THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

(Church of India, Pakistan, Burma, and Ceylon, 1960)

The Lord's Supper

Collects, Lessons, Epistles, and Gospels

IV.  FOR SPECIAL INTENTIONS

1.  Of the Passion
2.  For the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
3.  Of the Blessed Virgin Mary
4.  For the Spread of the Gospel
5.  For the Unity of Chirstendom
6.  For Synods
7.  For Hospitals
8.  For Schools and Colleges
9.  For the Peace of the World
10.  For Peace in Our Land
11.  On National Occasions
12.  In Time of Calamity
13.  In Time of any Epidemic, Plague, or Sickness
14.  On and Occasion of Thanksgiving
15.  On the Anniversary of the Consecration or Enthronement of a Bishop
16.  On the Anniversary of a Wedding
17.  For Christian Homes
18.  For One going on a Journey
19.  For the Sick and Infirm
20.  On the Day of Burial or in Memory of the Departed



1.  OF THE PASSION

The Collect

O GOD, who by the passion of thy blessed Son hast made the instrument of shameful death to be unto us the means of life and peace:  Grant us so to glory in the Cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss; for the sake of the same thy son our Lord.  Amen.

The Epistle.  1 Corinthians 1.  17

CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:  not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:   but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The Gospel.  St John 12. 23

JESUS answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of Man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:  but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be:  if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.  Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say?  Father, save me from this hour:  but for this cause came I unto this hour.  Father, glorify thy name.  Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.  The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered:  others said, An angel spake to him.  Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.  Now is the judgement of this world:  now shall the prince of this world be cast out.  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The Preface

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord:  Who being found in fashion as a man, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross; That, being lifted up from the earth, he might draw all men unto himself.
THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and will all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Priest and People


HOLY,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory.  Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.  Amen.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:  Hosanna in the highest.




2.  FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Collect

GOD, who at Pentecost didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit:  Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.

The Epistle.  1 Corinthians 12. 4

THERE are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but is the same God, who worketh all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.  But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

The Gospel.  St John 14. 23

JESUS said, If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:  and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.  These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Preface

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord:  Who after that he had ascended up far above all the heavens, and was set down at the right hand of thy Majesty:  Did at Pentecost pour forth upon the Universal Church thy Holy and Life-giving Spirit:  That through his glorious power the joy of the everlasting gospel might go forth into all the world:  Whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Priest and People


HOLY,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory.  Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.  Amen.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:  Hosanna in the highest.



3.  OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

(which is specially suitable for use on Saturdays)

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, who didst endue with singular grace the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord:  Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to hallow our bodies in purity, and our souls in humility and love; through the same our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Lesson.  Isaiah 7. 10

MOREOVER, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.  But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.  And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David:  Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign:  Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

The Epistle.  Galatians 4. 1

THE heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the father.  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:  but when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The Gospel.  St Luke 1. 26

IN the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin’s name was Mary.  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, though that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.  And when she saw him she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:  and the Lord god shall give unto him the throne of his father David.  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:  therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.  And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren:  for with God nothing shall be impossible.  And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.  And the angel departed from her.

The Preface

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born for our salvation:  Who, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother:  And that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin.
THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Priest and People


HOLY,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory.  Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.  Amen.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:  Hosanna in the highest.


Further Epistles and Gospels may be chosen from the Propers for other Festivals connected with the Blessed Virgin Mary.



4.  FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL


The Collect

O GOD of all the nations of the earth, remember the multitudes of those, who, though created in thine image, have not known thee, nor the redemption wrought by thy Son Jesus Christ; and grant that by the prayers and labours of thy holy Church they may be delivered from all superstition and unbelief, and brought to worship thee; through him whom thou hast sent to be the Resurrection and the Life of all men, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Or,

O GOD, our heavenly Father, who didst manifest thy love by sending thine only-begotten Son into the world that all might live through him:  Pour thy Spirit upon thy Church that it may fulfil his command to preach the Gospel to every creature; send forth, we beseech thee, labourers into thy harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and all Israel shall be saved; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Or,

O GOD, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that are afar off, and to them that are nigh:  Grant that all the people of this land may feel after thee and find thee; and hasten, O heavenly Father, the fulfilment of thy promise, to pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Or,

