Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church Authorized by the United Lutheran Church in America Philadelphia The Board of Publication of The United Lutheran Church in America Copyright, 1919, By The United Lutheran Church in America _____________________________________________________ Collects and Prayers _______ THE HOLY SPIRIT 1. For the Holy Spirit ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given us commandment to pray for the gift of the Holy Ghost: Most heartily we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Advocate, to grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that He may quicken our hearts by Thy saving Word, and lead us into all truth, that He may guide, instruct, enlighten, govern, comfort and sanctify us unto everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 2. For the Holy Spirit SEND, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, Thy Holy Spirit into our hearts, that He may rule and direct us according to Thy will, comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth; that we, being steadfast in the faith, may increase in love and in all good works, and in the end obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 3. For the Holy Spirit O LORD God, Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee, let Thy Holy Spirit dwell in us, that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth, and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 4. For the Holy Spirit O LORD God, Heavenly Father, Who by the blessed light of Thy divine Word hast led us to the knowledge of Thy Son: We most heartily beseech Thee so to replenish us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may ever walk in the light of Thy truth, and rejoicing with sure confidence in Christ our Saviour, may in the end be brought unto everlasting salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 5. For the Holy Spirit ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who of Thy great mercy in Jesus Christ, Thy Son, dost grant us forgiveness of sin, and all things pertaining to life and godliness: Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that He may so rule our hearts, that we, being ever mindful of Thy fatherly mercy, may strive to mortify the flesh, and to overcome the world; and, serving Thee in holiness and pureness of living, may give Thee continual thanks for all Thy goodness; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. SPECIAL GIFTS 6. For Spiritual Renewal O LORD God, Heavenly Father, Who hast given Thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification: Quicken us, we beseech Thee, by Thy Holy Spirit, unto newness of life, that, through the power of His Resurrection, we may dwell with Christ forever; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 7. For Spiritual Renewal ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given us Thine Only-begotten Son to take our nature upon Him: Grant that we being regenerate and made Thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 8. For Spiritual Illumination GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the brightness of Thy glory may shine forth upon us, and that the light of Thy light by the illumination of the Holy Spirit may stablish the hearts of all that have been born anew by Thy grace; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 9. For Guidance into Truth ENLIGHTEN our minds, we beseech Thee, O God, by the Spirit Who proceedeth from Thee; that, as Thy Son hath promised, we may be led into all truth; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 10. For Grace to Receive the Word BLESSED Lord, Who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 11. For Faith ALMIGHTY and Ever-living God, Who hast given to them that believe exceeding great and precious promises: Grant us so perfectly, and without all doubt, to believe in Thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Thy sight may never be reproved. Hear us, O Lord, through the same, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 12. For Constancy ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Who, of Thy tender love towards us sinners, hast given us Thy Son, that believing on Him we might have everlasting life: Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that we may continue steadfast in this faith to the end, and may come to everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 13. For Faith, Hope and Love GRANT us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Thy mercy, and a sincere love to Thee and to all our fellow men; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 14. For Love to God O GOD, Who makest all things to work together for good to them that love Thee: Pour into our hearts such steadfast love toward Thee, that the pure desires which by Thy Spirit have been stirred up in us, may not be turned aside by any temptation; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 15. For Love to God O GOD, Who, through the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, dost pour the gifts of charity into the hearts of Thy faithful people: Grant unto Thy servants health both of mind and body, that they may love Thee with their whole strength, and with their whole heart perform those things which are pleasing unto Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 16. For Charity O LORD, Who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth: Send Thy Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before Thee; grant this for the sake of Thine Only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 17. For Grace to do God's Will ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 18. For Grace to use