This form may be used when a person wishes to make or renew a commitment to the service of Christ in the world, either in general terms, or upon undertaking some special responsibility.
It is essential that the person seeking to make or renew a commitment prepare in advance, in consultation with the celebrant, the Act of Commitment, which may be in the form either of a statement of intention or of a series of questions and answers, but which should include a reaffirmation of baptismal promises.
Before the Offertory of the Eucharist, the person comes forward at the invitation of the celebrant, and, standing before the congregation, makes the Act of Commitment.
After this, the Celebrant says these or similar words
May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of his Christ. Amen.
In the name of this congregation I commend you to this work, and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support.
420 Christian Service
The Celebrant then says this or some other appropriate prayer
Let us pray.
Almighty God, look with favor upon this person who has now reaffirmed his commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name. Give him courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for the special work in which the person will be engaged may be added.
The service then continues with the exchange of the Peace and the Offertory.
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church.
A priest or a bishop normally presides at the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, because such ministers alone have the function of pronouncing the nuptial blessing, and of celebrating the Holy Eucharist.
When both a bishop and a priest are present and officiating, the bishop should pronounce the blessing and preside at the Eucharist.
A deacon, or an assisting priest, may deliver the charge, ask for the Declaration of Consent, read the Gospel, and perform other assisting functions at the Eucharist.
Where it is permitted by civil law that deacons may perform marriages, and no priest or bishop is available, a deacon may use the service which follows, omitting the nuptial blessing which follows The Prayers.
It is desirable that the Lessons from the Old Testament and the Epistles be read by lay persons.
In the opening exhortation (at the symbol of N.N.), the full names of the persons to be married are declared. Subsequently, only their Christian names are used.
Additional Directions are on page 437.
422 Additional Directions
At the time appointed, the persons to be married, with their witnesses, assemble in the church or some other appropriate place.
During their entrance, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.
Then the Celebrant, facing the people and the persons to be married, with the woman to the right and the man to the left, addresses the congregation and says
Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
Marriage 423
Into this holy union N.N.. and N.N.. now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.
Then the Celebrant says to the persons to be married
I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God’s Word, you do now confess it.
The Declaration of Consent
The Celebrant says to the woman
N., will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
The Woman answers I will.
The Celebrant says to the man
N., will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
The Man answers I will.
424 Marriage
The Celebrant then addresses the congregation, saying
Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
People
We Will.
If there is to be a presentation or a giving in marriage, it takes place at this time. See page 437.
A hymn, psalm, or anthem may follow.
The Ministry of the Word
The Celebrant then says to the people
The Lord be with you.
People
And also with you.
Let us pray.
O gracious and everliving God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Marriage 425
Then one or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings.
Genesis 1:26-28 (Male and female he created them) Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 (A man cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh) Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7 (Many waters cannot quench love) Tobit 8:5b-8 (New English Bible) (That she and I may grow old together)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Love is patient and kind) Ephesians 3:14-19 (The Father from whom ever family is named) Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33 (Walk in love, as Christ loved us) Colossians 3:12-17 (Love which binds everything together in harmony) 1 John 4:7-16 (Let us love one another for love is of God)
Between the Readings, a Psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate Psalms are 67, 127, and 128.
When a passage from the Gospel is to be read, all stand, and the Deacon or Minister appointed says
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ____________.
People
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Matthew 5:1-10 (The Beatitudes) Matthew 5:13-16 (You are the light…Let your light so shine) Matthew 7:21,24-29 (Like a wise man who built his house upon the rock) Mark 10:6-9,13-16 (They are no longer two but one) John 15:9-12 (Love one another as I have loved you)
After the Gospel, the Reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
A homily or other response to the Readings may follow.
426 Marriage
The Marriage
The Man, facing the woman and taking her right hand in his, says
In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
Then they loose their hands, and the Woman, still facing the man, takes his right hand in hers, and says
In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
They loose their hands.
The Priest may ask God’s blessing on a ring or rings as follows
Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The giver places the ring on the ring-finger of the other’s hand and says
N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (or in the Name of God).
Marriage 427
Then the Celebrant joins the right hands of husband and wife and says
Now that N. and N. have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
People
Amen.
The Prayers
All standing, the Celebrant says
Let us pray together in the words our Savior taught us.
People and Celebrant
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
If Communion is to follow, the Lord’s Prayer may be omitted here.
428 Marriage
The Deacon or other person appointed reads the following prayers, to which the People respond, saying, Amen.
If there is not to be a Communion, one or more of the prayers may be omitted.
Let us pray.
Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.
Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. Amen.
Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Amen.
Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours. Amen.
Make their life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Amen.
Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you, and to serve you. Amen.
Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Amen.
Marriage 429
Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed. Amen.
Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your Son, and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and for ever. Amen.
