The Lord bless to us the reading of His word, and to His name be glory and praise. Amen. Then shall be sung the Hymn NUNC DIMITTIS or other Hymn or Psalm, after which may be sung or said by the Minister and people standing II. The Apostles' Creed. BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, I 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. The Lord be with you: I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. Then, the Congregation kneeling, the Minister shall say Let us Pray. Intercessions. Almighty and everlasting God, we come to Thee through Jesus Christ our only Mediator and Advocate, and we entreat Thee to receive our intercessions, and to help our infirmities by Thy Holy Spirit. We humbly beseech Thee, gracious Father, for Thy holy Catholic Church: fill it with all truth, and in all truth with all peace; where it is. corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, reform it; where it is right, strengthen and confirm it; where it is in want, furnish it; where it is divided and rent asunder, heal Thou the breaches thereof, O Thou Holy One of Israel. O Lord, save Thy people: And bless Thine inheritance. We pray for all pastors and ministers of Thy Church, that, being replenished with the truth of Christian doctrine, and endued with innocency of life, they may rule Christ's flock with diligence and celebrate Thy worship to Thy glory. We pray for all estates of men in Thy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and devoutly serve Thee, following the footsteps of his Lord and Saviour. Amen. We pray for kings and all in authority, that they may be just, ruling in the fear of God: especially for Thy servant Queen Victoria, that she may enjoy Thy favour, seek Thy glory, and study to preserve her people in peace, prosperity, and godliness. For Albert Edward Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family, that they may adorn their station by virtuous and holy lives. For the Queen's counsellors [the High Court of Parliament], the judges, and the magistrates, that they may exercise the powers which Thou hast given them, for the punishment of vice and the maintenance of virtue. Amen. We pray for our country, that Thou wouldst grant us peaceful times and fruitful seasons; that Thou wouldst prosper our industries, and defend us from our enemies. For our universities and schools, that the young may be taught the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. For all who remember the poor, and do good works among Thy people, that their hands may be strengthened, and their prayers and alms come up for a memorial before Thee. We pray for this [town and] parish, and every family and household, that true religion may flourish in this place. For husbands and wives, that they may live together as heirs of the grace of life, and be helpers of each other's faith and joy. For parents, that they may bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and for children, that they may obey their parents in all things. For masters, that they may give to their servants that which is just and equal, knowing that they have a Master in heaven; and for servants, that they may serve from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not unto men. We pray for all travellers by land or water, that they may be brought safely on their way; for all in danger, that they may be delivered, and praise Thee for Thy goodness and Thy wonderful works towards them. For all widows and orphans, that Thou wouldst be their stay; for all prisoners and captives, that Thou wouldst pity them; for those in sickness and sorrow, that Thou wouldst heal and comfort them; for those in doubt and fear, that Thou wouldst relieve them; for the dying, that Thou wouldst be their guide even unto death, and afterwards receive them to glory. We pray for all who have erred and strayed from Thy ways, that they may have the grace of true repentance; and for all who have striven to do Thy will and keep the faith, that they may persevere unto life eternal. Amen. Here may be introduced any other subject for We remember before Thee, O God, with grateful heart, our brethren and sisters, who from the beginning of the world have pleased Thee in their several generations, and are now at rest with Thee in Paradise; and we beseech Thee shortly to accomplish the number of Thine elect, to prepare us for the second coming of Thy Christ, and to hasten His glorious kingdom, at whose appearing Thy saints departed shall be raised, and we shall be changed, and death shall be swallowed up in victory, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who ever liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. Then a Psalm or Hymn is sung, or, when con- Then, the Congregation kneeling, the Minister shall say Let us Pray. |