I have sinned grievously in thought, word, and deed ; and especially . . . I confess that I have come short of Thy glory in all things, and in many things of that which I knew to be right ; especially in not I judge myself, I repent, I pray to be forgiven. Pardon me, O God — for Christ's sake pardon my sins, my negligences, my ignorances. O keep me back from my old sins. Suffer me not to return to things of which I am ashamed. I have vowed again to Thee. Give me steadfastness. [O help me to return upon the evil that I have done ; if it is possible to undo it, to make amends _'or it — by restitution, by confession, by seeking reconciliation. Give me courage, O God, to do this.] [Grant also pardon and restoration to any whom I have led into sin, or who have been my companions in sin. And let not them that seek Thee be ashamed for my sake, O Lord God of Israel.] Help me to look upon the duties I have 74 THE HOL V COMMUNION. neglected, the tasks that I have passed by, the work which I have slothfully refused ; and to remember the graces which I have failed to stir up within me ; that I may become complete in Christ Jesus. I commend myself to the strong help of the Holy Ghost. Most Blessed and Holy Spirit, hear me ; cease not to strive with me ; turn me, and I shall be turned ; work in me mightily according to Thy good pleasure. I am Thine : save me : For I have sought Thy precepts. OUR FATHER And sav of these Psalms — vi., xxxii., xxxviii., li.^ cii., cxxx., cxliii.y ivhich are called Peni- tential — one or more. May 07ie who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord's Supper ? One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, may have a true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured there- of; and in God's account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it, and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, and to depart from iniquity; in which case (because promises are made, and this Sacrament is appointed, for the rehef even of weak and doubting Christians), he is to bewail his unbelief, and labour to have his doubts resolved; and so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord's Supper, that he may be further strengthened. — Larger Catechism, 172, 75 76 THE HOL V COMMUNION. III. Pribate ffiebotions Before the Holy Communion. It IS zoell to dispose the viind to devotion by the deliberate reading- of some part of the Holy Scriphtres : as Exod. xii., Isa. liii.^ Ixi.^ Ixii., St. John vi., xiv.-xvii., xx., St. luke xxii\, Roiu. v., via., I Cor. xiii., Eph. Hi., iv., Phil. ii., I Thess. iv., v., i St. John iv.. Rev. z., v., xxi.f XX a. ; or the like. ■ Then humbly kneeling, place yourself in the pres- ence of God, a)id say : WHEREWITHAL shall I come before God, or bow myself before the high God ? The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Glory be to the Father As it was O let }iie taste a7id see that the Lord is good. The Lord is my Shepherd ; I shall not" want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul : He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. THE HOLY COMMUNION. 77 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 they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- ence of mine enemies : Thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord 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. Ainen. let me taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the mail that trusteth in LLiin. 1 AM not worthy, O Lord ; I am not worthy of the least of all Thy mercies. Yet Thou preparest for me the greatest. Thou hast called me ; therefore I come. I have not chosen Thee, but Thou hast chosen me. I love Thee, for Thou hast first loved me. O let Thy grace be suf- ficient for me, that I may acceptably help to celebrate Thy most high worship, and without condemnation have part in ministering before Thee ; and that without displeasing Thee in any- thing I may receive and feed upon my Lord, who gives Himself to be the Bread of my life. I am. not sufficient for these things, O God ; but my sufficiency is of the Lord. Let me be found in Him, not having mine own righteous- 78 THE HOL Y COMMUNION. ness, but the righteousness of Christ which is by faith. I REPENT of my sins. I am grieved because I have offended Thee, most loving and merciful God. I am grieved because I have been so un- worthy of Christ. I am grieved because I have so constantly hindered the Holy Ghost, I am of God : He has called me His child : yet I have done amiss continually. I am re- deemed by the Blood of Jesus, my Lord ; I am a member of Him ; I am His very own, and for His sake I am accepted of God : yet I have gone in my own way, as if 1 were free as regards Him. The Holy Ghost is given to me ; He witnesses with me : my body is His temple ; yet I have been unholy. God have mercy upon me. I abhor myself and repent. GOD so loved the world that He spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. God spared not His own Son. His own Son. LORD, I believe : help Thou mine unbelief. I beheve that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. I believe in Thy love for me, and that for me Thou hast died. 1 beheve that Thy sacrifice is accepted and prevails for me. I believe that Thou art a propitiation for' my sin, and for the sin of the whole world. I go to show Thy death. I go to make a memorial of Thee THE HOL V COMMUNION. 79 before the Father. Teach me to know this mys- tery. I LOVE Thee, who hast loved me and gavest Thyself for me. I adore Thee, Immanuel, God with us. I love Thee for what Thou hast done and suffered. I love Thee for what Thou art. 1 bless Thee, by whom I have received the atone- ment. IF, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. I WORSHIP Thee, Lord Jesus, who vouch- safest in the humility of a Sacrament to be present with us. I bless Thee, who comest forth in a mystery to feed Thy people with the spiritual food of Thine own Body and Blood. Give me, O Lord, a heart to hunger and thirst for Thee, faith to feed upon Thee, grace to be holy for Thy abiding in me and I in Thee. I love the Lord. What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me ? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people. O Lord, truly I am Thy servant ; 1 am Thy 8o THE HOL V COMMUNION. servant, and the son of Thine handmaid ; Thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanks- giving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people. In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye 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. I love the Lord : Because He hath heard my voice . and my supplications. OUR FATHER GRANT, O Lord, that at thy Holy Table I may be able to make a true offering of myself to Thee, keeping back nothing. Grant me power to open the door of my heart to Him who knocketh, that He may come in and feast with me and I with Him. Now consider what special thing yozc will desire to entreat frojn God when the sacrifice of Christ is comnieniorated ; for what mercy you will giT'e thanks^ when thanksgiving is made for all the goodness of God ; or^vhat nauie you will name in your heart, when the great intercession is pre- sented. For at His Holy Table He, as King, THE HOL V COMMUNION. 8i holds out to lis the sceptre which 02s in His hand, saying, " IVhat ivilt thoii ? and what is thy re- quest ?''' Let us therefore be ready, each with his prayer, and say : REMEMBER me, Lord, with the favour which Thou hast shown unto Thine own, for to-day I will ask this thing of Thee. Be mindful also to entreat God for those who shall minister in holy things; for all who shall communicate ; for whoever is knozvn to yon as in special need of g7'ace to receive the Holy Sacrament worthily ; and for those hindered in God^s providence from com m u n i eating. O LORD GOD, who art good and gracious ; who knittest Thy Saints in One in the mystical body of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord : cleanse, we pray Thee, our souls and bodies from every defilement of the flesh and spirit, and enable us to present ourselves before Thee unblamed and uncondemned. Strengthen in the Holy Ghost those who to-day minister in the Name of the Lord at His Holy Table. Grant to all who with us are made partakers of these holy mysteries, that they may love and serve Thee all their days, and be delivered from every evil, and dwell at last in the house of the Lord for ever. 82 THE HOL Y COMMUNION. I commend to Thee A and B , be- seeching Thee that they may find acceptance and blessing to-day in this Holy Communion. I pray for C and D , that though they cannot be present with us to receive the Sacra- ment, they may be remembered in heaven, and be comforted and fed in the Communion of the Holy Ghost. And I commend myself to Thy mercies, which are infinite, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. He who communicates should endeavour to come to the Lord's Table ^ not only zvith spiritual pre- paredness, but in all things worthily — with such reverence and deliberation as become so great a service — ready in i?iind and body as well as in soul for that which is higher and holier than anything else in this world. Therefore on such a day %ve should rise earlier, so as to have due time for private and family devotions. We should be witJumt haste, preserving quietness and Christian gravity. We should prepare our offering with careful respect to the object for which it is invited, and our o-on means of giving. We should go betijnes to the Ho7ise of God ; and as we go we may remember such words as these : This is a faithful saying and worthy of all THE HOL V COMMUNION. 