iEtiangtfltral
W 1 1 j. i ft j. j f
lEtmngdtral lonk of Itersljip
*
•Publish
by tlje
(Herman &iang?ltral &#nnli
of North. Ammra
*
EDEN PUBLISHING HOUSE
ST. LOUIS, MO. and CHICAGO, ILL. 1916
"5X73,
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Authorize bg ttje (irttrral (Sanftrpnrp of ttjr (Srrmatt iEoaitgpItral l^gnoa of North Ammra at SlomauUU?, 2Cwturkg, li>rptpmbrr, 1313.
Copyright 1916 EDEN PUBLISHING HOUSE
for the German Evangelical Synod of N. A.
\<&
MAR 27 1916
3CU428a»i
A/j'I
The manner in which the service of the Evangelical Church is conducted not only distinguishes it from other Churches, but has at the same time a far-reaching, unconscious and continuous influ- ence upon the essential elements of belief in the hearts of the wor- shipers. The great truths and historic facts of Christianity may be expressed in statements of doctrine; but unless they come to expression also in the common exercises of devotion, they are almost certain to be lost to the living consciousness of the Church. It is true that the language of devotion is different from the lan- guage of definition. It is simpler, warmer, less intellectual and more emotional. It falls naturally into an utterance reflecting the deep currents of experience, and moves under the impulses of the quick- ened heart. But the facts which enter into this experience, and the truths which quicken the heart to penitence, prayer and praise, are none other than those which enter into the fabric of the faith, Devotion, in order to be helpful and sincere, must translate the ele- ments of our belief into the language of confession and petition, adoration and thanksgiving, consecration, intercession and bene- diction, joyful praise and solemn sacrament.
May this book go out and be the friend and companion of the Pastor in conducting the service, and may it help to achieve the true end of Evangelical worship, which is that all people should join in the service of God as He is revealed in Jesus Christ.
3. lalfcwr.
Prrsi&rnt-CSnirral £t. tGouia, iiu., fflarrtj 7, 191B
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Was authorized by the General Conference to supply for the English services of the Church a compendium of prayers and minis- terial forms similar to the German "Agende." The work was compiled by the English Literary Board, composed of the Rev. Christian G. Haas, Chrm., Rev. Henry Katterjohn and Rev. Theo- phile L. Mueller, who received able assistance from many pastors of the Synod. At the direction of the General Conference, held at Louisville, Ky., September, 1913, the manuscript was prepared for publication by a special committee, composed of the Rev. J. U. Schneider, Ph.D., Chrm., Rev. H. J. Schiek, Rev. Paul Pfeiffer, Rev. Chr. G. Haas and Rev. John Baltzer, who were assisted by Rev. F. A. Reller and Rev. Wm. N. Dresel. The work of all collaborators is hereby gratefully acknowledged.
In the preparation of this work the Committees have closely followed the forms contained in the "Agende," adding thereto or altering only as subsequent customs of the Church demanded.
For the sake of uniformity the following method was adopted for this "Book of Worship": to employ solely the text of the "American Standard Revised Version" in the quotations from the Bible, to use only the abbreviations of the Books of the Bible given in Hastings "Bible Dictionary," and to adhere to a heavy form of punctuation and a somewhat liberal capitalization in those portions of the Book which are to be read in public, both as aids to proper reading and understanding.
In presenting this "Book of Worship" it is hoped that all pastors and congregations of the German Evangelical Synod of North America will find therein an uplift for public worship, a guide for all ministerial acts and a source of inspiration for all times and seasons.
May the Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ, richly bless the ministry of this
look of iJorsljtjr
©able of QlnnintiB
PART ONE ©he ®rtor of $ubltr Horahtp
Pages I Opening Sentences for Public Worship 1
1. Morning Worship 1
2. Evening Worship 2
II Invocations 3
III The Worship of God by Offerings 4
1. Scripture Selections preceding Offering. ... 4
2. Prayers for the Consecration of Offerings . . 6
IV Benedictions 8
V The Order of Morning Worship 9
VI The Order of Evening Worship 15
VII A brief Order of Worship 17
VIII Prayers omitting the Confession of Sins 19
IX Prayers with the Confession of Sins 26
X Special Prayers and Intercessions 34
1. For the President of the United States 34
2. For all conditions of Men 34
3. General Thanksgiving 35
4. Coming of God's Kingdom and universal
Peace 35
5. For Bible Schools 36
6. For Schools and Colleges 36
7. A Prayer of St. Chrysostom 37
XI General Prayers 38
PART TWO ®he Wvbtv of PorHliip for iFesiitml iBapi
I The Advent Season 42
1. First Sunday in Advent 42
2. Second Sunday in Advent 45
3. Third Sunday in Advent 48
4. Fourth Sunday in Advent 50
VI TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pages II The Christmas Season 52
1. Christmas Day 52
2. Second Christmas Day 55
3. The Sunday after Christmas 57
III The Old and the New Year 58
1. The Close of the Old Year 58
2. New Year's Day 60
IV The Day of Humiliation and Prayer 64
V The Epiphany Season 66
1. The Festival of Epiphany 66
2. First Sunday after Epiphany. 68
3. Second Sunday after Epiphany 69
4. Third Sunday after Epiphany 70
VI The Lenten Season 71
1. Opening Sentences for Lenten Services 71
2. Prayers for Midweek Lenten Services 72
3. Sentences after Scripture Lesson 76
4. Sunday Services during Lenten Season :
a. First Sunday in Lent — Invocavit 77
b. Second Sunday in Lent — Reminiscere ... 78
c. Third Sunday in Lent — Oculi. . 79
d. Fourth Sunday in Lent — Laetare 80
e. Fifth Sunday in Lent — Judica 81
f. Sixth Sunday in Lent — Palmarum 82
5. Services for Maundy Thursday 85
6. Services for Good Friday 86
VII The Easter Season 94
1. Easter Sunday 94
2. Easter Monday 98
VIII The Service for Ascension Day 101
IX The Pentecost Season 104
X The Trinity Season 107
1. The Festival of the Trinity 107
2. Prayers for the Sundays after Trinity 110
XI The Festival of Harvest Home 118
XII The Festival of the Reformation 122
1. The Service for Reformation Sunday 122
2. Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Bible 127
XIII The National Thanksgiving Day 129
TABLE OF CONTENTS VII
Pages
XIV The Service for Memorial Sunday 133
XV Mission Services 136
1. The Mission Festival 136
2. Prayers for Mission Services 140
XVI Prayers for Children's Services 143
PART THREE
utye ^arramettta
I The Order for the Administration of Holy Bap- tism 147
1. The Baptism of Infants 147
2. The Baptism of Adults 151
3. The Baptism of a sick Child not expected to
recover 155
II The Order for the Administration of Holy Com- munion 158
1. Preparatory Service 158
2. The Celebration of the Lord's Supper 162
a. Form omitting Confession of Sins and
Absolution 162
b. Complete Form of Lord's Supper includ-
ing Confession of Sins and Absolution . . 166
3. The Order for Private Communion 172
PART FOUR
©he Wrbn for % Eitp of (Cmtftrmattutt
I Prayers for the Confirmands 177
1. Prayer preceding the Instruction in the Cate-
chism 177
2. Supplication for the Confirmands during the
time of Instruction 178
II Presentation and Testimony of the Confirmands 1 79
III The Order for the Confirmation of Children 181
IV The Order for the Confirmation of Adults 188
VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART FIVE ®lje (®roer for thr §>olnnmzation of ilarnagr
Pages I The Complete Form 193
II A Brief Form 197
PART SIX
©tjr Wvan for % lurial of % lean
I The Regular Service 200
Opening Sentences 200
Scripture Lessons 201
General Occasions 201
Burial of a Child 206
Burial of a Young Man 207
Burial of a Man in Middle Life 208
Burial of a Young Woman 208
Burial of one who died suddenly 209
Prayers 210
At Burial of a Child 210
At Burial of one who died in Mature Life .... 211
At Burial of an Aged Person 213
At Burial of one who died suddenly 213
At Burial of one who died after long suffering 214
II The Service at the Grave 215
The regular Form 215
At the Burial of a Child 217
Prayers at the Grave 218
Benedictions 219
PART SEVEN
©h* (irbrr for tijr ©rdinaiion of a Minister
The Order for Ordination 220
PART EIGHT Stye (§rhtr for toe dottaerration of UrarottraseH .
The Order for Consecration 228
TABLE OF CONTENTS IX
PART NINE 3JttHtallatt0tt and ISrrpptton
Page
I The Order for the Installation of a Minister 232
II The Order for the Installation of the Church Council . . . 237
III The Order for the Installation of Sunday School Officers
and Teachers 240
IV The Order for the Installation of the Officers of Societies 244
V The Order for the Reception of New Members into the
Church 247
VI The Order for Receiving Communicants from other
Churches .' 249
VII The Order for Admission of Members on Confession of
Faith 250
PART TEN ^gnnfctral il^ttnga
I Prayers for Opening Service at Conferences 253
II Order for Installation of Officers of District or Synod . . 256
III Reception of Pastors and Congregations into Member-
ship at Conferences 258
IV Service of Reception of Congregations into Synod 262
PART ELEVEN
He&iratorg &?rmr*B
I Laying of a Corner Stone 267
II Dedication of a Church 271
III Dedication of a Sunday School Building 276
IV Dedication of an Organ 279
V Dedication of a Church Tower 281
VI Dedication of a Church Bell 283
VII Dedication of a Parsonage , 285
VIII Dedication of a Cemetery 288
X TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART TWELVE Annturraarg Bnmse
Page The Anniversary of a Congregation 291
PART THIRTEEN Hariima cHablpa
I Table of the Psalms 294
II Table of the Epistles and Gospels for the Sundays and
Festivals of the Church Year 296
III Table of Rules to find the Movable Festivals 298
IV Table of the Days on which Easter will fall from
1915—2015 299
*
AbbrariatumH of lonkH nf tlje Itbl?
As used in this "BOOK OF WORSHIP" (Taken from Hastings' Bible Dictionary)
OLD TESTAMENT
|
Gn. — Genesis |
Ec. — Ecclesiastes |
|
Ex. — Exodus |
S.S. — Solomon's Song |
|
Lv. — Leviticus |
Is. — Isaiah |
|
Nu. — Numbers |
Jer. — Jeremiah |
|
Dt. — Deuteronomy- |
La. — Lamentations |
|
Jos. — Joshua |
Ezek. — Ezekiel |
|
Jg. — Judges |
Dn. — Daniel |
|
Ru.— Ruth |
Hos. — Hosea |
|
1 S.— 1 Samuel |
JL— Joel |
|
2 S.— 2 Samuel |
Am. — Amos |
|
I K.— 1 Kings |
Ob. — Obadiah |
|
2 K.— 2 Kings |
Jon. — Jonah |
|
1 Ch. — 1 Chronicles |
Mic— Micah |
|
2 Ch.— 2 Chronicles |
Nah. — Nahum |
|
Ezr. — Ezra |
Hab. — Habakkuk |
|
Neh. — Nehemiah |
Zeph.— Zephaniah |
|
Est.— Esther |
Hag. — Haggai |
|
Job |
Zee. — Zechariah |
|
Ps. — Psalms |
Mai.— Malachi |
|
Pr. — Proverbs |
|
|
NEW TESTAMENT |
|
|
Mt.— Matthew |
1 Ti.— 1 Timothy |
|
Mk.— Mark |
2 Ti.— 2 Timothy |
|
Lk. — Luke |
Tit.— Titus |
|
Jn. — John |
Philem. — Philemon |
|
Ac. — Acts |
He. — Hebrews |
|
Ro. — Romans |
Ja. — James |
|
1 Co. — 1 Corinthians |
1 p.__i Peter |
|
2 Co. — 2 Corinthians |
2 P.— 2 Peter |
|
Gal. — Galatians |
1 Jn. — 1 John |
|
Eph. — Ephesians |
2 Jn.— 2 John |
|
Ph. — Philippians |
3 Jn.— 3 John |
|
Col. — Colossians |
Jude |
|
1 Th. — 1 Thessalonians |
Rev. — Revelations |
|
2 Th.— 2 Thessalonians |
PART ONE
Sty? (§vbn af fubltr ilorHfjtp
*
i
©pftttng li>?tttettr£js for Puhltr Uarahip
NOTE. All the people standing, the Minister may begin the service by- reading one or more of the following sentences.
iWormng Worship
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Je- sus Christ. Amen. (Ro. l: 7)
The Lord is in His holy temple : let all the earth keep silence before Him. Amen. (Hab. 2: 20)
Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto His name : bring an offering, and come before Him; worship Jehovah in the beauty of. holiness. Amen. (l. ch. 16: 29)
Bless the Lord, 0 my soul ; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His bene- fits : who f orgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth all thy diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Amen. (ps. 103: l 4)
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord is nigh unto them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him ; He also will hear their cry, and will save them. Amen.
(Ps. 124: 8; Ps. 145: 18, 19)
Seek ye the Lord while He may be found ; call ye upon Him while He is near : let the wicked forsake his way, and the unright- eous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Amen. (Is. 55 : g, 7)
2 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abun- dant in lovingkindness. He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us after our iniquities. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. (ps. 103: 8, 10; l Jn. l: 9)
Unto Him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by His blood; and hath made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto His God and Father ; to Him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Rev. l: 5, 6)
*
3£tt?ning Maraljip
I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and give thanks unto Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth. Amen.
(Ps. 138: 2)
Let my prayer be set forth as incense before Thee ; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Amen. (ps. 141:2)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 Lord, my rock, and my redeemer. Amen. (Ps. 19: 14)
The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. Amen. (La. 3: 25)
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, 0 Most High; to show forth Thy loving- kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. Amen.
(Ps. 92: 1, 2)
0 come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. Amen. (Ps. 95: l, 2)
The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be His worshippers. Gcd is a Spirit : and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Amen. (jn. 4: 23, 24)
1 was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls. Amen. (ps. 122: l, 2, 6, 7)
Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
(Rev. 7: 12)
ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP 3
II
Slnuorationa
1. Eternal God, our Maker and our Lord; Giver of all grace; from whom every good gift cometh, and who pourest Thy Spirit upon all who seek Thee; deliver us, when we draw nigh to Thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind; that with steadfast thoughts and pure affections we may worship Thee in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. Lord God of heaven and earth, who hast made the Church Thy dwellingplace, and chosen it as Thy rest for ever, and hast taught us in Thy Word not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together; regard us in Thy mercy, we beseech Thee, and send Thy Holy Spirit upon us; that our worship may prepare us, both to serve Thee now, and to glorify Thee hereafter in Thine eternal king- dom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. 0 God, who hast promised, that in all places where Thou dost record Thy Name, Thou wilt meet with Thy servants to bless them ; fulfill now Thy promise, and make us joyful in Thy house of prayer ; that our worship, being offered in the Name of Thy Son, and by the guidance of Thy Spirit, may be acceptable unto Thee, and profit- able unto ourselves; through our only Mediator and Ad- vocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. Almighty Lord and everlasting God, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, much less the temples which our hands have builded, but who art ever nigh un- to the humble and contrite ; pour Thy Holy Spirit, we be- seech Thee, upon all here assembled; that, being cleansed and illumined by His grace, we may worthily show forth Thy praise, meekly learn Thy Word, render due thanks for Thy mercies, and obtain a gracious answer to our prayers, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
4 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
5, 0 God, Light of the hearts that know Thee, and Life of the souls that love Thee, and Strength of the thoughts that seek Thee; from whom to be turned away is to fall, to whom to turn is to rise, and in whom to abide is to stand fast for ever; grant us now Thy forgiveness and blessing, as we are assembled to offer up our confes- sion and supplications; and though we are unworthy to approach Theey or to ask anything of Thee at all, vouch- safe to hear and to answer us, for the sake of our great High Priest and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*
III Sh* Horsijip of (Sod bg (^ffertttga
NOTE. The bringing of offerings for the service of God should be per- formed as an act of worship. When the offerings are brought to the altar, the Minister shall dedicate them to God with a brief prayer. He may also read or repeat from memory appropriate passages of Holy Scripture relating to offerings before they are received.
§>rrtpJttre ^Irritatta prmMtig flji? (JDflfrrmg
One or several of these selections of Scripture may be read accompanied with prayer.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20: 35)
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the child- ren of Israel, that they take for me an offering : of every man whose heart maketh him willing ye shall take my offering.
(Ex. 25: 1, 2)
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and brought Jehovah's offering, for the work of the tent of meeting, and for all the service thereof, and for the holy garments.
(Ex. 85: 20, 21)
ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP 5
Ascribe unto the Lord the glory due unto His name : bring an offering, and come into His courts. I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the con- gregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honor and majesty; and His righteousness endureth for ever. (ps. 96: 8; 111: 1—3)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal : but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal : for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
(Mt. 6: 19—21)
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bos- om. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. (Lk. 6: 38)
But this I say, he that soweth sparingly shall reap also spar- ingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity : for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(2 Co. 9: 6, 7>
So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith. (Gal. 6: 10)
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on* God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate ; laying up in store for them- selves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. (i Ti. 6: 17 19)
But to do good and to communicate forget not : for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (He. 13: 16)
Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
(Mt. 5: 16)
6 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
Pragpra for tijc Glonsttratum nf ©ffrrtnga
1. We thank Thee, 0 heavenly Father, for the privi- lege of giving to Thee of that which Thou hast given to us. Help us to understand how to give, as becometh those who receive so richly of Thy bounty. May this offering be wisely spent, and carry a blessing with it. We ask it for Thy glory. Amen.
2. Our Father, we humbly beseech Thee to accept our offerings this day. May they accomplish much good by Thy blessing. We ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
3. Heavenly Father, we present our offerings to Thee in Thy house, the place where Thine honor dwelleth. We realize that these gifts are in no sense whatever an equivalent for what Thou hast done for us. But be gra- ciously pleased to accept these our temporal gifts, and help us, that in the struggle for worldly comforts, we may not forget to lay up treasures in heaven. We ask it in Je- sus' Name. Amen.
4. 0 most merciful God, of whose bounty we have re- ceived ; we beseech Thee to accept this offering of Thy peo- ple. Remember in Thy love those who have brought it, and those for whom it is given ; and so follow it with Thy bless- ing that it may promote peace and good-will among men, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
5. 0 God, our Father, the Author of every good and perfect gift, we bring Thee of that which Thou hast so gra- ciously given us. We praise Thee for the privilege of offer- ing that which shall promote Thy holy work in this place. We beseech Thee to multiply our seed sown and to increase the fruits of our righteousness. We ask it in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
6. 0 Thou God of all blessing, we pray Thee to accept what we offer Thee with grateful hearts. May we learn to
ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP 7
give cheerfully at all times, since Thou, Lord, lovest a cheer- ful giver. May our offering be blessed, as it is sent forth in Thy Name. May we, as a people, go on from glory to glory, till we come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Amen.