The Blessing of the Marriage
The people remain standing. The husband and wife kneel, and the Priest says one of the following prayers
Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in his Name. By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
430 Marriage
or this
O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The husband and wife still kneeling, the Priest adds this blessing
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen.
The Peace
The Celebrant may say to the people
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People
And also with you.
The newly married couple then greet each other, after which greetings may be exchanged throughout the congregation.
When Communion is not to follow, the wedding party leaves the church. A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.
Marriage 431
At the Eucharist
The liturgy then continues with the Offertory, at which the newly married couple may present the offerings of bread and wine. Preface of Marriage
At the Communion, it is appropriate that the newly married couple receive Communion first, after the ministers.
In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said
O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, N. and N., now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As the wedding party leaves the church, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.
The Rite begins as prescribed for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, using the Collect and Lessons appointed in the Marriage service.
After the Gospel (and homily), the husband and wife stand before the Celebrant, who addresses them in these or similar words
N. and N., you have come here today to seek the blessing of God and of his Church upon your marriage. I require, therefore, that you promise, with the help of God, to fulfill the obligations which Christian Marriage demands.
The Celebrant then addresses the husband, saying
N., you have taken N. to be your wife. Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
The Husband answers I do.
The Celebrant then addresses the wife, saying
N., you have taken N. to be your husband. Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
The Wife answers I do.
Blessing of a Marriage 433
The Celebrant then addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who have witnessed these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
People We will.
If a ring or rings are to be blessed, the wife extends her hand (and the husband extends his hand) toward the Priest, who says
Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant joins the right hands of the husband and wife and says
Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
The Congregation responds Amen.
The service continues with The Prayers on page 428.
If it is desired to celebrate a marriage otherwise than as provided on page 423 of this Book, this Order is used.
Normally, the celebrant is a priest or bishop. Where permitted by civil law, and when no priest or bishop is available, a deacon may function as celebrant, but does not pronounce a nuptial blessing.
The laws of the State and the canons of this Church having been complied with, the man and the woman, together with their witnesses, families, and friends assemble in the church or in some other convenient place.
1. The teaching of the Church concerning Holy Matrimony, as it is declared in the formularies and canons of this Church, is briefly stated.
2. The intention of the man and the woman to enter the state of matrimony, and their free consent, is publicly ascertained.
3. One or more Readings, one of which is always from Holy Scripture, may precede the exchange of vows. If there is to be a Communion, a Reading from the Gospel is always included.
4. The vows of the man and woman are exchanged, using the following form
Order for Marriage 435
In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my (wife) (husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
or this
I, N., take thee, N., to my wedded (wife) (husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I (plight) (give) thee my troth.
5. The Celebrant declares the union of the man and woman as husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
6. Prayers are offered for the husband and wife, for their life together, for the Christian community, and for the world.
7. A priest or bishop pronounces a solemn blessing upon the couple.
8. If there is no Communion, the service concludes with the Peace, the husband and wife first greeting each other. The Peace may be exchanged throughout the assembly.
9. If there is to be a Communion, the service continues with the Peace and the Offertory. The Holy Eucharist may be celebrated either according to Rite One or Rite Two in this Book, or according to the Order on page 401.
If Banns are to be published, the following form is used
I publish the Banns of Marriage between N.N. of __________. and N.N. of __________. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the first (or second, or third) time of asking.
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage may be used with any authorized liturgy for the Holy Eucharist. This service then replaces the Ministry of the Word, and the Eucharist begins with the Offertory.
After the Declaration of Consent, if there is to be a giving in marriage, or presentation, the Celebrant asks
Who gives (presents) this woman to be married to this man?
or the following
Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?
To either question, the appropriate answer is, “I do.” If more than one person responds, they do so together.
For the Ministry of the Word it is fitting that the man and woman to be married remain where they may conveniently hear the reading of Scripture. They may approach the Altar, either for the exchange of vows, or for the Blessing of the Marriage.
It is appropriate that all remain standing until the conclusion of the Collect. Seating may be provided for the wedding party, so that all may be seated for the Lessons and the homily.
The Apostles’ Creed may be recited after the Lessons, or after the homily, if there is one.
When desired, some other suitable symbol of the vows may be used in place of the ring.
Marriage 437
At the Offertory, it is desirable that the bread and wine be presented to the ministers by the newly married persons. They may then remain before the Lord’s Table and receive Holy Communion before other members of the congregation.
As soon as convenient after the birth of a child, or after receiving a child by adoption, the parents, with other members of the family, should come to the church to be welcomed by the congregation and to give thanks to Almighty God. It is desirable that this take place at a Sunday service. In the Eucharist it may follow the Prayers of the People preceding the Offertory. At Morning or Evening Prayer it may take place before the close of the Office.
