The Pulpit Office shall conclude with the following: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor. 13. 14.) Or: The God of all grace, Who called you unto His eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall Himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. To Him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet. 5. 10, 11). Easter and Pentecost Seasons. Now the God of Peace, Who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13. 20, 21.) Trinity Season. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3. 20, 21). At the End of the Church Year. The God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (1 Th. 5. 23). The Offering Then shall an Offertory be played, or an Anthem sung, during which the Offering shall be made. The Minister, having received the offering, shall place it upon the Altar and pray as follows: O God, Thou Giver of all good gifts, graciously receive and bless this offering which we Thy people place upon Thine Altar, for Jesus' sake. Amen.* Then shall the Congregation sing a Hymn, during which the Minister shall proceed to the Altar. * A short offertory sentence may then be sung by the Choir. (See pp. 554, 555.) Almighty and most Merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: We give Thee thanks for all Thy goodness and tender mercies. Be gracious unto us and remember not our sins. Sanctify and guide us through Thy Holy Spirit, and grant that we may walk in holiness of life according to Thy Word. Unite, strengthen, and preserve Thy Church through the Word and the Holy Sacraments. Have mercy, O Lord, on all the nations that walk in darkness and that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, and cause the saving and life-giving light of Thy Gospel to shine graciously upon them. For Synodical Bless those who are now assembled to deliberate concerning Be Thou the strength and stay of our land. Give it grace and honor. Grant health and prosperity to all in authority, especially to the President (and the Congress) of the United States, the Governor (and the Legislature) of this Commonwealth, and to all our Judges and Magistrates. Endue them with grace to rule after Thy good pleasure, to the maintenance of righteousness, and to the hindrance and punishment of wickedness, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. * On special Festival Days the prayers prescribed should precede the General Intercession. According to circumstances, those parts of the General Intercession referring to conditions that do not always prevail are omitted, such as the prayers for Church assemblies, for Confirmation Candidates, etc. Occasional prayers shall, when they occur, follow the General Prayer. During Lent and on special occasions the Litany may be used instead of the General Prayer. Help us, O God, that we may live together in peace and concord, with true and Christian counsel in all that we undertake. Prosper every good work, and turn away from us all harm and evil. May Thy blessing rest upon the fruits of the earth, and give success to every lawful occupation on land and sea. Let the light of Thy Word ever shine within our homes. Keep the children of the Church in the covenant which Thou hast made with them in Holy Baptism, and give all parents and teachers grace to nurture them in Thy truth. and fear. Bless, we pray Thee, the institutions of the Church: its colleges, its seminaries, and all its schools; that they may send forth men and women to serve Thee, in the Ministry of the Word, the Ministry of Mercy, and all the walks of life. For Regard with special favor those who are being prepared for their first communion. Illumine their hearts and minds, Catechumens. and grant them unfeigned faith that they may ever walk as Thy disciples in the way of truth. Help and comfort the sick and the poor, the oppressed and those who mourn, the afflicted and the dying. Graciously protect all widows and orphans. Support us in our last hour, and after this transitory life vouchsafe unto us eternal blessedness: through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Our Father, Who art in heaven: Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. |