Prayers

¶ Biddings

One of these sentences may be used to introduce intercessions

Let us pray for the Church and for the world,
[and let us thank God for his goodness].

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.

From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to the Father. The chosen versicle and response follow.

¶ Responses

Lord, in your mercy
Allhear our prayer.

Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

God of love
Allhear our prayer.

Father of all
Allhear your children’s prayer.

In faith we pray
Allwe pray to you our God.

Lord, meet us in the silence
Alland hear our prayer.

In seasons

Father of life
Allmake known your glory.

Lord, revealed in the world
Allhear our prayer.

Lord, we come to the cross
Allin your mercy, hear us.

Lord of life
Allin your mercy, hear us.

Father, Lord of creation
Allin your mercy, hear us.

As we pray to the Father
AllLord, send your Spirit.

Father, by your Spirit
Allbring in your kingdom.

Your kingdom come
Allyour will be done.

¶ Some Forms of Intercession

Some or all parts of these forms of intercession may be used, as occasion demands. Specific petitions may be added, or silence may be kept, at suitable points.

Suitable for Morning Prayer

1

That this day may be holy, good and joyful:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That we may offer to you our worship and our work:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That we may strive for the well-being of all creation:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That in the pleasures and pains of life,
we may know the love of Christ and be thankful:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit,
in communion with [N and with] all your saints,
entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

2

That this and all our days
may be full of your praise:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will keep us this day without sin:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That we may walk before you
in the paths of righteousness and peace:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will bless your people
and lift them up for ever:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will guide and protect us by your Holy Spirit
and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

We pray for God’s grace.
Lord, receive our praise
Alland hear our prayer.

Lord God, through your grace we are your people:
through your Son you have redeemed us;
in your Spirit you have made us your own.

We pray for … (the Church)
Make our hearts respond to your love.
Lord, receive our praise
Alland hear our prayer.

We pray for … (the world)
Make our lives bear witness to your glory in the world.
Lord, receive our praise
Alland hear our prayer.

We pray for … (the sick and those in need)
Make our wills eager to obey, and our hands ready to heal.
Lord, receive our praise
Alland hear our prayer.

We give you thanks for …
Make our voices one with all your people in heaven and on earth.

Suitable for Evening Prayer

4

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace
and goodwill:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offences:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit,
in communion with [N and with] all your saints,
entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

5

We pray to the Lord.
In faith we pray.
AllWe pray to you, our God.

That the rest of this day may be holy, peaceful
and full of your presence:
in faith we pray.
AllWe pray to you, our God.

That the work we have done
and the people we have met today
may bring us closer to you:
in faith we pray.
AllWe pray to you, our God.

That we may hear and respond to your call to peace and justice:
in faith we pray.
AllWe pray to you, our God.

That you will sustain the faith and hope of those who are lonely,
oppressed and anxious:
in faith we pray.
AllWe pray to you, our God.

That you will strengthen us in your service,
and fill our hearts with longing for your kingdom:
in faith we pray.
AllWe pray to you, our God.

Suitable for Late Evening

6

That you will give us a quiet night and a perfect end:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will have mercy upon us and grant us your salvation:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will keep us this night without sin:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will guard us and give us your blessing:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

That you will bring us with [N and] all your saints
to glory everlasting:
Allwe pray to you, O Lord.

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Suitable for General Use

7

For the unity of the Church in witness and
proclamation of the Gospel …
let us pray to the Lord: R

For the peace and stability of all peoples
and for the leaders of the nations …
let us pray to the Lord: R

For places of work, education and leisure …
let us pray to the Lord: R

For a blessing on our homes;
for our relations and friends and all whom we love …
let us pray to the Lord: R

For the sick and suffering and all who minister to their needs …
let us pray to the Lord: R

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

8

Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:

For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony …

For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good …

For Christian people everywhere,
that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ …

For those who suffer from hunger, sickness or loneliness,
that the presence of Christ may bring them
health and wholeness …

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

9

High and holy God,
robed in majesty,
Lord of heaven and earth,
we pray that you will bring justice, faith and
salvation to all peoples.
[Especially we pray …]
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

