Prayers: Table of Contents


Prayers

Prayers for the World

1. For Joy in God's Creation

O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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2. For All Sorts and Conditions of Men

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

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3. For the Human Family

O God, thou didst make us in thine own image and redeemed us through Jesus thy Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish thy purposes on earth; that, in thy good time, all nations and races may serve thee in harmony around thine heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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4. For Peace

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

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4a. For Peace

Almighty God, kindle, we beseech thee, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with thy wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity thy dominion may increase till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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5. For Peace Among the Nations

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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6. For our Enemies

O God, the Father of all, whose Son didst command us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in thy good time enable us all to stand reconciled before thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for the Church

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7. For the Church

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

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8. For the Mission of the Church

Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to thee through thy Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who livest and reignest with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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8a. For the Mission of the Church

O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after thee and find thee, bring the nations into thy fold, pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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8b. For the Mission of the Church

O God of all the nations of the earth: Remember the multitudes who have been created in thine image but have not known the redeeming work of our Savior Jesus Christ; and grant that, by the prayers and labors of thy holy Church, they may be brought to know and worship thee as thou hast been revealed in thy Son; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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9. Clergy and People

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace: and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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10. For the Diocese

O God, by thy grace thou hast called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishops(s) N. [and N.], and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that thy Word may be truly preached and truly heard, thy Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By thy Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of thy Son, and grant that we may show the power of thy love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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11. For the Parish

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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12. For a Church Convention or Meeting

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel [in ___________] for the renewal and mission of thy Church. Teach us in all things to seek first thine honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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12a. For a Church Convention or Meeting

Almighty and everlasting Father, who hast given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we beseech thee, with his grace and presence, the bishops and the other clergy and the laity here (or now, or soon to be) assembled in thy Name, that thy Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, thy Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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13. For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on thy Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese (or, rector for this parish), that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for thy people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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14. For the Unity of the Church

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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14a. For the Unity of the Church

Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, even as thou and he are one: Grant that thy Church, being bound together in love and obedience to thee, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom thou didst send, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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14b. For the Unity of the Church

Lord Jesus Christ, thou didst say to thine apostles, "Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church and grant unto us the peace and uniy of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Ghost thou livest and reignest, now and for ever. Amen.

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15. For those about to be Baptized or to renew their Baptismal Covenant

O God who didst prepare thy disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of thy Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of thy servants ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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15a. For those to be ordained

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine
providence hast appointed various orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all who are [now] called to any office and ministry for thy people; and so fill them with the truth of thy doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to
the glory of thy great Name and for the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

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16. For Monastic Orders and Vocations

O Lord Jesus Christ who didst become poor for our sake, that we might be made rich through thy poverty: Guide and sanctify, we beseech thee, those whom thou dost call to follow thee under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and service they may enrich thy Church, and by their life and worship may glorify thy Name; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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17. For Church Musicians and Artists

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with thy servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by thy people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of thy beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for National Life

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18. For our Country

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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18a. For the Nation

Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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19. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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20. For Congress or a State Legislature

O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Common- wealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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21. For Courts of Justice

Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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22. For Sound Government

The responses in italics may be omitted.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under thy care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. Give grace to thy servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. Give grace to thy servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to thy servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on thy strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve thee faithfully in our generation and honor thy holy Name. For thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Amen.

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23. For Local Government

Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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24. For an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill thy purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

25. For those in the Armed Forces of our Country

Almighty God, we commend to thy gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with thy heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of thine abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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26. For those who suffer for the sake of Conscience

O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us thy servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.

Prayers for the Social Order

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27. For Social Justice

Grant, O God, that thy holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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27a. For Social Justice

Almighty God, who hast created us in thine own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

28. In Times of Conflict

O God who hast bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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29. For Agriculture

Almighty God, we thank thee that thou dost make the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits for the earth, rejoicing in thy goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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29a. For Fruitful Seasons

Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly beseech thee that thy gracious providence may give and preserve to our
use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who constantly receive good things from thy hand, may always give thee thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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29b. For Commerce and Labor

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with thy people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to thy will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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29c. For Vocation in Daily Work

Almighty God our heavenly Father, who declarest thy glory and showest forth thy handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us, we beseech thee, in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work which thou givest us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one that serveth, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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29d. For Labor Day

Almighty God, who hast so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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30. For the Unemployed

Heavenly Father, we remember before thee those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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31. For Schools and Colleges

O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities [and especially ___________], that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find thee to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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31a. For Education

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by thy Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that, rejoicing in the knowledge of thy truth, they may worship thee and serve thee from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

32. For the Good Use of Leisure

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of thy creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

33. For Cities

Heavenly Father, in thy Word thou hast given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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34. For Towns and Rural Areas

Lord Christ, when thou didst come among us, thou didst proclaim the kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places: Grant that thy presence and power may be known throughout this land. Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural areas [especially ___________]; and grant that all the people of our nation may give thanks to thee for food and drink and all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good things come. All this we ask in thy holy Name. Amen.

