Wednesday, January 13, 2016

A Gospel-Shaped Holy Communion Service for 21st Century North America


This service of Holy Communion is a contemporary language adaptation of the Holy Communion service in The Book of Common Prayer (1662). It is an adaptation because additional liturgical material and rubrics have been incorporated into the rite. This includes a reading from the Old Testament, the use of the 1552 Words of Distribution, an alternative Prayer of Preparation, and permission to substitute another appropriate canticle or hymn of praise for the Gloria in Excelsis. Their use is optional. The language of the rite has been modernized and in some cases simplified. The rubrics have been modified to give the people a larger role in the liturgy and to make the service more congregational and participatory. Omitted are the initial Lord’s Prayer, the Exhortations, and the Amen after the Prayer of Consecration. The last omission enables the rite to move immediately from the Words of Institution to the Communion, as Archbishop Cranmer had originally intended.

The material in this service taken from Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gatherings and other sources is reproduced solely for educational purposes, chiefly to show how easy it would be for the Anglican Church in North America’s Liturgy and Common Worship Task Force and its College of Bishops to produce a service of Holy Communion acceptable to North American Anglicans faithful to the Bible and the historic Anglican formularies and standing in the Anglican Church’s Reformation heritage. The will to do so simply is not there. The two bodies have no interest in making room in the Anglican Church in North America for the doctrinal beliefs and worship practices of Biblically-orthodox Anglicans who subscribe to the Protestant and Reformed principles of authentic historic Anglicanism.

The following are some general directions for worship, using this service. They include an explanation of how the wording in the two Prayers of Preparation and in the Epiclesis in the Commemoration of the Christ’s Sacrifice that follows the Prayer of Preparation in the Prayer of Consecration is to be understood.

Where they occur, the directions to stand, sit, or kneel are suggestions only. The words in square brackets may be omitted. Words in bold type are said or sung by the congregation.

The celebration of Holy Communion is the action of the whole people of God. The ministry of the members of the congregation is expressed through their active participation in the liturgy, and by some of them reading the Lessons, leading the Prayers, gathering and presenting the people’s offerings, and assisting in the preparation of the Table and the distribution of the bread and wine. It is highly desirable that a different person read each Lesson and a different person the Prayers.

All persons, clergy or lay, reading any part of this service should speak distinctly, reverently, and in an audible voice. All persons present in the service should audibly with the minister make the appointed responses and in the appropriate place join in such parts of the service as are appointed to be said or sung by all present.

In addition to the places where they are printed in the service, traditional versions of texts may be used.

Where a rubric states a section is to be "said," this is to be understood to include "or sung" and vice versa. Where parts of the service are sung to a musical setting, the words for which these settings were composed may be used.

Hymns may be sung in these services otherwise than where provision is made for them. In the selection of hymns, careful attention should be given both to the appropriateness of the words to the themes of the Bible readings and the sermon and also to the relation of the hymn chosen to the position within the service. Metrical psalms may be substituted for prose psalms. Hymns may be substituted for canticles. Informal worship songs may be used in addition to or in place of hymns. The same attention should be given to the selection of these songs as to hymns.

A sermon should be preached on Sundays and on the major feast days.

The use of the terminology, "the sermon," does not rule out a variety of ways of proclaiming the message of the Gospel; these may include less formal exposition of Scripture, drama, interviews, discussion, audio-visual aids, and other techniques.

 Except to set out the bread and wine for orderly distribution, the minister should, during the Prayer Consecration, stand at the north side of the Table, that is at the left end of the Table as seen by the congregation. The minister may also stand at the west side of the Table, facing the congregation across the Table. In either case the minister's breaking of the bread and taking of the cup should be fully visible to the congregation.

The people may kneel, stand, or sit to receive communion. In kneeling to receive communion no adoration of the bread and wine is intended.

The bread and wine undergo no change upon their consecration other than a change of use: They become the symbols and tokens of Christ’s body broken and his blood shed on the cross for the sins of the world. Eating the bread and drinking the cup symbolically represents our spiritually feeding upon Christ, upon the benefits of his sacrifice upon the cross, which benefits we appropriate by faith in Christ. The phrase “to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood” used in the two Prayers for Preparation means to spiritually eat Christ’s flesh and to spiritually drink his blood. No other meaning is intended or should be inferred from this choice of wording. Likewise, the phrase “to be partakers of his body and blood” in the Epiclesis in the Commemoration of Christ’s Sacrifice means to be partakers of his body and blood “in a heavenly or spiritual manner.” As in the case of the wording of the two Prayers of Preparation no other meaning is intended or should be inferred from this choice of wording. Christ is present in the service of Holy Communion not substantively or in any other manner in the bread and wine but spiritually in the hearts of his faithful people.  Through the actions of our sharing of the Lord’s Supper together God works invisibly in us, arousing and strengthening and confirming our faith in Him.