7. All-gracious God, who of Thine infinite love didst give Thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again for our justification, and who hast made us partakers of the divine nature through the gift of the Holy Spirit ; accept the offering which we now present unto Thee ; and grant that our bodies, souls and spirits may be unto Thee a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing in Thy sight; and that, going forth in Thy strength, we may be able truly to serve Thee, and in all things to obey Thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*
8 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
IV
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee : The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.
(Nu. 6: 24—26)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
(2 Co. 13: 14)
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard
your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(Ph. 4: 7)
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you always.
Amen.
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. (He. 13: 20, 21)
*
ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP 9
V
(1% (irfor of morning Worship
©ppntng Srntenr?
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ifgmn
Snuoratum
0 Lord, who sittest on the throne of glory and also dwellest with those of a broken and contrite heart; who hast promised, that where two or three are gathered to- gether in Thy Name, there art Thou in the midst of them ; we beseech Thee to be in our midst now and to bless the study of Thy Word, that in spirit and truth we may serve Thee, 0 Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer. Amen.
Sesnnnsf by (Congregation : Amen.
(Eimfrsatnn of §>ino
(Short Form)
(MINISTER.) If we say that we have no sin, we de- ceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us therefore confess our sins unto God, and humbly beseech Him, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us forgiveness, saying :
Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sin- ners confess unto Thee, that we are by nature sinful and un- clean, and that we have sinned against Thee by thought, word and deed. Wherefore, we flee for refuge to Thine in- finite mercy, seeking and imploring Thy grace, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Long Form)
(MINISTER.) The Holy Scriptures declare, that when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness and do- eth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul and live. The sacrifices of God are a broken and a contrite
10 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
heart. To the Lord belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
Let us, therefore, with sincere, humble and obedient hearts, confess our sins unto our Father, that we may ob- tain remission of the same, by His infinite goodness and mercy, saying:
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have fol- lowed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left un- done those things which we ought to have done ; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done ; and there is no health in us. But Thou, 0 Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou those, 0 God, who confess their faults. Restore Thou those who are peni- tent, according to Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, 0 most merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy Name. Amen.
Aunmuir* of Parton (ghort Form)
The Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of His great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those, who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto Him, have mercy upon you ; pardon and deliver you from all your sins ; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Long Form)
" The Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live, hath given power and commandment to His ministers, to declare and pronounce to His people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all those, who truly repent and unfeignedly believe His holy Gospel. Wherefore, let us beseech Him to grant us true re-
ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP 31
pentance and His Holy Spirit, that those things may please Him which we do at the present ; and that the rest of our life may be pure and holy ; so that, at the last, we may come to His eternal joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SJpspflttBP. The Congregation shall sing:
All glory be to God on high,
Who hath our race befriended. To us no harm shall now come nigh,
The strife at last is ended ; God showeth His good will to men, And peace shall reign on earth again,
0 thank Him for His goodness.
(Hymnal, No. 1, v. 1.)
Or:
Jehovah, Jehovah!
Jehovah, Thou art worthy
Of honor, and glory and praise!
Amen, Amen!
Until the temple of this world
By Thy pow'r to dust is hurled,
Help us when these halls we throng
The Holy, Holy, Holy to prolong.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
(Hymnal, No. 22.)
pragpr
LORD GOD our Father, Creator of heaven and earth ! This day is Thy day, when with Thine almighty word, Let there be light, Thou didst begin the work of creation. We beseech Thee, renew Thy work in us to-day, and speak unto our souls, Let there be light, that, delivered from all dark- ness, we may behold Thy works and ways in Thy holy light, and worship Thee in spirit and truth.
Lord Jesus our Saviour! This day is Thy day, when by Thy glorious resurrection Thou didst reveal Thyself to Thy disciples as the Lord of life Grant, that we, too, may know the power of Thy resurrection. Come with Thy bene- diction of peace, and manifest Thyself in this gathering as our living Lord and Saviour.
God, Holy Spirit! This day is Thy day, when Thou didst appear to devout men and gather them into the Church of the Son of God. Unite with us, we pray Thee.
12 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
Make the Word of Christ a living power of God in us. Di- rect and lead this household of God to be builded together in heart and soul, immovable in faith, established in love, for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
Holy Triune God ! Sanctify us more and more. Live and dwell in us, that we, both here on earth and finally in heavenly glory, may live and rest in Thee. Amen.
One of the prayers omitting the confession of sins may also be used. See pages 19 — 25.
Anfljrm
Shading of th* #rrt»f««H
At the conclusion the Minister shall say:
Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it. Amen. (Lk. 11: 28)
Or:
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Amen. (Ps. 119: 105)
Or:
Sanctify us in the truth : Thy Word is truth. Amen. Sty? ApostW <&tt?b
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit ; 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 believe in the Holy Spirit; the One Holy Universal Christian Church; the communion of saints; the forgive- ness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and the life ever- lasting. Amen.
5H|f (Sloria $atn (To be sung by the Congregation.)
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 with- out end. Amen.
ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP 13
Amtounranrnta
®Ijp (Mmttg
NOTE. After the Announcements have been made, the Minister shall say: Let us make our offering to Almighty God. When the gifts are brought to the Altar, the Minister shall dedicate them to God with a brief offertory prayer. See Offertory Prayers, page 6. If desirable, the offering may be received after the sermon. Where a special offering is to be taken, the cause should be named.
HSfgrnn
tttyp lawman \
Anthem or Sjgmtt
ALMIGHTY GOD, our Father, Lord of heaven and earth ! We adore Thee as the Creator of the universe. Thou art worthy of all honor, gratitude and praise. We thank Thee that Thou hast graciously protected us and granted us Thy choicest blessings for body and soul. En- able us always to realize Thy mercies, that our hearts may be truly thankful to Thee, and that we may devote our- selves earnestly to Thy service.
We humbly pray Thee to guide the Church of Jesus Christ with all its servants and teachers, and govern it with Thy Holy Spirit that all may be led in the way of truth, and the true Christian faith may grow and be strengthened in all. Grant, that we may increase in godliness and un- feigned love toward all men. Defend Thy Church and Thy people against the enemies of Thy Word ; that we, trusting in Thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries. Grant, that the light of Thy Gospel may penetrate the dark- ness of unbelief and superstition, that all who have erred or been deceived may be brought into the way of truth.
We earnestly beseech Thee to bless the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, and all others in authority. Fill them with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may incline to Thy will and walk in Thy way, that (as a nation) we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all sincerity and godliness. We implore Thy heavenly blessing upon the land wherein we live, that we
14 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
may dwell under the shield of Thy might, and rejoice in Thee, our God, as our refuge and fortress in whom we trust. Protect us from false doctrine, heresy, strife and dissensions, from tumult and riot, from plague and pesti- lence, and from every evil of body and soul. We commend to Thy fatherly care all those who are afflicted or distressed in mind, body or estate. Comfort them, 0 God, through Thy Holy Spirit, that they may humbly submit themselves to Thy guidance, and realize, that to them that love God all things work together for good, and that our light afflic- tion, which is for a moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.
Fulfill our desires and petitions as may be expedient for us, and grant whatsoever other things are necessary for our bodies and our souls, according to Thy gracious prom- ises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus, Thy blessed Son, our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.
ijjhp Sorb's $Irag*r
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors ; and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; for Thine is the king- dom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.
One of the other General Prayers may also be used. See page 38. The Hymn and Prayer after the sermon may be interchanged.
®!j£ Soxology, (To be sung by the Congregation.)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Or a suitable closing hymn or verse. See Hymnal.
®ljp i&sntbittian
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Amen.
For other Benedictions see page 8.
ORDER OF EVENING WORSHIP 15
VI
©I|? Wths r of iEtmttttg Horaljip
GDjmtitu; £>mtmte
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ. Amen.
For other Opening Sentences see page 2.
SrsponBP
Jehovah, Jehovah!
Jehovah, Thou art worthy
Of honor and glory and praise!
Amen, Amen!
Until the temple of this world
By Thy pow'r to dust is hurled,
Help us when these halls we throng
The Holy, Holy, Holy to prolong.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
(Hymnal, No. 22.)
®Ije Apofltlra' (Uttsb
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth :
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit ; 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 believe in the Holy Spirit; the One Holy Universal Christian Church; the communion of saints; the forgive- ness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life ever- lasting. Amen.
®I|p dlona $atrt
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 with- out end. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed and the Gloria Patri may be omitted.
Spacing of tlje g>rrtjiturrs
If desired, these may be read responsively. See Hymnal.
iffymn
16 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
ALMIGHTY and merciful God, who hast appointed our portion of labor, that we may serve Thee while it is day ; and by whose ordinance the weariness of night cometh, that we may seek rest in Thee ; we beseech Thee now to lead and draw our hearts unto Thy dear Son, that, confessing our sin and weakness, we may receive of Him the grace prom- ised unto the heavy laden; and, being forgiven by His mercy, comforted by His Word, refreshed by His Spirit, and lifted up by His fellowship, we may find in this hour of worship a blessing for our souls, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anient AnnounrpmpntH
Styi? ©flfrrittg
If so desired, the Announcements and the Offering may follow the Sermon.
ijymn
Proton
Antlj^m nr Ifymn
frayer
The Hymn and Prayer after the Sermon may be interchanged.
Homology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Or suitable closing hymn or verse. See Hymnal. ®tfp l&mebittitm
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee : The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.
For other Benedictions see page 8.
ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP 17
VII A Irtff (§xbev of Unrsljtp
©petting j^nttettre
For Opening Sentences see pages 1 and 2.
iftjmtt
Prayer
ALMIGHTY and eternal God, our kind and compas- sionate Father, who didst give Thine only Son to die upon the cross for us, grant unto us a consciousness of Thy for- giving love. We have not been as mindful of Thee, as we should have been; not as earnest in our Christian living, thoughtful in the reading of Thy Word, patient and loving with those about us, as becomes the lowly followers of Jesus. Forgive us, 0 God, and help us by Thy grace to offer wor- ship acceptable unto Thee.
We praise Thee that Thou art so gracious, longsuffer- ing and kind. We thank Thee that Thou hast spared us to meet again in Thy house. We adore Thee for Thy great goodness to us, Thy children.
Thou hast brought us out of darkness into Thy marvel- ous light. Thou hast redeemed us from the thraldom of Satan and given us a love for Thee and Thy Son, for Thy Holy Spirit, Thy Word and all saints. Increase our know- ledge of the truth ; inspire us to obey it ; multiply Thy grace and deepen Thy love.
We humbly beseech Thee, that the Word of truth may be preached everywhere ; that the sinners may be saved, the ignorant taught, the weak strengthened, the sorrowful com- forted, the wicked held back from violence.
We pray, that ministers and missionaries may rightly proclaim Thy Word ; that those who teach may live as they teach; that those who are burdened may leave their cares at the feet of the Redeemer ; that the sick may know Thee as the great Physician ; that those who weep for departed
18 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
friends may look forward to the day when those who sleep in Jesus shall leave their graves, ever to be with the Lord ; that those who suffer persecution may remember that tribu- lation worketh patience, and patience experience, and ex- perience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
And now we ask Thee, enable us to concentrate our thoughts upon Thee. Quicken our sensibilities and make us receptive for Thy Word and its truths. May we hear Thee speak to us. Lead us in the light and in the way of Christ, for His Name's sake. Amen.
Atttfjrm
Ijytntt
Attttjm Kxmaanttmtnts
iJfgtmt
During the singing of this Hymn the Offering may be received.
ijjfrayw, concluding with the Lord's Prayer.
SJoxnlogy, Or suitable closing hymn or verse.
iBpttrtitrtiott
For Benedictions see page 8.
*
ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP 19
VIII
•pragera (^mtttmg tlje (EnttfeBstnn of £>tttfl
NOTE. These may be used in the preceding forms for Public Worship.
1 . 0 LORD, our God, we thank Thee for the privilege of gathering in this consecrated place for meditation upon Thy holy Word. We pray that Thou wouldst sanctify us in the truth : Thy Word is truth. Thy Word abideth for ever, though heaven and earth shall pass away. For ever let it he our joy, for ever our comfort ; for unless Thy Word be our delight, we must perish in our affliction. Awaken Thou, 0 Lord, the souls of all men, that they may receive Thy holy Word which is able to save their souls, that they may keep it, love mercy, and walk humbly before Thee. Let Thy holy Spirit enlighten all who are called to teach Thy Word, enabling them to proclaim it in its purity and with power. Remind all parents of their duty to impart Thy Word early unto their children. Grant, that Thy Word prove its power with us, controlling our conscience, purifying our thoughts, and directing our minds, so that we may keep it in every- day life with sincerity of purpose. Grant, that we may be doers of Thy Word, and not hearers only, lest we delude our- selves ; that we may be guided into all truth, walking before Thee blamelessly.
To this end, 0 Father, bless the preaching of Thy Word in this hallowed hour, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. *
2. FATHER of mercies, we thank Thee for the blessed Sabbath, on which Thou dost gather Thy children in a special way, that they may rest in Thee and receive rich spiritual blessings. We thank Thee for having given us boldness to draw nigh unto Thee in the Name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, through whom Thou hast bought us with a price, that we should be Thine own, working out our sal- vation with fear and trembling. Speak 0 Lord ; we, Thy
20 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
servants, hear. Speak unto us Thy word of truth and love, that our souls may be refreshed, our hearts comforted, our minds enlightened; that we may rejoice in Thee, the God of our salvation, and delight in serving Thee in spirit and truth. Let the heavenly seed of Thy Word take root in our souls, spring up, and bear abundant fruit. Help us to hal- low this whole Sabbath day in such a manner, that the in- fluences of this hour of devotion may not be removed from us through frivolous conversation or sinful diversions. Let the blessings of this day remain with us throughout the en- tire week, yea, throughout our earthly life, enabling us to render unto Thee a continuous and acceptable service here below, until Thou wilt receive us into Thy courts above, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord. Amen.
3. FATHER of light, who makest the sun cover the earth with brightness, send the light of Thine eternal truth into our benighted souls, that it may dispel all darkness of sin and all gloom of despair ; that we may know Thee, and in such knowledge have liberty and life. We realize that, left to ourselves, we grope in darkness ; the imagination of our heart is evil from our youth; and we can not come unto Thee, nor attain unto righteousness, save through Je- sus Christ our Lord. Therefore, we beseech Thee, grant us understanding of Thy holy Word, which Thou hast given as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Sun of righteousness, whom the Father hath sent for a light unto the nations, in Thee is the fountain of life, and through Thee shall we see light. 0 Lord and Master, we would walk with Thee as the child- ren of light ; but the darkness within us is yet so great that we often fail to see Thee and Thy path. As Thou in the days of Thine earthly pilgrimage didst open the eyes of the blind, that they could see and follow Thee, so do Thou now open the eyes of our understanding, that we may behold
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 21
Thy salvation. Cause Thy face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
Holy Spirit, without whom no man can call Jesus, Lord, make us to see the truth as it is in Jesus, and bring the message of this day home to our hearts with such power, that it may accompany and guide us throughout the whole week.
0 Holy Triune God, grant us grace to walk in Thy light, until we shall see Thee face to face. Amen.
4. ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank Thee for the manifold and gracious mani- festations of Thine eternal love and power. The heavens declare Thy glory, and the earth is full of Thy goodness. Day by day Thou openest Thy hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. But our souls rejoice most of all in the revelation of Thy love in Thy dear Son, in whom we behold the brightness of Thy glory and the express image of Thy person. Through Him Thou hast reconciled our sin- stricken world unto Thyself, and hast restored unto man righteousness and eternal life. For such abundance of Thy grace we offer unto Thee unceasing praise and thanksgiv- ing, and would to-day consecrate ourselves anew to Thy service. Graciously accept our humble sacrifice. Sanctify our hearts through Thy Holy Spirit, and fill us with Thy peace that passeth all understanding. Draw nigh unto us, 0 Father, as we are gathered around Thy holy Word, and draw us into closer communion with Thy dear Son, that through faith in Him we may be drawn away from all un- godliness and sinful lust, strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. Create in us, 0 God, clean hearts, and fill us with Thy love ; work Thou in us, both to will and to do, what is pleasing in Thy sight, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
22 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
5. LORD GOD, Thou art light, and in Thee is no darkness. Thou hast sent Thine only begotten Son into the world, that whosoever followeth Him, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. We pray that on this Sabbath morn Thou wouldst send unto us Thy light and Thy truth to lead us. Let Thy Word, as it is preached unto us this hour, be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Let Thy Holy Spirit so direct its searching rays that we may be freed from all self-deception and see our- selves, as Thou dost see us. Cast out from us all sinful pride, and cleanse us from all impurities of the flesh and spirit, that Thou mayest fill us with Thy good and perfect gifts and make Thine abode with us. Restore in us Thy holy image, so that we may live in blessed communion with Thee, enjoying a sweet foretaste of the perfect communion with Thee in heaven. Let Thy Holy Spirit strive with those who yet despise and reject Thy blessed Gospel, that they may experience its power unto salvation, that Thy king- dom may spread from shore to shore, and souls be saved to sin no more. Grant these our petitions, O Father, for Je- sus' sake. Amen.
*
6. 0 GOD, Father of mercies and God of all comfort ! By Thy grace we have assembled to worship before Thee in holy fear. We are but dust and ashes and have taken upon ourselves to speak to Thee. Thou hast said, Seek ye My face; therefore, Thy face, 0 Lord, will we seek and wait upon Thy counsel. Lord, we love the habitation of Thy house and the place where Thy glory dwelleth, that we may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. We praise Thee, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. From of old Thou hast blessed Thy people with spiritual blessings in the heavenly places through Christ. In Him and through Him bless us now, and continue to pour out upon us Thy blessings, that we
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 23
may ever be the blessed of the Lord. Grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that He may guide us into all truth; the Spirit of grace, that He may confirm us in the faith ; the Spirit of prayer, that He may establish our communion with Thee ; the Spirit of power, that He may enable us to fight the good fight ; the Spirit of peace and hope, that He may guard our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus unto eternal life.
Amen.
