Some Prayers from the Rector's desk (computer!)

 

PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS

O God, you have chosen men and women to serve you in the ministry of your Church and have given them a perfect example in the person of your Son Jesus Christ.  We ask your blessing on all bishops, priests and deacons (especially…).  Let them never forget the privilege of their calling, nor shirk its responsibilities.  Keep them in your love, that they may be good shepherds of your people and true servants of him who is our great High Priest, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Blessing and honour, and thanksgiving and praise, more than we can utter,
more than we can conceive, be unto thee, O holy and glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, by all angels, all men, all creatures, for ever and ever.
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Almighty God, who in days of old called your servant Abraham to go into an unknown land and promised him that through his family all nations of the earth would find a blessing: we thank you for Jesus the Messiah, in whom this promise came true. We pray for the Jewish people, Abraham's descendants, who do not know our Saviour. Help all who try to tell them of him, and soon bring them home to your flock under the care of the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth, be pleased to accept these gifts of thy children for the service of this House of Prayer; for all things come of thee and of thine own do we give thee. Grant that what neither art nor costliness can make worthy for thy service may be hallowed by thy blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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For a blessing on local industries
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O Almighty Father, who through thy Son Jesus Christ hast consecrated labour to the blessing of mankind: Prosper, we pray thee, the industries of this place; defend those who are engaged therein from all perils, and grant that they may rejoice in the fruits of thy bounty, and bless thee for thy
loving-kindness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A parish mission
================
O God, our heavenly Father, we humbly pray thee to bless abundantly the
efforts that are now being made (or, about to be made) to turn the people of this parish to thyself in sincere repentance and living faith. Prepare all
hearts to receive the seed of thy Word, and grant that it may take deep root
and bring forth fruit to thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Adapted)
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Almighty God, whose mercy is over all thy works: We praise thee for the
blessings which have been brought to mankind by thy holy Church throughout all the world. We bless thee for the grace of the sacraments; for our fellowship in Christ with thee and with one another; for the teaching of the Scriptures and for the preaching of thy Word. We thank thee for the holy example of thy saints in all ages; for thy servants departed this life in
thy faith and fear, and for the memory and example of all that has been true and good in their lives. And we humbly beseech thee that we may be numbered with them in the great company of the redeemed in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Grace at a parish lunch
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Lord Jesus, we remember how you brought blessing to many meal times when on earth: sharing a wedding feast, feeding the five thousand,   having breakfast by the seaside. Bless our food and fellowship today. May this be a time when we experience your risen presence, and get to know some people better, and others for the first time; for your name's sake.
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Schools and colleges
====================
God of love, inspire by your Spirit all those involved in the work of our
schools. Bless pupils and parents, teachers and governors, caretakers and cleaners, secretaries and supervisors, committee members and administrators. Grant that, working together for the common good, they may make their schools places where real learning may take place and where all may discover the true meaning of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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An act of thanksgiving
======================
Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life; for the love which moved him to endure the cross for us and for all mankind; for the victory of his resurrection and the glory of his ascension; for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the witness of the Church through many centuries; for the encouragement of our growing awareness that we are all one in Christ Jesus; for the blessings received in belonging to each other in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; for the privilege of being called to discipleship of Jesus Christ, to bear witness to his eternal presence and his saving power.  For all these joyful gifts, thanks be to you, O God.
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O Heavenly Father, we humbly thank thee for all thy blessings to us,
unworthy though we be. We thank thee for all things that have enriched our lives, for all people who have blessed us with their love and friendship. We thank thee for Christian marriage, for our homes and families and friends.
Give us, O Lord, this further blessing, that as we have freely received, so
we may freely give. Confirm and strengthen our marriages, that our homes may be to us, and to friend and stranger, places of joy and gladness. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Grant thy grace, O God our Father, to those who are training for the
ministry of thy holy Church. Prepare them for all that thou hast prepared
for them; make them what thou wouldest have them to be, that they may
accomplish what thou wouldest have them to do; and so bless them that they may be made a blessing; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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O Lord and heavenly Father, as on this day we bring our offerings to thee,
we are mindful above all things of the manifold blessings which thou hast
bestowed upon us, unworthy as we are of the least of them. Thanks be to
thee, O God, for every gift of thine, and most of all for the gift beyond
words, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit be glory now and for evermore.
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A parish mission
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O Heavenly Father, prosper with thy blessing, we pray thee, the mission to be held in this parish, and use it for the winning of many souls to Christ
and his Church. Prepare the hearts of all to hear thy Word; give thy grace
to the missioner and to those who work with him; and show us each one what thou wouldest have us to do; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Concluding prayer
=================
Lord, it has been good for us to be here, for thou hast been here with us.
We thank thee for thy presence, and for the fellowship we have enjoyed one with another in this act of intercession. And now, O Lord, we ask thee to accept our petitions, to answer them as seems best in thy sight, and to
bless all those for whom we have prayed. So send us now upon our way
refreshed in spirit, and with thy peace in our hearts; and to thy name be
praise and honour both now and for evermore.
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May the love of God enfold you; may the mercy of God absolve you; may the strength of God support you; may the peace of God console you; and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and evermore.
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Doctors and nurses
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We thank you, our Father, for those whose lives are dedicated to the healing of the sick and to the relief of suffering; and we ask your blessing upon their work in our hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. We pray also for those engaged in medical research, that cures may be found for those diseases and disorders at present beyond man's skill and aid. Of your mercy hear us, O God, as we pray in the name of Jesus our Lord.