When desired, a briefer form of this service may be used, especially in the hospital or at home; in which case the Celebrant may begin with the Act of Thanksgiving, or with the prayer “O God, you have taught is.” A passage from Scripture may first be read. Either Luke 2:41-51, or Luke 18:15-17, is appropriate.
During the prayers, some parents may wish to express thanks in their own words.
At the proper time, the Celebrant invites the parents and other members of the family to present themselves before the Altar.
Thanksgiving for a Child 439
For the Birth of a Child
The Celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words
Dear Friends: The birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family. It is also an occasion for rejoicing in the Christian community. I bid you, therefore, to join N. [and N.] in giving thanks to Almighty God our heavenly Father, the Lord of all life, for the gift of N. to be their son (daughter) [and with N. (and N.N.), for a new brother (sister)]. Let us say together:
The service continues with the Magnificat or one of the Psalms on pages 441-443.
The Celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words
Dear Friends: It has pleased God our heavenly Father to answer the earnest prayers of N. [and N.], member(s) of this Christian family, for the gift of a child. I bid you join with them [and with N. (and N.N.), who now has a new brother (sister)] in offering heartfelt thanks for the joyful and solemn responsibility which is theirs by the coming of N. to be a member of their family. But first, our friends wish us, here assembled, to witness the inauguration of this new relationship.
The Celebrant asks the parent or parents
N. [and N.], do you take this child for your own?
Parent(s)
I do.
440 Thanksgiving for a Child
Then if the child is old enough to answer, the Celebrant asks
N., do you take this woman as your mother?
Child
I do.
Celebrant
N., do you take this man as your father?
Child
I do.
Then the Celebrant, holding or taking the child by the hand, gives the child to the mother or father, saying
As God has made us his children by adoption and grace, may you receive N. as your own son (daughter).
Then one or both parents say these or similar words
May God, the Father of all, bless our child N., and us who have given to him our family name, that we may live together in love and affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant says
Since it has pleased God to bestow upon N. [and N.] the gift of a child, let us now give thanks to him, and say together:
Act of Thanksgiving
The Song of Mary
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.
Thanksgiving for a Child 441
He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
or this
Psalm 116
I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, * because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him. Gracious is the LORD and righteous; * our God is full of compassion. How shall I repay the LORD * for all the good things he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation * and call upon the Name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * in the presence of all his people. In the courts of the LORD’S house, * in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
442 Thanksgiving for a Child
or this
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Celebrant then says this prayer
Let us pray.
O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself: We give thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them a child. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring this child to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thanksgiving for a Child 443
Prayers
The Celebrant may add one or more of the following prayers
For a safe delivery
O gracious God, we give you humble and hearty thanks that you have preserved through the pain and anxiety of child- birth your servant N., who desires now to offer you her praises and thanksgivings. Grant, most merciful Father, that by your help she may live faithfully according to your will in this life, and finally partake of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the parents
Almighty God, giver of life and love, bless N. and N. Grant them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. And so knit their wills together in your will and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may live together in love and peace all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a child not yet baptized
O eternal God, you have promised to be a father to a thousand generations of those who love and fear you: Bless this child and preserve his life; receive him and enable him to receive you, that through the Sacrament of Baptism he may become the child of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a child already baptized
Into your hands, O God, we place your child N. Support him in his successes and in his failures, in his joys and in his
444 Thanksgiving for a Child
sorrows. As he grows in age, may he grow in grace, and in the knowledge of his Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Celebrant may then bless the family
May God the Father, who by Baptism adopts us as his children, grant you grace. Amen.
May God the Son, who sanctified a home at Nazareth, fill you with love. Amen.
May God the Holy Spirit, who has made the Church one family, keep you in peace. Amen.
The Peace may be exchanged.
The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.
The ministry of reconciliation, which has been committed by Christ to his Church, is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship, and through the priesthood of Christ and his ministers declaring absolution.
The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it. It is not restricted to times of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere.
Two equivalent forms of service are provided here to meet the needs of penitents. The absolution in these services may be pronounced only by a bishop or priest. Another Christian may be asked to hear a confession, but it must be made clear to the penitent that absolution will not be pronounced; instead, a declaration of forgiveness is provided.
When a confession is heard in a church building, the confessor may sit inside the altar rails or in a place set aside to give greater privacy, and the penitent kneels nearby. If preferred, the confessor and penitent may sit face to face for a spiritual conference leading to absolution or a declaration of forgiveness.
When the penitent has confessed all serious sins troubling the conscience and has given evidence of due contrition, the priest gives such counsel and encouragement as are needed and pronounces the absolution. Before giving absolution, the priest may assign to the penitent a psalm, prayer, or hymn to be said, or something to be done, as a sign of penitence and act of thanksgiving.