You chose us in Christ to be your people
and to be the temple of your Holy Spirit;
we pray that you will fill your Church with
vision and hope.
[Especially we pray …]
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

Your Spirit enables us to cry, ‘Abba! Father!’,
affirms that we are fellow-heirs with Christ
and pleads for us in our weakness;
we pray for all who are in need or distress.
[Especially we pray …]
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

In the baptism and birth of Jesus,
you have opened heaven to us
and enabled us to share in your glory:
the joy of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
from before the world was made.
[Especially we remember …]
May your whole Church, living and departed,
come to a joyful resurrection in your city of light.
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

10

In peace, let us pray to Jesus our Lord,
who ever lives to make intercession for us.

Saviour of the world,
be present in all places of suffering, violence and pain,
and bring hope even in the darkest night.
Inspire us to continue your work of reconciliation today. R

Lord of the Church,
empower by your Spirit all Christian people, [especially NN],
and the work of your Church in every land.
Give us grace to proclaim the gospel joyfully in word and deed. R

Shepherd and Guardian of our souls,
guide and enable all who lead and serve this community
and those on whom we depend for our daily needs.
Grant that we may seek the peace and welfare of this place. R

Great Physician,
stretch out your hand to bring comfort, wholeness and peace
to [N and] all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
Fill us with compassion, that we may be channels of
your healing love. R

Conqueror of death,
remember for good those whom we love but see no longer.
Help us to live this day in the sure and certain hope of
your eternal victory. R

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

11

Let us by prayer and intercession with thanksgiving
make our requests to God.

Gracious God,
we pray for peace, justice and reconciliation throughout the world.
We pray for the honouring of human rights,
and for the relief of the oppressed.
We give thanks for all that is gracious in the lives of men,
women and children. R

We pray for the renewal of the Church in faith, love and service.
We pray for N our bishop and for the life of this parish/community.
We give thanks for the gift of your word,
the grace of the sacraments
and the fellowship of your people. R

We pray for this local community
and for all people in their daily life and work.
We pray for the young and the elderly,
for families, and all who are alone.
We give thanks for human skill and creativity
and all that reveals your loveliness. R

We pray for those who are in need;
for the sick, sorrowful and bereaved.
We pray for all who bring comfort, care and healing.
We give thanks for human love and friendship
and for all that enriches our daily lives. R

Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Suitable for Seasonal use

Advent

12

Watchful at all times,
let us pray for strength to stand with confidence
before our Maker and Redeemer.

That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That God may establish among the nations
his sceptre of righteousness,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That we may seek Christ in the scriptures
and recognize him in the breaking of the bread,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That God may bind up the brokenhearted,
restore the sick
and raise up all who have fallen,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That the light of God’s coming may dawn
on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That, with all the saints in light,
we may shine forth as lights for the world,
let us pray to the Lord: R

Let us commend the world, which Christ will judge,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Christmas

13

To us a child is born, to us a son is given;
let us pray for the people he came to save.

Wonderful Counsellor,
you order all things with your wisdom:
help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love
and fill her with the Spirit of truth: R

Mighty God,
the government is on your shoulders:
guide the leaders of the nations
and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness: R

Everlasting Father,
you call us to live together in unity:
protect by your mercy all your children,
bless our families and renew our communities: R

Prince of Peace,
you bring reconciliation through the cross:
by your healing power give to all who suffer
your gift of wholeness and peace: R

Let us commend the world, to which Christ came,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Epiphany

14

From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord.

That the people of God in all the world
may worship in spirit and in truth,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That the Church may discover again that unity which
is the Father’s will,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That the nations of the earth
may seek after the ways that make for peace,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That the whole creation, groaning in travail,
may be set free to enjoy the glorious liberty of the children of God,
let us pray to the Lord: R

That all who with Christ have entered the shadow of death
may rest in peace and rise in glory,
let us pray to the Lord: R

Let us commend the world, to which Christ showed the way,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Lent

15

In penitence and faith let us make our prayer to the Father
and ask for his mercy and grace.