A short period of silence may be kept at any point in the service at the discretion of the minister. Appropriate points for silence are before the Prayer of the Day, after each reading, after the sermon, in the Prayers, and after the Communion.

Announcements may be made before the service begins, before the sermon, after the Nicene Creed, or after the Prayers.

If there is no Communion, the minister or some other authorized person such as a deacon, or a licensed reader may say all that is appointed, until the end of the Prayers, together with one or more of the prayers printed at the end of the service and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with the Blessing or the Grace.

HOLY COMMUNION

THE WORD AND THE PRAYERS

1. Verses of Scripture highlighting the character of God and how we should respond to him may be read (e.g. Psalms 98:1-2; 105:1-2; Isaiah 45:22-23; John 6:35; 8:12; Acts 17:24-25; Colossians 3:16-17). A selection of Scripture verses suitable for the beginning of the service may be found here. A suitable hymn or song may follow.

2. The minister invites all to pray together. 

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden,
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.


3. The minister may read a form of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) or Jesus’ declaration of the Two Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37–40).

Hear the commandments which God gave his people Israel.

1. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery; you shall have no other gods besides me.

2. Do not make any idol for yourself; you shall not bow down to them or serve them.

3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

4. Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days shall you labour and do all you have to do, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.

5. Honour your father and your mother.

6. Do not murder.

7. Do not commit adultery.

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not give false testimony against your neighbour.

10. Do not covet anything that is your neighbour’s.

After each commandment, the people may say

Lord, have mercy on us and incline our hearts to keep this law.

After the last commandment, or after the commandments have been read together, the people may say

Lord, have mercy on us, and write your commandments in our hearts by your Holy Spirit.

or

Jesus said: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’.
This is the first and greatest commandment.

The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

Lord have mercy on us, and write your commandments in our hearts by your Holy Spirit.

4. The prayer of the day is said. Prayers for the Sundays and feast days of the Church Year and other occasions may be found here.

5. A Reading from the Old Testament (or as appointed) may be read. It is introduced, The Reading from the Old Testament is written in the ... chapter of ... beginning at verse…;and at the end, Here ends the reading. Or the reader concludes, This is the word of the Lord, and then the people may respond, Thanks be to God.

6. A psalm may follow the Old Testament reading. ‘Glory to the Father…’ may be omitted.

7. The Epistle or Reading from the New Testament is read. It is introduced and concluded in the same manner as the Old Testament reading.

8. A canticle, hymn, psalm, anthem, or acclamation may be sung. Canticles suitable for use at this point in the service may be found here.

9. The people stand for the Gospel, which is introduced The holy Gospel is written in the .….. chapter of the Gospel according to Saint.….., beginning at the ……verse.

The people may respond:

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel, the reader may say
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

10. The Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed is said here or after the sermon, the people standing.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, 
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten not made, of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.


or

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.


11. The sermon is preached here or before the creed.

12. A song may follow and a collection may be taken. Members of the congregation may be encouraged to support the work of the gospel and provide for the needy by the reading of biblical passages such as Matthew 5:16; 6:19-20; 7:21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6, 10; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17. A selection of biblical passages suitable for reading at this point in the service may be found here.

13. The minister or one or more members of the congregation may pray, using this form or a suitable alternative. Alternative forms may be found here.

Let us pray for all people, and for Christ’s church throughout the world.

Almighty and eternal God through the apostle Paul you teach us to pray and to give thanks for all people.

In your mercy (accept our gifts and) receive our prayers. Set the nations on the path of righteousness and peace. Lead their rulers to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare of all.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of our nation (especially …), and for all who exercise authority in this land. Enable them to uphold justice, restrain wickedness and promote integrity and truth.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Comfort and sustain, merciful Lord, everyone in this fleeting life who is in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other distress (especially …).