our Gifts O LORD God Almighty, Who dost endue Thy servants with divers and singular gifts of the Holy Ghost: Leave us not, we beseech Thee, destitute of Thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to Thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 19. For Divine Guidance and Help DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name; and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 20. For Divine Guidance and Help O ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of Thy laws, and in the works of Thy commandments; that, through Thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 21. For Divine Guidance and Help ALMIGHTY and Everliving God, Who makest us both to will and to do those things which are good, and acceptable unto Thy Divine Majesty: Let Thy fatherly hand, we beseech Thee, ever be over us; let Thy Holy Spirit ever be with us; and so lead us in the knowledge and obedience of Thy Word, that in the end we may obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 22. For Aid against Temptation O GOD, Who justifiest the ungodly, and Who desirest not the death of the sinner: We humbly implore Thy Majesty, that Thou wouldest graciously assist, by Thy heavenly aid, and evermore shield with Thy protection, Thy servants who trust in Thy mercy, that they may be separated by no temptations from Thee, and, without ceasing, may serve Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 23. For Aid in Temptation ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who, by Thy Son, hast promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life: We beseech Thee so to rule and govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek help from Him, and by a true and lively faith in Thy Word obtain the same; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 24. For Repentance MERCIFUL Father, give us grace that we may never presume to sin; but if at any time we offend Thy Divine Majesty, may we truly repent and lament our offence, and by a lively faith obtain remission of all our sins; solely through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 25. For Pardon HEAR, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayer of Thy suppliants, and spare those who confess their sins unto Thee, that Thou mayest bestow upon us both pardon and peace; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 26. For Deliverance from Sin WE beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy clemency to show us Thine unspeakable mercy; that Thou mayest both set us free from our sins, and rescue us from the punishments which, for our sins, we deserve; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 27. For Grace to know and follow Christ O ALMIGHTY God, Whom to know is everlasting life: Grant us perfectly to know Thy Son Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life; that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 28. For Grace to follow Christ ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given Thine Only Son, to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and also an ensample of godly life: Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that His inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavor ourselves to follow the blessed steps of His most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 29. For Patience O GOD, Who by the meek endurance of Thine Only-begotten Son didst beat down the pride of the old enemy: Help us, we beseech Thee, rightly to treasure in our hearts what our Lord hath of His goodness borne for our sakes; that after His example we may bear with patience whatsoever things are adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 30. For Contentment ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Who dost feed the birds and clothe the flowers, and Who carest for us as a father for his children: We beseech Thee, graciously guard us against distrust and vain over-carefulness, and help us, through Thy Holy Spirit, to live to the hallowing of Thy Name, the coming of Thy Kingdom, and the doing of Thy Will, so that we may cast all our care on Thee and in unwavering faith, abide trustingly in Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 31. For Steadfastness in Affliction ALMIGHTY and most Merciful God, Who hast appointed us to endure sufferings and death with our Lord Jesus Christ, before we enter with Him into eternal glory: Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Thy holy will, and to continue steadfast in the true faith unto the end of our lives, and at all times to find peace and joy in the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead, and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 32. For Humility O GOD, Who resistest the proud, and givest grace to the humble: Grant unto us true humility, after the likeness in which Thine Only Son hath revealed it in Himself, that we may never be lifted up and provoke Thy wrath, but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Thy grace; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 33. For Purity ALMIGHTY God, unto Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 34. For Holiness O GOD, Whose strength is made perfect in weakness: Mortify and kill all vices in us, and so strengthen us by Thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and the constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 35. for a Blessed Death CONFIRM, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, Thine unworthy servants in Thy grace; that in the hour of our death the adversary may not prevail against us, but that we may be found worthy of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 36. For the