For your holy people,
that they may triumph over evil and grow in grace,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

For candidates for baptism and confirmation,
that they may live by every word that proceeds from your mouth,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

For the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of mercy and truth,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

For the needy,
that they may not be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

For the sick in body, mind and spirit,
that they may know your power to heal,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

For the poor in spirit,
that they may inherit the kingdom of heaven
and see you face to face,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

Let us commend the world, for which Christ suffered,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Passiontide

16

With faith and love and in union with Christ,
let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

Have mercy on your people,
for whom your Son laid down his life: R

Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations,
and have pity on those torn apart by division: R

Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake,
and deliver them from evil: R

Look in mercy upon all who suffer,
and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation: R

Bring comfort to the dying,
and gladden their hearts with the vision of your glory: R

Give rest to the departed
and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting: R

Let us commend the world, for which Christ died,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Easter

17

On this day that the Lord has made,
let us pray for the people he has redeemed.

That we may live as those who believe in the triumph of the cross: R

That all people may receive the good news of his victory: R

That those born to new life in the waters of baptism
may know the power of his resurrection: R

That those who suffer pain and anguish
may find healing and peace in the wounds of Christ: R

That in the undying love of Christ
we may be united with all who have died in the faith of Christ: R

Let us commend the world, in which Christ rose from the dead,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Ascension until Pentecost

18

Through Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us,
let us pray to the Lord.

Lift up our hearts to the heavenly places
and inspire us to serve you as a royal priesthood: R

Let all peoples acknowledge your kingdom
and grant on earth the blessing of peace: R

Send down upon us the gift of the Spirit
and renew your Church with power from on high: R

May peace abound and righteousness flourish,
that we may vanquish injustice and wrong: R

Help us to proclaim the good news of salvation,
and grant us the needful gifts of your grace: R

Let us commend the world, for which Christ prays,
to the mercy and protection of God.

All Saints' Day until Advent

19

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us make our prayer in the power of the Spirit,
looking to Jesus the pioneer of our faith.

That with the noble fellowship of the prophets
we may discern the signs of your kingdom in our midst,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

That with the glorious company of the apostles
we may proclaim your gospel throughout the world,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

That with the white-robed army of martyrs
we may be ready to suffer for the truth’s sake,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

That with all who are anointed by your Spirit
we may bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

That with the saints in light
we may bind up the brokenhearted and comfort all who mourn,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

That within the whole company of Christ’s pilgrim people
we may come to the inheritance of the saints in glory,
we pray to you, O Lord: R

In communion with all the saints,
let us commend the world to the mercy and protection of God.

Saints' Days

20

Rejoicing in our fellowship with N and all the saints,
we make our prayer to our gracious God.

For your grace revealed in N,
and for all that inspires us from her/his life: R

For her/his insight into the mystery of Christ
and for every way in which her/his faith continues to speak today: R

That following her/his good example,
we may hear afresh your call to holiness of life: R

That we may receive grace to grow into the likeness of Christ: R

That we may persevere in prayer
and seek new light and truth from your word: R

That we may draw other people to the fire of your love: R

That we may be faithful to Christ even to death: R

In communion with N and all the saints,
let us commend the world to the mercy and protection of God.

Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.

The Collect and Lord's Prayer follow.

21

Not every section of this intercession need be used on every occasion.

In every age you have raised up holy men and women
to reflect the light of Christ and to teach us the way of holiness.

We thank you for those who have been teachers in the
school of Christ:
give understanding to those who study the faith that the Church
has handed on,
and clarity to those who communicate the gospel in a
changing world …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for those who have been shepherds of your people:
give a pastoral heart to deacons, priests and bishops,
and the needful gifts to all your people in their ministry …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for those who have been Christian rulers in
the world,
and for those who carried the good news to lands where it
had not been before:
give wisdom to all who have power and influence among the nations,
and establish God’s sovereignty among people of every race …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for those whom you have called to live in community:
establish mutual love among those drawn into fellowship in
your service,
and bless with Christ’s presence all the communities to which
we relate …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for those who have lived out their
vocation in family life:
give your grace to all who nurture children
and all who care for the aged,
and enfold in your love all your sons and daughters …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for those who have brought wholeness
through the medicine of the gospel:
give skill to all who minister healing and reconciliation in your name,
and comfort all who cry out to you from any sort of distress …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for the noble army of martyrs
by the shedding of whose blood the Church has been enriched:
keep under your protection those who are persecuted for
the cause of Christ,
and acknowledge, we pray,
those who have passed through death trusting your promises …
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

[We thank you today for …
As we celebrate his/her memory and rejoice in his/her friendship,
we ask you to bless …
Bring into one communion and fellowship
all those for whom Christ died.]
Lord, hear us.
AllLord, graciously hear us.

