for ever. We also ask thee, O Father, to make us as little children, in humility and innocence, that so we, through thy grace, may be fit for thy kingdom, both here in this world, and hereafter in heaven; through thy dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen. O THOU in whom we live and move and have our being, who seest where we are blind, who knowest where we are ignorant, do as thou thinkest fit with us this day. We ask thee not, we dare not ask thee, for earthly blessings for ourselves or those we hold most dear, but we pray thee to grant us faith and hope and love without measure; we implore thee to be the crown of all our joys, our abiding shelter in every sorrow, the good shepherd of thy flock throughout the world, leading them through weariness and trouble here to thy heavenly fold on high, where peace and joy forever dwell, and where thou wilt be all in all, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God who dost enkindle the flame of thy love in the hearts of the saints, grant unto us the same faith and power; that, as we rejoice in their triumphs, we may profit by their examples, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FATHER, we thank thee for the faithful souls that have blessed the world, whose lives shine as the light; holy ones who have feared God, who have bravely upheld the right, and generously lived for others' good; who have freely chosen suffering rather than sin, and felt thy favour to be better than life. O, may their pure and noble lives animate and quicken our hearts. And in our souls may there burn a desire like them to become true children of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. READINGS FROM THE BIBLE. HAVE mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness; according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my faults, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and clear when thou art judged. Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath my mother conceived me. But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts, and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me. O give me the comfort of thy help again, and stablish me with thy free spirit. Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show thy praise. |