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Almighty Father, whose mercy is everlasting, accept and sanctify the love of N. and N. as here, in your presence, they pledge their troth one to the other and kneel before you in penitence and gratitude, in trust and hope.
Keep them faithful to the vows they have made; deepen their love and strengthen their faith; and may your blessing rest upon them, the blessing of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for evermore.
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Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ, born of a woman, sanctified childhood and shared the life of an earthly home: bless the homes and families of our nation. Give to parents a true sense of responsibility in the care and training of their children; that our boys and girls may grow up in the fear of your name and the fellowship of your Church, for the glory of Christ our Lord.
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Our children
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God our Father, we ask your blessing on all children dear to us and those for whom we have responsibility. Grant that they may grow up healthy and strong, wise and good, in the knowledge of your love and in the service of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Our friends
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Father, as we now remember our friends before you and ask your blessing upon them, we thank you for all that they give to us in affection and companionship, in counsel and spiritual support. Help us on our part to give to them as generously and unselfishly in return, and always to count our friends as among the richest blessings of this life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Confirmation candidates
=======================
God of all grace and power, we ask your blessing on those who are receiving instruction and preparing for confirmation. May your Holy Spirit so work in their hearts and minds that they may fully commit themselves to Jesus Christ and acknowledge him as Lord; and grant
that they may continue steadfast in the faith and fellowship of the Church
until their lives end.
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Adoration and thanksgiving
==========================
Glory be to God for the wonder of his love made known to us in the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Glory be to God for the gift of his Son, who took our flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother and shared our human life.
Glory be to God for the great salvation he has sent to us and to all mankind, bringing joy to the world.  For these manifold blessings and for all the wonder of Christmas, glory be to God for ever and ever.
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Heavenly Father, as you have taught us to pray for our daily bread and to
recognise our dependence on your bounty, so we ask your blessing on the
sowing of the seed and the labours of those who work on the land; that the
earth may yield its full harvest and the needs of all men may be supplied;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Heavenly Father, we bring to you in our prayers all whom we love in our family circle, knowing that your love for them is so much greater than ours, and that your will for them is all that is for their good.  So have them in your keeping, O Lord, and give them now and always the fullness of your blessing; for Jesus Christ's sake.
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Lord Christ, who by your cross and passion reconciled the world to God
and broke down the barriers of race and colour which divide men and nations: make us and all your people instruments of reconciliation in the life of our world, that we may inherit the blessing which you promised to the peacemakers.
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God of love, make us more thankful for all the boundless mercies of our daily life. Forgive us that we are so often ungrateful, complaining and discontented, taking for granted your greatest gifts: the blessings of health,
the comforts of home and family life, the joys of friendship, and the beauty of the world around us.  Teach us day by day to number our blessings and to receive each of them as from our Father's hand; and fill our lives with gratitude, our lips with praise; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Prosper with your blessing, O Lord, the work to which you have called w in this parish and strengthen the hands of all who serve you. Make our worship more worthy, our witness more effective, our lives more holy; and inspire us all with fresh zeal in the furtherance of your kingdom;
for the honour of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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Heavenly Father, giver of all good gifts, hear us as we seek the blessing of
the Holy Spirit on what we say and do in this meeting. We acknowledge our shortcomings and limitations, our ignorance, our pride, our lack of faith.  Forgive us, O Lord; cleanse us, illuminate us, direct us, use us; and grant that nothing in our lives may hinder your work, but that in all things we may set forward the cause of Christ and his kingdom, for the glory of his name.
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Women's fellowship
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Jesus, Word of the Father, born of a woman, who in your days here on earth companied with Mary and Martha in their home at Bethany: we ask your blessing on the homes from which we have come today and to which we shall be returning; and as we now meet together in this hour of fellowship we pray that we may know your presence with us and find strength and refreshment to serve you better in our daily life. We ask it for your love's sake.
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Before hymn-singing
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Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you have taught us to offer our praise in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, to sing and make melody to you with all our hearts: bless to our use the hymns to be sung in this church, that they may bring enrichment to our worship, joy and strength to our lives, and ever greater glory to your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Heavenly Father, giver of all good things, may your blessing rest upon the
home which your servants will build together. Sanctify it with your
presence, and make it to abound in peace and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A general intercession
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Almighty God, whose mercies are without number and without end, remember for good your Church: all who in every place call on the name of the Lord, both theirs and ours; and let your kingdom come in all the world. Look graciously upon our country, upon this place and neighbourhood in which we live; and give wisdom to those who exercise authority among us in Church and State, in education and industry, that we may be led in the ways of justice, truth, and freedom.  Let your blessing rest upon our families and those we love. Watch over the young; support the aged; relieve those in pain or sickness; comfort the sorrowful; succour the dying; and let your peace rest upon us all; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A general prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, who taught your apostles to bless each home they entered with the words, "Peace be to this house": we ask your blessing on the home of these your servants. Let your peace rest upon them, O Lord; keep them abiding in your love; and be with them in their going out and in their coming in, from this time forth for evermore.
The dining room
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Here, Lord Christ, we remember how you ate meals in the homes of your
friends, and how on the night before your passion you met with the twelve
for a last supper: may meal times in this home be hallowed by your blessing, and may food always be partaken with thankful hearts, to the glory of God the Father.