The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. The secrecy of a confession is morally absolute for the confessor, and must under no circumstances be broken.
446 Reconciliation
Form One
The Penitent begins
Bless me, for I have sinned.
The Priest says
The Lord be in your heart and upon your lips that you may truly and humbly confess your sins: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Penitent
I confess to Almighty God, to his Church, and to you, that I have sinned by my own fault in thought, word, and deed, in things done and left undone; especially __________. For these and all other sins which I cannot now remember, I am truly sorry. I pray God to have mercy on me. I firmly intend amendment of life, and I humbly beg forgiveness of God and his Church, and ask you for counsel, direction, and absolution.
Here the Priest may offer counsel, direction, and comfort.
Reconciliation 447
The Priest then pronounces this absolution
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has left power to his Church to absolve all sinners who truly repent and believe in him, of his great mercy forgive you all your offenses; and by his authority committed to me, I absolve you from all your sins: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
or this
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself to be sacrificed for us to the Father, and who conferred power on his Church to forgive sins, absolve you through my ministry by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and restore you in the perfect peace of the Church. Amen.
The Priest adds
The Lord has put away all your sins.
Penitent Thanks be to God.
The Priest concludes
Go (or abide) in peace, and pray for me, a sinner.
Declaration of Forgiveness to be used by a Deacon or Lay Person
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself to be sacrificed for us to the Father, forgives your sins by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
448 Reconciliation
Form Two
The Priest and Penitent begin as follows
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions only too well, andmy sin is ever before me.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.
Penitent Pray for me, a sinner.
Priest
May God in his love enlighten your heart, that you may remember in truth all your sins and his unfailing mercy. Amen.
The Priest may then say one or more of these or other appropriate verses of Scripture, first saying
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.
Come to me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
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If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the perfect offering for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2
The Priest then continues
Now, in the presence of Christ, and of me, his minister, confess your sins with a humble and obedient heart to Almighty God, our Creator and our Redeemer.
The Penitent says
Holy God, heavenly Father, you formed me from the dust in your image and likeness, and redeemed me from sin and death by the cross of your Son Jesus Christ. Through the water of baptism you clothed me with the shining garment of his righteousness, and established me among your children in your kingdom. But I have squandered the inheritance of your saints, and have wandered far in a land that is waste.
Especially, I confess to you and to the Church . . .
Here the Penitent confesses particular sins.
Therefore, O Lord, from these and all other sins I cannot now remember, I turn to you in sorrow and repentance. Receive me again into the arms of your mercy, and restore me to the blessed company of your faithful people; through him in whom you have redeemed the world, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Priest may then offer words of comfort and counsel.
Priest
Will you turn again to Christ as your Lord?
Penitent I will.
450 Reconciliation
Priest
Do you, then, forgive those who have sinned against you?
Penitent I forgive them.
Priest
May Almighty God in mercy receive your confession of sorrow and of faith, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Priest then lays a hand upon the penitent’s head (or extends a hand over the penitent), saying one of the following
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself to be sacrificed for us to the Father, and who conferred power on his Church to forgive sins, absolve you through my ministry by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and restore you in the perfect peace of the Church. Amen.
or this
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has left power to his Church to absolve all sinners who truly repent and believe in him, of his great mercy forgive you all your offenses; and by his authority committed to me, I absolve you from all your sins: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Priest concludes
Now there is rejoicing in heaven; for you were lost, and are found; you were dead, and are now alive in Christ Jesus our Lord. Go (or abide) in peace. The Lord has put away all your sins.
Penitent Thanks be to God.
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Declaration of Forgiveness to be used by a Deacon or Lay Person
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself to be sacrificed for us to the Father, forgives your sins by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In case of illness, the Minister of the Congregation is to be notified.
At the ministration, one or more parts of the following service are used, as appropriate, but when two or more are used together, they are used in the order indicated. The Lord’s Prayer is always included.
Part One of this service may always be led by a deacon or lay person.
When the Laying on of Hands or Anointing takes place at a public celebration of the Eucharist, it is desirable that it precede the distribution of Holy Communion, and it is recommended that it take place immediately before the exchange of the Peace.
The Celebrant begins the service with the following or some other greeting
Peace be to this house (place), and to all who dwell in it.
Part I. Ministry of the Word
One or more of the following or other passages of Scripture are read
General
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (God comforts us in affliction) Psalm 91 (He will give his angels charge over you) Luke 17:11-19 (Your faith has made you well)
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Penitence
Hebrews 12:1-2 (Looking to Jesus, the perfecter of our faith) Psalm 103 (He forgives all your sins) Matthew 9:2-8 (Your sins are forgiven)
When Anointing is to follow
James 5:14-16 (Is any among you sick?) Psalm 23 (You have anointed my head with oil) Mark 6:7,12-13 (They anointed with oil many that were sick)
When Communion is to follow
1 John 5:13-15 (That you may know that you have eternal life) Psalm 145:14-22 (The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord) John 6:47-51 (I am the bread of life)
After any Reading, the Celebrant may comment on it briefly.