35. For the Poor and the Neglected

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before thee all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of thy Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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36. For the Oppressed

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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37. For Prisons and Correctional Institutions

Lord Jesus, for our sake thou wast condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with thy pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to thy will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for thee, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for thy mercy's sake. Amen.

38. For the Right Use of God's Gifts

Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

39. For those who Influence Public Opinion

Almighty God, who dost proclaim thy truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

39a. For Social Service

O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be ministered unto but to minister: Bless, we beseech thee, all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, the same thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Prayers for the Natural Order

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40. For Knowledge of God's Creation

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst make the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of thy creation, we may come to know thee more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in thine eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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41. For the Conservation of Natural Resources

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, thou didst make us fellow workers in thy creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise thee for thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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41a. For Stewardship of Creation

O merciful Creator, thy hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us, we beseech thee, ever thankful for thy loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

42. For the Harvest of Lands and Waters

O gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; let thy Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show thy loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what thou givest, that men and women everywhere may give thee thanks; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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43. For Rain

O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

44. For the Future of the Human Race

O God our heavenly Father, who hast blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into thy purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for Family and Personal Life

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45. For Families

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes in which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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45a. For Parents

Almighty God, giver of life and love, bless N. and N. Grant them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. And so knit their wills together in thy will and their spirits in thy Spirit, that they may live together in love and peace all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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46. For the Care of Children

Almighty God, heavenly Father, who hast blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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47. For Young Persons

God our Father, who dost see thy children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that thy ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following thee is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in thee, and to keep alive their joy in thy creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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48. For Those Who Live Alone

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving thee and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

49. For the Aged

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of thy love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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50. For a Birthday

O God, our times are in thy hand: Look with favor, we beseech thee, on thy servant N. as he begins another year. Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his

trust in thy goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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51. For a Birthday

Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he

stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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52. For the Absent

O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together by thy love in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

53. For Travelers

O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel [in particular _______________]; surround them with thy loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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54. For those we Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55. For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for the Sick

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55a. For a Sick Person

O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly beseech thee to behold, visit, and relieve thy sick servant N. for whom our prayers are desired. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; preserve him from the temptations of the enemy; and give him patience under his affliction. In thy good time, restore him to health, and enable him to lead the residue of his life in thy fear, and to thy glory; and grant that finally he may dwell with thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55b. For Recovery from Sickness

God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to thy servant N. the help of thy power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55c. For Recovery from Sickness

O God of heavenly powers, by the might of thy command thou dost drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in thy goodness with thy servant N., that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55d. For a Sick Child

Heavenly Father, watch with us over thy child N., and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which it is thine alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55e. For a Sick Child

Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd of the sheep, who dost gather the lambs in thine arms and carry them in thy bosom: We commend to thy loving care this child N. Relieve his pain, guard him from all danger, restore to him thy gifts of gladness and strength, and raise him up to a life of service to thee. Hear us, we pray, for thy dear Name's sake. Amen.

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55f. Before an Operation

Almighty God our heavenly Father, graciously comfort thy servant N. in his suffering, and bless the means made use of for his cure. Fill his heart with confidence that, though at timeshe may be
afraid, he yet may put his trust in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55g. For Strength and Confidence

Strengthen thy servant N., O God, to do what he has to do and bear what he has to bear; that, accepting thy healing gifts through the skill of surgeons and nurses, he may be restored to usefulness in thy world with a thankful heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55h. For Strength and Confidence

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve thy sick servant N., and give thy power of healing to those who minister to his needs, that he may be strengthened in his weakness and have confidence in thy loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55i. For the Sanctification of Illness

Sanctify, O Lord, the sickness of thy servant N., that the sense of his weakness may add strength to his faith and seriousness to his repentance; and grant that he may live with thee in everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55j. For Health of Body and Soul

May God the Father bless thee, God the Son heal thee, God the Holy Spirit give thee strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard thy body, save thy soul, and bring thee safely to his heavenly country; where he liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

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55k. For Doctors and Nurses

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom thou hast called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by thy life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and thy creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55l. Thanksgiving for a Beginning of Recovery

O Lord, thy compassions faileth never and thy mercies art renewed every morning: We give thee thanks for giving our brother (sister) N. both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him, we beseech thee, the good work thou hast begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in thy goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for use by a Sick Person

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55m. For Trust in God

O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in thy love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for thy power to possess me, and gracefully accept thine healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55n. In Pain

Lord Jesus Christ, by thy patience in suffering thou didst hallow earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to thy Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by thy grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to thy will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if thou dost hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.