Hasten, Lord, the day when people will come from east and west,
from north and south,
and sit at table in your kingdom,
and we shall see your Son in his glory.

Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.

The Collect and Lord's Prayer follow.

Seasonal Acclamations

These Acclamations may be used in place of the usual intercessions. They should be preceded by some short biddings, or open prayer. The Lord's Prayer and Collect follow. It should be noted that all the Acclamations are addressed to the second person of the Trinity.

Advent

22

Let us turn our eyes to the Lord of glory, saying:
come, Lord Jesus.

Jesus, servant of God,
you bring justice to the nations:
Allcome, Lord Jesus.

You love your people with a faithful love:
Allcome, Lord Jesus.

You were lifted up on the cross
that you might draw all people to yourself:
Allcome, Lord Jesus.

You bring hope and joy
to those who walk in the valley and shadow of death:
Allcome, Lord Jesus.

You have liberated us so that we might be free for ever:
Allcome, Lord Jesus.

You, O Christ, are our justice,
our peace and our redemption:
Allcome, Lord Jesus.

Christmas

23

Let us praise the eternal Word of God,
who is seated at God’s right hand,
and yet was born for us in the midst of time, saying:
be born in us today.

O saving Lord, God with us,
born of the Virgin by the power of the Spirit:
Allbe born in us today.

Son of David,
foretold by the prophets:
Allbe born in us today.

Glorious offspring of Abraham,
awaited by the patriarchs:
Allbe born in us today.

Saviour of your people,
proclaimed by angels:
Allbe born in us today.

O Light eternal,
giving sight to the eyes of the blind:
Allbe born in us today.

O lover of justice and peace,
ruler of all the ages:
Allbe born in us today.

To Jesus, redeemer of the peoples,
let us lift our voices, saying:
make known your glory.

Lord, you are the faithful guide of those who seek you
with a pure heart:
Allmake known your glory.

You came among us to usher in your kingdom of peace:
Allmake known your glory.

O Lord, encompassed in light as with a cloak,
you conquer the darkness of our night:
Allmake known your glory.

O bread eternal,
you feed the hunger of your people in desert places:
Allmake known your glory.

You change our vessels of water
into the gladdening wine of new life:
Allmake known your glory.

You are the true host of the marriage feast,
welcoming sinners to your banquet table:
Allmake known your glory.

25

We come before the Son of God, crucified and risen,
who eternally intercedes for us to the Father, saying:
turn our hearts again.

Son of God, you came into the world to save sinners:
Allturn our hearts again.

You became poor that we might become rich:
Allturn our hearts again.

You have taken on yourself all our sufferings:
Allturn our hearts again.

You loved the Church and gave yourself for her:
Allturn our hearts again.

For the joy which was set before you, you endured the cross:
Allturn our hearts again.

King of the ages, you brought us the gift of life
and opened the way to unending joy:
Allturn our hearts again.

Passiontide

26

Let us come to him who died that we might live
and who intercedes for ever before the Father, saying:
we praise you, Lamb of God.

Lord Jesus, you embraced the cross
that we might learn to give our lives for the
sake of love:
Allwe praise you, Lamb of God.

Innocent captive,
you submitted to the judgement of sinners:
Allwe praise you, Lamb of God.

In the hour of death
you heard the penitent thief
and opened to him the door of paradise:
Allwe praise you, Lamb of God.

Most merciful Saviour,
you have known the pain of abandonment:
Allwe praise you, Lamb of God.

Lord, you loved the Church
and gave up your own self for her:
Allwe praise you, Lamb of God.