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Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, our homes, and drive from them all the
snares of the evil one; let thy holy angels dwell in them to preserve all
who live there in peace; and may thy blessing be upon us evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A new housing estate
====================
O Lord Christ, who entered the homes of all who were willing to receive you, and so brought the kingdom of God near to them: send your blessing on us who seek to share the gospel with families on the new housing estate(s) in this area.  Guide us to the sons of peace who will receive your word and your salvation, and grant that from their homes the light of your love may shine out to friends and neighbours. We ask this for your name's sake.
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Women of the Church
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Almighty God, who in the fullness of time sent forth your Son, born of a woman: pour out your grace and heavenly blessing on all women of the church. Grant that as Jesus numbered women among his followers and received their ministry in his life and at his death, so the women of our day may serve as the handmaids of the Lord, adorned with the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, to tell out the greatness of the Lord to this and to all generations; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Marriage Guidance counsellors
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O God our Father, whose Son our Lord blessed the marriage at Cana in Galilee by his presence and the first of his miracles; hear our prayer for all who seek to counsel those whose marriages are at risk. Give them sympathy, understanding, and insight into the needs of others; and so use them in this service that by your grace hurts may be healed, faults forgiven, and misunderstandings removed. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
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Almighty and most merciful Father, who hast ordained the holy estate of
matrimony to guard, to hallow, and to perfect the sacred gift of love: Look
mercifully upon these thy servants whom we now commend to thy protection and care. Forgive them all their sins; keep them ever in thy peace; and grant them grace so to live together in true and enduring affection that the blessing which they have sought this day upon their union may never be withheld; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Almighty Lord and everlasting God, dismiss us now with thy blessing; and help us to glorify thee henceforth in all the thoughts of our hearts, in all the words of our lips, and in all the works of our hands, as becomes those whom thou hast redeemed in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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This is the hour of prayer. Draw near to us, O Lord, in the fullness of thy
blessing as we wait upon thee. May we know that thou art in our midst,
according to thy word. As thou hast given a place for prayer, so also give
us hearts to pray; and grant that in the fellowship of intercession we may
be drawn nearer to thee and to those for whom we pray; for thy honour and glory.
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For life's simple joys
======================
We thank you, our Father, for all the good gifts around us which add so much joy to our daily lives: for the sun that warms us and the air that gives us life; for the loveliness of the natural world; for the changing seasons, each in its order beautiful; for our homes and families and friends; for health of body and soundness of mind; for music and books and works of art; for the land of our birth, the land we love; for the lives and examples of good and saintly souls. Father, for these manifold blessings and for all your love we give you heartfelt thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Lord and heavenly Father, we thank you for our homes and families.
Make us aware of your loving care of us day by day. Make us thankful for all the blessings we receive which we take for granted. And make us mindful of those who are lonely and less fortunate than ourselves; for the sake of Christ our Lord.
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The Church in a particular country
Eternal God and Father, lover of all men and giver of all grace, bless the
people of... and guide them along the paths of your will. To your Church in that land give faithfulness, to her leaders wisdom and courage, to all her members patience and love; that they may boldly confess the faith of Christ crucified and be united in a fellowship of love and service; for the glory of your name.
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Parish and people
=================
God our Father, graciously hallow with your blessing this our parish church. May it be a place where the sorrowing find comfort and the tempted strength; where the lonely find fellowship and the sinner forgiveness; where the faithful find grace, and all offer you a holy worship; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ministers of the Church
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We thank you, O God, for those whom you have called through the centuries to serve in the ministry of the Church. Pour your blessing on those whom you have called today [and especially on your servant(s) whom we now remember]; that by word and deed they may bear witness to your saving love and power, and enable your people to grow up into him who is the Head, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be
praise and honour for ever.