Prayers may be offered according to the occasion.
The Priest may suggest the making of a special confession, if the sick person’s conscience is troubled, and use the form for the Reconciliation of a Penitent.
Or else the following general confession may be said
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
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For the sake of you Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Priest alone says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form substitutes “us” for “you” and “our” for “your.”
Part II. Laying on of Hands and Anointing
If oil for the Anointing of the Sick is to be blessed, the Priest says
O Lord, holy Father, giver of health and salvation: Send your Holy Spirit to sanctify this oil; that, as your holy apostles anointed many that were sick and healed them, so may those who in faith and repentance receive this holy unction be made whole; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The following anthem is said
Savior of the world, by your cross and precious blood you have redeemed us; Save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.
The Priest then lays hands upon the sick person, and says one of the following
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N., I lay my hands upon you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, beseeching our Lord Jesus Christ to sustain you with his presence, to drive away all sickness of body and spirit, and to give you that victory of life and peace which will enable you to serve him both now and evermore. Amen.
or this
N., I lay my hands upon you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, beseeching him to uphold you and fill you with his grace, that you may know the healing power of his love. Amen.
If the person is to be anointed, the Priest dips a thumb in the holy oil, and makes the sign of the cross on the sick person’s forehead, saying
N., I anoint you with oil in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Priest may add
As you are outwardly anointed with this holy oil, so may our heavenly Father grant you the inward anointing of the Holy Spirit. Of his great mercy, may he forgive you your sins, release you from suffering, and restore you to wholeness and strength. May he deliver you from all evil, preserve you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In cases of necessity, a deacon or lay person may perform the anointing, using oil blessed by a bishop or priest.
If Communion is not to follow, the Lord’s Prayer is now said.
The Priest concludes
The Almighty Lord, who is a strong tower to all who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under
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the earth bow and obey: Be now and evermore your defense, and make you know and feel that the only Name under heaven given for health and salvation is the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Part III. Holy Communion
If the Eucharist is to be celebrated, the Priest begins with the [Peace and] Offertory.
If Communion is to be administered from the reserved Sacrament, the form for Communion under Special Circumstances is used, beginning with the [Peace and] Lord’s Prayer on page 398.
If the sick person cannot receive either the consecrated Bread or the Wine, it is suitable to administer the Sacrament in one kind only.
One of the usual postcommunion prayers is said, or the following
Gracious Father, we give you praise and thanks for this Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of your beloved Son Jesus Christ, the pledge of our redemption; and we pray that it may bring us forgiveness of our sins, strength in our weakness, and everlasting salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The service concludes with a blessing or with a dismissal
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
If a person desires to receive the Sacrament, but, by reason of extreme sickness or physical disability, is unable to eat and drink the Bread and Wine, the Celebrant is to assure that person that all the benefits of Communion are received, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth.
Ministration to the Sick 457
Prayers for the Sick
For a Sick Person O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly beseech thee to behold, visit, and relieve thy sick servant N. for whom our prayers are desired. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; preserve him from the temptations of the enemy; and give him patience under his affliction. In thy good time, restore him to health, and enable him to lead the residue of his life in thy fear, and to thy glory; and grant that finally he may dwell with thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Recovery from Sickness
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant N. the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or this
O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in your goodness with your servant N., that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a Sick Child
Heavenly Father, watch with us over your child N., and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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or this
Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd of the sheep, you gather the lambs in your arms and carry them in your bosom: We commend to your loving care this child N. Relieve his pain, guard him from all danger, restore to him your gifts of gladness and strength, and raise him up to a life of service to you. Hear us, we pray, for you dear Name’s sake. Amen.
Before an Operation
Almighty God our heavenly Father, graciously comfort your servant N. in his suffering, and bless the means made use of for his cure. Fill his heart with confidence that, though at times he may be afraid, he yet may put his trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or this
Strengthen your servant N., O God, to do what he has to do and bear what he has to bear; that, accepting your healing gifts through the skill of surgeons and nurses, he may be restored to usefulness in your world with a thankful heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Strength and Confidence
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servant N., and give your power of healing to those who minister to his needs, that he may be strengthened in his weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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For the Sanctification of Illness
Sanctify, O Lord, the sickness of your servant N., that the sense of his weakness may add strength to his faith and seriousness to his repentance; and grant that he may live with you in everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Health of Body and Soul
May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy Spirit give you strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard your body, save your soul, and bring you safely to his heavenly country; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
For Doctors and Nurses
Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving for a Beginning of Recovery
O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning: We give you thanks for giving our brother (sister) N. both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him, we pray, the good work you have begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayers for use by a Sick Person
For Trust in God
O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Pain
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father’s will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.