Blessedness of Heaven ALMIGHTY, Everlasting God, Who didst give Thine Only Son to be a High Priest of good things to come: Hereafter grant unto us, Thine unworthy servants, to have our share in the company of the blessed; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 37. For Peace O GOD, Who art the Author of peace and Lover of concord, in knowledge of Whom standeth our eternal life, Whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us, Thy humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. THE CHURCH 88. For the Church GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, unto Thy Church, Thy Holy Spirit, and the wisdom which cometh down from above, that Thy Word, as becometh it, may not be bound, but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ's holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve Thee, and in the confession of Thy Name abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 39. For the Church MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech Thee to cast the bright beams of Thy light upon Thy Church, that it being instructed by the doctrine of the blessed Apostles, may so walk in the light of Thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 40. For the Church O LORD, favorably receive the prayers of Thy Church, that, being delivered from all adversity and error, it may serve Thee in safety and freedom; and grant us Thy peace in our time; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 41. For the Protection and Peace of the Church ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who wilt have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth: We beseech Thy glorious Majesty, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, impart the grace and help of Thy Holy Spirit to all ministers of Thy Word, that they may purely teach it to the saving of men; bring to naught by Thine Almighty power and unsearchable wisdom, all the counsels of those who hate Thy Word, and who, by corrupt teaching or with violent hands, would destroy it, and enlighten them with the knowledge of Thy glory; that we, leading a quiet and peaceable life, may, by a pure faith, learn the riches of Thy heavenly grace, and in holiness and righteousness serve Thee, the only true God; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 42. For those who have erred ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Whose property it is always to have mercy: We most earnestly beseech Thee to visit with Thy fatherly correction all such as have erred and gone astray from the truth of Thy holy Word, and to bring them to a due sense of their error, that they may again with hearty faith receive and hold fast Thine unchangeable Truth; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 43. For those who have erred O ALMIGHTY, Merciful, and Gracious God and Father, with our whole heart we beseech Thee for all who have forsaken the Christian Faith; all who have wandered from any portion thereof, or are in doubt or temptation through the corruptors of Thy Word; that Thou wouldest visit them as a Father, reveal unto them their error, and bring them back from their wanderings; that they, in singleness of heart, taking pleasure alone in the pure truth of Thy Word, may be made wise thereby unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 44. For the Unity in the Faith BRING to naught, O Christ, the schisms of heresy, which seek to subvert Thy truth; that, as Thou art acknowledged in heaven and in earth as one and the same Lord, so Thy people gathered from all nations, may serve Thee in unity of faith; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 45. For the Unity in the Faith O GOD, Who restorest to the right way them that err, Who gatherest them that are scattered, and preservest them that are gathered: Of Thy tender mercy, we beseech Thee, pour upon Thy Christian people the grace of unity, that, all schisms being healed, Thy flock, united to the true Shepherd of Thy Church, may worthily serve Thee; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 46. For the Children of the Church ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who dost will that not one of these little ones should perish, and hast sent Thine Only Son to seek and to save that which was lost, and through Him hast said, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God: Most heartily we beseech Thee so to bless and govern the children of Thy Church, by Thy Holy Spirit, that they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Thy Word; protect and defend them against all danger and harm, giving Thy holy Angels charge over them; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 47. For the Children of the Parish BLESSED Lord Jesus, Who hast taught us that we must be as the little children in order to come to Thy Kingdom, and Who didst love and bless them most tenderly: Grant that our children may be drawn unto Thee by Thy good Spirit and ever kept in Thy service, so that walking in Thy way, they may ever show forth Thy praise and be one with us in the confession of Thy holy Name; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 48. For Catechumens ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who dost always multiply Thy Church, and with Thy light and grace dost strengthen the hearts of those whom Thou hast regenerated, confirming unto them Thy covenant and faithfulness: Grant unto our Catechumens increase both of faith and knowledge, that they may rejoice in their Baptism and really and heartily renew their covenant with Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. THE MINISTRY 49. For the Ministry ALMIGHTY and Gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast commanded us to pray that Thou wouldest send forth laborers into Thy harvest: Of Thine infinite mercy give us true teachers and ministers of Thy Word, and put Thy saving Gospel in their hearts and on their lips, that they may truly fulfil Thy command, and preach nothing contrary to Thy holy Word; that we, being warned, instructed, nurtured, comforted and strengthened by Thy heavenly Word, may do those things which are well-pleasing to Thee, and profitable to us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 50. For the Ministry O ALMIGHTY God, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ, didst give to Thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and commandedst them earnestly to feed Thy flock: Make, we beseech Thee, all Pastors diligently to preach Thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 51. For the Ministry ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who alone doest great wonders: Send down upon Thy Ministers and upon the Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of Thy grace; and, that they may truly please Thee, pour upon them the continual dew of Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. MISSIONS 52. For Missions O GOD, our Protector, behold, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed, Who hath given Himself for the redemption of all, and grant that from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof, Thy Name may be great among the Gentiles, and that in every place, sacrifice and a pure offering may be made unto Thy Name; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 53. For Missions ALMIGHTY God, Heavenly Father, Who, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ, hast given commandment unto Thy people to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature: Grant us a ready will to obey Thy Word; and as we have entered into the labors of other men, help us to serve Thee, that others may enter into our labors; and that we with them, and they with us, may attain unto everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 54. For Missions O GOD, Who didst so love the world as to give Thine Only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life: Look with compassion upon the heathen who know Thee not, and on the multitudes that are scattered as sheep having no shepherd; and so bestow upon us Thy grace, that we, with all Thy believing people, may be the messengers of Thy Gospel, seek them that are lost, and restore them unto Thee; that they, being gathered out of all places whither they have wandered, may be strengthened, nurtured, protected and guided by the true Shepherd and Bishop of souls, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, unto Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost be honor and power, dominion and glory, world without end. Amen. 55. For the Commissioning of Missionaries ALMIGHTY God, Who makest all things in heaven and earth to serve Thy gracious will: We commit to Thy care and protection these Thy servants whom we send forth in Thy Name; fulfil the promise made through Thy Son to be with them at all times, whatever be the perils they may meet, or the trials they may undergo; bless them with Thy continual favor; give them many souls as the reward of their labor; and in every hour of conflict, uncertainty and doubt strengthen and uphold them, and give them Thy peace; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 56. For the Heathen ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but wouldest have all men to repent and live: Hear our prayers for the heathen; take away iniquity from their hearts, and turn them from their idols unto the living and true God, and to Thine Only Son; and gather them into Thy holy Church, to the glory of Thy Name; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 57. For the Jews ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who lovest to show mercy: Hear the prayers which we offer unto Thee for Thine ancient people, that, acknowledging Jesus Christ, Who is the Light of truth, they may be delivered from their darkness; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. MORNING AND EVENING 58. For the Hallowing of the Lord's Day O LORD God, Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee so to rule and guide us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we hear and receive Thy holy Word with our whole heart and hallow Thy Holy Day, in order that through Thy Word we also may be sanctified, learn to place all our trust and hope in Jesus Christ Thy Son, and following Him, be led safely through all evil, until through Thy grace, we come to everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 59. Morning GRANT us, O Lord, to pass this day in gladness and peace, without stumbling and without stain, that reaching the eventide victorious over all temptation through Thy ever present aid, we may praise Thee, the Eternal God, Who dost govern all things and art blessed for evermore; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 60. Morning O LORD, King of heaven and earth, may it please Thee this day to order and hallow, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, our thoughts, words and works, according to Thy commandments; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 61. Evening LIGHTEN our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Thy Only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. INTERCESSIONS 62. For Those in Affliction ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Consolation of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak: May the prayers of them that in any tribulation or distress cry unto Thee, graciously come before