7. LORD GOD eternal, who wast, art and shalt be, graciously look down upon this congregation gathered here in Thy Name. Bless us in this hour, as Thou hast blessed us in times past out of the fullness of Thy love and faithful- ness. Awaken within us a heartfelt desire and a holy zeal to seek the one thing needful. Grant, that by Thy power, every work of darkness in our hearts may be destroyed, and that we may be built upon Thy Son Jesus Christ, the only foundation of our faith. Graciously open the eyes of our understanding as we consider Thy holy Word, that we may see Thee as Thou art, and see ourselves as we are, and real- ize what we must become, if we would attain unto the glory Thou hast prepared for Thy children.
0 Thou God of all grace, who hast called us unto Thine eternal glory in Christ, perfect, establish and strengthen us through the power of Thy Holy Spirit, as we now wor- ship before Thee. In the Name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, we ask it. Amen.
8. ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would approach Thee this morning with heart- felt gratitude. We thank Thee for Thy precious gift, this sacred day of rest, the day that bids us remember all Thy goodness and mercy which Thou hast manifested unto us
24 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
in the great work of creation, redemption and sanctifi- cation. Let it be a Sabbath of rest to our souls. Sanctify us by Thy Spirit, that we may consecrate this day unto Thee. Come Thou and dwell in us, that we may rest in Thee. Cleanse us from all impurities of flesh and spirit, that not only to-day, but throughout all the days of our life, our body and soul may be sanctified. Grant, that, as we go about the performance of our daily duties, our hearts and thoughts may be directed unto Thee, so that our whole life may be worship pure and undefiled before Thee, our God and Father. Let us through faith in Thy Son enjoy that peace which the world cannot give. Comfort us in our daily work and in the toil of our hands with the blessed assurance of the fullness of eternal joy and rest in Thy presence. And when, at last, Thou shalt call us away from the land of our sojournings, wilt Thou graciously grant that we may be- come partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. All this we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
*
9. LORD GOD, our heavenly Father, blessed be Thy holy Name for ever and ever. Oh, that we might ascribe unto Thee the glory due unto Thy great Name for the blessed Gospel of salvation, wherein Thou hast revealed unto us the wonderful riches of Thy lovingkindness. We humbly beseech Thee, enlighten and rule us by Thy Holy Spirit, that with open and sincere hearts we may hear and receive Thy holy Word; and grant, that, as we remember the Sabbath day to keep it hoty, we may by the power of Thy Holy Spirit be sanctified in Thy truth.
Enlighten and strengthen the ministers of Thy Word by Thy Holy Spirit, that, fully assured in their own minds and constrained by the love of Christ, they may proclaim the Gospel with power in all its truth and purity.
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 25
Give us grace, that we may set all our assurance and hope on Jesus Christ, Thy Son ; that we may ever more en- deavor perfectly to conform our lives to the beautiful coun- sels of Thy Word ; that we may avoid giving offense ; that with ever increasing faithfulness we may follow our Sav- iour, and, when life's journey is ended enter Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.
*
10. GOD of all grace, we have assembled in Thy house to meditate upon Thy precious Word with which Thou hast blessed us, that we might become wise unto the salvation of our souls. Oh grant, that we may be profoundly conscious of Thy divine presence, and in humility bow down before Thee ; that we may turn from the vanities of earth to the eternal realities of the heavenly places, and waiting upon Thee, be enlightened to apprehend Thy love in Christ which passeth all knowledge. To this end grant us, 0 God, Thy Holy Spirit and bless Thy Word unto each one accord- ing to our individual needs.
Grant, that the indifferent may be aroused, the weak strengthened, the afflicted comforted, and our souls be saved for Thy great mercies' sake, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
*
26 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
IX
Pragera tuttlj % (Emtfeaaiott of ^ttta
1. HOLY, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. To Him we lift up our hearts and Him we worship in reverence and holy fear.
Lord, Thy greatness is inconceivab1'?. The heavens tell of Thy glory and the whole earth p claims Thy wis- dom ; the seas bear witness to Thy gooc ;ss and omnipo- tence, yea, all that breathes dc praise hee, and all the blessed spirits bow before TI n adoration, for Thou alone art worthy to receive pi and honor, power and glory. Hallelujah!
Lord, we worship and glc.ify Thee and utter our praises before Thee, who art holy and dwellest in the sanc- tuary, who hast need of no creature, but hast in Thyself the fullness of all perfection. But we are imperfect and un- clean ; we have sinned before Thee, and are not worthy to lift up our eyes unto Thee, who dwellest in perfect holiness. Therefore we humble ourselves before Thy majesty and confess to Thee all the sins we have committed in thought, word and deed, openly as well as in secret, those known to us, and those known only to Thee, the All-knowing One. But trusting in Thy great mercy, we come to Thee confi- dently, as those who have free access to the throne of Thy grace through Thine only begotten Son, our Lord and Sav- iour. To Thee we lift up our voices and pray, 0 God, be merciful unto us who are sinners; cast us not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. Pur- ify our hearts from all uncleanness; renew and sanctify our minds ; draw our thoughts and desires away from the things of the earth and from all worldly cares, and make us worthy to serve Thee not only this day, but throughout all the days of our life, that the offerings of our prayers and our praises may be acceptable unto Thee. Teach us the
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 27
truth of Thy Word and reveal unto us the glad message of righteousness, that we may hear and learn it gladly, keep it in honest and good hearts, and be willing doers of Thy Word, bringing forth fruit in patience. Graciously regard all Thy people that wait upon the riches of Thy mercy. Be near unto all who seek Thy presence this day, who call earnestly upon Thee, lifting up holy hands without wrath and disputing, at all times and in every place, Hear Thou our petitions and prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*
2. ALMIGHTY and merciful God and Father! Gathered in Thy sanctuary, we call upon Thee to fill us with the spirit of grace and prayer, that we may not wor- ship Thee with our 'lips only, but that we may draw near unto Thee with our hearts and worship Thee in spirit and truth. We come to Thee with praise and thanksgiving for the guidance and protection which we have enjoyed during the past week and throughout all our life, especially in the hours of trial and affliction. In the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Thy Son, we pray Thee that Thou wouldst be gracious and merciful toward us who are weak and sinful, for, since the days of our youth, we have in many ways transgressed Thy holy commandments. But enter Thou not into judgment with Thy servants, and deal not with us according to our sins ; have mercy upon us according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies.
And, as Thou hast commanded us to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, we beseech Thee to open our hearts, to the end that we may be benefited by the hearing of Thy Word, grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and have life through faith in Him. Help us to re- ceive humbly the chastenings of Thy Word, and to bring our life and conduct into better conformity with it, so that we may become more fruitful.
28 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
Watch over us, O Lord, during this new week and throughout all the remaining days of our life. Be Thou a wall of fire round about us and all those who are near and dear to us, and protect us from all sorrow and misfortune. Guide us in all our ways and keep Thou our going out and our coming in from this time forth and for evermore.
Amen. *
3. HOW AMIABLE are Thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of Hosts! Our hearts are glad and exult in Thee, as we gather in Thy house to call upon Thy Name and proclaim Thy living Word. We praise Thy holy Name that Thou hast revealed unto us Thy grace in Christ Jesus and hast made known unto us the way of life, and art even now ready to speak to us through the preaching of Thy Word. We beseech Thee humbly, do not remember our sins, but forgive us our iniquities and transgressions, for we daily sin greatly and well deserve nothing but punishment. But Thou art gracious and merciful. Therefore, blot out all our wickedness for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Saviour.
Be Thou with us even now, as we are assembled before Thee, and enlighten our understanding through Thy good and holy Spirit, that we may hear Thy Word aright, con- sider it diligently and keep it in an honest and good heart. Sanctify us more and more, that we may become better fit- ted to serve Thee sincerely, and to worship Thee in spirit and truth. Make us perfect in every good work to do Thy will, and work in us that which is wellpleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
*
4. 0 HOLY and eternal God, Thou who dwellest in the heavens and with those of a contrite heart and who honor Thy Word! We come before Thee as disobedient
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 29
children to acknowledge our transgressions, because we have sinned much, from infancy until this day, with evil thoughts, words and deeds, even as Thou, 0 Lord, knowest us to be guilty, and we ourselves feel and recognize it most deeply. We repent sincerely, 0 Lord, and in deep sorrow and humility seek Thy mercy and pardon. Be Thou grac- ious unto us, 0 Lord and Father. Forgive us our many sins according to Thine infinite lovingkindness. Renew and sanctify us through Thy Holy Spirit and lead us unto life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
0 great and glorious God, praised by all the angels and saints in heaven ! Give to us poor creatures grace sufficient to worship Thee sincerely and to serve Thee in ways ac- ceptable unto Thee. Help us now to stand reverently in Thy presence with a believing heart and a mind inclined toward that which is heavenly. Guide our thoughts and desires, sanctify our devotions, consecrate our hearts, and let the words of our lips and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 Lord, our Rock, and our Re- deemer ! Hear our prayers for Jesus' sake, and graciously bestow upon us all that is needful for our temporal welfare and eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
*
5. 0 MERCIFUL and faithful God, Father of our Saviour and Master, who with the Son and the Holy Spirit dost reign eternally ; we praise Thee for all the gifts of Thy goodness and mercy which we are continuously receiving by Thy lovingkindness. Thou hast graciously kept and pro- tected us, so that we are again privileged to observe joy- ously this Thy day with all Thy children. We thank Thee especially, that we are dwelling in the fullness of the light of Thy Gospel of salvation, through which we may learn to know Thee better and to serve Thee more, to the end, that we may live and die as Christians. We beseech Thee,
30 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
our heavenly Father, that Thou wouldst preserve this gra- cious light for us and our children. And in order that we may be acceptable unto Thee, and remain in the adoption of sons, wouldst Thou forgive us all our sins and trans- gressions for the sake of Thy beloved Son, our Lord and our Redeemer. Sanctify us through Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to renounce the world and all earthly de- sires, and find our greatest joy in serving Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days. And now, as we are gath- ered here to hallow Thy day of rest, do Thou give us grace to hear Thy Word gladly, to ponder upon it faithfully and to keep it in a pure heart. May we not only this day, but all the remaining days of our pilgrimage, cease from every evil work, and finally join all the elect, the saints and the angels, on that eternal Sabbath in Thy presence, there in unending bliss to praise with them Thy great and mighty deeds. We ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
*
6. LORD, our God, how amiable are Thy taberna- cles! We love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. We come into Thy presence with praise and thanksgiving, for Thou hast proclaimed to us Thy Word of truth and established the glory of Thy holy Name. We thank Thee that Thou hast manifested Thy tender mercy toward us, through Jesus Christ our Lord; and taught us the way of life, and dost call us to a life of bliss and everlasting salvation by the preaching of Thy holy Word.
We humbly beseech Thee, not to remember against us our manifold iniquities. Let Thy mercy abound with us, and quicken our souls with the assurance of Thy loving- kindness toward all those who seek Thy countenance with contrite hearts. Pardon and deliver us from all our sins, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 31
And since we are gathered in Thy Name to rest from our daily labor and to worship Thee, we pray, that Thou wouldst open our hearts to give heed to the words that are spoken, that we may be doers of the Word of God, and not hearers only. Grant us enlightenment through the Holy Spirit to a proper understanding of Thy blessed revelation, that we may know Thy will and worship Thee in spirit and truth.
Make us ever more efficient in every good work, to do Thy will, and accomplish in us what is pleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
*
7. OUR HEAVENLY Father, merciful and eternal God, humbly do we confess our sinfulness before Thy divine Majesty. We acknowledge our sins unto Thee, and our in- iquities we would not hide. We have broken Thy holy com- mandments with our sinful lives, provoked Thy wrath and merited punishment and condemnation.
But, 0 Lord, Thou art merciful to the contrite heart. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, Thou wilt not despise. We come unto Thee in deep contrition and pray, that Thy mercy may abound with us in our sinfulness and weakness. Wilt Thou forgive us our many sins and transgressions for our Sav- iour's sake, and grant us the help of the Holy Spirit, that Christ may be glorified in our hearts and lives, that sin may be cast out and we arise anew in purity, righteousness and holiness.
Help us, our Father, to understand Thy holy Word. May it be the light unto our path and the fountain of life to us. Help us to put our trust in Thee, realizing that all flesh is as grass, and that the arm of man availeth not.
32 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
May we crucify and utterly abolish the old body of sin, and give our life unto Thee as a living sacrifice to the greater glory of Thy holy Name, and to our own and our neighbor's salvation. We ask it all for our Saviour's sake, unto whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, shall be praise and honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
8. HOLY, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts ; the whole earth is full of His glory.
All we like sheep have gone astray, every one to his own way. Innumerable evils have compassed us about, our iniquities have taken hold upon us; our life is spent in grief and our years with sighing; our strength faileth us, because of our transgressions.
But in Thee do we trust. Thou wilt help us, 0 Lord our God. All Thy paths are mercy and truth. Thou for- givest the iniquity of our sins. Thou art our hiding-place, Thou shalt preserve us in the day of trouble.
Purify our hearts as in a refiner's fire. Hear the voice of our supplication when we cry unto Thee. We lift up our hands unto Thee. We cried unto Thee and Thou didst heal us. How great is Thy goodness laid up for them that fear Thee. Hide us in the secret of Thy presence. Amen.
9. ALMIGHTY and merciful God, our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord; we sincerely thank Thee for Thine unbounded love which Thou hast manifested from the beginning in Thine all-wise counsel and fore- knowledge of redemption. When the fullness of time came, Thou didst send forth Thy Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life. We thank Thee for Thy manifold gifts of grace by which Thou hast
PRAYERS FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 33
delivered us out of the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son of Thy love, that we might be- come partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
Lord, Thou art gracious and merciful ; slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness. We acknowledge that we are not worthy of all these evidences of Thy mercy ; for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. We do earnestly repent of our offenses, and beseech Thee, to have mercy upon us and to forgive us our sins for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Renew and multiply in us the gift of Thy holy Spirit, that we may die unto sin, but live unto Thee in Christ Jesus, that we may be filled with the knowledge of Thy will in all spiritual wisdom and under- standing. Grant, that we may walk worthily of Thee, bear- ing fruit of every good work, increasing in Thy knowledge. Strengthen us with all power, according to the might of Thy glory, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We ask Thy special blessing upon the services of this day. Bless Thy people wherever they may be assembled to worship Thee, to the end, that we may enjoy the testi- mony of a good conscience and the assurance of Thy favor ; and, finally, when our pilgrimage here is ended, graciously receive us into the realms of peace and glory and life eter- nal. We ask it in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
Amen.
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34 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
X Imperial Pragfra anfc itttemBBtotts
*
1. A Prayer for tlj? Prwib^nt of tt?i? Ittttpo States anb all in Authority
0 LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech Thee, with Thy favor to behold and bless Thy servant, the Presi- dent of the United States, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of Thy holy Spirit, that they may always incline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them to live in health and prosperity; and, finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*
2. A ffrager for all (Eottbtttotto of Mm
0 GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech Thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that Thou wouldst be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations. More es- pecially we pray for Thy holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by Thy good Spirit, that all who profess to be Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in the righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are afflicted, or dis- tressed, in body, mind, or estate ; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several ne- cessities; giving them patience amid their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we ask for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
SPECIAL PRAYERS AND INTERCESSIONS 35
3. A drtwral SHjanksghring
ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and lovingkindness to us and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of life ; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace and the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and walk- ing before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Amen.
4. A Prayer for llj£ doming of (loo's SCmgbottt ano Hniurrsal IJrare
0 THOU King eternal, immortal, invisible, Thou only wise God, our Saviour ; hasten, we beseech Thee, the coming of Thy kingdom upon earth, and draw the whole world into willing obedience to Thy blessed reign. Overcome all the enemies of Christ, and bring low every power that is exalted against Him. Cast out all the evil things which cause wars and fightings among us, and let Thy Spirit rule the hearts of men in righteousness and love. Restore the desolations of former days; let the wilderness rejoice with beauty, and make glad the city with Thy law. Estab- lish every work that is founded on truth and equity, and fulfill all the good hopes and desires of Thy people. Mani- fest Thy will, Almighty Father, in the brotherhood of man unto the establishment of universal peace, through the vic- tory of Christ our Lord. Amen.
36 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
5. A Prayer for Bible ^djoola
0 GOD, our Father, in whose image all the children of men are made ; most heartily we beseech Thee to bless the Bible School of the Church, that young and old may be in- structed in Thy Word, and that Thy likeness may be re- newed in their hearts through the knowledge of Thy dear Son, our Lord. Open the Holy Scripture, both to those who teach and to those who learn, that the difficulties of the let- ter may not hide the light of the Spirit. Make all the schol- ars ready to be taught and willing to obey, that they may find joy and peace in the way of Thy commandments. En- rich the teachers with patient faithfulness and loving wis- dom, so that they may be ambassadors of Christ who shall win many souls to righteousness. Quicken Thy Church, O Lord, to the end, that many laborers may go forth into this part of Thy vineyard. We pray Thee, look not only upon us and our children, but upon Thy children in all lands as well, who still dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Have pity upon them, and gather them by the kindly hand of Thy servants into the light of the Christian fold, that all may sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him. Grant Thy power and success to all efforts to bring the world to Thee by preaching and teaching. Bless such work as will make for righteousness and Christian character, and so let Thy truth be manifested from generation to generation, until the whole family of mankind shall rejoice together in Thy mercy, through Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. We ask it in Thy Name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
fi. A IJraurr for §>djools ana (Eollegea
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, whose Son came into the world to destroy the power of darkness, and make us children of light ; illumine our minds, we beseech Thee, with the full and abiding knowledge of Christ and His
SPECIAL PRAYERS AND INTERCESSIONS 37
Gospel. Send Thy favor upon all efforts to train the young in intelligence, virtue, and piety. Bless all schools and col- leges of sound learning and Christian education, and make them instruments in Thy hand of great good to the world. Endue the officers and teachers with a true sense of their high stewardship, and enlarge the hearts of the people to a loyal support of good institutions of learning, where the precepts of the Gospel are honored as the supreme wisdom. Enlighten the minds, purify the hearts and lives of the students, so that they may go forth a noble host, made ready and consecrated for large and fruitful work. Bless everywhere those who are striving for a Christian educa- tion amid the hindrances of poverty and f riendlessness ; raise up friends and strengthen wise agencies to prosper their endeavors. Pour out Thy Spirit from on high, and sanctify all minds and hearts for Thine acceptable service here, and Thy blessed kingdom hereafter. All this we ask in the Name of Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7. A Prajjrr of £t. (fHjrgaoatom
ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy Name, Thou wilt grant their re- quests ; fulfill now, 0 Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.