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This day help us to praise you, O God, for your goodness and loving-kindness, and all the blessings of this life.  This day help us to trust you, O God, in every circumstance of life, with hearts that are steadfast and strong. This day help us to serve you, O God, with love and faithfulness,  with all our powers of body, mind and spirit. This day help us to glorify you, O God, in all our thoughts and words and actions, from the beginning to the end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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At this evening hour, O Lord our God, we remember with thankful hearts your care and protection and all the blessings we have received in the day that is past. In your mercy forgive us any wrong we have done, any evil thoughts we have harboured, any unkind words we have spoken.  Have in your safe keeping this night those we love; comfort and relieve the sick, the suffering, and the sorrowful; and give us all the benediction of your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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O God, from whom all good things do come, make us unfeignedly thankful for all the blessings of this life; and give us both the wisdom and the will to make your bounty available to all who live on our earth, that all may rejoice in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Doxology
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Let us give praise to the Father who by his grace has made us his children;
to the Son who by his death and resurrection has brought us new life; to the Spirit who dwells in our hearts and strengthens us for service. To the holy and blessed Trinity be praise and glory for ever and ever.
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Those in authority
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God and Father of us all, graciously bless this our nation, and send out
your light and your truth to lead us in the paths of justice and peace.
Give wisdom to those who exercise authority in the government of our land; remove all causes of contention and strife among us; unite us in the service of your kingdom; and make us a God-fearing people, regarding your laws and living together in brotherly love and concord; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Royal family
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Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all grace, we ask your
blessing on the members of the Royal family as they fulfil their service
among us; that both by their word and example our nation and commonwealth may be strengthened in the love of righteousness and freedom, and preserved in unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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God of all grace, we ask your blessing on the work of doctors, nurses and
those who tend the sick, especially in the hospitals of this town (or city,
neighbourhood]. Strengthen them for their tasks, and give them the joy of knowing that they are instruments in fulfilling your own purpose of healing, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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General
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We give thanks, O God our Father, for the many blessings of this life:
for health and strength and all our powers of body and mind; for our homes and loved ones and for the wonderful joy of friendship; for our work and the opportunity of service; for the beauty and bounty of the world of nature; for the kindness, generosity and sympathy shown to us by so many along life's journey. Give us thankful hearts, O God, for all your goodness, and help us by the way we live to repay some of the debt we owe; for the sake of him who came not to be served but to serve, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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After a meeting
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We thank you, O God, for your presence among us in this meeting, guiding our thoughts and strengthening our fellowship one with another in your service. Whatever we have now agreed to do, in accordance with your will, give us the grace and power to fulfil to the glory of your name; and may your blessing continually rest upon us in all our work together; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A youth group
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Jesus, Lord and Saviour, we ask your blessing upon those who are joined
together in the youth group of this parish.  Help them so to think and pray and work together that they may become one in purpose to seek your will for their lives and to worship and serve you loyally in the fellowship of your Church. We ask it in your name, Christ our Lord.
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Young people
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Lord of all grace and power, we ask you to send your blessing on the young people of our church. May they enjoy to the full the good things you have prepared for them and learn to use them rightly and unselfishly, thinking of others as well as of themselves.  Guide their lives according to your will, and strengthen them for the work to which you are calling them.
We ask it in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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O Lord our God, giver of all good things, we ask your blessing upon these
your servants whose lives are shortly to be joined in marriage. May they
dwell together in love and peace all the days of their life, seeking one
another's welfare, bearing one another's burdens, and sharing one another's
joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Thankfulness
============
Forgive me, Lord, for a mind that turns so readily to weigh my troubles,   so seldom to count my blessings.  Teach me the practice of recollection, the habit of thankfulness, the art of praise. And may I deal as generously with others as you deal with me; for Jesus Christ's sake.
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Absent friends
==============
Lord Christ, our unseen yet eternal friend and the guardian of our love, we