O LORD, who hast warned us that thou wilt require much of those to whom much is given:  Grant that we, whose lot is cast in so goodly a heritage, may strive together the more abundantly, by prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, and by all other appointed means, to extend to those who know thee not what we so richly enjoy; and as we have entered into the labours of others, so to labour that others may enter into ours, to the fulfilment of thy holy will, and the salvation of all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(a)                The Epistle.  Ephesians 2. 13                     

NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us:  having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
 

The Gospel.  St John 1. 35

ON the morrow John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye?  They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?  He saith unto them, Come and see.  They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day:  for it was about the tenth hour.  One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.  He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.  And he brought him to Jesus.  And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of John:  thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

(b)                    The Lesson.  Isaiah 2. 2                   

IT shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.  And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:  for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.  And he shall judge between the nations, and shall reprove many peoples:  and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks:  nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

The Gospel.  St Matthew 9. 35

JESUS went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

(c)                   The Lesson.  Isaiah 49. 5                      

AND now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him:  (for I am honourable in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is become my strength:) yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel:  I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.  Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers:  Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of the Lord that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.  Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I helped thee:  and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; saying to them that are bound, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.  They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture.  They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them:  for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.  And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.  Behold, these shall come from far:  and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.  Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

The Gospel.  St Matthew 28. 16

THE eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  And when they saw him, they worshipped him:  but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spake to them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

(d)             The Lesson.  Revelation 22. 16                

I, JESUS have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.  I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.  And let him that heareth say, Come.  And let him that is athirst come.  And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
 
The Gospel.  St John 7. 37

IN the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  But this spake he of the Spirit, that they that believe on him should receive:  for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

Note, that these Epistles and Gospels should not be interchanged at the option of the celebrant, but each Epistle or Lesson should be read with the corresponding Gospel.


5.  FOR THE UNITY OF CHRISTENDOM

The Collect

O LORD Jesu Christ, who didst say to thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church, and grant it that peace and unity which is agreeable to thy will; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.

The Epistle.  Ephesians 4. 4

THERE is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.  But unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore he saith,

When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive,

And he gave gifts unto men.

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And he gave some to be Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, and unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the building up of itself in love.

The Gospel.  St. John 17. 11

JESUS said, Now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  While I was with them in the world, I kept them in my name:  those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.  And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Top of page.

6.  FOR SYNODS

The Collect

O LORD God, the father of lights and fountain of all wisdom, who in the days of the Apostles didst send thy Holy Spirit to direct the first Council of thy Church in Jerusalem:  Look mercifully upon us, and so bless the Bishop and assessors assembled in Synod, that through their deliberations thy Church may be preserved in the true faith, and in godly discipline; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Or,

GUIDE, we beseech thee, Almighty God, with the light of thy Holy Spirit, our Bishop(s), Clergy, and Laity, in the Diocesan Council (or, General Council), that they may wisely consult together for the good of thy Church and the glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Epistle.  1 Corinthians 12. 1

CONCERNING spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.  Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus Christ accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but is the same God who worketh all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.  But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The Gospel.  St. John 15. 1

JESUS said to his disciples, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches.  He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.



7.  FOR HOSPITALS

The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people:  Continue, we beseech thee, this his gracious work among us (especially in . . .); cheer, heal, and sanctify the sick; to doctors and nurses grant diligence and skill, sympathy and patience; and send down thy blessing on all who labour to prevent suffering, and to forward thy purposes of love; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Lesson.  Acts 5. 12

BY the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people:  (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch:  and of the rest durst no man join himself to them:  but the people magnified them:  and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women:) insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits:  and they were healed every one.

The Gospel.  St Luke 7. 19

JOHN calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?  When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?  And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.  Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.



8.  FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee, with thy gracious favor to behold our Universities, Colleges, and Schools (especially . . .), that knowledge may be increased among us, and all good learning flourish and abound.  Bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Lesson.  Ecclesiasticus 4. 11

            WISDOM exalteth her children,

And layeth hold of them that seek her.

He that loveth her loveth life;

And they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.

He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory;

And wheresoever she entereth the Lord will bless.