Through your blood
you have brought to all people the crown of life:
Allwe praise you, Lamb of God.

Easter

27

To Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
and who now lives in the glory of the Father,
let us lift our voices in praise, saying:
risen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

Lord Jesus, you are the Amen, the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead:
Allrisen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

You are Alpha and Omega,
the one who is, and was, and who is to come:
Allrisen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

You search into the thoughts and affections of all people:
Allrisen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

You reprove and chasten those whom you love:
Allrisen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

You open the eyes of the blind
and set the prisoners free:
Allrisen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

In your paschal victory,
you have proclaimed the coming of the kingdom:
Allrisen Lord, we bless you, alleluia.

Ascension until Pentecost

28

Let us turn to the risen Lord,
who gives us the Spirit to make all things new, saying:
renew us in your love.

O Word of life,
one God with the Father and the Spirit:
Allrenew us in your love.

O eternal Light,
who through the working of the Holy Spirit
received from the Virgin our human nature:
Allrenew us in your love.

O crucified Redeemer,
by the eternal Spirit you offered yourself to the Father for us:
Allrenew us in your love.

You breathed on the apostles the Spirit of your love,
that sinners might come to know the mercy of God:
Allrenew us in your love.

You are seated at the right hand of the Father,
from whom we receive the gifts of the Spirit:
Allrenew us in your love.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit
you wash away our sins in the waters of baptism
and open our hearts to the guiding hand of the Father:
Allrenew us in your love.

All Saints' Day until Advent

29

Let us praise Christ our King,
by whose cross we have citizenship in heaven, saying:
all your saints praise you.

Lord, you built your Church on the foundation of the apostles:
Allall your saints praise you.

You witness to your truth in the lives of your saints:
Allall your saints praise you.

You made us to be a kingdom and priests serving our God:
Allall your saints praise you.

You have shared our burdens,
revealing the holiness of our life and work:
Allall your saints praise you.

You stir us to seek the mysteries of the kingdom:
Allall your saints praise you.

You lead us to the eternal assembly of the saints:
Allall your saints praise you.

Ordinary Time

30

Let us give thanks to Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd,
who laid down his life for us all, saying:
we thank you, Jesus our Lord.

You lead us out and we find pasture:
Allwe thank you, Jesus our Lord.

You call us by name and we hear your voice:
Allwe thank you, Jesus our Lord.

Whoever enters by you will be saved:
Allwe thank you, Jesus our Lord.

You laid down your life in order to take it up again:
Allwe thank you, Jesus our Lord.

You came that we might have life and have it abundantly:
Allwe thank you, Jesus our Lord.

You lead us through the valley of the shadow of death
and we fear no evil:
Allwe thank you, Jesus our Lord.

Litanies

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
Govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day, we bless you.
We praise your name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

We long for your salvation, O Lord:
grant us understanding, that we may live.

Lord, show us your love and mercy,
for we put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope:
let us not be confounded at the last.

32

Show us your mercy, O Lord;
and grant us your salvation.

O Lord, save the King;
And teach his counsellors wisdom.

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness;
let your faithful people sing with joy.

Let your ways be known upon earth;
your saving health among all nations.

Give your people the blessing of peace;
and may all the earth be filled with your glory.

Create in us clean hearts, O God,
and renew a right spirit within us.

33

Teach us, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and lead us in the path of your commandments.

Keep our nation under your care;
and guide us in justice and truth.

O Lord, deal graciously with your servants;
teach us discernment and knowledge.

Let not the needy be forgotten;
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

Guide the meek in judgement;
and teach your ways to the gentle.

Lord, remember your people;
whom you have purchased and redeemed of old.

34

Lord, open a path for your Word
to declare the mystery of Christ.

Turn now, O God of hosts;
behold and tend the vine you have planted.

May your people rejoice and sing,
and your ministers be clothed with salvation.

May they stand and feed your flock
in the strength of your name.

Keep from trouble all those who trust in you
and forget not the poor for ever.

Have mercy, O Lord, upon us,
as we have put our hope in you.

35

Send forth your strength, O God,
establish what you have wrought in us.