pray for our friends and loved ones now parted from us. Bless them with the fullness of your grace and power; and keep us, O Lord, so near to yourself that we may evermore be near to each other. If it is your will, give us the renewal of our fellowship on earth; and grant us at last our perfect union in the friendship of the Father's house.
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Almighty God, grant, we beseech thee, to all whom thou hast called to the
sacred ministry of thy Church such a sense of their high calling that they
may count no sacrifice too great to make in thy service; that so, bringing a
blessing to their people, they may themselves be blessed of thee; for Jesus
Christ's sake.
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O God, who, calling Abraham to go forth to a country which thou wouldest show him, didst promise that in him all the families of the earth would be blessed: Fulfil thy promise in us, we pray thee, giving us such faith in thee as thou shalt count unto us for righteousness; that in us and through us thy purpose may be fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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At the publication of banns
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Send your blessing, heavenly Father, upon these your servants; that making Christ the sure foundation of their earthly home, they may live together in holy love until their lives' end, and after this life dwell with you for ever in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Saturday evening
================
Almighty and everliving God, before whose presence the angels bow in
ceaseless adoration, receive our prayers for the worship to be offered in
this church tomorrow.  Give your grace to all who shall speak or read or sing or serve, all who shall kneel at your altar, and all who come to listen and to pray; and grant your blessing to the other parishes in this deanery and diocese, that with one heart and mind we may offer the sacrifice of our praise and thanksgiving, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The fruits of the earth
=======================
Almighty God, by whose blessing the earth brings forth abundantly all that is needful for the life of man: prosper the work of farmers and those
engaged in agriculture; that with thankful hearts they may reap the fruit of
their labour, and we and all mankind may rejoice in your great goodness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
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Benedictions
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The blessing of the Lord rest and remain upon all his people, in every land, of every tongue; the Lord meet in mercy all who seek him; the Lord comfort all who suffer and mourn; the Lord hasten his coming, and give us his people peace by all means, now and for ever.
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Almighty God, we pray for your blessing on all who share in the life and
work of this church: in the ministry of word and sacrament, in teaching and pastoral care, in service to the diocese, the community, and those in need, in ecumenical fellowship and co-operation. We pray for all members of the congregation, that in their varied callings they may advance your kingdom and bear witness to your love, shown in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Word of God and Light of men, we ask you to bless all those of other faiths with whom we share our lives and who serve the needs of our community.  Help us to discern in them the Light that lightens every man, and to love them with a love like yours; that as we join with them in service to others we may be drawn closer to you, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
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Bible translators
=================
Almighty God, who dost reveal thyself to us through the written Word: We thank thee for all who have worked so that we may know that Word in our own tongue. We pray thee to inspire with thy Holy Spirit all who are now translating the Scriptures into other languages, that by thy blessing upon their work the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
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Commissioning of missioners
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God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve and keep you. The love of God the Father encompass you. The presence of God the Son uphold you. The power of God the Spirit rest upon you. Go forth in the name of God, as ambassadors of Christ and servants of his holy Church. And may the Lord bless your labours abundantly, for the glory of the same our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon us and upon all our work and worship done in his name. May he give us light to guide us, courage to support us, and love to unite us, now and for evermore.
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Parish visitors
===============
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst bless thy home at Nazareth with love and
understanding and with the labour of thy hands: Let thy blessing, we beseech thee, rest upon all the homes in this parish; open their doors to those who come in thy name, and make all who live in them swift to hear and ready to answer thy call. We ask it in thy name, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
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Bless, O Lord, we pray thee, these branches of palm; and grant that as thy
people outwardly in their bodies do worship thee, so inwardly in their souls they may serve thee with pure devotion, that they may be victorious over the assaults of the enemy, and cleave steadfastly to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Bless, O Lord, we pray thee, these branches of palm to those who receive
them; that both now and in the days to come they may be a memorial of thy passion, and a pledge of thy victory over sin and death; for the glory of thy great name.