For Sleep
O heavenly Father, you give your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give me such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Morning
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
When a person is near death, the Minister of the Congregation should be notified, in order that the ministrations of the Church may be provided.
A Prayer for a Person near Death
Almighty God, look on this your servant, lying in great weakness, and comfort him with the promise of life everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litany at the Time of Death
When possible, it is desirable that members of the family and friends come together to join in the Litany.
God the Father, Have mercy on your servant.
God the Son, Have mercy on your servant.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on your servant.
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Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on your servant.
From all evil, from all sin, from all tribulation, Good Lord, deliver him.
By your holy Incarnation, by your Cross and Passion, by your precious Death and Burial, Good Lord, deliver him.
By your glorious Resurrection and Ascension, and by the Coming of the Holy Spirit, Good Lord, deliver him.
We sinners beseech you to hear us, Lord Christ: That it may please you to deliver the soul of your servant from the power of evil, and from eternal death, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you mercifully to pardon all his sins, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to grant him a place of refreshment and everlasting blessedness, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to give him joy and gladness in your kingdom, with your saints in light, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
Jesus, Lamb of God: Have mercy on him.
Jesus, bearer of our sins: Have mercy on him.
Jesus, redeemer of the world: Give him your peace.
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Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Officiant and People
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 tresspasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Officiant says this Collect
Let us pray.
Deliver your servant, N., O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Commendation at the Time of Death
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world; In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you; In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you; In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you. May your rest be this day in peace, and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.
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A Commendatory Prayer
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Prayers for a Vigil
It is appropriate that the family and friends come together for prayers prior to the funeral. Suitable Psalms, Lessons, and Collects (such as those in the Burial service) may be used. The Litany at the Time of Death may be said, or the followingDear Friends: It was our Lord Jesus himself who said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Let us pray, then, for our brother (sister) N., that he may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of God’s eternal sabbath rest.
Receive, O Lord, your servant, for he returns to you. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.
Wash him in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.
May he hear your words of invitation, “Come, you blessed of my Father.” Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.
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May he gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.
May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) N.
The Officiant concludes
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our brother N. into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reception of the Body
The following form may be used at whatever time the body is brought to the church.
The Celebrant meets the body at the door of the church and says
With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother (sister) N. for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the Giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints.
Silence may be kept; after which the Celebrant says
Deliver your servant, N., O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of his love.
Silence may be kept; after which the Celebrant says
Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray. Remember them, Lord, in your mercy; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; lift up your countenance upon them; and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
If the Burial service is not to follow immediately, the body is then brought into the church, during which time a suitable psalm or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate devotions, such as those appointed for the Vigil on page 465, may follow.
When the order for the Burial of the Dead follows immediately, the service continues on page 469 or 491.
A member of the congregation bearing the lighted Paschal Candle may lead the procession into the church.
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation.
Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present.
The coffin is to be closed before the service, and it remains closed thereafter. It is appropriate that it be covered with a pall or other suitable covering.
If necessary, or if desired, all or part of the service of Committal may be said in the church. If preferred, the Committal service may take place before the service in the church. It may also be used prior to cremation.
A priest normally presides at the service. It is appropriate that the bishop, when present, preside at the Eucharist and pronounce the Commendation.
It is desirable that the Lesson from the Old Testament, and the Epistle, be read by lay persons.
When the services of a priest cannot be obtained, a deacon or lay reader may preside at the service.
At the burial of a child, the passages from Lamentations, 1 John, and John 6, together with Psalm 23, are recommended.
It is customary that the celebrant meet the body and go before it into the church or towards the grave.
The anthems at the beginning of the service are sung or said as the body is borne into the church, or during the entrance of the ministers, or by the celebrant standing in the accustomed place.
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All stand while one or more of the following anthems are sung or said
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though this body be destroyed, yet shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger.
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For if we live, we live unto the Lord. and if we die, we die unto the Lord. Whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors.
The Celebrant says one of the following Collects, first saying
The Lord be with you.
People
And with thy spirit.
Celebrant
Let us pray.
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At the Burial of an Adult
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant N., and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
At the Burial of a Child
O God, whose beloved Son did take little children into his arms and bless them: Give us grace, we beseech thee, to entrust this child N. to thy never-failing care and love, and bring us all to thy heavenly kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people sit
One or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings.
From the Old Testament
Isaiah 25:6-9 (He will swallow up death in victory) Isaiah 61:1-3 (To comfort all that mourn) Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 (The Lord is good unto them that wait for him) Wisdom 3:1-5,9 (The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God) Job 19:21-27a (I know that my Redeemer liveth)
After the Old Testament Lesson, a suitable canticle or one of the following Psalms may be sung or said.