83 acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous. Come unto me (saith the Lord) all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. I will go in the strength of the Lord God : I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only. He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. It is due unto the lord that the coj?imunicant should follozv the entire service as a participant^ and not as an onlooker. Its actions are his also, although performed representatively by presbyter ordained thereto. During the pauses for silent prayer which occur in the prayer of consecration, he ought at the first to offer him- self to God with entreaty for his own need as it is knoivn to him ; and at the second to name in his heart to God the special request which he has prepared, and the special intercession for any zuhom he desires to name before God. It is of reverence that he should receive the conse- crated elements with bare hands, and touch them zuith care. While others are communicating, his soul should be most earnestly occupied in supplication before hijnself receiving; and in thanksgiving, and blessing, and holy resolve after he has received. 84 THE HOL V COMMUNION. ^Pribate ©cbotions; After the Holy Communion. Return from the House of God without delay, and if possible without distraction. Avoid, in so far as is practicable, common converse and ordinary concerns, until you have sought the Father zaho seeth in secret, and have given thanks to Him. One should endeavour to go straight home from church, and then straight to the closet ; and tvith thanksgiving to join prayer to be kept of God abiding in Christ ; that as the three Hebre^v youths walked safely in the fiery furnace, because with the77i was One like tinto the Son of Man, so we may lualk safely in an evil world, and be untouched by its fierce trmptatiofts. Therefore stand before God : and say : O ALL ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : Praise Him and magnify Him for ev^er. O all 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 let the earth bless the Lord : THE HOL V COMMUNION. 85 Yea, let it 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. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. PRAISE ye the Lord : praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts : praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet : praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance : praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals : praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. 86 THE HOL Y COMMUNION. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. 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 : A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father As it was Amen. Then kneel before God, and say : I BLESS Thee and adore Thee, Almighty God, who of mercy unsearchable and for Thy con- descension to our need hast vouchsafed to feed us with this heavenly and spiritual food, making us verily partakers of Jesus Christ Thy Son. Let me not by my unworthiness receive hurt or condemnation thereby, but only the grace pre- pared by Thee for me. Let this Holy Communion be to me a guard and defence — a separation from the world — a shield against temptation — a wall against evil — the nourishment of all good which Thou hast wrought in me — the confirmation of all grace bestowed upon me. THE HOL V COMMUNION. 87 Grant me thereby quietness of heart, vigour of resolve, fervency of love to Thee, zeal towards my Lord, charity towards all men. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. No2v call to mind whatever special resolution you offered to God at His Holy Table ; establish it in your mind ; confirm your purpose ; and say : LET this Holy Communion be to me, O God, a beginning of better things, as if only now I began to know Thee. Let me now and hence- forth forsake that which has tempted me. Let me now and henceforth do those things that I have perceived to be of Thy will for me : by the grace of the Holy Ghost and the intercession of Jesus Christ. Amen. Recall as well that thing which, it may be, you entreated of the Lord in the silence of your own prayers during the Sacrament^ and those persons and causes for which you have then in the secret of the Lord interceded, and say : Let my prayer, O my God, be remembered in heaven. Suffer me to see Thy hand put forth for me. Let the unworthiness of my intercession be forgiven in the power of our Lord's offering of Himself. Those whom I have named in Thy 88 THE HOL V COMMUNION. presence, think Thou of them for good, O merci- ful Lord. And let your prayer for yourself he urgent : O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Thou art the Shepherd. I am but one of Thy fooHsh and erring sheep. Keep me, for I am not able to keep myself. Bear with me, for Thou knewest my infirmity even in that hour when Thou gavest Thyself for me. Suffer not therefore that 1, who am the purchase of Thy blood, fall from Thee. Who livest and reignest. Amen. MAY our Lord, of His great mercy, grant to me, with all who love Him, rest and peace. Allien. And remember^ at the hour of evening prayer, to return to the House of God, and then to give thanks with your brethren. "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" III. BIDS to flntercesston 1. Scheme for Daily Use. 2. Scheme for Use on Sunday Morning. 3. Scheme for the Days of a Week. 4. The Same, arranged according to Events of Holy Week. 5. The Same, arranged according to the Words from the Cross. 6. Additional Intercessory Prayers. Intercession ought to have a constant place in daily devotion. It should be a fixed part of our prayers " night and day " — before we sleep, and before we go out to our labour. But it should also be endeavoured from time to time with more deliberation and completeness, as from time to time we have opportunity. To many who have leisure the midday hour will be found of all the most suitable. Others may give some additional time for this in the evening. At least the quiet hours of Sunday morning will give their oppor- tunity to almost all who desire opportunity ; and that is a time when Intercession is needed by very many, when subjects for it crowd upon the atten- tion, and when for the most part we are ready in spirit to pray, and also when we may know that we are not alone in prayer. Again, on return from public service on the Lord's Day, we may often find that the circumstances of worship have laid upon our hearts matters for Intercession, and that great benefit to ourselves also is secured by some early retirement to commune of them" with God. Intercession is an exercise in which we espe- cially require the help of previous purpose, and of guides for thought and of aids to recollection. No scheme can meet all the wants of the indi- 91 92 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. vidual. Each must know best for whom he feels that he is called to be a remembrancer before the Mercy-Seat. But there are subjects of prayer common to us all ; and for the rest the reader is counselled to fill in for himself the blank lines left in the following pages with subjects of inter- cession and with names of persons for whom he desires to prevail with God, To some it may seem best to divide these matters into groups appropriated to the several days of the week ; while others may prefer to use a single list ; and provision is made for both practices. Intercession ' ' I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplica- tions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men." — (i Tim. ii. i.) "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." — (Ps. cxxii. 6.) "Pray one for another." — (St. James v. i6.) "Pray for us." — (2 Thess. iii. i.) " Pray for them which despitefuUy use you." — (St. Matt. V. 44.) " Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." — (St. Luke xviii. i.) " Lord, teach us to pray." — (St. Luke xi. i.) "There was given unto Him much incense, that He should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the Throne." — (Rev. viii. 3.) 93 I. SCHEME OF INTERCESSION (Daily). For the universal Church : For the restoration of visible unity. For the increase of grace by the Holy Ghost. For the preservation of the orthodox faith. For the reformation of error. For the restoration of order out of confusion. For the perfecting of the saints. For the edification of the Body of Christ. Until we all come unto the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. For the spread of the Kingdom of God : For Missions to the Jews and to heathen : Especially and For Missionaries : Especially For their converts, and the churches gath- ered to their word : for grace to abound to those who are babes in Christ, according to their need. 94 AIDS TO IXTER CESSION. 95 For Home Missions, and for the lapsed and lapsing in our own country. For this Parish : For its Minister For the good works of the Church here, and for those who serve God in them : Especially For one's own family : Parents. Wife (or husband). Children. Brothers. Sisters. Especially . . For friends in need Especially For those who have desired our prayers 96 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. Concerning matters of which we have agreed with others to pray : For persons in trial : Especially . . For persons for whose spiritual condition one is concerned : Being tempted. Being careless. Being unstable in faith. Having gone back from faith. Growing cold in love. Having sinned. For those with whom we are at variance ; for power to forgive ; for reconciliation. For those who wrong us. For all whom we have not named, or have omitted, but for whom it is God's will that He be besought of us. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 97 2. SCHEME OF INTERCESSION (For Sunday Morning). For all men : that the way of the Lord be pre- pared in the earth ; 'that God be patient with men, yet hasten His Kingdom in Christ. For all who love the Lord Jesus Christ : that grace, mercy, and peace be with them. For all to-day gathered to the Holy Name of the Lord Jesus : that their worship be accepted. For all who to-day show the Lord's death, and make memorial of Him : that their petitions be granted ; that their intercessions prevail ; and that we have part in the answer. For all ministers of the Lord to-day serving Him in their holy office : that they may minister in the power of the Holy Ghost. For evangelists, and all who to-day seek the erring, teach the ignorant, or labour to re- cover the lapsed. For choristers, organists, precentors, readers, and all others who take part in the conduct of the worship of Almighty God. For the minister of God who is steward of His mysteries for me : that he may abound in grace, be apt to teach, be strong and glad in his duties, and be comforted in the fruit of his ministry. 98 AIDS TO IXTEKCESSION. For this parish : that godhness may abound, family rehgion be strengthened, intemperance and impurity be cast out. For the church where 1 worship : its congrega- tion, its schools, guilds, classes, choir, and other fellowships of Christian work. For the day-schools here ; for their teachers and children : that religion may flourish in them, be rightly taught and heartily believed ; and that the children may grow in grace and understanding. For all to-day hindered from taking part in public worship — by home duties — by poverty — by care of children — by care of the sick — by sickness, frailty, or old age. For the aged ; the tender infants ; for women travailing of child ; for travellers by land or sea ; for strangers, friendless and homeless persons. For all prisoners ; all in lunatic asylums, work- houses, or infirmaries ; and that kindness be raised up for them. For young men and maidens : that they may keep innocency ; and that they may be steadfast in faith, and observant of devout custom. For all to-day neglecting to pray, forsaking the assembly of worship, profaning the Lord's Day, or refusing correction. For all for whom there is none to pray : that nevertheless they be mercifully remembered AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 99 in the presence of God through the interces- sions of the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. SCHEME OF INTERCESSION (F'oR A Week). Suitbaij. The Holy Catholic Church : Its rulers. Its ministries. Its faithful people. The Church in the United States of America Its courts. Its ministries. Its eldership. Its parishes and congregations. This parish : Its minister. Its office-bearers. loo AIDS TO INTERCESSION. Its church-workers — In choir. In Sunday schools, &c. In mission work. In visiting. Its communicants. Its youth. Its children. Its afflicted. The lapsed and careless here The intemperate. The fallen and wandering. Special names to be remembered Plonliai|. This household : Husband (or wife). Children. Servants. Guests. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. loi Relatives : near me, and whom I often see ; or far off, and strange to me, yet of my blood. The aged of my kindred. The sick and afflicted of my kindred. Those of mv kindred who are in foreisfn lands. Those of them who are in dangerous positions. Those of them who are in spiritual need or peril. My friends and companions : Especially Employers. Those employed by me : Especially Those employed with me : Especially My benefactors : I02 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. My dependents : Those whom I can help In material things. By counsel. By example. By rebuke. By praise. By influence. By protection. Those who trust me. Those to whom I owe duty or honour. lUrtinesbaij, Cases known to me : Of sorrow. Poverty. Sickness. Temptation. Loneliness. Trouble of conscience. Anxiety of mind. Hardness of soul. Resistance of conviction. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. loj Falling back from grace. Perplexity as to duty. Desire to come to God. Effort to reform. Enslavement to vice. For those engaged in good works : The missions and missionaries — {a) Of the universal Church. \b) Of this Church. For Missions abroad : For Home Missions : In the West. In the new possessions. In the older States. Among the Freedmen, For those engaged in temperance work. For those engaged in rescue work. For those engaged in evangelistic work : Continuously. In special missions. For those engaged in orphanages, shelters, alms- houses, refuges, &c. For visitors of the sick and poor. 104 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. Jribaij. For the world for which Christ died The heathen. Moslems. Buddhists. Jews, For the baptised who do not believe : The unconverted. The lapsed. Those who have lost first love. Those who have fallen into sin. Those who will not repent. Those who will not confess. Those who will not forgive. Those who are entangled in the world. For the opponents of Christianity : Atheists. Sceptics. Agnostics. Materialists. False teachers. Heretics. Those who confuse the truth. AIDS TO IN7ERCESSI0N. 105 Sdurbnij. For increase of grace in the Church : as — Faith in the unseen, the eternal, the super- natural. Reverence and love of the Scriptures. Obedience to authority. Power in prayer. Joy in worship. Reverence for holy things. Regard for the Sacraments. Improvement of baptism. Care for the young. Piety in families. Honour of parents. Zeal for missions. Readiness to abound in offerings. Faithfulness in consecrating the Lord's portion. Penitence for schism. Desire for unity. Readiness to receive one another. The faith and hope of the Advent. io6 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 4. SCHEME OF INTERCESSION (For a Week). [Arranged on the basis of Holy Week.) For the coming of the Lord in His kingdom. That the Church may prepare herself. That we may be able to abide His appearing, Plontiai). For the cleansing of the Temple from— Heresy. Will-worship. Error. Money-changing. Simony. Sacrilege. Suesbnij. For all who witness for truth and right. For all entangled in strife and debate for Christ's sake. For all who cavil against the truth. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 107 Jiebnrsbaij. For the lonely and burdened. For all who seek strength in prayer. For all striving to be true to Christ. For all who have been untrue to Him. ^Iljursbmj. For the increase of love and charity. For the increase of humility. For a greater hunger and thirst for Christ, com- municated in the Holy Sacrament. For more frequent celebration of the Holy Com- munion. For faithfulness in preparation for the Holy Communion. For all persons endeavouring to bow to the will of God. Jribntj, For the dying. For all who are merciful to the dying. For all who care for the dead with reverence. For oppressors and persecutors. For those who scoff. For those who revile. For those who pass Christ by. io8 AIDS TO IXTERCESSIOX. .Sntuibaij. For the bereaved. For those who bury their dead. For widows and orphans. For those who minister to such. Thankful remembrance — with faith, and love, and hope — of those who are to-day in Paradise. For the appearing of our Lord, and with Him of His Saints, in the power of the Resurrection. 5. SCHEME OF INTERCESSION (^FoR A Week). i^ArrajJged according to the Words from the Cross.) .Simbai) (" Father, forgive them "). For all sinners : Sinful, because ignorant. Sinful, because untaught in the law of God. Cruel and brutish persons. Persecutors of Christ in His servants. AIDS TO IXTERCESSIOX. 109 For all who have \*Tonged me : \Mio have misrepresented me. Wlio have wounded me. For all whom I have wronged : That they may be dispc-sed to forgive. That I may obtain early and complete recon- ciliation. nioni^aii (*' This day with Me in Paradise "). For the grace of penitence to all dxing persons. For the grace of faith to the same. For the grace of prayer to the same. That they may be turned to Christ. That they may hold firmly to Him. That their hope may be dear. That their confidence may be sure. That they fail not by bodily distress. That they find mercy -with God. Thar thev obtain an easy death. Thai thev be received to rest -wnth Christ S'ursliQij (*• Behold THY Son . . . tky Mother "). For all who minister to \\-idow5 and orphans. For orphanages, houses of rest for the aged, and places of mercy for the desolate. no AIDS TO INTERCESSION. For the aged and children, who have no helper. For those who show kindness to such. That it would please God to revive among us the fidelity of sons and daughters to aged parents ; and the zeal of the Church to care for the homeless and forsaken. PJcbnesbaij (" My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"). For all from whom God's face is hidden — By extremity of suffering. By unbelief. By loss of faith. By the wickedness of men. For all righteous and faithful men, who are tempted to cast away faith or to lose con- fidence in God. For all who are perplexed by the darkness of the Divine ways, not knowing why they are afflicted. For all who are burdened and troubled for the evil and suffering permitted by God to exist. Qlljurstiaij ('' I thirst"). f^or all who suffer in the flesh. For all who suffer in their affections, being denied sympathy. AIDS TO IXTERCESSIOX. in For all who are athirst for God, but do not know Him. For all who hunger and thirst after righteousness : that they may be filled with the goodness of God. For all who desire the Holy Sacrament where it is rarely to be had. For all to whom men refuse natural kindness. Jnbttij (" It is finished "). For the end of the mystery of God. That our Lord may receive the joy which was set before Him. That He may see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied. That His work in us may be accomplished through the Holy Ghost. That His work in all His Saints may be per- fected. That the Church may make herself ready, adorned as a bride for the bridegroom. That the day of the Lord be hastened, and His glory appear to us. ^aturbai) (*' Into Thy hands I commit My Spirit "). That it may please God, as He keeps in His peace all who have died in faith and peni- 112 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. tence, so likewise to teach His people in life to give their hearts into His hand, and their wills to His obedience. That it may please God to prepare those to whom death is near for that great change. That it may please Him to give His holy angels charge over them to keep them in all their way. That it may please Him to grant to them all Christian aid and consolation in that hour. That it may please Him to receive them to His infinite mercy. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 113 Additional for remembrance in prayer. Names : Objects 8 114 AIDS TO intercession: 6. INTERCESSORY PRAYERS. (X) gict of Jait^ before Ittterctssion. IT is Thy will, O God, to be entreated of us. Known unto Thee are all those things concern- ing which I would pray ; and Thy mercies are prepared. Nevertheless I believe that it is Thy will to bestow them in answer to prayer. I be- lieve that Thou hast appointed us in the name of Thy Holy Son, Our Lord, who ever lives to make intercession ; and that Thou hast set us to be in- tercessors in His Name, so that His voice may be heard here also upon earth by our means. To me, O God, who am here alone before Thee, but who, nevertheless, am in the unity of the Body of Christ and in the Communion of the Holy Ghost : grant hearing and power to prevail with Thee. Through the mediation and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (2) *iot the €\mt\ CntboUc. O HOLY JESUS, King of Saints, and only Head of the Church of God : preserve Thy spouse, which Thou hast purchased with Thy right hand, and redeemed and cleansed with Thy Blood, even the whole Catholic Church, which is from one end of the earth to the other. AIDS TO INTERCESSIOy. 115 Deliver her from schism, heresy, and sacrilege. Unite all her members in the bonds of faith, hope, and charity. * Let there be one fold, as there is one Shepherd. Let her sacrifice of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving never cease, but be for ever united with the intercession of Thee, her dearest Lord, and for ever be pre- sented by Thee to God the Father, and for ever prevail to the obtaining for all her members of grace and blessing, pardon and salvation, till Thy second and glorious appearing. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. (3) Jor t^e €\xjiit\ in t^e '^xxxXtH States of ^mcrita. WE have heard with our ears and our fathers have told us what works Thou didst in their days and in the old time before us. Arise, O Lord, and deliver us for Thine honour. Most merciful God, by all Thy mercies and Thy covenant, we beseech Thee for Thy Church, Thine anointed witness to this land : that Thou may est hearken to the prayers of those who look unto Thee con- tinually for her. Take away what hinders ; root up what Thy hand has not planted ; confirm what is weak ; set in order what is confused ; restore what is lost ; add what is lacking- ; strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to perish ; establish her piety ; accept her sacri- Ii6 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. fice ; increase her devotion ; enrich her with faithful and wise men ; unite her testimon\ ; glorify Thyself in her. That all Thy blessing may be upon us, through her Head and Lord, Thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen. (4) Jor Restoration of Catholic Inilg. O LORD, we beseech Thee mercifully to re- ceive the prayers of Thy Church, which now everywhere doth entreat Thee to restore her to peace and visible unity : that she, being delivered from error and schism, from corruptness and from all uncharity, may serve Thee in joy and freedom ; and give peace even in our time, we pray Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (5) Jor llestoratiott of ^uitg in ©bis fanb. MAY it please Thee, most long-suffering God, in Thy good providence to remove from the way of Thy people in this land all occasions of spir- itual contention, all prejudice and misconception of one another ; and to dispose our hearts and the hearts of our brethren to receive one another, as Thou for Christ's sake dost receive us all ; that we may return to unity, and the name of our Lord be glorified. For His sake who prayed that we all might be one. Amen. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 117 (H) Jor the Clergg. WHO is sufficient for these things, O Lord, which Thou layest upon Thine ordained ser- vants ! Be Thou their strength by Thy Holy Spirit, that they may stir up the grace that is in them by the laying on of hands, to be bold and faithful, not fearing man nor seeking to please men ; to be lowly and patient, bearing the burdens of all ; to be diligent and anxious, feeding the flock that is Thine, for which Christ died ; to be wise in teaching and unwearied in prayer. And so confess them, O God, in that whereto they are sent, that they may come again with joy, prais- ing God, and with great joy receiving praise of Thee. Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, ever one God, world without end. Amen. (Z) Jor H |astor. O GOD, the Pastor and Guide of them that faithfully serve Thee, and Thyself most, sure in confessing those whom Thou dost send in Thy Name : have regard to Thy servant N. , to whom Thou hast committed the cure of souls in this parish, that he may fulfil his charge with joy, and be strong for the ministry which he has re- ceived of the Lord Jesus. That through him Thy flock may be edified, comforted, and built up in their most holy faith, and all Thy pleasure Ii8 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. prosper in his hand. May Thy peace keep his heart and mind. Through Christ Jesus our Lord. A me 71. (S) Jor t^osc in Office. ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast set in Thy Church, with Thy holy ministries, some also with gifts to teach and help and administer, in diversity of operation but of the same Spirit : grant to all such, we beseech Thee, grace to wait on the ministry which they have received in the Body of Christ with simplicity, diligence, and cheerfulness ; that none think of himself more highly than he ought to think, and none seek another man's calling, but rather to be found faithful over a few things, and to receive praise of Christ in his own work. That through the effectual working in the measure of every part the whole Body may be joined together and com- pacted, and make increase to the edifying of itself in love. To the glory of Thy Name in Christ Jesus our Lord. Auie?i. (3) Jor tbt |1arisb. O GOD, merciful and mighty, with whom nothing is small that touches the glory of Thy Son or the souls of Thy people : have in gracious remembrance, I beseech Thee, this parish and its welfare. Here let faith and piety abound. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 119 Here let true religion flourish and increase. Here let Thy ministry be holy and honourable ; Thy worship be abundant and joyful ; Thy house be beautiful, consecrate, beloved of all. Here let the schools of the young be such that our children may grow up in Thy faith and fear. Strengthen the authority of parents and the duti- fulness of sons and daughters. Banish intemper- ance and vice. Gather in those who wander ; recover the careless ; establish the faithful. Turn the hearts of all who love and fear Thee to be one in Christ Jesus our Lord. To the glory of Thy Name, who livest and reignest ever one God, world without end. Auieii. (10) Jor tbc USE of |1arisbionfrs. O GOD, who of old didst choose Zion for Thy rest, and hast taught us to love the place where Thine honour dwelleth : grant that the worship which in this church we offer may ever be pure and acceptable to Thee, and the work of us, Thy servants, who here hallow Thy Name, be con- tinually inspired and guided by Thy Holy Spirit, and by Thy blessing brought to good effect. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (U) Jfor a Congrtgatioit. THYSELF, O Lord Jesus Christ, direct and govern the counsel of those who seek the welfare I20 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. of Thy flock here ; for Thou art the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, and they are but Thy hand. Take therefore every purpose and every work of theirs into Thy direction, so that in zeal they may be wise, discerning Thy Body, and doing Thy will therein. To the glory of Thy Name, O Lord, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost art one God, blessed over all. Amen. (12) J^or Ulisstoimrics. BE mindful, O God, of Thy servants who have gone in Christ's name and in our behalf to de- clare the everlasting Gospel in strange lands and to those who know Thee not in Him. Preserve them in body and soul from their manifold perils and temptations. Give them wisdom and a right judgment ; patience, and hope, and love to bear with the dulness of those who will not hear them, and with the infirmities of those who have by their word believed. Prepare their way by Thy preventing grace ; confess their work by abundance of fruit ; give them gladness and strength, and even in this present time a thou- sand-fold for what for Christ's sake they have left. Through the same our only Lord Jesus Christ. A?nen. •% AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 121 (IS) Jor tl^E Jrrait of .