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38 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
XI
Qkneral iJragers
1. ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who art worthy to be held in reverence by all the children of men, we humbly give thanks unto Thee for the innumerable blessings, both temporal and spiritual, which, without any merit or wor- thiness on our part, Thou hast bestowed upon us. We praise Thee especially, that Thou hast preserved unto us, in their purity, Thy holy Word and the sacred ordinances of Thy Church.
We beseech Thee, 0 Lord, to grant and to preserve unto Thy Church, throughout the world, purity of doctrine, and faithful pastors who shall preach Thy Word with power; and help all who hear, rightly to understand and truly to believe. Be Thou the Protector and Defender of Thy people in all times of tribulation and danger ; and may we, in communion with Thy holy Church and in brotherly unity with all Christians, fight the good fight of faith, and in the end receive the salvation of our souls.
Bestow the influence of Thy Spirit upon all the nations of the earth. We pray Thee especially to bless our land, and all its inhabitants, and all who are in authority. Cause Thy glory to dwell in our land ; mercy and truth, righteousness and peace everywhere to prevail. To this end we commend to Thy care all our schools, the seminaries and all other in- stitutions of our Church, and pray Thee to make them nurseries of useful knowledge, of Christian virtues and morals, that they may bring forth among us the wholesome fruits of life.
Graciously protect us from all calamities by fire and water, from war and pestilence, from want and famine. Bless and prosper every one in his honorable calling;, and cause all useful arts to flourish among us. Be Thou the
GENERAL PRAYERS 39
God and Father of the widows and orphans, the Keeper of the sick and needy, and the Comforter of the forsaken and distressed.
And since we are strangers and pilgrims on earth, hav- ing no continuing city here, help us by true faith and a godly life to prepare for the life to come ; doing the work which Thou hast given us to do while it is day, before the night cometh, when no man can work. And, when our last hour shall come, support us by Thy power, and receive us into Thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord, who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
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2. 0 LORD, almighty and everlasting God, we wor- ship Thee with all the redeemed in heaven and on earth, for Thou alone art the ever living and true God. Thine be all honor, and power, and glory, and dominion.
Thou art the Creator of all things visible and invisible, the Source of all life and blessing, the Giver of all good gifts. We thank Thee for life and health and strength and all the manifold blessings which Thou hast bestowed upon us. Above all do we thank Thee for the gift of Thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that He might redeem this lost and sin-stricken world from the power of sin, and be made a sure and eternal hope for all those who trust in Him. We thank Thee for His incarnation, for His life in the humble likeness of man ; for His miracles and divine doctrines ; for His suffering and death upon the cross; for His resurrec- tion from the dead ; for His ascension and exaltation to Thy right hand ; for His all-prevailing advocacy ; for the send- ing of the Holy Spirit, and for the founding of the Christian Church in which Thou hast instituted Thy precious means of grace.
40 ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP
0 Lord, in contemplation of all Thy mercies, we ac- knowledge, that we have sinned in Thy sight, and are not worthy to be called Thy children. All we like sheep have gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way, and merit Thy righteous indignation, for there is no virtue in us. But blessed be Thy holy Name, for Thou deliverest those that fear Thee. Blot out our transgressions accord- ing to the multitude of Thy tender mercies. 0 Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. Cleanse us through Thy blood from all our sins and transgressions, and let us be clothed with Thy righteousness, that we may rejoice in Thee, the God of our salvation. Grant us the enlightenment of Thy Spirit, that we may know Thee aright, and sanctify the medita- tion of our hearts unto faithful obedience to Thee.
0 Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide, bear witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Strengthen and confirm our communion with Christ Jesus. Grant us strength and edification in the diligent use of the means of grace, that we may be strong in the power of Thy might and able to withstand in the evil day, and be reckoned heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified with Him.
Thou holy and exalted Son of God, to whom is given all authority in heaven and on earth, to be the head over all things in the Church, we pray Thee, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance ; replenish the ministers of Thy Gos- pel with gifts of Thy grace, that they may proclaim the counsel of Thy love in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Visit, we pray Thee, this congregation with Thy love and favor, enlighten the minds of all with the light of Thy Gospel. Instil into every heart a sincere love of Thy truth, and keep us all in the same blessed Spirit, that we
GENERAL PRAYERS 41
may be exalted with Thee on that day when in the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
©If? T&acb'a !|Jrayw
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors ; and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; for Thine is the king- dom, end the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.
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PART TWO
®tj? ($tbn nf Uorsljtp for JfaBitual iaga
* i
®{|? AJm^nt Reason
1. ifltrfit f>uniag in Ai>u?tti
©petting ^etttenre
Rejoice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion; shout, 0 daughter of
Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is just, and having salvation. Amen. (Zee. 9:9)
Sttuorattott
Praise and thanks be given to Thee, Lord our God, that we are again permitted to commemorate the coming of Thy dear Son. Grant, that we may receive Him with joy, and serve Thee in purity of heart and abiding faith, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GDpetuttn. Prayer
PRAISE, and honor, and thanks be given Thee, Al- mighty God, our merciful Father, for the manifestation of Thy love in the sending of Thine only begotten Son, that we might be saved from our sins. Aid us, we beseech Thee, heartily to repent of all our sins, that we may be prepared to receive our Saviour with gladness, and rejoice in the great mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached among nations, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
THE ADVENT SEASON 43
We praise Thy divine mercy, Lord Jesus, Thou King of glory, that Thou didst humble Thyself, taking the form of a servant, that Thou mightest come to bring us salvation and rest unto our souls. May Thy presence be manifest in our nation, in our churches, in our schools, in our hearts and homes. Grant, that the light of Thy Gospel may direct us in all our ways to the glory of Thy Name. Protect our country in all its interests, and direct our rulers and ma- gistrates according to Thy will. Fill them with Thy Spirit of wisdom and justice. Enable them to secure to all our people liberty and happiness. Rule and direct by the Spirit of Thy grace the hearts of all ministers of the Gospel. En- lighten, strengthen and bless them in the ministration of Thy Word, and build Thy holy Church in all the world. May this Advent be the beginning of a time of awakening to those who have strayed away from Thy paths; of re- pentance and conversion to sinners ; of blessed progress in the efforts of Thy sincere followers. Let it be a period of deliverance to the oppressed, of consolation to the afflicted, and comfort to the sick and dying.
Grant us, we beseech Thee, to pass the time of our so- journ here in fear, in daily watchfulness and prayer, ever looking for the day of Thy coming in great power and ma- jesty to judge the world in righteousness. Let not that day come upon us unawares. Aid us that we may be prepared to receive Thee with gladness, and join in the glad acclaim, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord ; Hosan- na in the highest! Graciously sanctify the holy Advent season to this end. Hear us, 0 Thou eternal Son of the Father, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
Aftrr §>mjrtun> UrBsott
Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh ; behold, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. Amen. (Is. 62: 11)
Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord ; Hosanna in the highest. Amen. (Mt. 21:9)
44 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
(EloBtttg iPragw
ETERNAL GOD, our heavenly Father, we praise Thy holy Name, that Thou dost permit us to enter upon a new church-year in peace and happiness. We thank Thee that Thou hast preserved to us the light of Thy holy Word, and dost impart and maintain the new life, divine strength and grace to the faithful members of Thy Church by the gift of Thy holy Sacraments. We thank Thee for the teaching, reproof, correction and instruction of Thy Gospel.
We pray Thee not to reckon unto us our sins of omis- sion and commission, and create in us clean hearts, and re- new a right spirit within us: the spirit of knowledge, of wisdom, of faith, of repentance, of godliness and obedience, that we may bring forth the fruits of righteousness and holiness to Thy glory and the upbuilding of Thy kingdom. Endue all ministers with the power of Thy Holy Spirit, and bless their labors, to the end that sinners may be converted unto Thee, and many souls be gathered into Thine everlast- ing kingdom. Preserve us, we beseech Thee, in Thine ever- lasting love, and give us grace, that with truly grateful hearts we acknowledge the benefits of Thy redemption. Extend Thy kingdom upon the earth according to the great- ness of Thy power, and turn the hearts of the wicked and impenitent to Thee. Enable those who are deluded by the wealth and luxury of this world to behold the folly of world- liness and seek the one thing needful, the good part, which shall not be taken away from them. May Thy grace re- claim those who have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, but are again returning to the world. May Thy Spirit complete the work of grace in those who have been awakened to repentance and faith. Revive with Thy consolation all who are in affliction and tempta- tion, that they may not fall from Thee. Deliver us from all evil of body and soul ; and, finally, when our last hour has come, grant us a happy end, and graciously take us from this world of sorrow into the joy of Thy heavenly abode.
THE ADVENT SEASON 45
Lord, as Thou didst come to Thy people Israel and to us, and didst announce the coming of Thy Kingdom to all people, we pray Thee, take Thy heritage and gather all the nations into Thy fold, that there may be one flock and one shepherd. Thou God of peace, sanctify us wholly ; and may our spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, with- out blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Thus saith the Lord: My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the peoples ; the isles shall wait for me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment ; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner ; but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Amen. (Is. 51: 5, 6)
3Jni)0ratimt
LORD JESUS, Thou King of glory, who in Thy first Advent diclst establish justification by faith, that we might look forward to Thy second coming with joy: come and bring about the consummation of Thy kingdom, which Thou hast begun in us through the power of Thy grace and truth. To Thee be all glory and praise, world without end. Amen.
(Spming Pragrr
LORD, OUR GOD, we praise Thine everlasting love, in that Thou didst send Thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to this world, that we might be delivered from the power of darkness and the burden of sin by Thy grace, and attain the heritage of everlasting life. Thou, our Lord and Saviour, art the true Light of the world to grant us know- ledge and truth, and from the abundance of Thy grace Thou dost grant us comfort, peace, power and abiding hope.
46 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
Grant us enlightenment, 0 God, that we may humbly acknowledge our transgressions, and cleave to Thy Son Je- sus Christ, and be saved. Pour out into our hearts that gratitude which shall prompt the most ardent devotion to Thy service, and render our whole life one continued act of thanksgiving. Aid us to form right conceptions of Christ and His Advent. Make us sensible of our great need of this dispensation of Thy mercy. Animate us to accept it as our only hope of forgiveness and reconciliation. Bless the preaching of Thy Word to this end, that we may be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deluding our own selves.
Lord, our Saviour, Thou hast been ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. Grant us the guid- ance of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may live in daily prepara- tion of Thy coming, and be purified, even as Thou art pure, that we may be made like unto Thee in Thine eternal and glorious kingdom. Aid us, 0 Lord, that at Thy second com- ing with power and great glory, and all the angels with Thee, to judge the world, we may be set with those on Thy right hand, and hear Thy gracious words, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Come, Lord Jesus, yea, come quickly. Amen.
After Btriptut? iQessan
I create the fruit of the lips : Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith Jehovah. Amen. (is. 57: 19)
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy
mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the
day of Jehovah cometh, for it is nigh at hand. Amen.
(Jl. 2: 1)
©losing Prapr
OUR LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ, with Thy Church on earth we come to offer Thee the homage of joy- ful and grateful hearts, for Thou hast again permitted us to observe Thy coming to us as our Saviour and Redeemer. We rejoice that Thou didst manifest Thyself as the head of
THE ADVENT SEASON 47
the Church, and our hearts are gladdened by Thy advent and gracious presence, Thou Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. We are afflicted, but Thou dost come to us as the great Physician. We are poor, but Thou dost visit us with the abundance of Thy riches.
0 Lord, let not Thy mercy depart from us, and enable us to fully realize Thy gracious presence. May the power of Thy Holy Spirit be made more manifest in our churches, in our schools and in our homes. Restore unto us the joy of Thy salvation ; and uphold us with a willing spirit, that by the Word of Thy truth and the gracious gift of Thy holy Sacraments we may persevere in the saving faith. Rule and direct by Thy Spirit of grace the hearts of all parents, and children, and servants, that they may have Thee always before their eyes, and fulfill the duties of their several stations in righteousness and true holiness as shall be well-pleasing to Thee, serving Thee all the days of their lives. Comfort and succor all those who are in trouble, sor- row, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And since we are assured of our justification by the testimony of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, give us grace, we beseech Thee, steadfastly to resist the allurements of sin, that by Thy Holy Spirit we may ever obey Thy godly leadings in righteousness and true holiness. And when Thou comest in Thy power, enable us, blessed Saviour to lift up our heads with joy, and behold the fullness of our redemption drawing nigh ; and may we be found acceptable in Thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
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48 WORSHIP FOE FESTIVAL DAYS
3. Gtyirh ^uttbag ttt Kbvsnt ©petting £>£tttettre
Thus saith the Lord: Keep ye justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be re- vealed. Amen. (Is. 56: i)
3lttoorattott
0 LORD Jesus Christ, who at Thy first coming didst send Thy messenger to prepare the way before Thee, grant that the ministers and stewards of Thy mysteries may like- wise so prepare and make ready Thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to Thee, that at Thy second coming to judge the world, we may embrace, and hold fast the bles- sed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast bestowed upon us as a gift of Thy grace. Amen.
(§pmxn$ $rao?r
MERCIFUL GOD, our heavenly Father, we praise Thee for the blessings of this festive season. Our hearts are filled with joy at the coming of Thy Son. Grant us, we beseech Thee, grace and heavenly wisdom that we may re- ceive Thy Word with pure affection, and bring forth the fruits of Thy Spirit. Bless all ministers of the Gospel with true knowledge and understanding of Thy Word, that they may set it forth in truth and power, and Thy people may cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Create in us clean hearts, and renew a right spirit within us, that we may worship Thee in spirit and truth. Assist us, that we may become firm in our faith, and be established in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give peace unto them that seek to obey Thy truth, and turn the hearts of the wicked and impenitent to Thee.
Adoration and praise be to Thee, Lord Jesus, our Sav- iour, that Thou didst come to this world to mercifully inter- pose in behalf of our fallen race, as a deliverer of those who were lost. Thou didst come to preach good tidings unto the meek, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty
THE ADVENT SEASON 49
to the captives, and to open the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. The expectations of the just have been fulfilled by Thy coming. All the promises of God are yea and Amen in Thee, to the praise and glory of God.
Come now, blessed Saviour, and manifest Thy presence among us this day, for Thou hast promised to be in the midst of them that gather together in Thy Name. Bestow upon us the help and comfort of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may daily increase in the knowledge of Thee, our Lord and King ; honor, confess, and worship Thee ; take up our cross and follow Thee ; and always walk as becometh the children of light, that when our last hour shall come, we may pass with joy and comfort through the dark valley of death, and live with Thee for ever in the light and glory everlasting.
Amen. After ^rrtptu« Wesson
Prepare to meet thy God, 0 Israel. Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his
work is. Amen. (Am. 4: 12; Rev. 22: 12)
Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye ever- lasting doors : and the King of glory will come in. Amen.
(Ps. 24: 7) (Closing grayer
Same as Second Sunday in Advent. See page 46.
*
50 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
4. iFflurttj B>Mtfra£ in Atmettt
©petting £>mt?nt2
The voice of one that crieth, Prepare ye in the wilderness the way of the Lord ; make level in the desert a highway for our God. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together ; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Amen.
(Is. 40: 3, 5)
3nuoratio«
LORD GOD, our heavenly Father, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and lovingkindness to us and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the bless- ings of this life; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. Pre- pare our hearts by the ministration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may receive Thy beloved Son and joyfully praise Thee, our God and Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
QDppning Pragw
WE PRAISE Thee, our heavenly Father, that Thou didst send John the Baptist to prepare the way for Thy Son Jesus Christ. Grant, 0 God, that the voice of Thy servant in the wilderness may move the hearts of all men to prepare a highway for the Saviour of the world, that the good tidings of great joy may be communicated to all men, and every tongue confess Jesus Christ the Lord, to the praise of Thine honor and glory.
Lord Jesus, Son of Almighty God, Thou didst come into the world as our King, our Righteousness, the Author of our salvation. We rejoice in Thee as the all-sufficient Saviour. Thou dost richly bless us with Thy good Word and the holy Sacraments. Blessed art Thou, who didst come in the Name of the Lord, Thou Son of David, our Comforter and Redeemer. Our hearts rejoice greatly, for Thou art He that cometh, and we look not for another. Abide with us, and let Thy heavenly benediction and grac- ious gifts be with us. Enter into us, Thy living temples,
THE ADVENT SEASON 51
and sanctify us wholly in body, soul and spirit, that we may be partakers of the glory of Thy kingdom. Redeem our souls from the bondage of fear, and comfort us in all our tribulations. Free us from the law of sin and death, and enable us to attain unto the liberty and peace of Thy saints. Grant us strength of faith and fortitude to follow the ex- ample of John the Baptist and Thy disciples, and be faith- ful unto death. And having the hope, that Thou wilt appear again to judge the world and deliver us from all evil, grant that we may be prepared to receive Thee with gladness, and to pass our sojourn here in daily watchfulness and prayer, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before Thee, the Son of Man. Hear our prayers, 0 Lord, according to Thy great mercy and everlasting love. Amen.
After S>rrtpturp IQtssan
Sing and rejoice, 0 daughter of Zion; for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. Amen.
(Zee. 2: 10)
Make ye ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Amen. (Mt. 3: 3)
GHomng Prayer
The same as Second Sunday in Advent. See page 46.
*
52 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
II
®Ije (EIjriHtmaa §>mson
. 1. iFtrst ffiljnatmaa iay
Glory to God in the • highest, and on earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased. Amen. (Lk. 2: 14)
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the gov- ernment shall be upon His shoulder : and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Oh sing unto the Lord a new song ; for He hath done mar- vellous things. Amen. (Is. 9:6; Ps. 98: l)
Smmratum
PRAISE the Lord! The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only be- gotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought redemption for His people and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us. Amen.
(Setting IJragpr
0 COME, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joy- ful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving ; let us make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms !
Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Praise be unto Thy Name for ever and ever. Thou art the God that doest wonders, that showest grace and mercy and keepest all promises. Great things hast Thou done for us and our soul is glad within us. For unto us is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord. Therefore doth our soul rejoice at Thy great love and our heart is glad before Thee. For now we may take of Thy fullness grace for grace. And all this, 0 God, Thou
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON 53
hast done purely out of paternal and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on our part, for all of which we shall extol and praise Thee unto our end. Glory to Thee, 0 God, in the highest !