Those that serve her shall minister to the Holy One:

And them that love her the Lord doth love.

Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations:

And he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.

If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her;

And his generation shall hold her in possession.

For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways,

And bring fear and dread upon him,

And torment him with her discipline,

Until she may trust his soul, and try him by her laws.

Then will she return the straight way unto him,

And comfort him, and show him her secrets.

But if he do wrong, she will forsake him,

And give him over to his own ruin.

Or,

The Epistle.  Philippians 4. 8

FINALLY, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:  land the God of peace shall be with you.

The Gospel.  St Matthew 7. 24

JESUS said, Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:  for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell:  and great was the fall of it.  And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:  for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.



9.  FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD

The Collect

ETERNAL God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, and no strength known but the strength of love:  We pray thee so mightily to shed and spread abroad thy Spirit, that all peoples and ranks may be gathered under one banner, of the Prince of peace; as children of one God and Father of all; to whom be dominion and glory now and for ever.  Amen.

The Epistle.  St James 3. 17, and part of Chapter 4

THE wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  Ye lust, and have not:  ye kill, and desire to have and cannot obtain:  ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?  But he giveth more grace.  Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:  let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

The Gospel.  St Matthew 5. 43

JESUS said, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:  for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.



10.  FOR PEACE IN OUR LAND

The Collect

O GOD, who hast taught us that the fruit of righteousness is peace:  Remove from among us all dangers of civil strife and discord; grant grace to the members of thy Church to show forth there brotherly union in thee, and enable them to serve their neighbours by promoting reconciliation and harmony among all men (or, those who are now at variance); through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Lesson.  Isaiah 32. 1

BEHOLD, a king shall rule in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgement.  And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.  And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.  The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.  The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful.  Then judgement shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever.  And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

The Gospel.  St John 14. 27

JESUS said to his disciples, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you.  If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father:  for my Father is greater than I.  And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

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11.  ON NATIONAL OCCASIONS

The Collect

O GOD of all nations, look in mercy, we beseech thee, on our land.  Give wisdom and understanding to the President (or Governor-General), the Prime Minister, and all her rulers, and to her peoples unity and concord.  Guide their policies by the light of thy life-giving Spirit, that she may go forward in justice and liberty, prosperity and peace; and in thy good time grant that she may bring her glory and honour into the kingdom of thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Epistle.  Romans 13. 1

LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God:  the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God:  and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgement.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  for he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:  for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For for this cause pay ye tribute also:  for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.

The Gospel.  St Matthew 22. 16

THE Pharisees sent out unto him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men.  Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou?  Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? show me the tribute-money.  And they brought unto him a penny.  And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?  They say unto him, Cæsar’s.  Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.  When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went their way.


12.  IN TIME OF CALAMITY

The Collect

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

The Epistle.  Romans 8. 35

WHO shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Gospel.  St. Mark 4. 36

WHEN they had sent away the multitude, they took Jesus even as he was in the ship.  And there were also with him other little ships.  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow:  and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?  And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?



13.              IN TIME OF ANY EPIDEMIC, PLAGUE, OR SICKNESS

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, with whom are the issues of life and death:  Grant, we beseech thee, help and deliverance to those who are visited with grievous sickness.  We look humbly up to thee with sure confidence in thy power to save; and trusting wholly in thy mercy, beseech thee to grant relief from our affliction, and health and strength to thy people, that they may serve thee with quiet, lowly, and thankful hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Lesson.  1 Kings 8. 37

IF there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; what prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:  then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) that they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

The Gospel.  St Mark 1. 32

AT even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.  And all the city was gathered together at the door.  And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.



14.  ON AN OCCASION OF THANKSGIVING

The Collect

O GOD, whose love we cannot measure and whose blessings are without number:  We bless and praise thee for all thy goodness, who in our weakness art our strength, in our darkness light, in our sorrows comfort and peace, and from everlasting to everlasting art our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, world without end.  Amen.

The Lesson.  Revelation 4. 1

AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven:  and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.  And immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne:  and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:  and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats; and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.  And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices.  And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.  And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:  and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.  And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.  And the four living creatures had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within:  and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.  And when those living creatures give glory, and honour, and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power:  for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.