Thee, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Thy manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 68. For those in Affliction ALMIGHTY God, cast not away Thy people who cry unto Thee in their tribulation; but for the glory of Thy Name, be pleased to succor the afflicted; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 64. For those in Affliction O LORD, look down from heaven, behold, visit and relieve Thy servants, for whom we offer our supplications; look upon them with the eyes of Thy mercy; give them comfort and sure confidence in Thee; defend them from the danger of the enemy, and keep them in perpetual peace and safety; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 65. For the Sick ALMIGHTY, Everlasting God, the eternal Salvation of them that believe: Hear our prayers in behalf of Thy servants who are sick for whom we implore the aid of Thy mercy, that being restored to health, they may render thanks to Thee in Thy Church; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 66. For Mothers O ALMIGHTY, Everlasting God and Father, Creator of all things, Who by Thy grace, through Thy Son, our Lord, makest the anguish of our human birth a holy and salutary cross: We pray Thee, O gracious Father, Lord and God, that Thou wouldest preserve and guard the work of Thine own hand; forsake not them who cry to Thee in sore travail, but deliver them out of all their pains, to their joy, and to the glory of Thy goodness; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 67. For those who are innocently imprisoned ALMIGHTY God, Who didst bring the Apostle Peter forth out of prison: Have mercy upon all who are innocently imprisoned, and set them free from their bonds, that we may rejoice in their deliverance, and continually give praise to Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 68. For our Enemies O ALMIGHTY, Everlasting God, Who, through Thine Only Son, our blessed Lord, hast commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for them that persecute us: We earnestly beseech Thee that by Thy gracious visitation they may be led to true repentance, and may have the same love, and be of one accord, and of one mind and heart with us, and with Thy whole Church; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 69. In Time of Great Sickness ALMIGHTY and most Merciful God, our Heavenly Father: We, Thine erring children, humbly confess unto Thee, that we have justly deserved the chastening, which for our sins Thou hast sent upon us; but we entreat Thee, of Thy boundless goodness to grant us true repentance, graciously to forgive our sins, to remove from us or to lighten our merited punishment and so to strengthen us by Thy grace that as obedient children we may be subject to Thy will, and bear our afflictions in patience; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 70. In Time of Drought O GOD, most Merciful Father, in this our necessity, we beseech Thee to open the windows of heaven, and to send a fruitful rain upon us, to revive the earth, and to refresh the fruits thereof, that we may praise and glorify Thy Name for this Thy mercy; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 71. In Time of Unseasonable Weather O LORD God, Heavenly Father, Who art gracious and merciful, and hast promised that Thou wilt hear us when we call upon Thee in our troubles: We beseech Thee, look not upon our sins and evil deeds, but upon our necessities, and according to Thy mercy send us such seasonable weather, that the earth may in due time yield her increase; that by Thy goodness we may receive our daily bread, and learn to know Thee as a merciful God, and evermore give thanks to Thee for Thy goodness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. THE NATION 72. For our Country ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given us a land, wherein we are free to read and hear Thy Word, to confess Thy Name, and to labor together for the extension of Thy Kingdom: Grant, we beseech Thee, that the liberty vouchsafed unto us, may be continued to our children and our children's children, and that the power of the Gospel may here abound, to the blessing of all the nations of the earth, and to Thine eternal glory; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 73. For our Nation O GOD, Who by Thy Providence didst lead our forefathers to this land wherein they found refuge from oppression and freedom to worship Thee: We beseech Thee, ever to guide our Nation in the way of Thy truth and peace, so that we may never fail in the blessing which Thou hast promised to that people whose God is the Lord; through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 74. For Those in Authority O MERCIFUL Father in heaven, Who holdest in Thy hand all the might of man, and Who hast ordained the powers that be for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well, and of Whom is all rule and authority in the kingdoms of the world: We humbly beseech Thee, graciously regard Thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, our Judges and Magistrates, and all the Rulers of the earth. May all that receive the sword, as Thy ministers, bear it according to Thy commandment. Enlighten and defend them by Thy Name, O God. Grant them wisdom and understanding, that, under their peaceable governance, Thy people may be guarded and directed in righteousness, quietness, and unity. Protect and prolong their lives O God of our salvation, that we, with them, may show forth the praise of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ. Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 75. In Time of National Distress O LORD God, Heavenly Father: We humbly confess unto Thee that by our evil doings and continual disobedience, we have deserved these Thy chastisements; but we earnestly beseech Thee, for Thy Name's sake, to spare us; restrain the harmful power of the enemy, and succor Thy suffering people; that Thy Word may be declared faithfully and without hinderance, and that we, amending our sinful lives, may walk obediently to Thy holy commandments; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 76. In Time of National Distress LOOK mercifully, O Lord, we beseech Thee, on the affliction of Thy people; and let not our sins destroy us, but let Thine almighty mercy save us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 77. In Time of National Distress MOST Loving and Gracious Lord God, Who for our many grievous sins art pleased sorely to chasten us: We flee to Thy tender and fatherly compassion alone, beseeching Thee that, as a father pitieth his children, Thou wouldest pity us miserable sinners; turn away Thy righteous wrath and give us not over to deserved death, but deliver us, that we may now and evermore praise Thee, O gracious God and Father, Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 78. National Thanksgiving ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Whose mercies are new unto us every morning, and Who, though we have in no wise deserved Thy goodness, dost abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul: Give us, we pray Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that we may heartily acknowledge Thy merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Thy benefits, and serve Thee in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 79. National. Thanksgiving ALMIGHTY and most Merciful God, Who in Thy fatherly wisdom hast chastened us on account of our sins, that we might not continue in impenitence and vain confidence, and thus perish with the ungodly: We give Thee most hearty thanks and praise that in the midst of wrath Thou hast remembered mercy, turning away from us Thy just anger, and hast graciously delivered us out of our affliction; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. THANKSGIVING 80. For the Blessings of Redemption O LORD God, Heavenly Father, we give Thee thanks, that of Thy great goodness and mercy, Thou didst suffer Thine Only-begotten Son to become Incarnate, and to redeem us from sin and everlasting death; and we beseech Thee, enlighten our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may evermore yield Thee unfeigned thanks for this Thy grace, and may comfort ourselves with the same in all time of tribulation and temptation; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 81. General O LORD God, Heavenly Father, from Whom without ceasing we receive exceeding abundantly all good gifts, and Who daily of Thy pure grace guardest us against all evil: Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that acknowledging with our whole heart all this Thy goodness, we may now and evermore thank and praise Thy loving kindness and tender mercy; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. FOR ANSWER TO PRAYER 82. For Answer to Prayer ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy Name, Thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 83. For Answer to Prayer ALMIGHTY God, the Fountain of all wisdom, Who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking: We beseech Thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 84. For Answer to Prayer ALMIGHTY God, Who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in Thy Son's Name: We beseech Thee mercifully to incline Thine ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto Thee; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to Thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessities, and to the setting forth of Thy glory; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ADDITIONAL COLLECTS 85. For the Nation O GOD, Who in this land hast made the people the ministers of Thy just rule: So turn their hearts unto Thee, that holding their citizenship as a trust from Thee, they may guard, defend and use it according to Thy will, and that, serving Thee with willing, joyful and obedient hearts, they may cherish their freedom as a blessing of Thy Gospel, and strive to bring it unto all peoples; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 86. For the President, and Those in Authority ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, we humbly implore Thee graciously to regard the President of the United States, his counsellors, and all others in authority over us, that, guided by Thy Holy Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, unwavering in duty, and in the administration of their solemn charge may wholly serve Thy will, uphold the honor of our Nation, secure the protection of our people, and bring victory to our righteous cause; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 87. For the Church in Time of War O LORD God of our Fathers, Whose merciful ear is open unto our prayer, and from Whom alone must come our help: Regard in compassion Thy people, upon whom has fallen the scourge of war, that they may take to heart Thy righteous judgments, be prepared for all trials, sustained and comforted in all distresses, and be graciously delivered, in Thine own time and way, from all threatening calamities; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 88. For the Church in Time of War O LORD Jesus Christ, Who didst establish Thy Church on earth, and didst command Thy disciples to be Thy witnesses among all nations: Grant unto Thy faithful people, amid the labors and distresses of this present time, boldness to confess Thy Name; enable them, by Thy Holy Spirit, to be among their fellowmen as those who serve, turning the hearts of men to Thee, uplifting the weak, comforting the sorrowing, and speaking peace to the desolate and afflicted; Thou Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 89. For the Church in Time of War O LORD Jesus Christ, Who hast promised to be with us alway, even unto the end of the world: Let the trials and sorrows of Thy suffering members, wheresoever they may be, graciously come before Thee; hallow their afflictions by Thy loving Presence, strengthen them to endure hardship, and enable them to carry their cross after Thee and be faithful unto death, that, at the last, they may come to the glory which Thou shalt reveal, where Thou livest and reignest with the Father in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. 