Glory to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour ! Thou didst become poor, that we might be made rich. Thou didst become the son of man, that we might be made children of God. In humility Thou didst take upon Thyself the form of a servant, so that we might be renewed into the image of God. 0 Lord, Thou didst find us sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and hast turned unto us the tender mercies of God and brought peace and joy which shall be unto all people. With Thee, 0 Lord, is peace on earth and good will among men. Hosanna in the highest ! Blessed is He, that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Enter, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, into our hearts and fill them with the gifts and grace of Thy tenderness and good- ness. 0 Thou King of the high heavens, establish Thy rule in our hearts and save us by Thy mercy from all the misery of sin. Make us to be Thy children, and heirs of Thy King- dom in all eternity. Grant unto us comfort in every grief, deliver us from all distress, fill us with power to resist the temptations of this world, and in our last struggle sustain us with the hope of eternal life. Have mercy on us and bless us ! 0 sanctify unto us the preaching of Thy Word on this festal day of Thine appearance, so that we may become more firmly planted and more deeply rooted in Thee, to the praise of our Father in heaven. Amen.
Aftrr §»rrtptttre iHessan
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Amen. (Jn. 3:16)
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Amen.
(l Ti. 1:15)
54 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
©losing Prayer
MOST BLESSED Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Saviour of men ! For Thy deep humiliation we bring unto Thee on the day of Thine incarnation praise and honor, glory and thanksgiving. Verily, before Thee every knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth must bow, and every tongue must confess that Thou art Lord, to the glory of God, the Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Saviour and King of glory, it should be our glad duty to bring unto Thee the offerings and gifts of faithful, contrite, humble and thankful hearts ; but being sinful and unrighteous, we pray Thee to work in us the things that are pleasing in Thy sight.
0 enter in, and be born in us today by Thy Spirit, Thou Blessed of the Lord, Thou Prince of Peace. Yea, do Thou consecrate our hearts, that they may be Thy temples.
Gather all Christian rulers about Thy manger and teach them to renew allegiance to Thee on the day of Thine incarnation. Make all preachers of Thy Word to be mes- sengers of peace that cry : Thy God is King !
Grant, that on this anniversary of Thine incarnation all parents and teachers take to heart that Thou hast de- clared the children to be sacred unto Thee. May they never offend any of these little ones, but lead them unto Thee, Lord Jesus, so that from their youthful lips Thy praises might be chanted.
Have mercy on all the poor, the sick, the dejected and afflicted. Refresh them with Thy comfort. Awaken and strengthen within them the living hope of their eternal salvation, to which we have been exalted by Thy voluntary humiliation.
Grant, that all look forward to Thy last coming with good cheer and enter into the heritage of the saints in the light, there to sing unto Thee the everlasting Hallelujah. Give ear unto our prayer, 0 Lord, our Saviour, who makest intercession for us at the throne of Thy Father in heaven.
Amen.
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON 55
2. fbttatih (Ehrisimaa Sag ©pitting Btnttntt
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Arnen. (Lk. l: 46, 47)
Snuotatton
Praise be unto Thee, 0 God, who didst cause knowledge of salvation to be given unto Thy people in the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy whereby the day- spring from on high hath visited us, to shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.
©pnttttg iJraywr
ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who hast gladdened us by the birth of Thy dearly beloved Son, we bring unto Thee praise and thanksgiving for Thy great mercy, and pray Thee to awaken in us the joy that Thou hast' caused to be preached at His birth. Sanctify us by Thy Spirit, that our hearts may turn from sin unto Thee and be born again to a new life in Thee.
Lord Jesus Christ, true man and true God, we thank Thee, that Thou didst not despise to assume our flesh and blood, but hast from all eternity inseparably united Thy- self with us, reconciling us to the Father and turning His heart to us in mercy. Grant that through Thine in- carnation we may be reassured for all time of God's eternal love. For this we would ever praise Thee with grateful hearts.
0 God, Holy Spirit, by Thy power create within us new hearts, that we may look unto Jesus with true faith, joy and comfort, to love Him like Mary, to worship and honor Him like the shepherds, and to extol and praise Him like the holy angels. Give us grace to grow in knowledge of Him. May we celebrate a joyful Christmas and for time and eternity serve Thee, 0 Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
56 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
After Scripture Slpaaon
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the fle?h, God, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. Praise be unto Thee, 0 Christ. Amen. (p0. 8: 3)
The Lord reigneth; He is clothed with majesty; Thy throne is established of old : Thou art from everlasting. Amen.
(Ps. 93: 1, 2) (Elo0tng Prayer
ETERNAL GOD, our heavenly Father, once more we come before Thy throne of grace to bring unto Thee our praise and thank-offering for all the good things that Thou hast daily and abundantly bestowed on us, though we are sinful. We especially thank Thee for Thy grace unto sal- vation that was manifested through Thy Son Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast given for our redemption as the most pre- cious treasure of Thy redeeming love. Graciously enable us to thank Thee with whole hearts for this unspeakable gift.
Blessed Saviour, Thou Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, we celebrate the memory of Thy birth with joy, and in deep humility adore the mystery of godliness : God is manifest in the flesh. Reveal Thy divine life within our souls and ever remain with us, that in sanc- tification we may grow from grace to grace, from power to power, till we come unto Thee in eternal bliss. Thou art the God of our salvation ; let Thy salvation abound in our whole land. Bless those with grace and peace to whom is entrusted the government of our country, and grant that all, whose duty it is to foster the welfare of our nation, re- new their homage unto Thee on this festal day. Add power unto the testimony of Thy servants and make them mes- sengers of peace, who bring good tidings and knowledge of salvation unto Thy people, by the remission of sins. And since Thou wast a child, grant that all parents and teachers may esteem the children highly, and beware, lest they give offense to any of the least of these little ones. Let
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON 57
them lead Thy children unto Thee, that out of their youth- ful mouths Thy praise be chanted. Fill all the earth with Thy glory, and let Thy light arise upon all peoples that still sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Yes, from the east and west do Thou bring Thy redeemed to the blessed heritage of the saints in the light, where with them and all heavenly hosts we shall sing the eternal Hallelujah to the honor and glory of Thy holy Name. Amen.
3. Sty? l^mtbag after GUjnBimaH
(Opening §>ptu>nrp
This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord : I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Amen. (jer. 31: 33)
Snoaration
ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who didst set Thy be- loved Son for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and for a sign which is spoken against, that thoughts out of many hearts might be revealed, we pray Thee, govern us in mercy by Thy Holy Spirit, that we take no offense at Him, our only Saviour. Give us the light through the preaching of Thy Word to know our hearts, and let us awake and by His grace arise from all sleep of sin. We ask it in the Name of Thy beloved Son our Lord. Amen.
<JDp?mng $rayrr
See page 21, No. 4; or page 28, No. 3.
Aftrr Srriptur* i£tsson
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God. Amen. (i jn. 3: l)
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foun- dation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation : he that believeth shall not be in haste. Amen.
(Is. 28: 16) (Claaing ^raurr
Use one of the General Prayers, pages 38 and 39.
58 WORSHIP FOE FESTIVAL DAYS
III
(% Wih attfc fy? Nm fear
*
1. (Hhe QHob^ nf the ®lh f ear
©pitting g>pntp«rp
0 Lord, I am a stranger with Thee, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord, I will walk in Thy truth : unite my heart to fear Thy name. Amen.
(Ps. 39: 12; Ps. 86: 11)
#rriptur? Season
Psalms 90 and 103.
©lining Pragn*
LORD, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all gener- ations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God ! Our life passeth away quickly as with a flood. Therefore, we come to Thee, our only helper and our eternal comfort; for Thy loving- kindness doth not depart from us, neither is Thy covenant of peace removed, 0 Lord, who hast mercy on us.
We thank Thee, 0 Lord, for all the blessings of Thy Word which Thou hast granted unto us during the past year. Thou hast visited us as often as we were gathered together in this house. Be Thou therefore with us now, when we unitedly seek Thy face. On this solemn occasion let Thy Word enter into our hearts, so that our departure from the old year and our entrance into the new may be blessed of Thee. Grant that we may close the old year in serious thoughtfulness, and begin the new in Thy Name. 0 Lord, let Thy face shine brightly upon us, and in the flight of time bestow upon us the most precious of gifts, Thy peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAR 59
(SUasmg iprayfr
ETERNAL GOD! Thou wast before the heavens were created and the foundation of the world was laid, Thou art and wilt be from everlasting to everlasting ! Our days, however, are but as handbreadths, and our life-time is as nothing before Thee. Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity.
We remember the days of the year now gone and humbly bow before Thee and confess, that because of Thy lovingkindness we are not consumed, because Thy compas- sion fails not. In countless transgressions Thou hast borne with us in patience and longsuffering, and Thy Spi- rit has never become weary of laboring with our hearts in awakening and disciplining, in teaching and comfort- ing us. Even in temporal things Thou hast crowned us with Thy goodness, so that we have lacked nothing. Thou hast protected our land under the shadow of Thy wings and hast drawn us all, even in trials and afflictions, nearer to Thee. For all these benefits we honor Thy holy Name : for the lovingkindness Thou hast shown us; for the pa- ternal care with which Thou hast sustained the poor, the widows and the orphans ; for the comfort with which Thou didst refresh the sorrowing and uphold those wTho were distressed concerning their soul's salvation ; for the relief Thou didst give unto the sick and for Thy mercy with which Thou didst support the dying. Yea, Lord, Thou hast been merciful and kind to us, while we have often abused Thy goodness and Thy longsurTering. Our con- science accuses us, 0 Lord, our heart condemns us.
Oh, Lord, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth, cast us not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. Forgive us our sins and transgressions ; and blot them out through the blood of Thy dear Son, our Lord and Saviour. Father of love! May Thy gracious Spirit be our helper that none of us end this year without examining himself
60 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
in the light of Thy truth and humbling himself before Thee. Renew us in the spirit of our mind that we may put on the new man, created after Thee in righteousness and holi- ness of truth.
Eternal Father ! Thy years have no end, but our time passeth away; forsake us not, neither withdraw from us Thy grace. Protect our government, those in authority and all that dwell in our land; likewise pastors and churches, teachers and scholars, parents and children, well and ill, living and dying. Teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom, to do Thy work be- fore the night cometh, and we be found faithful stewards in the hour of reckoning. Lord, abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent. Keep us from all evil, preserve our souls. Lord, keep our going out and our coming in from this time forth and for evermore.
Amen.
*
2. $>ai f ear's Say
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress ; my God, in whom I trust. — And the Lord saith, Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him ; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble : I will deliver him, and honor him. Amen.
(Ps. 91: 1, 2, 14, 15)
It is of Jehovah's lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul ; therefore will I hope in Him. Amen. (La. 3: 22, 24)
THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAR 61
Smiarattnn
> 1. GOD, grant peace unto our land, happiness and salvation to men in all stations. Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, be their Shepherd also and bear them up for ever. Lord, may it please Thee to bless us ; for whom Thou dost bless, the same is blest for ever. Amen.
2. LORD GOD, our Father in heaven, we thank Thee that Thou didst send forth Thy Son under the law, that He might redeem them that were under the law. We pray Thee, enlighten our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, sancti- fy us to walk in a new life during this new year, and at last grant us eternal life through Thy Son, who together with Thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth in all eternity.
Amen. ©jnmutg JJrayer
LORD GOD, eternal Father, we are dust and ashes, and our life is as nothing before Thee. But Thou rem airi- est for ever, and Thy years have no end. We are sinners, and our misdeeds are manifest before Thy countenance. But Thou, Lord, art our Father and Redeemer ; from ever- lasting this is Thy Name. Who can tell of all Thy wondrous works and praise all Thy glorious deeds! What shall we render unto Thee for all Thy benefits toward us! How sweet is Thy mercy, 0 God, that men may take refuge in the covert of Thy wings !
Thou art our refuge and our solace in eternity, and therefore our souls do seek Thee now at the beginning of this new year. Father of mercies! The days that shall still come to us are written in Thy book ; therefore we con- fidently commit body and soul into Thy hands. Grant to- day that Thine only begotten Son may arise in our hearts as the Sun of righteousness, that bringeth light and life. Bestow upon us Thy Holy Spirit as the guide for our life's journey, that we may make straight paths for our feet and
62 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
stumble not. 0 Thou that watchest over Israel, who dost neither slumber nor sleep, take us again under Thy pro- tecting care and be the light and strength of our life in all our ways. Eternal God, withdraw not Thy hand from us. We wait for Thy salvation. Lord, help us ! 0 Lord, prosper us in all things ! We ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
After i§»mpturp tCpfiamt
The world passeth away, and the lust thereof : but he that do- eth the will of God abideth for ever. Amen. (i jn. 2: 17)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever. Amen. (He. 13:8)
(EloHtng ffraijpr '
ETERNAL GOD, our merciful Father in Christ Je- sus our Lord ! At the beginning of this new year of our pil- grimage we come before Thee with thanksgiving. We praise Thy glorious Name for the countless and unmerited mercies, which Thou hast bestowed upon us during our whole life and in particular during the year that we have just closed. Thou hast crowned us with Thy blessing and hast filled us with the abundant mercies of Thy Church. We thank Thee for preserving our lives, for Thy blessing upon our daily work, for Thy paternal care in joy and grief, for peace and prosperity, for protection and safe- keeping in our whole land. Above all things we thank Thee, that Thou hast not removed the light of Thy Word from us, but hast constantly admonished us to repent and believe, and hast given us abundant opportunity to work out the salvation of our souls.
We pray Thee, merciful Father, let not Thy blessing depart from us in this new year. Take Thy Church under Thy protecting wings. Teach the ministers of Thy Word to open their mouths with gladness and to tell abroad the sweet mystery of Thy Gospel. Equip them with resolute courage to fight against the powers of darkness, and en- large the kingdom of Jesus among men. With Thy Holy
THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAR 63
Spirit enlighten the hearts still in darkness, bring back the erring, and strengthen in Thy grace those who have been converted, until Thou shalt set forth Thy congregation holy and undefiled. Bless, 0 Lord, each and every one in his daily work. Let all married people be united in Thy peace in all godliness. Place Thy blessing upon the rearing of our children, protect them from the persecutions of Satan and from the lusts of the flesh. Fill all teachers with wisdom and grace, that they may lead the children, the work of Thy hands, unto Thee, that not one of these little ones perish.
We also pray for all officers of our government throughout our land. Fill them with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the knowledge and fear of Thy holy Name, that they may be faithful in the discharge of their sacred duties.
Merciful Father, wrilt Thou especially be the help and comfort of all the poor, the distressed, the sick and the troubled. Have pity on the dying in their extreme anguish and quicken them with the Word of life. Teach us all, 0 gracious Lord, to number our days, that we may get us grace to apply this new year to the seeking of our soul's salvation with fear and trembling. Grant, that in our daily cares we may never forget the one thing needful, that can be taken from us neither in the changes of time, nor at the departure from this world. Hear our prayer for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
Amen.
*
64 WORSHIP FOE FESTIVAL DAYS
IV
®fj£ Sag nf ijumiltatton anb Prager
The Mighty One, God, the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Hear, 0 my people, and I will speak: 0 Israel, and I will testify unto thee: I am God, even thy God. Call upon me in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Amen.
(Ps. 50: 1,7, 15)
Snttnratton
SPARE us, 0 Lord, and mercifully forgive us our sins, and though by our continual transgressions we have merited Thy punishments, be gracious unto us, and grant that all those evils which we have deserved, may be turned from us, and overruled to our everlasting good, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
(SDppmmj Prayer
ALMIGHTY and eternal God! We, Thy children, humble ourselves before Thee on this solemn day. Thou art holy and righteous, but we are sinful and of unclean hands and lips. As individuals, as a congregation, and as a people we acknowledge before Thee our transgressions. Against Thee have we sinned and done evil in Thy sight. In this hour we turn to Thee, as our heavenly Father, who art long-suffering, merciful, gracious and full of compas- sion. Thou hast no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. We pray Thee, 0 Lord, have mercy upon us according to Thy loving- kindness ; according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. Purge us with hys- sop, and we shall be clean ; wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. Hide Thy face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities.
THE DAY OF HUMILIATION AND PRAYER 65
0 Father, give us Thy Spirit in richest measure. Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. Restore unto us the joy of Thy salvation and uphold us with Thy free Spirit. Help us to consecrate anew our lives to Thee. Make us strong to do Thy blessed will. Lead us ever at Thy right hand. Keep us from sin. Help us to remain true to Thee, to Thy Son Jesus Christ, and to Thy holy Church, and at last receive us into Thy kingdom on high. We ask it all in the Name of our blessed Saviour.
Amen, ©losing Prapr
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER! We thank Thee for this day and for the privilege of Christian worship in this solemn hour. We thank Thee for the message from Thy Word, calling us to repentance and faith, and admonish- ing us to walk in the newness of life. We thank Thee that Thy Son Jesus Christ came to redeem and to save a lost world, and that in Him we have the forgiveness of our sins, the strength to fight the good fight of faith, and the glo- rious hope of a blessed home on high.
We ask Thee, 0 Lord, to grant us Thy blessing. As we leave this house of worship may we have the assurance through Thy Holy Spirit, that by the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven. We implore Thee also to give us power to live in accordance with Thy holy com- mandments. Help us to think, talk and act in harmony with Thy will. Make us strong to love Thee with a more fervent love and to serve Thee with a greater faithfulness. Thine we are; Thine will we be. Hold us close to Thee. Embrace us anew with the arms of Thy love, and when our days on earth are done, may we enter that life which knows no sin. Hear our prayer, we beseech Thee, in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
66 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
V
®lje lEptpljatti} ^ason
(Opening Btntttite
Behold, There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, and the sceptre shall not depart from Judah, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the obedience of the peoples be. Amen.
(Nu. 24: 17; Gn. 49: 10). Snuoratton
0 GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest the coming of Thine only begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who have now come to know Thee here by faith, may be led to the full vision of Thy glory hereafter in heaven ; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
©anting grayer
0 GOD, our heavenly Father, who art life and light, we praise Thee that Thou hast made Thine only begotten Son a blessed Light of the Gentiles, and through Him hast also called us from the darkness and shadow of death to Thy glorious light. We earnestly beseech Thee that Thou wouldst shed abroad the blessed light of Thy truth more and more. Give to Thy Son the heathen for His inheritance,, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. May Thy blessed light so shine upon all hearts, that, like the wise men of old, all may bring unto Thee precious gifts: even the gold of a pure and holy faith ; the frankincense of earnest and devout prayer; the myrrh of a broken and penitent heart. Inspire us, 0 God, to do Thy will and to be loyal to our King and Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord. En- lighten us by His teaching. Guide us by His example. Sanctify us by His Spirit.