The Gospel.  St Luke 10. 21

JESUS rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes:  even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.  All things are delivered to me of my Father:  and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.  And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:  for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.



15.  ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OR ENTHRONEMENT OF A BISHOP


The Collect

O GOD, the Pastor and Ruler of all thy faithful people, look down in mercy on thy servant N. our Bishop, to whom thou hast given charge over this diocese; and evermore guide, defend, comfort, sanctify, and save him:  and grant him by thy grace so to advance in word and good example, that he, with the flock committed to him, may attain to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Epistle.  Hebrews 5. 1

EVERY high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:  who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way:  for that he himself is also compassed with infirmity.  And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.  And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

The Gospel.  St Mark 13. 33

JESUS said unto his disciples, Take ye heed, watch and pray:  for ye know not when the time is.  For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  Watch ye therefore:  for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  lest coming suddenly he may find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

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16.  ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF A WEDDING

The Collect

O GOD our Father, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us that love is the fulfilling of the law:  Grant to these thy servants that, loving one another, they may continue in thy love unto their lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.

The Epistle.  Ephesians 5. 22

WIVES, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church:  and he is the saviour of the body.  Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing:  but that it should be holy and without blemish.  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.  He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church:  for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

The Gospel.  St John 15. 9

JESUS said unto his disciples, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you:  continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.


17.  FOR CHRISTIAN HOMES

The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ did share at Nazareth the life of an earthly home:  Bless, we beseech thee, (this and) all Christian homes, and grant that in them his presence may ever be manifest and his peace and love may always abound to the glory of thy name:  through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Epistle.  Philemon 1

PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:  Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

The Gospel.  St Luke 2. 51

AND he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:  but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.


18.  FOR ONE GOING ON A JOURNEY

The Collect

ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
The Lesson.  Genesis 28. 10

JACOB went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.  And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.  And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven:  and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac:  the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south:  and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.  And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.  And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God.

Or,

The Lesson.  Exodus 33. 12

MOSES said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people:  and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me.  Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.  Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight:  and consider that this nation is thy people.  And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.  And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.  For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and my people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

The Gospel.  St John 14. 1

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


19.  FOR THE SICK AND INFIRM

The Collect

ALMIGHTY Father, giver of life and health:  Look mercifully, we beseech thee, on this thy servant, that by thy blessing upon him and upon those who minister to him, he may speedily be restored to health, if it be thy gracious will, and give thanks to thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Epistle.  St James 5. 13

IS any among you afflicted? let him pray.  Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The Gospel.  St Matthew 8. 5

WHEN Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.  And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me:  and I say unto this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel.  And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.  But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness:  there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.  And his servant was healed in the self-same hour.



20.  ON THE DAY OF BURIAL OR INMEMORY OF THE DEPARTED


The Collect

O LORD, the maker and redeemer of all believers:  Grant to the faithful departed all the unsearchable benefits of thy Son’s passion; that in the day of his appearing they may be manifested as thy true children; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Or,

GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Or,

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

The Epistle.  1 Corinthians 15. 51

BEHOLD, I show you a mystery:  We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, (for the trumpet shall sound,) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality; then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Or,

The Epistle.  2 Corinthians 4. 16, and part of Chap. 5

THOUGH our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven; if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.  For that we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened:  not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Or,

The Epistle.  1 Thessalonians 4. 13

I WOULD not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The Gospel.  St John 5. 24

JESUS said, Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  Verily, verily I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God:  and they that hear shall live.  For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgement also, because he is the Son of Man.  Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgement.

Or,

The Gospel.  St John 6. 37

JESUS said, All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:  and I will raise him up at the last day.

Or,

The Gospel.  St John 11. 21

THEN said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.  Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:  he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he life:  and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.  Believest thou this?  She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:  I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

The Hymn, O Lamb of God, may be said or sung in the following form:

            O LAMB of God, that takest away the sin of the world, Grant them rest.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, Grant them rest.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, Grant them rest everlasting.

The Service may be concluded after the Post-Communion Prayers as follows: 

Priest.     The Lord be with you;
Answer.
     And with thy spirit.
Priest.     May they rest in peace.
Answer.
     Amen.

 

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