A BIDDING PRAYER
To be used before Sermons, and on other occasions.
The Minister, in his discretion, may omit any of the clauses, or may add others, as occasion may require. There may be short periods for silent prayer after any of the clauses.
LET us pray for Christ’s holy Catholic Church; that is, for the whole congregation of Christian people dispersed throughout the world; that it may please God to confirm and strengthen it in purity of faith, in holiness of life, and in perfectness of love, and to restore to it the witness of visible unity; and more especially for that branch of it to which we belong; that in all things it may work according to God’s will, serve him faithfully, and worship him acceptably.
And herein let us pray most especially for our Sovereign Lord CHARLES, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada, and his other realms and territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. Let us also pray for all the members of the Royal Family.
Let us pray for the Ministers of God’s holy Word and Sacraments, as well the Archbishops and Bishops [especially N., Bishop of this Diocese] as other pastors and teachers, that they may minister faithfully and wisely, and in all things may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.
Let us pray for all that are set in authority over us; that all of them in their several callings may serve truly and faithfully to the glory of God, and the edifying and well-governing of his people; remembering always the strict and solemn account which they must one day give before the judgement-seat of Christ. Let us likewise pray for all municipal authorities, especially those who bear office in this city [or town, or district].
And that there may never be wanting a supply of persons duly qualified to serve God both in Church and State, let us implore his blessing on all schools, and universities, and seminaries of religious and useful learning, [especially on . . . ,] that in these and all places set apart for God’s honour and service, true religion and sound learning may for ever flourish.
Let us pray for all the people of this Dominion, that they may live in the true faith and fear of God, in humble obedience to the King, and in brotherly charity one to another; and particularly for all who travel by land, water, or air; for all prisoners and captives; for all who are in sickness or in sorrow; for all who have fallen into grievous sin; for all who, through temptation, ignorance. helplessness, grief, trouble, dread, or the near approach of death, specially need our prayers.
Finally, let us yield unto God most high praise and hearty thanks for all those who are departed out of this life in the faith of Christ; and for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all his saints, who have been the chosen vessels of his grace, and lights of the world in their several generations; and let us pray unto God that we may have grace to direct our lives after their good example, that, this life ended, we may be partakers with them of the glorious resurrection in the life everlasting.
These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up before the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us, saying:
OUR Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.