THE EPIPHANY SEASON 67
0 Triune God, bless us now in this service. Satisfy our holy longings. Cleanse our hearts from sin. Quicken our vision that we may see the King in His beauty, and adore Him with awe and humility. Mercifully help us to walk in the light till our earthly pilgrimage is done, and then graciously receive us unto Thee, to live with Thee in the eternal light and glory of heaven.
Hear us in these supplications for the sake of our Sav- iour and Redeemer. Amen.
After #rrtpt«rt Kjpssou
0 praise the Lord, all ye nations; laud Him, all ye peoples. Hallelujah! Amen. (Ps. 117: l)
Praise be to God ! The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Amen. (is. 9: 2)
(Elnstttg Praypr
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, our heavenly Fa- ther, who hast given Thy Son to be the Saviour of the world, grant that the pure light of His Gospel may over- come the darkness of idolatry in every land. May the light of Thy divine love, as revealed in the manger and on the cross, shine upon all who are still in the region and shadow of death, and draw them to Thee, the Life and Light of the world, as the star of Bethlehem drew the wise men to the Christ. Let the blessed light of Thy truth always shine upon us that we may increase in the knowledge of our Lord and King; honor, confess and worship Him throughout all the days of our life. Bless to this end anew Thy Word that has been proclaimed. Seal unto our hearts the instructions of this hour. Enable us neither to forget the precepts and promises of Thy Word, nor depart in thought or word or deed from the faith of Thy true children in Jesus Christ. And when Thy Son, our Lord, shall arise from Thy right hand to visit the earth in righteousness and Thy people with salvation, may we be found diligent in Thy service
68 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
that we may enter with Him and all saints into the glory of our Lord. And all this we ask for the sake of Him whom Thou hearest always, to whom, with Thee, the Father, and Thee, 0 blessed Spirit, one God, be everlasting praise, honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
2. 3\xBt Bmnfcag after iEptpfyatuj
©petting ^entettrp
I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former. And the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to His temple ; and the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, He cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. Amen. (Hag. 2: 7, 9; Mai. 3: l)
frager
HEAVENLY FATHER, we adore Thee as the Light in whom is no darkness at all. Thou art the fountain of life and peace, and in Thy presence is fullness of joy. We thank Thee that Thou hast sent forth Thine only begotten Son to be the Light of the world and to shine unto all that dwell in the land of the shadow of death. May the light of His Gospel speedily scatter the darkness of heathenism and bring all nations to Thee that they might live and not die. To this end, heavenly Father, revive and quicken our languid faith, and make the last charge of the Master ever to ring in our ears, Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Merciful Saviour, who sittest at the right hand of the Father and makest intercession for us , we thank Thee that Thou didst come into the world as a Saviour to save us from sin. We praise Thee that Thou hast purchased our pardon through Thy blood, and dost bestow upon all, who in faith come to Thee, the power to become sons of God. Make us wholly Thine, 0 Lord. Help us to love and Serve Thee faithfully all our days.
THE EPIPHANY SEASON 69
Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and of power, help our infirmities. Enable us to run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Per- fecter of our faith.
0 Triune God, receive us graciously, as we draw nigh to Thee in this hour. Visit us with Thy blessing. Cleanse us from all sin. Illumine us by Thy grace. Enable us to worthily show forth Thy praise, and to render unto Thee due thanks for all Thy mercies. We ask it in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
3. #£nm& jsmttfcay after f-ptphattg
(Btyrpmng ^entente
Thus saith the Lord : Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money ; come ye, buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Amen.
(Is. 55:1)
0 GOD, our heavenly Father, we give Thee thanks that Thou hast unveiled Thyself to the minds and hearts of Thy children, and hast made Thy presence known from the beginning of the world. We praise Thee that Thou hast crowned the revelation of Thyself in Thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ. In Him dost Thou show Thyself to us as a loving and merciful Father ; and furthermore, in Him, the Saviour, dost Thou show us to ourselves as children of Thine and heirs of salvation. Give unto us, we beseech Thee, such a recognition of Thy Fatherhood, as shall move us to a filial trust in Thee and to a fraternal interest in each other. We pray Thee, that all people may soon come to know of Him who is the Light and Desire of all nations, and that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea. To this end prosper the labors of Thy servants o'er all the earth. Lay upon our own hearts the sorrows of our fellow-men who are still •in superstition and sin, and enable us to pray and labor mightily for their liberation and enlightenment. Make us
70 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
willing, 0 God, to be made holy. Fill us with the sweetness and the graciousness of the Christ whose Name we bear. Let Thy blessing now come upon this congregation. May our worship deepen the impress of Thine image upon our nature, and may all our service redound to Thy glory. Hear us and answer us for Jesus' sake. Amen.
4. ©hirfi B>tm&ag after i-ptpfjany
©pitting Btntmtt
0 Lord, do not Thine eyes look upon truth ? They looked unto Him, and were radiant ; and their faces shall never be confounded. Amen. (Jer. 5: 3; Ps. 34: 5)
" OUR GOD and Father, we thank Thee, that Thou art the source of life and light and love. We bless Thee for all that Thou hast done for us and for the many ways of mercy Thou hast led us. 0 give unto us with these gifts a heart to love Thee and to bow in obedience and faith to Thy will. Graciously take all malice, bitterness and hatred from our lives, and help us to gain the simple childlike spirit which trusts and believes, even if it cannot understand. 0 Thou Light of the world, shine Thou into our hearts and make them pure and holy. Help us to be light-bearers. Grant that we may be sincerely interested in all the efforts that are being made to elevate men and women, and to relieve suffering humanity. Enable us to meet all problems of life with wise and constructive sympathy and help. Teach us, we pray Thee, the blessedness of unselfish service. Inspire us to holier motives and greater deeds in Thy service.
Bless us now in this hour of worship. Bless all the services of this day. Bless the precious work of grace every- where. Let Thy truth be mighty and prevail gloriously, wherever it is preached to-day, and grant that the time may speedily come, when the kingdoms of the world shall be- come the kingdoms of our Lord. We ask it in Christ's Name and for His sake. Amen.
THE LENTEN SEASON 71
VI
Stye i£mtm Blazon
*
1. (Opening BmtmaB for Hetton Bitmtts
I will cry unto God Most High, unto God that performeth all things for me. Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I take refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Amen. (ps. 57: i, 2)
He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? Amen. (Ro. 8: 32)
But God commendeth His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Amen. (R0. 5: 8)
Christ is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. Amen. (l jn. 2: 2)
Thus saith the Lord, Thou hast burdened me with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. Amen.
(Is. 43: 24)
Thus saith the Lord, I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord ; that thou mayest remem- ber, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, be- cause of thy shame, when I have forgiven thee all that thou hast done. Amen. (Ezek. 16: 62, 63)
Thus saith the Lord, The year of my redeemed is come. Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteous- ness. Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salva- tion. Amen. (Is. 63: 4; 1: 27; 45: 17)
*
72 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
2. Pra^rs for Mxbmtsk IGentett BsmmB
Beginning with Ash Wednesday, the First Day of Lent.
*
1. ALMIGHTY GOD, Creator and Ruler of the uni- verse, Thy boundless mercy permits us to observe once more the season of Lent. Thou wouldst have us realize anew that the promise of old has been fulfilled. Thou wouldst have us concentrate our thoughts on the sacrifice made in our behalf, and have us recall the proof of Thy great love for fallen and sinful man. Thou didst so love the world, that Thou gavest Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Thou didst send Christ that He might reveal unto the world the plan of salvation, pay the penalty of sin, and reconcile man unto Thee. 0 God, accept our thanks for this mani- festation of Thy love. Grant, we beseech Thee, that as we obtain knowledge of the importance of the sacrifice made for us, we may be induced to love Thee with all our heart, and soul, and strength, and mind, and regard Thee as a Father, who pitieth His children, and seeketh not only their temporal but also their eternal welfare. Amen.
*
2. 0 LORD, Thou Son of the Most High, Saviour and Redeemer of man, thanks be unto Thee for coming into this wicked and sin-polluted world in order to seek and to save that which was lost. Thou didst leave Thy throne to become the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Thou, who art pure and undefiled, without spot or blemish, hast come to dwell with sinners and to suffer the penalty for sin. We praise Thee that by word and deed Thou art leading man out of sin into righteousness, out of darkness into light. Blessed be Thy holy Name that by
THE LENTEN SEASON 73
Thy suffering and death on the cross Thou hast purchased our pardon and secured our redemption. Grant, we be- seech Thee, that we may more fully realize, that love for sinful man was the motive which prompted Thee to humble Thyself and to become obedient unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Help us to be truly grateful. Help us to love Thee in return, to seek Thee with all our heart, and find in Thee our all in all. Amen.
*
3. LORD JESUS, our Redeemer and Master, surely Thou hast borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Thou wast wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Thee, and with Thy stripes we are healed. Thou wast oppressed and afflicted, despised and rejected of men, a man of sor- rows and acquainted with grief. In our stead didst Thou endure, suffer and die, thereby paying the penalty for our sins. 0 Lord, accept our sincerest thanks. Grant, we pray Thee, that we may realize our sinful condition. Help us to remember that we sin daily by word, thought and deed. Move us from on high, that we may humble our- selves before God, our Creator, and through Thee seek His forgiveness and pardon. Take away from us all pride and selfishness ; purify us ; give us penitent and contrite hearts. Grant that we may experience that godly sorrow, which worketh repentance unto salvation; a repentance, which bringeth no regret. Reveal unto us our weakness and im- perfection and help us to realize, that Thou art the source of power and strength, and that with Thee alone we may live better and more useful lives. Amen.
4. MOST GRACIOUS and merciful God, we appre- ciate Thy lovingkindness and are truly grateful unto Thee for sending Jesus Christ, Thy Son, into this world, so that
74 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
He could become the propitiation for our sins. We thank Thee that Thou didst give Him power and courage to pa- tiently endure all trials and sufferings, so that He could suc- cessfully perform Thy holy will, accomplish the work of redemption, deliver us and all men from the bonds of sin and Satan, and save us from spiritual and eternal death. 0 Father, how great is Thy love for fallen and wayward man ! Thou dost brighten and sweeten his earthly life by bestowing upon him the bread of heaven and water of life, inviting him to partake of these freely. Thou dost reveal unto him, that eternal joy and happiness shall be his por- tion, if he accept Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for all sins. May it be deeply impressed upon our minds, that we have been bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ our Saviour. Induce us to meditate on His suf- ferings and death, to the end that we may abhor sin, detest the world, and fully accept Thy Son as our Lord and Mas- ter, and through Him find Thee, the God of love and mercy.
Amen.
5. LORD JESUS, our Master and King, Thou didst submit to scorn and mockery, cruelties and insults, suffer- ings and death, in order to pay the debt which we owed to God, the Father. Without murmur and without complaint didst Thou pay the price for the salvation of our immortal souls. Thou hast opened for us the way to God, and re- moved every barrier which separated us from Him. Thou hast thrown open the portals of Paradise, our heavenly home, that we may enter and be redeemed and saved for all eternity. Grant, we pray Thee, that it may be brought to our realization, that it required no small effort on Thy part to accomplish the work of redemption, but that for Thee it meant humiliation, sacrifice and full surrender. Thou didst gladly and willingly submit, because of Thy great love for us. In return Thou wouldst have us love and serve Thee, above all things. Enable us, heavenly Sa-
THE LENTEN SEASON 75
viour, to serve Thee by serving others. Give us grace that we may be Christians in word and deed, and present our- selves approved unto God as fishers of men and diligent workers in Thy vineyard, and thus try to pay the debt of love we owe unto Thee. Amen.
6. HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank Thee for Thy precious Word, which reveals unto us Thy love for man, and conveys unto us an idea regarding the inestimable value of the human soul. It is Thy desire that man should not perish, but be obedient to Thy holy will and abide for ever. Thou didst send Thy Son into this world to become for man an example of a faithful and loyal servant. May we profit by His coming. May we heed His warnings and ac- cept His advice. May His words be unto us not foolishness, but a power unto salvation, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Help us to love Him who gave Himself for us and suffered and died in our stead, thus reconciling us with Thee, our God and Father. May we have faith in the cleansing power of His blood. It alone can purify us and blot out all our sins. Help us to remember what it cost Thee and Thy Son to redeem mankind. Grant, that these sacrifices may not have been brought for us in vain. May we in the future put forth greater efforts to overcome temptation and to resist the evil one, and be faithful and loyal to Thee, to Christ and the Holy Spirit, so that, finally, with all Thy saints we may be gathered into Thy heavenly kingdom, where we shall praise and glorify Thee, the Triune God, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen.
*
76 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
3. BmtmaB after tip? ^tviptnn ffirasntt
We love, because He first loved us. Amen. (i jn. 4: 19)
The blood of Jesus His Son cleanseth us from all sin. Amen.
(1 Jn. 1: 7)
Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! Amen. (jn. l: 29)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. Amen. (Gal. 3: 13)
The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. Amen. (Lk. 19: 10)
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up ; that whosoever believeth may in Him have eternal life. Amen. (jn. 3: 14, 15)
For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly. Amen. (Ro. 5: 6)
The word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness ; but unto us who are saved it is the power of Cod. Amen.
(1 Co. 1: 18)
God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Amen. (2 Co. 5: 19)
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Amen.
(1 Jn. 4: 10)
*
THE LENTEN SEASON 77
4. ^unbag &st\ntta during tlje Henten Benzan
A. First Sunday in Lent — Invocavit
©pining ^enttxxtt
He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not- also with Him freely give us all things ? Amen. (Ro. 8: 32)
ilnuoratton
ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who didst permit Thy Son, Jesus Christ, to be made a curse for us, grant that we may be enabled to humbly and gratefully consider His suffering and death, and that, being delivered from the curse of the law, we may through Thy mercy have the redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
Amen. Prapr
MOST MERCIFUL God and Father ! Through Thy grace we may again enjoy the manifold spiritual blessings of this holy Lenten season into which we have just entered. We have united to contemplate the life and death of Thy Son, our Lord and Saviour, who for our sake fasted forty days and forty nights, was tempted like as we are, yet with- out sin, but in all His sufferings served Thee alone, and thereby conquered and prevailed. Thou God of our sal- vation, who didst set Him forth a propitiation for our sins, grant that in loving gratitude we may behold the Author and Perf ecter of our faith in all His power and beauty.
Thou, our Saviour, art strong in holiness ; we are weak in sin. Thou didst conquer all temptations, but we are daily subdued by the sinful desires of our mortal body. May we for ever love Thee, and call upon Thee, as our only strength and salvation. May we receive the fruits of Thy faith and obedience, that being crucified unto our flesh, we may live unto Thee in true righteousness and holiness. And as Thou didst call upon Thy heavenly Father in all
78 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
Thy painful sufferings, thereby obtaining victory and glory, so may we for ever be assured of Thy merciful inter- cession, and, thus comforted and abundantly strengthened, prevail in all our struggles against sin ; until finally united with Thee, we shall dwell with Thee in the mansions of the righteous, for ever and ever. Amen.
B. Second Sunday in Lent — Reminiscere
QDprnmg S»pnt^n«
He is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. Amen. (i jn. 2: 2)
dJnuorattmt
MOST HOLY and loving Father! Have pity upon us for all our sins and errors ; deliver us and purify us from all our iniquities, and enable us through Thy Holy Spirit to serve and glorify Thee in all holiness and righteousness.
Amen, iragtr
WE THANK Thee, 0 heavenly Father, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that in everlasting lovingkindness Thou didst have mercy on us in our sins, and didst not spare Thine only Son, delivering Him up for us all, that we might have eternal life.
Lord Jesus, most glorious and beloved Redeemer! Grant, that we may be made mindful not only of our sins and iniquities, but also of Thy love and compassion. Thou hast been despised, and rejected of men ; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Thou hast borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. Thou hast been wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. The chas- tisement of our peace was upon Thee, and with Thy stripes are we healed. Thou hast been obedient unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Lord, Thou Son of God, may Thy Holy Spirit glorify Thee in our hearts and lives, leading
THE LENTEN SEASON 79
us unto repentance and faith, true love and gratitude. Help us, that Thy suffering and death may enable us to die unto sin, to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and to walk in righteousness and holiness well-pleasing unto God.
Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy upon us ! Com- fort us, as we come to Thee with a broken and contrite heart ; and at the end of our days, receive us into the abodes prepared and opened for us in Thy grace and mercy.
Amen.
C. Third Sunday in Lent — Oculi
©petting g^ntr-nr*
Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works. Amen. (Tit. 2: 14)
31 no oration
LORD JESUS, our Saviour and Redeemer, who didst take upon Thyself our sins, and didst bear them in Thy body on the cross: we beseech Thee, grant us Thy Spirit to reprove us of our sins, to comfort us and teach us, Thy servants, to Thine honor and our salvation. Amen.
Prayr-r
0 MOST GRACIOUS Saviour, Thou Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world, we heartily thank Thee for all Thy love and mercy which has been revealed to us in all Thy words and deeds, Thy life and death. Thou hast become the only comfort and salvation to all who have been cleansed by Thy precious blood; and with countless multitudes we to-day extol Thy Name, wherein alone man can be saved.
Father of mercy, abundant in lovingkindness, we offer to Thee our heartfelt thanks, because in Thine eternal love Thou hast made Thy Son the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. Thou
80 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
art willing with Him freely to give us all things. His eyes were constantly lifted up to Thee, and Thou wast ever ready to listen to His prayers. Thine eyes beheld Him, and truly in Him Thou wast well pleased.
But, most righteous God, Thou lookest down upon the children of men, and findest that there is none that doeth good, no, not one. We are all corrupt, and we all have gone astray. Oh, direct our eyes to be lifted up in true re- pentance to Him, who was crucified. We implore His mercy, that we may be converted and live; and may Thy grace for ever lead us to renounce all ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly and godly, and to look for the glory of Him, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit reigneth one God, now and for ever. Amen.
D. Fourth Sunday in Lent — Laetare
Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Amen.
(2 Co. 5: 21)
3iworatt0n
ETERNAL GOD and Father, mercifully grant that, reconciled unto Thyself and delivered from the kingdom of darkness, we may faithfully follow the example of our Saviour's humble obedience and patient suffering, and fin- ally obtain the inheritance of His eternal kingdom. Amen.