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Pour out your Spirit on your church, so that all who acknowledge your holy name may agree in the truth of your word, and live in unity and godly love.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give grace to all ministers of your gospel (especially …), to set forth your life-giving word by their example and teaching and rightly administer your holy sacraments.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Guide and prosper those who are laboring for the spread of the gospel among the nations, and enlighten with your Spirit all places of education and learning; that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of your truth.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give grace to your people gathered here, to receive your word with humble and obedient hearts and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. 

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We praise you for all who have died in the faith of Christ (especially …). Help us to follow their good examples, that with them we may inherit your heavenly kingdom.

Hear us, Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.

14. A song may follow.

THE LORD’S SUPPER

15. The minister may say the following exhortation.


Brothers and sisters in Christ,
we who come to receive the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ can come only because of his great love for us. For, although we are completely undeserving of his love, yet in order to raise us from the darkness of death to everlasting life as God’s sons and daughters, our Saviour Christ humbled himself to share our life and to die for us on the cross. In remembrance of his death, and as a pledge of his love, Jesus instituted this holy sacrament, which we are now to share.

But those who would eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord must examine themselves, and amend their lives. They must come with a repentant heart and steadfast faith. Above all, they must give thanks to God for his love towards us in Christ Jesus.

And then the minister invites the people to genuine repentance and faith in Christ

You then who truly repent of your sins, and are reconciled with others, intending to lead a new life of joyful obedience to God, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to strengthen and sustain you. But first, let us make a humble confession of our sins to Almighty God.

16. A pause for self-examination may follow. All then say the following confession together.

Almighty God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
you made all things,
and you call everyone to account.
With shame we confess
the sins we have committed against you,
in thought, word and deed.
We rightly deserve your condemnation.
We turn from our sins
and are truly sorry for them;
they are a burden we cannot bear.
Have mercy on us, most merciful Father.
For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
forgive us all that is past.
Enable us to serve and please you in newness of life,
to your honour and glory,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


17. The minister stands and assures the people of God’s forgiveness.

Almighty God our heavenly Father,
who has promised to forgive the sins of all who turn to him with repentance and faith, 
have mercy on you;
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
strengthen you to do his will,
and keep you in eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


18. The minister says the following words of assurance.

Hear these words of assurance for those who truly turn to Christ.

Jesus said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. Matthew 11:28

‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ John 3:16 

The apostle Paul said: ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’. 1 Timothy 1:15

The apostle John said: ‘If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ 1 John 2:1–2

19. The minister leads the people in praise and thanksgiving.

Lift up your hearts,
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
He is worthy of all praise.

Always and everywhere,
it is right for us to praise you, Lord,
holy Father, mighty Creator and eternal God.

On certain days a special preface (see below) is said here.

Therefore, with all those gathered around your throne in heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
in words of never-ending praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Glory to you, Lord most high.


Special prefaces for use at Christmas, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity:

Christmas
We praise you for giving your only Son Jesus Christ to be made man for us. By the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the virgin Mary his mother, without sin, to make us free from all sin. 

or

We praise you that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Easter
We praise you especially for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the true Passover lamb who was offered for us and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death; by his rising to life again he has restored to us eternal life.

Ascension
We praise you through Jesus Christ our ascended Lord, who was seen by his disciples after his resurrection and in their sight went into heaven to sit at your right hand and prepare a place for us, that where he is we might also be and reign with him in glory.

Pentecost 
We praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whose sure promise the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles to teach them and lead them into all truth, giving them boldness and fervent zeal to preach the gospel to all nations. By that gospel we have been brought out of darkness and error into the true knowledge of you and of your Son Jesus Christ.


Trinity
You are one God, one Lord, not one person but three persons. For all that we believe of your glory, Father, we believe also of the glory of your Son and of the Holy Spirit. We worship you, one God in Trinity and Trinity in unity.

After each of these prefaces the minister and people continue with the words “Therefore, with all those gathered etc.”

20. This prayer of preparation (or the alternative version) may be said by the minister alone or by all together.

We do not presume
to come to your table, merciful Lord,
trusting in our own righteousness,
but in your many and great mercies.
We are not worthy
so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table.
But you are the same Lord
whose nature is always to have mercy.
Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord,
so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ,
and to drink his blood,
that we may evermore dwell in him,
and he in us. Amen.


or

We do not presume to come to your table, merciful Lord,
trusting in our own righteousness,
but in your boundless goodness and mercy
We are not even worthy
to eat the crumbs under your table.
But you are the same Lord, always rich in mercy.
Enable us by faith to eat
the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ,
and to drink his blood,
that we may be cleansed from sin
and forever dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.