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Psalm 42Quemadmodum
Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God; * when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God? Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself; * for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God; Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me? O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 46Deus noster refugium
God is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, * the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most Highest.
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God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; * God shall help her, and that right early. Be still then, and know that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Psalm 90Domino, refugium
LORD, thou hast been our refuge, * from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made, * thou art God from everlasting, and the world without end. Thou turnest man to destruction; * again thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, * and as a watch in the night. As soon as thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep, * and fade away suddenly like the grass. In the morning it is green, and groweth up; * but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered. For we consume away in thy displeasure, * and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation. Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee, * and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
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For when thou are angry all our days are gone; * we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told. The days of our age are threescore years and ten; and though men be so strong that thy come to fourscore years, * yet is their strength then but labor and sorrow, so soon passeth it away, and we are gone. So teach us to number our days, * that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 121Levavi oculos
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills; * from whence cometh my help? My help cometh even from the LORD, * who hath made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved, * and he that keepeth thee will not sleep. Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD himself is thy keeper; * the LORD is thy defence upon thy right hand; So that the sun shall not burn by day, * neither the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; * yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, * from this time forth for evermore.
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Psalm 130De profundis
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O LORD; * Lord, hear my voice. O let thine ears consider well * the voice of my complaint. If thou, LORD, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, * O Lord, who may abide it? Fore there is mercy with thee, * therefore shalt thou be feared. I look for the LORD; my soul doth wait for him; * in his word is my trust. My soul fleeth unto the Lord before the morning watch; * I say, before the morning watch. O Israel, trust in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy, * and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel * from all his sins.
Psalm 139Domine, probasti
O LORD, thou hast searched me out, and known me. * Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising; thou understandest my thoughts long before. Thou art about my path, and about my bed, * and art acquainted with all my ways. For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, * but thou, O LORD, knowest it altogether.
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Thou hast beset me behind and before, * and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me; * I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit? * or whither shall I go then from thy presence? If I climb up into heaven, thou art there; * if I go down to hell, thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning, * and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there also shall thy hand lead me, * and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me, * then shall my night be turned to day. Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as day; * the darkness and light to thee are both alike.
From the New Testament
Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 (The glory that shall be revealed) 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 (Raised in incorruption) 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9 (Things which are not seen are eternal) 1 John 3:1-2 (We shall be like him) Revelation 7:9-17 (God shall wipe away all tears) Revelation 21:2-7 (Behold, I make all things new)
After the New Testament Lesson, a suitable canticle or hymn, or one of the following Psalms may be sung or said
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Psalm 23Dominus regit me
The LORD is my shepherd; * therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, * and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, * and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that trouble me; * thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23King James Version
The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; * he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; * he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.
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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; * thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 27Dominus illuminatio
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? * the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require, * even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle; * yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me, and set me up upon a rock of stone. And now shall he lift up mine head * above mine enemies round about me. Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness; * I will sing and speak praises unto the LORD. Hearken unto my voice, O LORD, when I cry unto thee; * have mercy upon me, and hear me.
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My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face. * Thy face, LORD, will I seek. O hide not thou thy face from me, * nor cast thy servant away in displeasure. I should utterly have fainted, * but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. O tarry thou the LORD’s leisure; * be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the LORD.
Psalm 106Confitemini Domino
O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is gracious, * and his mercy endureth for ever. Who can express the noble acts of the LORD, * or show forth all his praise? Blessed are they that alway keep judgment, * and do righteousness. Remember me, O LORD, according to the favor that thou bearest unto thy people; * O visit me with thy salvation. That I may see the felicity of thy chosen, * and rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance.
Psalm 116Dilexi, quoniam
My delight is in the LORD, * because he hath heard the voice of my prayer;
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Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, * therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The snares of death compassed me round about, * and the pains of hell gat hold upon me. I found trouble and heaviness; then called I upon the Name of the LORD; * O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; * yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple; * I was in misery, and he helped me. Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul, * for the LORD hath rewarded thee. And why? thou hast delivered my soul from death, * mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD * in the land of the living. I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people; * right dear in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
The Gospel
Then, all standing, the Deacon or Minister appointed reads the Gospel, first saying
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
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John 5:24-27 (He that believeth hath everlasting life) John 6:37-40 (All that the Father giveth me shall come to me) John 10:11-16 (I am the good shepherd) John 11:21-27 (I am the resurrection and the life) John 14:1-6 (In my Father’s house are many mansions)
At the end of the Gospel, the Reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
A homily may be preached, the people being seated.
The Apostle’s creed may be said, all standing
If there is not to be a Communion, the Lord’s Prayer is said here, and the service continues with the following prayer of intercession, or with one or more suitable prayers (see pages 487-489).