Prager
MOST GRACIOUS and merciful Father, we thank Thee, that through the gift of Thy Son, Thou hast brought joy into a world of sin and sorrow. Our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour, for Thou hast mercifully looked upon our low estate and hast filled the hungry with life and salvation.
Thou, in truth, Lord Jesus, art the Prophet and Saviour, that was to come into the world to live and die for
THE LENTEN SEASON 81
those held in bondage. Thou hast made us free, and in Thee have we become the children of promise. We pray that Thou, whom we rejoice to honor as our only strength and solace, mayest mercifully look upon us, Thy people, and sustain us in true faith, hope and charity. Grant us Thy Spirit, to glorify Thee within us, that in true willing- ness to serve Thee, we may daily die unto sin and rise unto righteousness. Let us joyfully and gratefully consecrate our lives unto Thee as a living and well-pleasing sacrifice. Lead us into light and truth, that Thou mayest rejoice in beholding us as Thy faithful servants, who finally may en- ter into the joy of their Lord. We ask Thee to hear our prayers, Thou Son of God, most merciful Saviour and Re- deemer. Amen.
*
E. Fifth Sunday in Lent — Judica
©pining ^entente
Looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Amen. (He. 12: 2)
Situaratum
LORD JESUS, most merciful Redeemer, our perfect High Priest and Mediator: help us to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find help in time of need. Amen, ftraurr
MOST JUST and holy God, who didst judge Thy Son and plead His cause against an ungodly nation, we ask Thee to look mercifully upon us, the sinful and un- righteous. We all like sheep have gone astray and are all deserving to be punished. But Thou hast made Him who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. He, truly, has been made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
82 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
Our heavenly Father, we most humbly pray: Judge me, 0 Lord, search me, 0 God, and know my heart ; see, if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Teach us to know ourselves. Lead us unto repentance, that judging ourselves we be not judged and condemned. Let us for ever remember Jesus and Him cru- cified, that our conscience may be purged from dead works to serve Thee, the living God. May our Saviour's precious suffering and death for ever remain our comfort and con- solation in all trials and adversities; and grant, that by means of His death we may at last come to the inheritance of the redeemed. This we humbly ask in the Name of Jesus, Thy Son, our Saviour. Amen.
F. Sixth Sunday in Lent — Palmarum
Wpmin$ ^entente
Awake, awake, put on thy strength, 0 Zion ; put on thy beau- tiful garments, 0 Jerusalem. Shake thyself from the dust ; arise, sit on thy throne, 0 Jerusalem : loose thyself from the bonds of thy neck, 0 captive daughter of Zion. Amen. (is. 52: l, 2)
Smmraiton
0 MOST merciful Father, who didst make Thy Son, our Saviour, unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanc- tification, and redemption, and hast set Him, the King of kings, at Thine own right hand, grant, v/e beseech Thee, that we may receive and honor Him our Lord and King, follow His footsteps unto our end, and, at last, be glorified with Him in His everlasting kingdom. Amen.
Prater
WE THANK Thee, almighty and everlasting God, for all Thy tender compassion in which through Thy beloved Son Thou hast delivered us out of the power of darkness to grant us the forgiveness of sins.
PALM SUNDAY 83
We thank Thee, our Saviour, that Thou didst take upon Thee the form of a servant, humbling Thyself and becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Thou hast been highly exalted ; Thou hast been made King and Lord of glory. Oh, enter, we pray Thee, into our hearts and the hearts of these children, who are to renew their baptismal covenant; fill them with gratitude for all Thou hast done and suffered, that, growing firm in faith, hope and love, they may rejoice in Thy precious communion.
0 Spirit of truth, our Comforter, teach us and our children the precious truths of our faith. Grant us and all men Thy heavenly light, that we may grasp the full mean- ing of our misery and of our Saviour's unbounded love. Assist us and our confirmands to honor Him in true and faithful service, to make a good confession before men, and to keep His commandments without spot, and unrebukable. Open the hearts of those still ignorant of the Name above all names, and lead them to know and follow the Captain of their salvation.
Most glorious Triune God! Enrich us in all know- ledge, strengthen our faith, deliver us out of all tempta- tions and enable us to become faithful in all righteousness, in godliness, love, patience and meekness. Receive us at last into Thine everlasting kingdom, where with the innum- erable multitudes of heaven we shall join, saying : Amen : Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
After JSTrtjiture Sjpaaon
To the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen. (Jude 25)
Hosanna to the Son of David : Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord ; Hosanna in the highest. Amen. (Mt. 21: 9)
84 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
GUnamg iJragpr
LORD GOD Almighty, merciful Father! Thou didst so love the world, that Thou gavest Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Without this Thy love we would all be lost, but Thou hast delivered our souls from the pit of corruption ; Thou hast cast all our sins behind Thee.
Lord Jesus, Thou Son of God ! Thou art the propiti- ation for our sins and for the sins of the whole world.
Spirit of the Father and of the Son ! Glorify Christ's passion for us and open our hearts for the Gospel of the cross, that it may prove its power and wisdom in us.
Rejoice greatly, 0 Daughter of Zion; shout, 0 Daugh- ter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is just and having salvation. Hosanna to the Son of Da- vid; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest !
0 Lord, our Saviour! Give us grace to recognize Thee as our Lord and King, to whom the Father gave a Name above every name, that at Thy Name every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should con- fess that Thou art Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Mercifully take away the veil from the face of Israel, that they may acknowledge Thee as their promised Mes- siah, and serve Thee. Extend Thy kingdom among all nations of the earth. Let the blessing of Thy cross come upon them, that all may bow before Thy sceptre and re- joice in Thee, the God of their salvation. Remember us and abide with us. Let the message of Thy suffering and death be especially blessed in this week, that we may rejoice anew in the fact of our redemption, and thereby be strengthened, henceforth to live not unto ourselves, but unto Thee, who didst die and rise again for us. Amen.
MAUNDY THURSDAY 85
5. BtntutB fat iHatmhg atyursfcaij
©pitting ^ftttenr*
He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and merciful. He hath given food unto them that fear Him : He will ever be mindful of His covenant. Amen.
(Ps. Ill: 4, 5>
0 LORD, our Saviour, direct our thoughts now and always to Thy holy passion, which Thou didst endure for our sins amidst unspeakable anguish in Gethsemane. May Thy great agony move us to a complete self -surrender to Thee and to faithful service unto death. Unite us with Thee in faith until our will, like Thine, become a pleasing sacrifice, and we suffer willingly, whatever may be allotted to us. Let Thy blood cleanse us from all pollution of the flesh and the spirit. And as Thou didst humbly kneel to worship Thy Father, so make us humble before Thee, that we may renounce all pride and selfishness. Help us to watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation; and quicken us again, as Thou didst Thy disciples, when we are inclined to rely too much upon ourselves. And though in our tribulation and in the hour of death our heart should be filled with fear and anguish, help us still to be faithful unto the end. Blessed Saviour, Thou didst offer up Thyself for us with strong crying and tears; stand by us in all temptations and intercede for us as our eternal High Priest. Thou art merciful and hast compassion with our weakness, because Thou wast tempted in all things, as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, help us in all distress and every conflict, that we may finally gain the victory and obtain the crown of life. We ask it all by virtue of Thy great sorrow and suffering. Amen.
g'rnpture Wesson
Jesus washing His disciples' feet. (jn. 13: l— 17.)
86 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
CUnaing Prater
LORD JESUS, Saviour of the world, we thank Thee, that in the darkest night of Thy suffering Thou didst insti- tute the Sacrament of Holy Communion. In the blessed bread and wine Thou dost offer us Thy body and blood to revive the memory of Thy death, and to nourish Thy divine life in us. Thou hast prepared the feast of grace to refresh our souls, and dost give us the assurance, that no one shall bs cast out who cometh to Thee in repentance and faith. Therefore we rejoice, and all men and angels praise Thy holy Name. Thou, the Son of God, hast given Thyself for us and dost grant us a most precious pledge of our sal- vation.
Merciful Saviour, we pray Thee, keep us, that we may never esteem lightly this great blessing. Awaken in us, whenever we approach Thine altar, a holy sincerity to ex- amine ourselves penitently and conscientiously ; and grant that through this holy Sacrament our faith may be in- creased, our love strengthened, and our salvation estab- lished unto eternal life, when we shall praise and glorify Thee, world without end. Amen.
*
fi. Bnmtsa for (&nnb ifln&ag
©petting §>£tttnt«a
Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Amen. (Rev. 5: 12)
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are healed. Amen. (is. 53: 4, 5)
GOOD FRIDAY 87
Hlnuoratiottfl
1. Almighty God, we beseech Thee graciously to be- hold Thy Church, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; but who now liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
2. Merciful and everlasting God, who hast not spared Thine only Son, but delivered Him up for us all, that He might bear our sins upon the cross ; grant that our hearts may so be fixed on Him with steadfast faith, that we may not fear the power of any adversaries. We ask it in the Name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. Almighty and everlasting God, who hast willed that Thy Son should bear for us the pains of the cross, that Thou mightest remove from us the power of the adversary ; help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord's pas- sion that we may obtain remission of sin and redemption from everlasting death. We ask it in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
CDpftung Pragera
1. WORTHY is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing, now and for ever.
Lord God, our heavenly Father, we humbly worship Thee, for Thou hast made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Father, have mercy on us and graciously accept our supplications. Thou didst not spare Thine own Son, but didst deliver Him up for us all, how shouldest Thou not also with Him freely give us all things? Therefore, we pray Thee, help us to incline our hearts unto Him, who died for us on the cross and purchased forgiveness and grace with His blood.
88 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
Praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee, Lord Jesus, our Saviour, who didst love us unto death, even the death of the cross. We glorify Thee for having redeemed us with Thy precious blood, whereby we became children and heirs of God. Thou wast obedient to the Father even in the dark- est gloom of Calvary, and on the cross didst finish the work of our redemption. We bless Thee, 0 Christ, Thou only Mediator between God and man. We bless Thy holy Name for all Thou didst endure for us; for every burden Thou didst bear; for every battle Thou didst fight; for every tear Thou didst shed; for every agony Thou didst suffer; for every word of consolation and benediction Thou didst utter on the cross. Glory, everlasting glory, be unto Thee for the victory, which Thou didst gain.
0 merciful God and Father, bless this holy day, com- memorating the atoning death of our Lord for us and for all people who call on Thee. Give Thy servants convincing power in presenting the message of Thy wonderful love, that the preaching of the cross in sincerity and truth may redound to Thine eternal praise and glory. Amen.
2. WE thank Thee, dear Lord Jesus, Thou holy and merciful Saviour, that Thou didst redeem us poor sinners from the power and the penalty of sin by Thy vicarious suffering and death. In ourselves we find neither virtue nor worthiness. But, O Lord, how great was Thy passion, how intense Thine anguish, how bitter and painful Thy death, and how unspeakable Thy love, whereby Thou hast reconciled us with God.
Thou wast forsaken by all Thy disciples; bound by wicked hands; falsely accused before unjust judges; con- demned, spat upon, mocked and smitten. Thou wast scourged, and crowned with thorns; numbered with the transgressors ; and made a curse on the cross for us. Thy
GOOD FRIDAY 89
hands and feet were pierced by nails, and in Thine extreme thirst vinegar mingled with gall was offered Thee. At last, when Thy heart broke in death, Thou didst commend Thy spirit into Thy Father's hands. Thus didst Thou, 0 holy and righteous Mediator, pay our debt, that we might be healed with Thy stripes.
For all this martyrdom and agony of Thy soul we praise and thank Thee. We pray Thee, let not Thy suffer- ing be in vain for us, but rather grant, that it may fortify our conscience against all temptation. Let us consider Thy passion, that all evil lust may be quenched within us, and that we, being dead unto sin, may live unto righteous- ness, and through Thy death may enter into eternal life, there to behold Thee in Thy divine glory. Amen.
*
3. LORD JESUS ! In spirit we approach Thy cross and marvel at the mystery of Thine ineffable love. 0 let the sacred seven words, which dying Thou didst speak, become divine power and wisdom in our souls. Impart to us the blessing of Thine atoning death, which Thou didst leave us as a legacy in these words.
Our merciful High Priest! On the cross Thou didst ask forgiveness for Thine enemies ; 0 intercede for us as our sympathizing Advocate. Whenever we repent and call on Thee, as did the malefactor at Thy side, give us the as- surance of pardon, and grant us a blissful vision of Thy kingdom of grace and glory. As dying Thou didst unite Thy mother with Thy beloved disciple, so unite us also with our kindred by the bonds of love and peace. Thou who wast forsaken of God because of our iniquity, forsake us not when God hides His face, and our soul longs for comfort. Refresh us with the water of life when we languish in sick- ness, when our tongue is parched and our strength fails. And because Thou, 0 Lord, hast included the course and
90 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
consummation of Thy followers in Thy triumphant cry, It is finished : therefore strengthen our faith that, trusting in Thine all-sufficient sacrifice, we may commend our spirit into Thy hands, yea, into the hands of the Father. Let Thy meritorious atonement comfort us in every tribulation of our pilgrimage, that we may live, suffer and die to Thy glory and remain Thine own in eternity. Amen.
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is brought upon me ! And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my hire ; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my hire thirty pieces of silver. — Unrighteous witnesses rise up ; they ask me of things I know not. — They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that would cut me off, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: that which I took not away I have to restore. — I am a worm, and no man ; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn : they shoot out the lip, they shake the head. — For my love they are my adversaries : but I give myself unto prayer. — I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. — I was wounded in the house of my friends. — I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint : my heart is like wax ; it is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a pots- herd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and Thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me : a company of evil-doers have inclosed me ; they pierced my hands and my feet. I may count all my bones. They look and stare upon me ; they part my garments among them, and upon my vesture do they cast lots. — I am weary with my crying ; my throat is dried. — Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness : and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my food ; and in my thirst they gave me vine- gar to drink. — Thou hast burdened me with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. Amen.
(La. 1: 12. Zee. 11: 12. Ps. 35: 11. Ps. 22: 6, 7. Ps. 109: 4, 5. Is. 50: 6. Zee. 13: 6. Ps. 22: 14—18. Ps. 69: 3. Ps. 69: 20, 21. Is. 43: 24.)
GOOD FRIDAY 91
After Scripture IGrssmt
Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! Amen. (jn. l: 29)
Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us ! Amen.
(HUtsing Prayers
1. HOLY and almighty God! We pray Thee, look favorably upon Thy Church, for which Thy Son Jesus Christ suffered death on the cross. Let us share in the remission of sins, so dearly bought; cleanse us of all in- iquity through the blood of Thy Son ; sanctify us, that we may be dead unto sin, and live and serve Thee only.
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him also our Father! Graciously accept the prayers which we bring before Thee, for the Church and all its members ; for our- selves and all people. Fill the pastors and teachers with the love of Jesus Christ for sinful men. Bless the min- istry of reconciliation. Re-unite all the faithful at the cross of Jesus, by the spirit of peace, and grant, that they be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Arouse the impenitent to repentance, that they also participate in the redemption accomplished by Christ Jesus. Make the preaching of the cross a power of God for those who do not believe in the Saviour of sinners, that they be saved from their sins. Hearken to all who sorrow and mourn, in what- ever need or distress they call upon Thee ; yea, help us in all troubles, for Jesus' sake.
Merciful Father ! On this great day of atonement we pray for all men and all nations who do not yet believe in the blessed Name of Jesus. Glorify Thy grace in them, and cause them to accept the Gospel of peace, when they hear the message, Be ye reconciled to God !
Lord Jesus! Thou great Shepherd of the sheep! Thou didst sacrifice Thy life for the salvation of all men ; gather the sheep still without Thy fold, that there may be
92 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
one Shepherd and one flock; that every knee may bow be- fore Thee, and every tongue confess that Thou art Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 0 Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world, have mercy on us and give us Thy peace ! Amen.
*
2. 0 LORD Jesus Christ, who by Thy holy and inno- cent sufferings didst procure for us poor sinners the grace of Thy heavenly Father, and didst bring back to us ever- lasting life, we most heartily thank Thee for Thy bitter sufferings and death, and the great love which Thou didst thereby show us. Preserve us, we beseech Thee, in Thine everlasting love. Grant us grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may with truly grateful hearts acknowledge the benefits of Thy redemption. May we be strengthened in our faith, cheered in our hope, inspired with sincere love to Thee, en- couraged to be patient in all our trials and afflictions, and to persevere in our obedience to Thy good and gracious will. Help us to die unto sin and live unto Thee, and to serve Thee in righteousness and true holiness all the days of our lives. All of this we ask through the merits of Thy bitter suffer- ings and death, 0 Christ, who livest and reignest eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
3. 0 LORD, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, we give Thee hearty thanks, that of Thy great mercy to a sinful world, Thou didst not spare Thine only begotten Son, but hast delivered Him up for us all, that through Him we might be restored to everlasting life and happiness. Surely, He hath borne our griefs and car- ried our sorrows ; He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. All we like sheep have gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way ; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
GOOD FRIDAY 93
Help us to remember and give thanks for our Lord's passion, that we may obtain remission of sin. May this holy season of Lent prompt us never to forget what our Saviour accomplished for us, when He languished on the cross and Himself tasted the awful agonies of death. May we thereby at all times be reminded of what we owe to Him : a thankful heart and faithful love, true repentance of our sins, and a life pleasing in His sight. In the duty of the day strengthen and sustain us ; and, in the night of affliction and trouble, may we look to Thee, beloved Saviour. Comfort us with the assurance that Thou wilt wipe away all tears from our eyes. And when we come to the dark valley of the shadow of death," be Thou our Guide and Com- forter, and bring us to the regions of endless day. We commit ourselves entirely to Thy gracious will; and whe- ther we rejoice or sorrow, whether we live or die, may we be mercifully accepted at the throne of everlasting peace and glory. Amen.
*
94 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
VII
Ety faster %mson
1. faster ^unliag
©petting Ji>ptti?nr?fi
Blessed be Jesus Christ ! The Lord is risen. Hallelujah.