Uphold all those who fall
and raise up those who are bowed down.

Open the eyes of the blind
and set the prisoners free.

Sustain the orphan and widow
and give food to those who hunger.

Grant them the joy of your help again
and sustain them with your Spirit.

O Lord, judge the peoples
and take all nations for your own.

36

O Lord, answer us in the day of trouble,
send us help from your holy place.

Show us the path of life,
for in your presence is joy.

Give justice to the orphan and oppressed
and break the power of wickedness and evil.

Look upon the hungry and sorrowful
and grant them the help for which they long.

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad;
may your glory endure for ever.

Your kingship has dominion over all
and with you is our redemption.

¶ The Litany

Sections I and VII must always be used, but a selection of appropriate suffrages may be made from Sections II, III, IV, V, and VI.

I

Let us pray.

God the Father,
Allhave mercy upon us.

God the Son,
Allhave mercy upon us.

God the Holy Spirit,
Allhave mercy upon us.

Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
Allhave mercy upon us.

II

From all evil and mischief;
from pride, vanity and hypocrisy;
from envy, hatred and malice;
and from all evil intent,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

From sloth, worldliness and love of money;
from hardness of heart
and contempt for your word and your laws,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

From sins of body and mind;
from the deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

From famine and disaster;
from violence, murder and dying unprepared,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

In all times of sorrow;
in all times of joy;
in the hour of death,
and at the day of judgement,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

III

By the mystery of your holy incarnation;
by your birth, childhood and obedience;
by your baptism, fasting and temptation,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

By your ministry in word and work;
by your mighty acts of power;
and by your preaching of the kingdom,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

By your agony and trial;
by your cross and passion;
and by your precious death and burial,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

By your mighty resurrection;
by your glorious ascension;
and by your sending of the Holy Spirit,
Allgood Lord, deliver us.

IV

Hear our prayers, O Lord our God.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Govern and direct your holy Church;
fill it with love and truth;
and grant it that unity which is your will.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world,
and to make disciples of all the nations.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Enlighten N our Bishop and all who minister
with knowledge and understanding,
that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your word.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Give your people grace to hear and receive your word,
and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Bring into the way of truth all who have erred
and are deceived.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Strengthen those who stand;
comfort and help the faint-hearted;
raise up the fallen;
and finally beat down Satan under our feet.
AllHear us, good Lord.

V

Guide the leaders of the nations
into the ways of peace and justice.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Guard and strengthen your servant Charles our King,
that he may put his trust in you,
and seek your honour and glory.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Endue the High Court of Parliament
and all the Ministers of the Crown
with wisdom and understanding.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Bless those who administer the law,
that they may uphold justice, honesty and truth.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Give us the will to use the resources of the earth to your glory,
and for the good of all creation.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Bless and keep all your people.
AllHear us, good Lord.

Bring your joy into all families;
strengthen and deliver those in childbirth,
watch over children and guide the young,
bring reconciliation to those in discord
and peace to those in stress.
AllHear us, good Lord.

VI

Help and comfort the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed.
AllLord, have mercy.

Keep in safety those who travel, and all who are in danger.
AllLord, have mercy.

Heal the sick in body and mind,
and provide for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.
AllLord, have mercy.

Show your pity on prisoners and refugees,
and all who are in trouble.
AllLord, have mercy.

Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers,
and turn their hearts.
AllLord, have mercy.

Hear us as we remember
those who have died in the peace of Christ,
both those who have confessed the faith
and those whose faith is known to you alone,
and grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
AllLord, have mercy.

VII

Give us true repentance;
forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance
and our deliberate sins;
and grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit
to amend our lives according to your holy word.
AllHoly God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.

When the Litany is said instead of the Prayers at Morning or Evening Prayer, the Collect of the Day, the Lord's Prayer and the Grace are added here.