^foreign p:ission:s. REMEMBER, O Good Lord and Merciful Shepherd, those who are newly turned from idols to Thy Name. Lead them gently ; bear them upon Thy strength : as their need is great and their snares many, so let Thy grace abound to them. That holding fast their faith and witness- ing a good confession, they may overcome all that is against them, to the glory of Thy Name. Allien. (X4) ^efore Spfcial CbangcUstit ^crbiccs. LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hast taught that Thy Church, kindling her lamp and seeking dili- gently, should recover that which is lost in her own house : we beseech Thee for the special work prepared in this place. Stir up the hearts of Thy faithful people to prayer and expectation, and send them forth in diligence of help. Touch the lips and kindle the souls of Thy servants who come in Thy name to declare afresh to us Thine everlasting Gospel. Prepare their way by Thy Holy Spirit, gathering the careless to Thy word, softening the hardened, touching the im~ penitent, subduing the proud. May Thy power, O Lord, be present to heal us in these days, while we seek Thee : who livest and reignest. Amen. 122 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. (15) %i\n ^bangelislit ^nfaitts. ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful Father, in whose presence there is fulness of joy : show the abundance of Thy loving-kindness to those who are yet but babes in Christ, for whom praise be to Thee ; who have come hungry out of the wil- derness, weary from their own works, naked and miserable from the far country, heavy laden in sins ; and who now are glad in their salvation, knowing the things that belong unto their peace. And do Thou, Blessed Father, establish them in Christ, confirm them in faith, give them the grace of perseverance ; neither suffer them for any cause to fall from Thee. Grant that they abide in Christ and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, showing a conversation meet for Saints. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (16) *<|or dinners. HAVE mercy on all sinners, Jesus, we beseech Thee. Turn Thou their disobedience into peni- tence, their unbelief into faith, their vices into virtues ; and having made them true observers of Thy law, and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to Thine everlasting Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 123 (17) *<|or \\t lifnirteb. ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Com- forter of the sorrowful, and supporter of those who are afflicted : give ear to the prayers of such as call upon Thee out of tribulation ; that, find- ing Thy mercy present with them in their neces- sities, their mourning may be turned into joy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amtm. (18) Jfor tb£ Itegligcnt. O GOD, most patient, most merciful, as a Father beholding and meeting, or ever they are come near Thee, those who return : have pity also upon such as are content to be far away. Work in them hunger and sorrow, that they may come to themselves and desire to be counted among Thy servants ; that so, by Thine un- speakable goodness, they may be made, not servants, but sons. In Jesus Christ our Lord, who for them also died. Amejt. (19) Jfor X\t Cempteb. LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hast Thyself suffered, being tempted, our merciful and faith- ful High Priest : remember those who are hard pressed in the difficult ways of this world, and those who by infirmity of the flesh or faintness 124 ^^DS TO INTERCESSION. of spirit have wellnigh slipped. Maintain them, O Lord. How weak we are, Thou truly knowest ; by what an enemy we are oppressed, Thou dost acknowledge. Put forth therefore Thy might, that nothing be lost to Thee of all that the Father hath given Thee. And to Thee shall be glory for ever. Amen. (2a) ior t^£ iging. MOST pitiful Lord, our Saviour, who hast Thyself tasted death : have mercy, we beseech Thee, on all the dying. When they pass through the deep waters, be Thou, Lord, with them. For thou livest and wast dead, and art alive for evermore, and hast the keys of death and the grave. Ajne?t. (21) Jor iospitals, *c. O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Thyself merciful to men for all their need both of body and soul, doing them good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil ; who didst send forth Thine Apostles with power and commandment to heal all sickness and all disease ; and who hast inspired Thy people always with the same mind : let thy blessing be upon the Infirmary [and hospitals] of this place ; Thy pity present for the sick whom it shelters ; and Thy grace AIDS TO INTERCESSION, 125 with those, physicians or nurses, who minister to their needs ; that through their good work Thy name may be glorified : who Hvest and reignest, ever one God, world without end. Amen. (23) ^or Wn ^rcsibrnt unb Coutttrg. ALMIGHTY GOD, source of all authority, who art manifested in the power and justice of temporal dominion as well as in the order which of Thee is set in the Church : and hast been pleased to grant us a rule in righteousness and an equal law: vouchsafe to hold in safety, honour, and blessing Thy servant the president of the United States : and all those who are in authority over us — that they may govern in peace and truth, and all things be done of them in wisdom and equity ; that in their time religion and virtue may be protected and advanced ; and that we and all this people may know and reverence the powers which are ordained of The among us, being ourselves taught by the Holy Spirit the way of loyalty, faithfulness and service : that we may the rather be good citizens here, because our citizenship is in the Heavens. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (33) <|or tlje Spirit of ©rbcr anb |l£bmn« of fafo. ALMIGHTY GOD, Ruler of the nations. Fountain of justice : who has taught us to be 126 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. subject to every ordinance of man, and that not for wrath but for conscience' sake : incHne the hearts of men, we pray Thee, to the wise love of Hberty and of the law that guards it, to rejoice in submitting ourselves to all due authority and in giving to each his own, honour to whom honour, fear to whom fear : that we may know all men as in the Lord and gladly receive the holy bonds of brotherhood in which He commends us to one another for pity and longsuffering and love : that so in His light we may see light and in His pre- cept the way of our peace. And guide our feet into that way, O God, we beseech Thee. In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (24) Jfor ^omc P^issions. MOST GRACIOUS GOD, who hast appointed Thy Church to be in the earth a body for Thy Holy Son, by which His work may be finished and Thy Name continually hallowed : bless, we pray Thee, every endeavour of ours to fulfil the charge laid upon the Church of our fathers as Thine anointed witness to this nation ; that kind- ling the light of Thy Word and searching dili- gently in her own house she may recover for Thee the precious things which have been lost even there. Confess as Thine own work every effort and purpose of Thy Church to strengthen her means of doing Thy will, and of becoming a AIDS TO lyTERCESSION. 127 perfect instrument thereto, furnished to every good work. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. A men. (25) Jor Immigrants anb fcttltrs. ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast granted to our people great increase, and from every land hast gathered to us men desiring part in our heritage, so that by us Thou fillest the waste places, and hast given us great and wide dominion and strong hope that we may be Thy praise in the earthi teach us, we pray Thee, how to receive them who come to our shores and to share with them the inheritance of grace and truth ; teach them how to take their place with us in Church and Commonwealth ; that so the foundations of right- eousness which our fathers laid may be estab- lished and the nation built together into one upon them in the common love of country and united zeal for the kingdom and glory of our Lord. By the power of Thy Spirit, who maketh men to be of one mind, do this for us, Merciful Father. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (26) iat X\t Icfog. O GOD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose gifts and calling are without re- pentance : have compassion upon Thine ancient 128 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. people, whose are the promises, and of whom after the flesh Christ came. Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant unto them, and their zeal for Thee, though it be not according to knowledge. Let the veil which is upon their heart be taken away in their turning unto the Lord, their Messiah and ours ; that as the casting away of them was the reconciling of the world, so the receiving of them may be to us also as life from the dead. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Afne7i. (27) *Jor #ur's iomf. REMEMBER, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this dwelling, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy. Let Thy holy angels dwell herein, and preserve us in peace, and let Thy blessing be upon us evermore. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (28) *J^or all C^risthms. O GOD, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers : grant to all Thy servants a merciful judgment in that day, that they in the face of all Thy creatures may then be acknowledged as Thy true children. Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son, our Lord. Amen. AIDS TO INTERCESSION. 