Amen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Death is swallowed up in victory. Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
3fnucrattatt
ALMIGHTY God, who through the death of Thy Son didst overcome sin and death, and through His resurrection hast brought to light life and immortality, that we, re- deemed from the power of Satan, might live in Thy king- dom ; help us, we beseech Thee, to believe with all our hearts the blessed story of the resurrection, to abide in this faith continually, and bless and praise Thee always, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
©jiwttttg Pragpra
1. GREAT and almighty God, we praise Thee for the glorious consummation of the work of our redemption. In Thine infinite mercy Thou hast given Thine only be- gotten Son into the bitter pain of death on the cross; He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. And when Thou hadst made His soul an offer- ing for sin, Thou didst raise Him again on the third day and bring Him from the dead as the great Shepherd of His sheep. Therefore, 0 Lord, we and all Thy believers do to- day proclaim Thy glory with praise and thanksgiving, and rejoice, that Christ, our Passover, sacrificed for us, is raised from the dead through the power of God. He over-
THE EASTER SEASON 95
came death, is risen, and liveth now for evermore. The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner ; this was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Merciful God, accept our offering of praise. Thou art able to do abundantly above all that we ask. Bless us to-day according to Thy power in which Thou hast raised up Christ from the dead, and made Him to sit at Thy right hand. Unto Thy great Name be honor and praise for ever in the Church which is in Christ Jesus.
Lord Jesus, Thou mighty Conqueror of death, our hearts rejoice because of Thy glorious resurrection, where- by Thou hast abolished death, and brought life and immor- tality to light. May the message of Thy resurrection live in our hearts, that its blessed fruits: peace, joy and life eternal, may be made manifest in us and through us, in life and death. Through the power of the Holy Spirit help us to rise and walk with Thee in the newness of life, until, at the end of our days, we may see Thee face to face in Thine eternal glory. Amen.
*
2. LORD JESUS, Almighty Son of God, we render unto Thee thanksgiving and praise for Thine infinite love which prompted Thee to suffer the death of the Cross. Thou hast made atonement for our sins, thereby overcom- ing even the power of death. Gloriously Thou didst arise from the tomb and bring life and immortality to light. On this anniversary of Thy great victory we beseech Thee to so strengthen our faith that we may never doubt that Thou hast conquered in our stead sin, Satan and death. Give us, we pray Thee, the blessed assurance, that we also may conquer, and day by day walk in the newness of life. Fill our hearts with the conviction that our bodies likewise shall rise from the grave and be clothed with immortality.
96 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
Grant, that the Easter message of Thy glorious resurrec- tion may strengthen the hearts of all who struggle with temptation or with the trials and sorrows of life. May they be comforted by Thy victory. Vouchsafe unto us the firm belief that Thou wilt redeem us from all evil and sor- row, and finally receive us into Thy heavenly kingdom, where unto Thee, the King eternal, shall be glory and praise and honor, world without end. Amen.
After ^rriptnre Season
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Amen.
(2 Ti. 2: 8)
Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. Amen. (Ro. 6: 11)
(dinning ilray*ra
1. GOD our Father, we bless and praise Thee, that Thou didst raise Thy Son Jesus Christ from the dead, and hast crowned Him with glory and honor at Thy right hand as the living head of His Church. With our whole heart we praise Thy love with which Thou hast loved us in Jesus Christ. For even when we were dead through our tres- passes, Thou madest us alive together with Him, and madest us to sit with Him in heavenly places. Thanks and glory be unto Thee, 0 Lord Jesus ; Thou wast dead, and art alive for evermore. To-day we hear Thy voice; Thou sayest, I live, and ye shall live also. Make us partakers of Thy great victory, and of all the glorious fruits of Thy death and resurrection. Grant, that we no longer live in sin unto ourselves, but unto Thee who for us hast died and art risen again.
Have mercy upon all who have not yet felt the power of Thy resurrection, and are still dead in sin. May they hear Thy loving exhortation: Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon Thee.
THE EASTER SEASON 97
Awaken them through Thy Holy Spirit, that they may leave the dark tomb of sin, and walk before God in the newness of life.
Merciful Saviour, through Thy resurrection Thou hast brought forth life and salvation. Do Thou say unto all tempted and troubled souls, Peace be unto you, that they may be of good cheer, and wait for Thy salvation. Ac- cording to Thy lovingkindness remember the sick and the dying ; refresh their languishing hearts, and comfort them with the Word of life. Teach them to say, I know that my Redeemer liveth. And when we shall walk through the valley of the shadow of death, may Thy resurrection, 0 Lord, be the assurance of our faith, that there is reserved for us in heaven an inheritance incorruptible, and unde- nted, and that fadeth not away, and that our graves shall verify Thy glorious truth, I am the resurrection and the life. *
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him also our Father, Thou God of all peace, as Thou hast brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, make us perfect in every good thing to do Thy will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight through Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, to whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory, world without end. Amen.
*
2. LORD Jesus Christ, Thou invincible and al- mighty Victor over sin, death and hell, we give Thee thanks for Thy glorious resurrection, whereby Thou hast con- quered death, and hast brought unto light everlasting life. Thou art the almighty Lord and livest from eternity to eternity. Thou hast saved Thy people from death, and redeemed them from hell. 0 death, where is thy victory? 0 death, where is thy sting?
Thou hast destroyed death, and wipest all tears from our eyes. Our hearts are filled with gladness, and our soul
98 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
exultingly blesses Thy Name. Thou truly art the resur- rection and the life. Whosoever believeth on Thee shall live, even though he die. Thou art the life of the faithful, hence they shall never die.
0 blessed Lord, Thou didst come forth like the beau- tiful dawn of morn. Now Thou impartest to Thy people Thine everlasting peace, which doth encompass all heavenly bounties : the mercy, of God, forgiveness of sins, righteous- ness, comfort, victory, eternal life and happiness. Oh, may the sweet, comforting, living peace of Christ's resurrection permeate our hearts, and fill our souls with joy.
Help us, dear Lord, to arise unto a new life in true re- pentance, forsaking the world and its vanity, and subduing all sinful inclination. Comfort us, when in sorrow and distress; and, on the final day, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, call forth our body through the power of Thy resurrection, and grant us the awakening unto life everlasting, where every tear shall give way to joy and every sigh be transformed into the praise of God. Amen.
2. lEastfr Monday
©petting §>entemeB
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live ; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Amen. (jn. 11: 25, 26)
To this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Amen. (R0. 14: 9)
Sttuorattatt
LORD GOD, heavenly Father, who hast delivered up Thy Son for our trespasses, and raised Him for our justifi- cation; we ask for the gift of Thy Holy Spirit, that He may lead us and guide us and keep us in the true faith, guard us from all sin, and raise us to life eternal ; through Thy Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE EASTER SEASON 99
OUR BLESSED Redeemer and Lord, Jesus Christ, we thank Thee and praise Thee for Thy glorious resurrec- tion, in which all believers find joy and comfort for ever- more. For now we know in whom we have believed, and are persuaded that Thou art able to guard all that we may commit unto Thee against that day. Thou didst endure op- pression and judgment, and, therefore, the curse- of condem- nation is taken away from all who through faith in Thee rise unto a new life. Lord Jesus, Thou art the resurrection and the life, do Thou live in us, that in our lives we may praise and bless Thee for Thy love and mercy. Through the power of Thy Holy Spirit awaken us from the sleep of sin, free us from all evil passions and desires of our mortal body, and through repentance and faith help us to walk before Thee in a new life. Conquer and overcome the world in us ; Thou mighty One, abide in the midst of Thy faithful according to Thy promise, and give us the peace of Thy life, in which lie hidden all the heavenly blessings : strength, power, victory, peace, joy and life for evermore.
Lord Jesus, Thou art our life, and when Thou shalt be manifested, we also shall be manifested in Thy glory; the corruptible must put on incorruption, and the mortal must put on immortality, and all whom Thou hast raised up through the power of Thy Holy Spirit will break forth and sing for joy, 0 death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After §>rrtpturp ffiraaon
Like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. Amen.
(Ro. 6: 4)
I know that my Redeemer liveth. Amen. (job 19: 25)
100 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
OHnatng Prayer
BLESSED Saviour and Redeemer, who dost establish and comfort the sorrowing, and in whom the weary and op- pressed find life, hope and faith ; as of old Thou art able to comfort the troubled and heavyhearted with Thy Word of peace. May we not faint in the hour of tribulation, even if our eyes should be holden not to know Thee. With all Thy faithful we ask Thee, to abide with us. Open to us the Scriptures through Thy Holy Spirit, cleanse us from all sin- ful longings and desires, and transform us into the image of Thy glory and holiness. Keep our hearts fervent in love and faith to the end, that we may be living witnesses of Thy resurrection. Amen.
*
ASCENSION DAY 101
VIII
©1)0 g>nmt? for AarcttHtmt Sag
God is gone up with a shout, Jehovah with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises : Sing praises unto our King, sing praises. Amen. (Ps. 47: 5, 6)
Snurratum
ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast raised Thy dear Son from the lowliness of His earthly state to Thy right hand in heaven; grant, that we may joyfully believe and this day celebrate His ascension. Graciously enable us even in this present world to live in heavenly things, seeking only the things which are eternal, that we may in the end be made partakers of the glory of Thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen. ODjuming Prayw
0 LORD Jesus Christ, Son of God, almighty Ruler of heaven and earth, on this anniversary of Thine ascension we rejoice that Thou hast led captivity captive, and didst gain the victory over the powers of Satan and hell. Thou art the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and unto Thee is given a Name which is above every name in heaven and on earth. All things are made subject unto Thee, and Thou art the eternal Head of Thy Church for ever and ever.
We praise Thy holy Name and thank Thee for Thy coming into the flesh. We bless Thee for Thy holy life, for Thy blessed teachings, for Thy bitter sufferings and death, for Thy victorious resurrection and Thy glorious ascension. We thank Thee that thou hast given us the comforting promise : Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. We look up to Thee as our Fore-runner and Ad- vocate with the Father, and pray that we may be acceptable
102 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
in His sight. Grant, 0 Lord, that Thy precious blood, Thy bitter sufferings and death may be to us the power unto salvation. Send us the Holy Spirit that He may lead, com- fort and establish us in the one true faith.
And since Thou, 0 Christ, dost reign for evermore as the eternal King, we pray Thee to graciously remember all Thy people whom Thou hast called out of darkness into Thy marvelous light. Abide with us unto the end of the world, according to Thy promise, and graciously continue the blessed ministrations of Thy Word and holy Sacraments. Cleanse Thy Church from error and false doctrine, and prosper Thy kingdom upon earth according to Thy great power. Continue to send forth faithful laborers into the fields that are ripe for the harvest. Endue all Thy minis- ters and servants with power from on high and abundantly bless their labors, to the end that sinners may be converted unto Thee and many souls be gathered into Thine everlast- ing kingdom. And to Thee, 0 Christ, who art the Captain of our salvation, shall be the glory, and honor, and power, now and for ever. Amen.
After §>trvptwcs i£tBsan
Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Amen. (Col. 3: l)
Our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (Ph. 3: 20)
Cdtmautg Imager
GRACIOUS GOD, our Father in heaven, we praise Thee for Thine infinite love, whereby Thou didst give Thine only begotten Son as an all-atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. We rejoice that Thou didst triumphantly raise Him from the dead the third day, and hast exalted Him to supreme power and majesty at Thy right hand. Prepare us more and more through the Holy Spirit, that we may fittingly praise Him who has become our exalted Prophet, Priest and King.
ASCENSION DAY 103
0 Lord Jesus, Thou eternal High Priest, who didst enter into the holy of holies of heaven to become our divine Intercessor, we pray Thee to be our Advocate with the Father in heaven. Thou King of glory, establish Thy king- dom in our hearts, and give us readiness at all times to serve Thee in deed and truth. Make us willing to submit to Thy holy will and divine direction; make us strong to overcome temptation and sin ; and create in our hearts an ever increasing desire to live to Thine honor and glory. Continue Thy good and gracious work in us all the days of our life that we may grow in Thy grace and knowledge.
We pray Thee, 0 Lord, to bestow Thy benediction upon our country and its people. Protect and establish Thy Church at every place. Fill Thy servants with power from on high, that they may proclaim aright Thy Word of truth. Govern the hearts of parents and teachers, that they may lead their children into the way of truth and holy living. Arouse the conscience of the unsaved and indiffer- ent; direct their attentions heavenward that they may for- sake their sinful ways, and seek those things which are above. Lord Jesus, Thou Son of God, who hast Thyself endured shame and suffering, give us strength to bear the cross which by divine providence has been selected for us. Fill our hearts with courage, that we may fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life, to which we are called. Refresh with Thy heavenly comfort the sick and afflicted, the sad and disheartened, and give ear to the prayers that ascend to Thy throne. And when, at last, our eyes close in death, permit us to see with the eyes of faith the heavens opened, and to hear from Thy lips the glad welcome: Come ye blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. In Thy Name, blessed Saviour and Redeemer, we ask it all. Amen.
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104 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
IX
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Sing unto the Lord, bless His Name ; for He saith : I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them. Amen.
(Ps. 96: 2. Ezek. 36: 27) Sltttinrattott
0 GOD, who on the day of Pentecost didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit ; grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort ; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit reigneth one God, world without end. Amen.
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ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ! Glory, praise, and honor be unto Thee for the revelation of Thyself in Thy Son, our Lord and Saviour. Especially do we thank Thee this day, that Thou didst visit Thy disciples and apostles in the early Church with the glorious outpour- ing of Thy Holy Spirit, in commemoration of which event we are assembled to-day. We praise Thee that Thou hast promised the Comforter to Thy people everywhere, and that by the operation of Thy Holy Spirit in the hearts of men, Thou dost still gather them into the kingdom of Christ. We thank Thee that Thou art ever willing to send the Holy Spirit into our lives, that He may enlighten, sanc- tify, and heal our souls, and so to rule them that we may know, honor, and worship Thee as the only true God in heaven and on earth.
0 Thou blessed Spirit of light and truth, descend upon us with Thine enlightening power and dispel all darkness from our hearts. Spirit of prayer, help us to pray as we
PENTECOST SUNDAY 105
ought, that we may be acceptable to our God. Spirit of power, be Thou our strength in temptation, and work in us both to will and to do according to Thy pleasure. Spirit of holiness, sanctify us in body, mind and soul, that we may ever be ready to do Thy will. 0 Thou great Comforter, be our portion and our guide that we may truly follow Him who said: I am the light of the world; I am the way, the truth and the life ; he that f olloweth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Dear Father in heaven, send Thy heavenly benedic- tions upon us to-day, as we commemorate the outpouring of Thy Spirit on that first great day of Pentecost. May we feel anew the enlightening power of that Spirit which is able to guide us into all truth. Let not Thy Holy Spirit depart from us, but fill our hearts with Thy grace, that this entire service may have the unction of the Holy One. Pur- ify our lives by Thy cleansing power, forgive us our sins and shortcomings, and accept us through Him who is our Saviour and Redeemer. To Thee, the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, shall be praise, honor, and glory, world without end. Amen.
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Teach me to do Thy will ; for Thou art my God : Thy Spirit is good ; lead me in the land of uprightness. Amen.
(Ps. 143: 10)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. Amen. (Rev. 2: 7)
OUR HEAVENLY Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast established Thy Church, and hast preserved her in the true faith to this day. We, Thy people, acknowledge Thy guidance and protection in all her affairs during the past decades and centuries of her history. By the power of Thy Holy Spirit Thou dost anoint Thy servants to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations. Thus are we here to witness the marvelous power of Thy Spirit,
106 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
which is able to transform sinful lives. As Thy Spirit con- trols the hearts of men, they need no more fulfill the lusts of the flesh, but can serve Thee in obedience and devotion with a life that is well-pleasing in Thy sight. For this we give Thee glory and honor.
Our Father, we confess unto Thee our weaknesses and shortcomings. We keenly feel the need of Thy Holy Spirit. Our lives would be woefully inefficient, unless we could de- pend upon Thy help and blessing. Without Thee we can do nothing. And as our bodies are the living temples for the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, we pray Thee to pour out anew Thy Spirit upon us, so that in thought, word and deed we may henceforth be more fully consecrated unto Thee, and that Thy Spirit may bear witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
We pray Thee, 0 Father, to govern with Thy Spirit the hearts of all those who are in authority, that they may be instrumental in establishing the kingdom of truth and righteousness. Graciously lead by Thy Spirit all who are engaged in the training of the young, that being so led, they also may lead others in the way of holy living. Bless our land and its people, and may it become more and more a nation in which Thou dost delight. Grant unto the sad, the sorrowing and afflicted the comfort of Thy Spirit's pres- ence, that they may be glad to serve Thee all the days of their lives. May Thy Holy Spirit be unto us all a wall of defence in temptation, a beaconlight in the hour of danger, an unerring guide into all truth in times of doubt, and an anchor of hope in moments of despair. Thou, 0 gracious God, knowest our needs, and Thou alone canst supply the full measure of Thy Spirit according to our needs. Help us, we beseech Thee, to increase in all things that make for true manhood and womanhood in Christ Jesus. Keep us in the true faith, and, finally, permit us to receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE TRINITY SEASON 107
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Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts : the whole earth is full of His glory. Amen. (Is. 6: 3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast vouchsafed to Thy Church to know and to confess Thee, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to worship Thee as the only God in Thy mysterious majesty, we beseech Thee, grant that through this holy faith we may be united in living communion with Thee to our soul's salvation. Unto Thee, the Triune God, be adoration, praise and glory for ever and ever, world without end. Amen.
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PRAISE and thanksgiving be unto Thee, holy God, that Thou hast revealed Thyself to us in the fulness of Thy grace. Thou, eternal Father and Author of all things, didst create man in Thine image. Thou, only begotten Son of the Father, wast born man for our salvation and didst sacrifice Thyself on the cross for our sins. And Thou, Spirit of the Father and the Son, hast called us through the Gospel, awakened in us a saving faith, and gathered us to be a holy, Christian Church. Holy, Triune God, Thou didst assure us through holy Baptism, that Thou wouldst eternally be our faithful and gracious God. Help us ever
108 WORSHIP FOR FESTIVAL DAYS
to remember our baptismal covenant and to keep the same with a good conscience. Preserve in us the true knowledge of Thy most holy Name, and keep us in the true faith until our end, and perfect us in Thine eternal kingdom.
We bless Thee, we worship Thee, we praise Thee, we give thanks unto Thee, Thou ever glorious and almighty God.
Lord God, heavenly King and almighty Father; Lord God, Jesus Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world ; Lord God, Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide; have mercy upon us and hear our prayers. Amen.
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Unto the Triune God be adoration, praise and glory, through- out all ages, world without end. Amen.
Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they were, and were created. Amen.
(Rev. 4: 11)
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0 GOD, who dwellest in the light unapproachable, we render to Thee most hearty thanks, and praise Thy holy Name, that Thou hast revealed Thyself to us as Father, Son, and Spirit.
God, our Father, we magnify Thee, that through Thine almighty power Thou didst create heaven and earth, and dost wisely rule over all ; that