When there is a Communion, the following serves for the Prayers of the People.
The People respond to every petition with Amen.
The Deacon or other leader says
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord: Grant, we beseech thee, to thy whole Church in paradise and on earth, thy light and thy peace. Amen.
Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass with him to our joyful resurrection. Amen.
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Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that thy Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days. Amen.
Grant to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind. Amen.
Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in thy fatherly care, that, casting all their grief on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love. Amen.
Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. Amen.
Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. Amen.
Grant us grace to entrust N. to thy never-failing love; receive him into the arms of thy mercy, and remember him according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people. Amen.
Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.
Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and, with [blessed N. and] all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
When there is no Communion, the service continues with the Commendation, or with the Commital.
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At the Eucharist
The service continues with the Peace and the Offertory. Preface of the Commemoration of the Dead
In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said
Almighty God, we thank thee that in thy great love thou hast fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and hast given unto us a foretaste of thy heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be unto us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
If the body is not present, the service continues with the [blessing and] dismissal.
Unless the Committal follows immediately in the church, the following Commendation is used.
The Commendation
The Celebrant and other ministers take their places at the body.
This anthem, or some other suitable anthem, or a hymn, may be sung or said
Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant(s) with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Thou only art immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return. For so thou didst ordain when thou createdst me, saying, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” All
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we go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant(s) with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
The Celebrant, facing the body, says
Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
The Celebrant, or the Bishop if present, may then bless the people, and a Deacon or other Minister may dismiss them, saying
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.
As the body is borne from the church, a hymn, or one or more of these anthems may be sung or said
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb.
The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world.
Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you.
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Into paradise may the angels lead thee; and at thy coming may the martyrs receive thee, and bring thee into the holy city Jerusalem.
or one of these Canticles
The Song of Zechariah, Benedictus The Song of Simeon, Nunc dimittis Christ our Passover, Pascha nostrum
The Committal
The following anthem is sung or said
In the midst of life we are in death; of whom may we seek for succor, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer; but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and merciful Savior, thou most worthy Judge eternal. Suffer us not, at our last hour, through any pains of death, to fall from thee.
or this
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
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He that raised up Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in us.
Wherefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Thou shalt show me the path of life; in thy presence is the fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the Celebrant says these words
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother N.; and we commit his body to the ground; * earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious unto him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. Amen.
* Or the deep, or the elements, or its resting place.
The Celebrant says
The Lord be with you.
People
And with thy spirit.
Celebrant
Let us pray.
Celebrant and PeopleOur 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.
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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, for ever and ever. Amen.
Then the Celebrant may say
O Almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be made perfect unto the day of Jesus Christ. And of thy mercy, O heavenly Father, grant that we, who now serve thee on earth, may at last, together with them, be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In place of this prayer, or in addition to it, the Celebrant may useany of the Additional Prayers.
Then may be said
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord: And let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Celebrant dismisses the people with these words
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through
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the blood of the everlasting covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Consecration of a Grave
If the grave is in a place that has not previously been set apart for Christian burial, the Priest may use the following prayer, either before the service of Committal or at some other convenient time.
O God, whose blessed Son was laid in a sepulcher in the garden: Bless, we pray, this grave, and grant that he whose body is (is to be) buried here may dwell with Christ in paradise, and may come to thy heavenly kingdom; through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Additional Prayers
Almighty and everliving God, we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of thy grace, and the lights of the world in their several generations; most humbly beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow the example of their steadfastness in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy commandments, that at the day of the general resurrection, we, with all those who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Grant this, O Father, for the sake of the same thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
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Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity: We give thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors. And we beseech thee that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of thy holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Into thy hands, O Lord, we commend thy servant N., our dear brother, as into the hands of a faithful Creator and most merciful Savior, beseeching thee that he may be precious in thy sight. Wash him, we pray thee, in the blood of that immaculate Lamb that was slain to take away the sins of the world; that, whatsoever defilements he may have contracted in the midst of this earthly life being purged and done away, he may be presented pure and without spot before thee; through the merits of Jesus Christ thine only Son our Lord. Amen.
Remember thy servant, O Lord, according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people; and grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give thee thanks for all thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work
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which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, we beseech thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of life; and let thy Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, when we shall have served thee in our generation, we may be gathered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience; in the communion of the Catholic Church; in the confidence of a certain faith; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope; in favor with thee our God; and in perfect charity with the world. All which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, the King of saints, we praise and magnify thy holy Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in thy faith and fear; for the blessed Virgin Mary; for the holy patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs; and for all other thy righteous servants, known to us and unknown; and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples, aided by their prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray thee to set thy passion, cross, and death, between thy judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living, pardon and rest to the dead, to thy holy Church peace and concord, and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