¶ Other Prayers

A Morning Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,
we thank you that you have brought us safely
to the beginning of this day.
Keep us from falling into sin
or running into danger,
order us in all our doings
and guide us to do always
what is righteous in your sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray,
and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
AllAmen.

adapted from The Book of Common Prayer

A General Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips,
but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory, for ever and ever.
AllAmen.

adapted from The Book of Common Prayer

A Collect for the New Year

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
whose years never fail
and whose mercies are new each returning day:
let the radiance of your Spirit renew our lives,
warming our hearts and giving light to our minds;
that we may pass the coming year
in joyful obedience and firm faith;
through him who is the beginning and the end,
your Son, Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
AllAmen.

Christaraksha

For individuals to say before sleep

May the cross of the Son of God,
which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan,
and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven,
abide with me in my going out and my coming in.
By day and by night, at morning and at evening,
at all times and in all places may it protect and defend me.
From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits,
from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil,
from all passions that beguile the soul and body:
may it guard, protect and deliver me.
AllAmen.

an Indian prayer

Kaddish

Magnified and sanctified be the great name of God
in the world which he created according to his will.
May he establish his kingdom in your life and in your days,
and in the lifetime of all his people:
quickly and speedily may it come; and let us say Amen.

AllBlessed be God for ever.

Blessed, praised and glorified,
exalted, extolled and honoured,
magnified and lauded be the name of the Holy One;
blessed be God.
Though he be high above all the blessings and hymns,
praises and consolations,
which are uttered in the world; and let us say Amen.

AllBlessed be God for ever.

May there be abundant peace from heaven
and life for us and for all people; let us say Amen.

AllBlessed be God for ever.

prayer of a Jewish mourner

Come, my Light, and illumine my darkness.
Come, my Life, and revive me from death.
Come, my Physician, and heal my wounds.
Come, Flame of divine love, and burn up the thorns of my sins,
kindling my heart with the flame of your love.
Come, my King, sit upon the throne of my heart and reign there,
for you alone are my King and my Lord.
AllAmen.

Dimitri of Rostov (1709)

Heavenly Father,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you have given us a true faith and a sure hope.
Strengthen this faith and hope in us all our days,
that we may live as those who believe in
the communion of saints
the forgiveness of sins
and the resurrection to eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

adapted from the 1928 Prayer Book

Keep us in peace, O Christ our God,
under the protection of your holy and venerable cross;
save us from our enemies, visible and invisible,
and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever, world without end.
AllAmen.

an Armenian Orthodox dismissal

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the way, the truth and the life:
let us not stray from you who are the way,
nor distrust your promises who are the truth,
nor rest in anything but you who are the life,
for beyond you there is nothing to be desired
neither in heaven nor in earth.
AllAmen.

from a prayer of Erasmus (1536)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I 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.
AllAmen.

a Franciscan prayer

May the power of your love, O Lord,
fiery and sweet as honey,
so absorb our hearts
as to withdraw them from all that is under heaven.
Grant that we may be ready
to die for love of your love
as you died for love of our love.
AllAmen.

Francis of Assisi (1226)

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light,
look favourably on your whole Church,
that wonderful and sacred mystery,
and by the tranquil operation of your perpetual providence
carry out the work of our salvation:
and let the whole world feel and see
that things which were cast down are being raised up
and things which had grown old are being made new
and that all things are returning to perfection
through him from whom they took their origin,
even Jesus Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

Gelasian Sacramentary (8th century)

O Holy Spirit, giver of light and life,
impart to us thoughts better than our own thoughts,
and prayers better than our own prayers,
and powers better than our own powers,
that we may spend and be spent
in the ways of love and goodness,
after the perfect image of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
AllAmen.

Eric Milner-White and G W Briggs,
Daily Prayer (1941)

O Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
set your passion, cross and death
between your judgement and our souls,
now and in the hour of our death.
Grant mercy and grace to the living,
rest to the departed,
to your Church peace and concord
and to us sinners forgiveness,
and everlasting life and glory;
for, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
you are alive and reign,
God, now and for ever.
AllAmen.

Collect for None

Remember, Lord, what you have wrought in us
and not what we deserve,
and as you have called us to your service
make us worthy of our calling
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

adapted from the 1928 Prayer Book

Support us, O Lord,
all the day long of this troublous life,
until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed,
the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging,
a holy rest, and peace at the last;
through Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

adapted from the 1928 Prayer Book