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55o. For Sleep

O heavenly Father, who dost give thy children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which thou hast promised to those whose minds are fixed on thee; and give me such a sense of thy presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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55p. In the Morning

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Prayers for the Departed

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5A. For Those who Die in the Lord

O Almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be made perfect unto the day of Jesus Christ. And of thy mercy, O heavenly Father, grant that we, who now serve thee on earth, may at last, together with them, be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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5B. For the Good Examples of the Departed

Almighty and everlasting God, we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of thy grace, and the lights of the world in their several generations; most humbly beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow the example of their steadfastness in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy commandments, that at the day of the general resurrection, we, with all those who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Grant this, O Father, for the sake of the same thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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5C. For the Good Examples of the Departed

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity: We give thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors. And we beseech thee that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of thy holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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5D. For Growth in Grace

Remember thy servant, O Lord, according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people; and grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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5E. For Those who Served Their Country

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give thee thanks for all thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

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5F. For the Whole Host of Saints

O God, the King of saints, we praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear; for the blessed Virgin Mary; for the holy patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs; and for all other thy righteous servants, known to us and unknown; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples, aided by their prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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5G. The Passion Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray thee to set thy passion, cross, and death, between thy judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living, pardon and rest to the dead, to thy holy Church peace and concord, and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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5H. For Those who Mourn

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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5I. For Departed Parents

O God who didst command thy people, saying: Honor thy father and thy mother: of thy loving-kindness have mercy on the soul(s) of my father (and my mother) and forgive them all their sins; and I humbly pray that thou wouldst grant unto me to behold their face(s) in the glory of eternal felicity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for Family and Personal Life (Cont.)

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56. For the Victims of Addiction

O blessed Lord, who didst minister to all who came to thee: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of thy unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.

57. For Guidance

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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58. For Guidance

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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59. For Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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60. For Protection

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

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61. A Prayer of Self-Dedication

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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62. A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Other Prayers

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63. In the Evening

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

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64. Before Worship

O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

65. For the Answering of Prayer

Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son's Name: We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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66. Before Receiving Communion

Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as thou wast present with thy disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

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67. After Receiving Communion

O Lord Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a memorial of thy passion: Grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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68. After Worship

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

69. On Sunday

O God our King, by the resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, thou didst conquer sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise thee and to do thy will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of thy kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

General Thanksgivings

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T1. A General Thanksgiving

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that thou hast done for us. We thank thee for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank thee for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank thee for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We furthermore thank thee for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence upon thy mercies alone.

Above all, we thank thee for thy Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of thy kingdom.

Grant us the gift of thy Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to thee in all things. Amen.

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T2. A Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of thy creation, in earth and sky and sea. We thank thee, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank thee, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends, We thank thee, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, We thank thee, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, We thank thee, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, We thank thee, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice, We thank thee, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places, We thank thee, Lord.

Above all, we give thee thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Thanksgivings for the Church

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T3. For the Mission of the Church

Almighty God, who didst send thy Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the world unto thyself: We praise and bless thee for those whom thou hast sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the Gospel to all nations. We thank thee that in all parts of the earth a community of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labors, and that in every place thy servants call upon thy Name; for the kingdom and the power and the glory are thine for ever. Amen.

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T4. For the Saints and Faithful Departed

We give thanks to thee, O Lord our God, for all thy servants and witnesses of time past: for Abraham, the father of believers, and Sarah his wife; for Moses, the lawgiver, and Aaron, the priest; for Miriam and Joshua, Deborah and Gideon, and Samuel with Hannah his mother; for Isaiah and all the prophets; for Mary, the mother of our Lord; for Peter and Paul and all the apostles; for Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene; for Stephen, the first martyr, and all the martyrs and saints in every age and in every land. In thy mercy, O Lord our God, give us, as thou didst give to them, the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the first-born of many from the dead. Amen.

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T4a. For the Saints and Faithful Departed

O God, the King of saints, we praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear; for the blessed Virgin Mary; for the holy patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs; and for all other thy righteous servants, known to us and unknown; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples, aided by their prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgivings for National Life

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T5. For the Nation

Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank thee for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore us, though we often destroy them. Heal us.

We thank thee for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them. Forgive us.

We thank thee for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them. Inspire us.

We thank thee for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light. Enlighten us.

We thank thee for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again. Renew us.

Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify thy holy Name. Amen.

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T6. For Heroic Service

O Judge of the nations, we remember before thee with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgivings for the Social Order

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T7. For the Diversity of Races and Cultures

O God, who didst create all peoples in thine image, we thank thee for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us thy presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of thy love is made perfect in our love for all thy children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

Thanksgivings for the Natural Order

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T8. For the Beauty of the Earth

We give thee thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise thee for these good gifts, beseeching thee that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of thine abundant creation, to the honor and glory of thy Name, now and for ever. Amen.

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T9. For the Harvest

Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew: We yield thee hearty thanks and praise for the return of seed time and harvest, for the increase of the ground and the gathering in of its fruits, and for all other blessings of thy merciful providence bestowed upon this nation and people. And, we beseech thee, give us a just sense of these great mercies, such as may appear in our lives by a humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost be all glory and honor, world without end. Amen.

Thanksgivings for Family and Personal Life

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T10. For the Gift of a Child

Heavenly Father, who didst send thine own Son into this world. We thank thee for the life of this child, N., entrusted to our care. Help us to remember that we are all thy children, and so to love and nurture him, that he may attain to that full stature intended for him in thine eternal kingdom; for the sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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T11. For the Restoration of Health

Almighty God and heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks because thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver from his sickness thy servant N., in whose behalf we bless and praise thy Name. Grant, O gracious Father, that he through thy help, may live in this world according to thy will, and also be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.