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Benedictions
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Bless us, O God the Father, who hast created us. Bless us, O God the Son, who hast redeemed Bless us, O God the Holy Spirit, who sanctifieth us.
O Blessed Trinity, keep us in body, soul, and spirit unto everlasting life.
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Go in peace; and may the blessing of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit rest upon you and remain with you, this day (night) and for evermore.

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May God sustain you in all your works and in all your ways;
make you humble, just, and true; strengthen you in holiness and
righteousness; and fill your home with love and peace. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
rest upon you and remain with you always.
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Marriage rededication
=====================
Heavenly Father, as we look back on our married life we want to confess our failings and mistakes, but most of all to praise and glorify you for all the blessings we have received. We thank you for giving us to each other   to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health and now we rededicate ourselves and renew our vows to love, comfort, and honour one another, till death us do part; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Mothers' Union Prayer
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Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who gave marriage to be a source of
blessing to mankind, we thank you for the joys of family life. Pour upon us your Holy Spirit, that we may truly love and serve you. Bless all who are married and every parent and child. May we know your presence and peace in our homes; fill them with your love and use them for your grace we may seek to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Our homes and families
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Lord Jesus Christ, who by your coming to us in great humility sanctified the life of the home: we commend to you our homes and the members of our families, near and far. Unite us in your love, and guard us by your power from all danger and evil. Make us thankful for all the blessings of family life; and keep us mindful of those for whom home has no meaning; for your mercy's sake.
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Most merciful Father, we bring to you the spiritual needs of our country.
Revive your work among us, and inspire your Church to greater faithfulness and renewed zeal in your service.  May your continued blessing rest on all efforts to make known the good news of your Son Jesus Christ, that many may be turned to you in repentance and faith and may know the joy of your salvation. Grant this, O God, for your glory and for Christ's sake.
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Heavenly Father, whose mercy is everlasting, accept our thanksgiving for all the blessing of the year that is past; take our lives afresh into your keeping as we face the unknown future; and fit us by your grace for whatever lies before us in the days to come; for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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May our Lord Jesus Christ be near us to defend us, within us to refresh us,
around us to preserve us, before us to guide us, above us to bless us; who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God for evermore.
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A family prayer at evening
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O God of all life, thank you for looking after us today and for all your goodness to us. Bless us tonight with your forgiveness, send your peace into our hearts, and take us and all we love into your care; for Jesus Christ our Saviour's sake.
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God our Father, in your mercy accept these offerings which we now present to you with thankful hearts; and grant that our gifts may be hallowed by your blessing and used in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Those facing retirement
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Lord you give to every man his work by which to glorify you, and his rest
from labour when the time of retirement comes: grant your blessing to this
your servant who lays down the burden of his life's employment.
May he find other means of true satisfaction in life, and continue to serve
you while strength shall last; and in the end may he find a welcome to the
eternal home in which all serve you in peace and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable,
undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for all who put their faith in God. (Based on 1 Peter 1.3-5)
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For mothers
Lord Jesus, you know well the blessings an earthly home can bring: receive our thanks for all the love we have enjoyed in our homes, especially from those who have nurtured us from our earliest years;
and hear our prayer for mothers everywhere, that they may never lose heart, nor ever be taken for granted, but may, with Mary your mother, receive the honour they deserve. Lord Jesus, bless them and keep them,
now and for ever.