129 (29) Jor tl^c ^Isc of those bljo l^abc mabr ansbjcr for Cbilbrctt in %ir ^aptism. O GOD, our fathers' God and ours : I beseech Thee for A and B , in whose baptism I made answer, and whose vows are upon me. I pray Thee to give them a heart to fear Thee ; to honour father and mother ; readily to believe all true teaching, and willingly to obey every right precept. I beseech for them the grace of heavenly faith, that they may grow up into Christ in all things. Incline their hearts to Thy testimonies. Keep them from evil and from the knowledge of it. Shelter their weakness from temptation. Guide them into Thy truth. If they have erred, restore them. And grant them a desire for Thee, and an understanding of their calling, that they may (in "due time) confess their baptism before Thee and the Church, and be set in the fulness of their inheritance in Christ, to the glory of Thy Name. Amen. ' (30) * Jor a gigljt fclicf toncrming tl^e folg ^utbarist. ALMIGHTY, Everlasting Father, who hast promised to Thy faithful people life by Thine incarnate Son, even as He liveth by Thee : grant unto us all, and especially to those whom Thy providence hath in any wise entrusted with the I30 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. treasure of Thy holy doctrine among us, Thy good Spirit, always so to believe and understand, so to feel and firmly to hold, so to speak and to think concerning the mystery of the Communion of the Body and Blood of Thy dear Son, as shall be well pleasing to Thee and profitable to our souls. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. (31) Jor tlje ^sc of those bI)o arc agrceb in Supplication. LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hast promised that if two of us shall agree as touching anything that we will ask, it shall be done for us of Thy Father : regard this thing concerning which I am in covenant with my friend A , that we should together beseech God for it. And if it be a right thing and for good, do Thou, Lord, confess our faith, for we have hoped in Thy Word, and do Thou present our supplication before the Throne. We have asked of God : let it be done for us as Thou knowest is best ; and enable us to receive thank- fully what shall be appointed, so loving (jod that all things shall work together for good to us, and to the honour of Thy holy Name. Ajnejt. AIDS TO LYTERCESSION. 131 (32) Jor one fe^o ^as brsirrb our ^ragrrs. BE mindful, O Merciful Lord God, of Thy servant A , and of his hope in Thee only for that Thou hearest prayer. He is fled unto Thee for help — show him Thy faithfulness. Regard his trouble, and give commandment concerning him. 1 am not worthy to ask of Thee for my own necessity ; yet I have spoken with Thee for him. It is that Thou hast commanded us to pray for one another. It is that Thou hast promised to be entreated of us for one another. It is that Christ has taught us to pray in His Name, who ever lives to make intercession. For His sake, and through His intercession, hear me, O God. (33) * Jirt of ^ait^ at t^£ Close of Intrntssorg ^lagers. ALL these things we ask, O Heavenly Father, in patient confidence and joyful hope ; being assured that we ask them according to Thy will, that the voice of Thy Church is heard by Thee, that the intercessions of the Holy Ghost are known unto Thee, and that the mediation of Thy well-beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour, doth ever prevail with Thee. Wherefore we glorify Thy Name ; we fall down before Thy Throne ; we worship and adore Thy glorious Majesty ; 132 AIDS TO INTERCESSION. evermore praising Thee and saying : Salvation be unto our (jod, which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. {Those prayers wJiich are marked with an asterisk have been taken from various sources.) IV. H^Mttonal praters a ©ebotion Guided by the Prayer of Our Lord. BEHOLD what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. I bless Thee, O our Father, that Thou hast made Thyself known to us. We have seen Jesus, and therein we have seen Thee. I bless Thee for my baptism— that I am engrafted into Him, Thine only-begotten Son ; and in Him I am of Thee. Shed abroad therefore Thy love in my heart by the Holy Ghost. Give me the filial spirit of confidence toward Thee, that I may not be afraid to believe. Help me to know that Thou hast indeed made me Thy child, so that the mind of the Son may be formed in me. Teach me to ask of Thee, as knowing that Thou wilt not give me for bread a stone. Help me to love Thy commandments because 135 136 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. they are my Father's ; and to trust Thy law, because it is Thine. II. KEEP Thy Church, O God, that it may keep holy and reverend Thy Name which is named upon us. Help us to guard our trust. Let Thy Name be made holy before the world by the faith of Thy people, by their hope in Thee, by their love for Thee and for one another. Let it be holy in our reverence, exalted in our praises, honoured in our worship. O quicken Thy Church to hallow Thy Name. Restore to us joyfulness in Thy service. Teach us pleasure in prayer. May Thy Name be hallowed. May the Name of the Father be hallowed in our brotherliness and charity. Let it be honoured among men through cheerful courage and our zeal for all merciful deeds. May the Name of the Father be confessed through the Son. May the witness of Thy Church to the Word made Flesh be faithful, un- shakable. III. QUICKEN in us, O God, the blessed hope of the kingdom and appearing of our Lord : that, as we look for it, so we may hasten it. Increase our faith. Enliven our expectation. O send Him whom Thou wilt send ; His re- ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 137 ward with Him and His work before Him. O send again to us the Saviour of the world. Make bare Thine own arm, O God ; for vain is the help of man. We wait for Thee, Lord, more than they that wait for the morning. Help me, O God, who pray thus, to be myself as one who looks for his Lord, not knowing the day or the hour : in unworldliness, in detachment from desire, in patience, in readiness, in obedi- ence, m peacefulness. IV. O THAT what Thou wiliest were done in earth, for thus earth were as heaven. I believe that Thy will is good — in Thee there is no dark- ness at all. I believe in Thy law — that peace is in keeping of Thy commandments. Teach us to love Thy will, as our defence from all harm, as the very way of peace, whereby Thou art the very God of peace. Suffer us not to think that any evil thing is after Thy will. Give me faith that Thy will can be done in earth. Save me from thinking that Thou com- mandest the impossible. Teach me to trust Thy will, so that I may not be afraid to do it. V. LORD, Thou knowest of what things I have need. Give me such things, I pray Thee. I 138 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. will not be anxious for to-morrow. My Lord would have me without carefulness. I pray for to-day. 1 will seek my bread from God. Save me, O God, from looking for my daily bread from any hand but Thine. Save me from seeking it in any way that is not right before Thee. Let me find my bread in honest and just paths — given me by Thee and by Thee only. Lord, I live not by bread alone, but by every word of Thine. Give me also the Heavenly Bread — give me to feed on Him whose Flesh is true meat, and His Blood true drink, that He may raise me up at the last day. VL I CAN pay Thee nothing of all my debt, O God ; forgive me, only because I ask Thee. My sin is great, because I owe Thee infinitely for love that passes understanding, and I neverthe- less offend in much and come short in all. Yet there is forgiveness with Thee. Help me to deal with others' as Thou with me. Help me to forgive from the heart, lest I lose the forgiveness which Thou hast bestowed. Let me never think it impossible to forgive my brother. Lord, I acknowledge that I find it difficult to forgive. I am ready to forgive until I am in- jured : then, when I am angry and suffer, I do not know how to forgive. Help me to know that ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 139 then alone is my opportunity to forgive, as Thou for Christ' s sake hast forgiven me. VII. IF Thou chasten me, O Lord, be it not in anger : if Thou rebuke me, be it not in the hot- ness of Thy displeasure. As my Father chasten me, but not with that sorest retribution, that I should be given over to my temptations. Cast me not down into their power. Let me not be swept away into their bondage. I deserve it — for I have dealt easily with my sins. I have re- pented, and have returned to that of which I had repented. I have dared to confess sins without forsaking them. Thou hast pardoned sin — and I have repeated it. So I have entangled my soul in evil. I have given power to the Tempter to claim me that 1 be sifted. O God, I tremble and flee unto Thee. I am Thine : save me. VIII. DRAW me out of the net, O God. Break my bonds. Cut my life loose from the evil that is in the world. Give me the liberty of Thy children. Perfect the things that concern me. From evil, O God, from all evil — now in my will — at last in the fulness of my being. Let me be the bond- servant of Christ,' so that I maybe free as regards 140 ADDITIONAL PR A VERS. sin ; that I may have my fruit unto hoHness, and the end everlasting life. For all things are possible with Thee, O God ; and there is nothing too hard for Thee. Thy might is put forth for me, and Thou wilt perfect the good work which Thou hast begun. I will trust and not be afraid. I am persuaded that nothing can divide me from Thy love which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Glory be to the Father As it was Ame7i. % Hmgcr for obtaining Contrition. I HAVE sinned greatly, O God, and in many things ; but in nothing do I perceive myself so sinful as in this, that I bear my sins so easily. I am not stricken at heart for them as I ought to be. I am not duly concerned because of my re- peated transgressions. My heart is cold and untroubled, though 1 endeavour to repent. Lord, this also must be Thy gift to me. 1 have no worthy penitence to offer Thee. 1 beseech Thee to bestow upon me a greater sensibility of con- science, a heart that can feel, a soul that can be moved. I pray Thee to make in me a holy fear, a purifying shame, a sorrow that worketh life. ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 141 I have no hope of this, except in the gift and power of Thy Holy Spirit. Put forth Thy mercy by Him, O God, to take the stony heart out of my breast ; and to give me a heart of flesh, that I may walk in Thy statutes and keep Thine rdinances. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. §1 ^mDcr for |o» in Communion toitlj (Sob. GREAT and wonderful is Thy love for man, O God, and Thy grace to us, whom Thou hast called to be Thy children and has sought to worship Thee. Nevertheless I have seemed to myself like a dead thing, when 1 have tried to answer Thy blessed invitations. My soul is dry ; my heart is cold. My mind is unable to conceive the wonder of Thy way toward me, and of Thy love in Christ, the unspeakableness of Thy gift in the Holy Spirit, or the riches of our inherit- ance in Thy Sonship. I beseech Thee to reveal these things in my heart. Give me a greater desire to pray, a deeper joy in Thy worship, more pleasure in spiritual things. In my help- lessness to change myself I ask this from Thy power and compassion, in the communion of the Holy Ghost and for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. A?nen. 142 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. % Iprancr for ^oforr to take pleasure in tl^c polg ^tripturfs. ALMIGHTY GOD, I believe that Thou hast spoken to us by the holy men who were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that the Scriptures bear witness of Christ our Lord. Yet when I read them I too little search them. I follow their letter, but seem to myself little touched by the spirit. I have made it my duty to read in them, but I have not profited as I ought, nor have I taken such pleasure in Thy word as many of Thy servants find therein. I accuse myself for this, for I know that Thy law is wonderful ; but I am dull of heart and I am occupied in mind bv lower things. I earnestly ask Thee for such deeper fellowship of the Holy Spirit, who speaks in the blessed Scriptures, that when I open them, I may perceive His mind in what I read, and forthwith hear in them His voice to myself. I ask Thee for a quicker understanding in spiritual things, for more desire to understand, a fuller perception of Thy purpose in the Church, that I may become teachable, and may love that by which Thou wilt teach me. Grant this to my necessity, O my God, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 143 % ^WDfrfor tbt Potions of t^e Spirit in communituting. O GOD, who callest me to the holy table of Thy blessed Son, there with all Thy people to minister before Thee in its most high mystery, and there to receive and feed upon Jesus Christ : I rejoice in Thy calling ; yet I tremble and I reproach myself, because at other times, thus doing, I have found myself so cold and so little moved by that which 1 did. 1 know with my understanding what this great and wonderful Sacrament is ; but with my heart I do not suf- ciently apprehend it. Give me power to realise the presence of my Lord. As my eyes behold the outward part of the Sacrament, may my soul see that inward and spiritual part of the same action. Quicken me to know that 1 am myself showing Thee the Lord's death forme. Inspire me to perceive that Thou art regarding what we do, and for His one sacrifice art forgiving and accepting us ; that it may be to me the uttermost confession of my sin and the most perfect appre- hension of salvation — the holiest sorrow and the chiefest joy — an oblation of all possible thanks- giving and praise. Reveal to me my Lord who comes forth full-handed with His riches, prevail- ing from His intercession, as a Shepherd feeding His flock, as a King feasting with His people. Increase my hunger for Him, that my heart may welcome His coming. Increase my faith, that I 144 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. may know what He does to me. Grant me this joy, O Father ; and yet, if Thou withhold it, help me to be content that Thou vouchsafest to me to do that which the Lord hath appointed, and help me to believe certainly that He gives what he has promised. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. % ^rager for ^Icssing on it (Soob W.zx\\. THOU knowest my heart, O God, and that in this thing which I have undertaken I have de- sired not my own advantage, but verily to serve Thee and to glorify my Lord. Let it not want Thy blessing. Refuse not to be served by me. The hearts of men are in Thy hand : incline them to think kindly of my endeavour. Cause them to understand my purpose. Dispose them to be favourable to me when 1 seek their help. If it please Thee, suffer me to see that Thy pleas- ure prospers in my hand. I thank Thee for every token of Thine acceptance of my sacrifice, and for the encouragement which 1 have re- ceived ; 1 bow to Thy will in what has discour- aged me. I fervently ask Thee for the grace of perseverance, for courage, for a heart to believe in my fellow-men — to believe and to hope. I commend my work to Thee, and I pray Thee to show that Thou art with me. Give me wisdom, O God, that I may be prudent in Thy service ; ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 145 yet give me zeal enough to be bold for Thy name. Through Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son. % ^rancr for ^rlloto-toorkcrs. (iRANT, O God, that we, who are bound together in one holy purpose, be of one mind and one heart. Let there be no root of bitter- ness among us, no emulation, nothing done for vainglory. Grant that each esteem other better than himself, and be ready to take the lowest place and to be servant of all. Teach us how to bear each his own burden, yet also how to bear one another's burdens. So let us have joy, not only in our task, and not only in its fruit, but also in fellowship with one another, proving each other's faith, and perceiving the goodness of the blessed way of the Lord Jesus, who liveth and reigneth. Aincn. Ji ^rancr of tbosc bbo builb a Cburtb- ALMIGHTY GOD, whose Son our Lord was consumed with the zeal of Thine house : inspire the hearts of all Thy people with the same mind, and grant unto us Thy blessing and guidance in seeking to build Thee in this place a House of Prayer. Raise up help for us, and give us what 146 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. for this end we need. Hear us, we pray Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. % |1mucr for tl)c Ise of a Suilb. ETERNAL and most blessed Spirit, the promise of the Father and unspeakable gift of God, who abidest with the Church for ever : dwell ever, we pray Thee, with this Guild of Thy servants, the Spirit of wisdom and understand- ing, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord ; the bond of our unity with Christ, the strength of our obedience, the joy of our fellowship with one another ; who with the Father and the Son art worshipped and glorified, world without end. Amen. % Prager of a %-xn\\\ on behalf of #ffspring. MOST MERCIFUL GOD, who hast wonder- fully made the tie of parent and child in the like- ness of Thine own Divine Fatherhood : I beseech Thee for help in regard to those whom Thou hast given me. Enable me so to be with them that it may be possible for them to obey Thy command- ment, and to honour fatherhood in me. Give me a wise spirit of rule, and them a holy spirit of obedience. Make me just as well as kind, patient as well as strong. Teach me to under- ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 147 stand them, that I may teach them, and to love them in Christ as well as with natural affection. Save me from dealing with them as if they were mine for my pleasure. Save me from injustice to their ignorance, from cruelty to their weak- ness, from impatience with their faults. Save me from slothfulness to teach them, and from selfish unwillingness to correct their errors. Save me from growing worldly for them. I fear the temptation to seek their advantage as I would not have sought my own. Help me to trust Thee in what concerns them, as I have trusted Thee for myself. And may Thy Holy Spirit incline their heart to good : to obey what is right, and to believe what is true, and to see what is excellent. For without Thee I can do nothing. O God, be merciful to me in them, and suffer not that my sins rise up to judge me, or my faults to rebuke me, in these the offspring of my body and of my soul. For Thy pity which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. A me 71. A pranrr for tbc Ssc of a §oit or gaugbtrr. MY FATHER which art in heaven, I beseech Thee to enable me with fulness of honour to regard the fatherhood under which, as a sacra- ment of Thine own Fatherhood, Thou hast set 148 ADDITIOXAL PR A VERS. me. Suffer me not with growing strength and increasing age to lose my sense of debt and reverence as a son in my father's house, (iive me knowledge of the mystery of sonship, as it is revealed in Christ Jesus, that I may glorify Him and show His mind in all due obedience, and by diligent regard of that tie which is sacred on earth as being the shadow of the unity which is eternal in the heavens. That Thy praise may be known among us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. A?ne?t. §1 ^raiJtr ferbm one is S^empteb. O LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hast suffered being tempted, have mercy upon me. O Lord Jesus Christ, who in the days of Thy flesh wast heard of God the Father in Thy crying to Him because Thou fearedst, have mercy upon me ; for in fear of my temptation I cry unto Thee. O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst pray for Thy disciple when Satan claimed him to be sifted as wheat, pray for me that my faith fail not. O Lord, whose soul was sorrowful even unto death, because the prince of this world came against Thee, though he had no part in Thee, have pity on me : for I am tempted ; and I am not as Thou wert, but by many sins I have delivered myself to the power of temptation. O Lord, put forth help for me. Rid me out of the net. Break ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 149 the hold of evil upon me. Purge my heart of desire. Help me to die to sin in Thee, that it may not have dominion over me. And I will praise Thee, Thou merciful and faithful High Priest who art able to succour those who are tempted. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. %. ^rajjcr (n^cu one is uncertain of Pntg. I DESIRE to do Thy will, O God, my God, for I know that that alone is good ; but for my blindness and foolishness 1 do not plainly see what is the way in which Thou wouldst have me go. My conscience bids me do the right only : and so I desire, and am not afraid ; but my con- science does not tell me on which hand the right path lies. Enlighten me by Thy Holy Spirit. Guide me by Thy providence. Give me a token of Thy will. Send me direction. If I am at all darkened by self-will, or biassed by love of my own interest, or turned from the truth by human affection ; or if I am hindered from seeing plainly by any hatred of my brother, or by any slothful unwilhngness of soul, by prejudice or partisan- ship : I beseech Thee, O God, to purge my soul of such a thing ; I pray Thee to give me knowl- edge of myself, that I may cleanse my heart, and so reach a right judgment. ISO A DD I TIONA L PR A VERS. I fear to grieve the Holy Spirit. I fear to sin by doing anything which is not of faith. I verily desire to submit myself to Thy word. Let light rise up for me, O God, in the communion of the Holy Ghost, and for the sake of Jesus Christ and of Thy love in Him, who with Thee and the same Spirit liveth and reigneth. Anieii . %. '^rancr brforc going on h |ournfn. MY times are in Thy hand, O God, and I go forth not knowing whither the way may bring me, or how it shall be with me or with the matter which causes my journey. But Thou knowest the end from the beginning, and with Thee are the issues of every hour of my life. I commend myself to Thee. May Thy hand be upon me for good. If it please Thee, prosper my work ; bless my undertaking ; further my purpose. Let this also, good Lord, end for me in thanksgiving, when I have seen what Thou wilt appoint for me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. %, |lranrr for use bbrn in ^nvictn. I BESEECH Thee, O Lord, to quiet my spirit in faith of Thee. My Saviour would have me without carefulness ; yet 1 am of an anxious mind, careful and troubled about many things. ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 151 I acknowledge my foolishness therein ; I accuse myself of ingratitude — for Thy mercies to me have been countless. O God, who hast num- bered the hairs of my head, and who knowest of what things I have need, help me to be quietly in Thy hand, casting my care upon Thee. Lord, increase my faith, that I may confess Thee by resting upon Thy Name, and praise Thee by an untroubled confidence in Thy power and wisdom, and in Thy mercies even to me, who deserve them not. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. % |1rnDcr bbcn in Soubt. O God, whose Son Jesus Christ hast promised that if any man wills to do Thy will he shall know of the doctrine : I entreat Thee to accept my imperfect desire after Thy will, and to bless it with that great reward. Help me to cleave unto Thee in darkness until Thou bring me out into light. I know that the truth stands in Christ Jesus : help me also to perceive it. I know that by Him alone I can come to Thee : show me the way in Him, O my Father. I am sure that life eternal is in Him only : grant me to find it, O (jod. Thou knowest that I seek, O God — and shall I not find ? 1 hope in Thee, O God ; let my hope save me ; make it an anchor for my soul. Help me to put forth my will in believing, and by violence to enter Thy kingdom. 152 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. Grant this, O God, to me, for whom also Christ died. Amen. ^rforc a ^urrage. O GOD, who hast ordained marriage, honour- able in all ; holy and blessed, a great mystery in Christ Jesus ; the likeness of the union of Christ and the Church ; let the fulness of Thy benedic- tion be upon the union of Thy son and daughter, for whom I pray ; prepare their hearts by Thy grace so in Thy holy fear to vow to one another, that they may obtain Thy help to fulfil every duty and to bear every responsibility of marriage : that it may be well with them, O God, and peace and joy be in their home, and their hearts be united to fear Thee, and that each may help the other to know Thee and serve Thee well and truly in Christ Jesus our Lord. Aiiicn. @n \\t ©trasion of w ^irtb. {To be used daily ttntil the child is christened.) THANKS be to Thee, O God, that this child is born into the world. As Thou hast given the life, so in Thy mercy preserve it. Let Thy gra- cious Fatherhood overshadow and protect it from all harm in body and soul. May this child be spared to come to the font of baptism, and there ADDITION A L PR A YERS. 1 5 3 receive all Thy Grace which Thou hast prepared for us, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. ^rforc a ^aptism. ALMIGHTY GOD, who by our ascended Lord dost ever send down Thy Holy Spirit upon Thy Church, to fill Thine ordinances with heavenly power, causing those things which are done ac- cording to Thine ordinance truly and really to come to pass : grant us with undoubting faith to come unto this mystery of holy baptism, bringing to Thee the child who is Thy gift to us. Whom do Thou, for Christ's sake, O Father, receive unto Thyself, engrafting /n??i into the body of the Lord, quickening his spirit by Thy Holy Spirit, and making ////// partaker of all Thy grace. May those who make answer for ///;;/ have from Thee grace sufficient for the holy charge which they accept ; and, vowing truly, be helped of Thee to fulfil the same. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. %SXii a baptism. KEEP, O Lord, I pray, this Thy child in Thy Fatherly tuition and guardianship that he may abide in Christ, into whom he is now engrafted. May he never fall from the grace which he has received. Father, Divine Husbandman, tending 154 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. the true Vine, grant that this be a fruitful branch in Christ, pruned by Thy hand, bearing the fruits of the Spirit. Merciful Jesus, Shepherd of the sheep, care for this lamb of the flock, upon which is now set Thy mark. May it never leave Thy hand ; but, being Thine, may it know Thy voice, and by Thee be led in and out and find pasture. But if ever it stray, Lord, remember Thy word and go after it into the wilderness, and seek until Thou find it and bring it back. O most holy and gracious Spirit, of whom the Temple is builded together, an habitation for God : may this living stone be established where now it is built into the holy wall. May the body of this child be Thy dwelling-place. May his members be Thine instruments for righteousness. May he stand in his lot in the end of the days. And to the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, be glory, world without end. Amen, Jfor ottf fol^o is %\i\\. LORD, he whom Thou lovest is sick : tarry not, I beseech Thee, merciful Lord, but put forth Thy power for ///;//. Thou art the Saviour of our bodies as of our souls, and all our life is from Thee : heal hi7n, O Lord. In the old days they brought their sick to Thee, and Thou didst send none away uncomforted. They laid them at Thy ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 155 feet, and Thou didst heal them all. I know that Thou art the same yesterday and to-day. Thy hand is not shortened ; Thy pity is not less. Lord, I come to Thee as they came. Say to me also, "According to thy faith be it unto thee," and give me faith to obtain Thy mercy. I bring my sick to Thee : say unto me, " Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." I beseech Thee, merciful Jesus, to hear me ; for to Thee belongeth all power in earth as in heaven. And to Thy Name be glory for ever. Ameji. % S^^anksgibing after ^ttoberg. O LORD my God, I cried unto Thee and Thou hast healed me ; Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave ; Thou hast kept me alive that I should not go down to the pit. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits . who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth all thy diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies. O most gracious God, who of Thy great good- ness hast restored health to Thy servant : receive the thanksgiving which thus is offered before Thee. Continue and establish this Thy mercy, that the life which Thou hast spared may be also strengthened, and that it may be the more heartily devoted to Thee, and continually be to 156 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. the praise of Thy glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anieii. .,-■ ^^ff V ^^^T^^T^WlBl «***S(|i»|«ft*L 1 ^