21. Standing at the table, the minister continues to give thanks. As Jesus’ words of institution are said, the minister breaks the bread and takes hold of the cup before all the people.

All glory to you, our heavenly Father, for in your love and mercy you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our salvation.By this offering of himself once and for all time Jesus made a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world and commanded us to continue a remembrance of his precious death until his coming again.

Hear us, merciful Father, and grant that we who receive these gifts of your creation, this bread and this wine, according to our Saviour’s command, in remembrance of his suffering and death, may be partakers of his body and blood. 

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and, when he had given thanks, he broke it, then gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’

In the same way after the meal, Jesus took the cup and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant,
which is poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

22. The minister may say

Come let us eat and drink in remembrance that Christ died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

The minister and those assisting give the bread to each person saying, within the hearing of each person, 

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

or

Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

The minister and those assisting give the cup to each person saying, within the hearing of each person,

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

or

Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

23. The minister says

Let us pray.
As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to say,
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.


24. The minister leads the people in one of these two prayers of thanksgiving and dedication.

Lord and heavenly Father,
in your loving kindness,
accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
Grant that by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ,
and through faith in his blood, we and your whole church may receive forgiveness of our sins
and all other benefits of his suffering.
With gratitude for all your mercies,
we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Send us out in the power of your Spirit
to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.


or

Almighty and everliving God,
thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Thank you for assuring us of your goodness and love,
that we are members of his body,
and heirs, through hope, of your eternal kingdom.
Keep us faithful to your Son,
and strengthen us by your Spirit
to do the good works you have prepared for us to do
for your honour and praise. Amen.


25. The following hymn of praise or another suitable song may be sung. Other canticles such as Te Deum, Great and Wonderful, and Glory and Honor that are suitable for use at this point in the service may be found here.

Glory to God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly king,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy upon us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One;
you alone are the Lord;
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

26. The minister says this blessing or a suitable alternative. Alternative blessings may be found here.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

27. The minister may dismiss the people with these or similar words

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

or

In Eastertide:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia!
In the name of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!

or

Go in peace to share the good news.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

or

In Eastertide
Go in peace to share the good news. Alleluia! Alleluia!
In the name of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!

28. One or more of these prayers may be said after the prayer of the day, or before the blessing, at the discretion of the minister. Other authorized prayer may be used.

Be with us, Lord, in all our prayers, and direct our way toward the attainment of salvation, that among the changes and chances of this mortal life, we may always be defended by your gracious help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord God Almighty, we rejoice that you are the sovereign Lord who rules over all: may the nations of the world hear your voice and the people acknowledge you. Banish the darkness of sin and unbelief. Break down every barrier that stands in the way of triumph of your Word and gospel and hasten the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We ask this in his name, and to his glory. Amen.

Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, we pray that you will direct, sanctify, and govern our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws, and in the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, here and ever, we may be kept in body and soul to give glory to your holy name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Almighty God, grant, we pray, that the words, which we have heard today, may through your grace be so grafted in our hearts, that they may produce in us the fruit of good works to the honour and praise of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go before us, Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favour, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, contin¬ued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally by your mercy attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you bid your disciples to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation…” Grant that we too shall be committed to this commission. Send us Lord wherever you choose, whenever you will, and we shall gladly go in your name and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God our Father, We pray that you will release the power of the Holy Spirit in all who believe, that we may become powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ our Lord who died and rose again and now reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

O God our Father, give us your passion for your Word and boldness in telling our neighbor about your grace, may the Holy Spirit convict the lost and draw them to the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Ember seasons and at other times

Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, you have appointed various orders of ministry in your Church; give grace to those who are now called to the sacred ministry. So fill them with your truth and clothe them with holiness that they may faithfully minister to the glory of your name and to the benefit of your people. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

Almighty God, look with compassion on the world you have redeemed by the death of your Son Jesus Christ. Move the hearts of many to offer themselves for the sacred ministry of your Church, so that by their lives and labours your light may shine in the darkness and the coming of your kingdom advanced; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our needs before we ask and our ignorance in asking; have compassion n our weaknesses, and give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Father, you have promised through your Son Jesus Christ, that when we meet in his name, and pray according to his mind, he will be among us and hear our prayer: in your love and mercy fulfill our desires, and give us your greatest gift, which is to know you, the only true God, and your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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