 

Christmas/Nativity

We give you our thanks, O god our Father, for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, whose coming into this world was proclaimed by prophets of old, and who was born for us in lowliness and poverty at Bethlehem.  As we make ready once again to celebrate his birth, fill our hearts with your own joy and peace, and enable us to welcome him as our Saviour; so that when he comes again in his glory and majesty, he may find in us a people prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

 

O God our Father, we are preparing to celebrate the birthday of your Son, Jesus Christ.  While we recall his coming as a tiny baby in weakness and humility, may we be reminded that one day he will come in power and glory.  We make this prayer to you through the same Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen

 

We give thanks to the Father at this Christmas time, for the gift of his son to be our Saviour; for the love if Christ in taking our human nature; for the lowly birth at Bethlehem; and for the great redemptive he has brought to us and to all mankind.  And with the angelic host we too would cry, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men. Amen

 

Heavenly Father, we pray that amid all the joys and festivities of this season, we may not forget what Christmas really means: that you loved the world so much that you gave your only Son, who was born to be our Saviour.  Accept our thanksgiving, and fill us with the spirit of charity and goodwill, that we may show our gratitude in generous service to those who need our help; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen

 

The angels sang when Christ was born, and so must we.  With thankful hearts we celebrate his nativity and lift up our voices in joyful song.  With the heavenly host we cry, Glory to God in the highest!  Accept O Lord God, our worship, and as we hear again the Christmas story in word and song, show us something more of your great love in Jesus Christ your Son. Amen

 

Son of Man, our friend and brother, you were born in a stable because there was no room in the inn.  While we celebrate your birthday in the comfort of our homes this Christmas, we remember those who have no homes, or are forced to live on the streets.  Give us an understanding of their needs, show us what we can do to help, and make us generous in our love and gifts because of Bethlehem, because of your love for us all.  Amen

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

 

Almighty God, Give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness,  and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Amen