90. For the Army O GOD, Who art a Shield and Buckler to all who trust in Thee: Stretch forth Thy mighty hand over the Army of the United States and those who serve therein; that, strengthened with Thy might, they may be enabled to overcome every threatening danger, and be to our Land a sure defence against all our foes; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 91. For the Navy O LORD Jesus Christ, at Whose word of peace the waves of the sea were still: Preserve, we beseech Thee, the Navy of the United States, and those who serve therein, from the perils of great waters and the snares and violence of our enemies, that they may guard our Land against all those who would destroy or straiten its liberties, so that all the inhabitants thereof may have peace and freedom to serve Thee; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 92. For Those in Our Country's Service in Time of War ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, let Thy protection be upon all those who are in the service of our Country, guarding them from all harm and danger of body and soul; sustain and comfort those at home, especially in their hours of loneliness, anxiety, and sorrow; prepare the dying for death and the living for Thy service; give success to our arms on land and sea and in the air; and grant unto us and all nations a speedy, just and lasting peace, to the glory of Thy Name and the coming of Thy Kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 93. For Chaplains LET Thine especial blessing, O Gracious Father, rest upon the Chaplains in the Army and Navy, and upon all who minister to the souls of those who go forth to war; grant them the help of Thy Holy Spirit, courageously to war against sin, and to lead men to Christ as the only Saviour; grant them grace and strength to follow His example in their life and conversation; and so bless all their ministrations that they may awaken the careless, strengthen the weak, confirm and encourage the doubting and despondent, comfort the suffering and speak peace to the dying; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 94. For the Ministry of Mercy O MOST Merciful Father, Who dost commit to our love and care our fellowmen in their necessities: Graciously be with and prosper all those who are seeking and ministering to the sick and wounded; let their ministry be abundantly blessed in bringing ease to the suffering, comfort to the sorrowing, and peace to the dying, knowing that inasmuch as they do it unto the least of these, Christ's brethren, they do it unto Him, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 95. For the Sick, Wounded and Captives ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Consolation of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak: May the prayers of them that in any tribulation or distress cry unto Thee, graciously come before Thee; especially the prayers of those who are sick or wounded, in peril of death, or held captive in the power of the enemy; so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Thy manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 96. For the Bereaved HAVE compassion, O Lord, upon all who mourn and upon all who are lonely and desolate; be Thou their Comforter and Friend: give them such earthly solace as Thou seest to be best for them, and, bringing them to fuller knowledge of Thy love, do Thou wipe away all their tears; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 97. For Victory O GOD, our Refuge and Strength, our very present Help in trouble: Protect and prosper, we beseech Thee, our beloved Country in this time of war; make of us, by Thy grace, a people worthy to be entrusted with victory; and so use, direct and bless our Army and Navy that they may be Thy chosen instruments in overcoming wrong and establishing liberty, truth and righteousness in the earth; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 98. For Peace ETERNAL Father, Who in the sending of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, didst speak Peace to the world, and in the Blood of His Cross hast opened to all mankind the Way to peace with Thee: Turn all men to the Cross, and fire every heart with Thy Holy Spirit that all may accept in Christ the way of life, that following His holy example and burning with His zeal of service, all men may become one brotherhood in Him, and Thy peace possess every heart and rule in all the nations of the world; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 99. For the Discomfiture of the Enemies of the Nation O LORD God Almighty, Who alone riddest away tyrants and stillest the noise and tumult of the people: Scatter, we beseech Thee, the counsels of them that secretly devise mischief, and bring the dealings of the violent to naught; cast down the unjust from high places and cause the unruly to cease from troubling; put down all envious and malicious passions and subdue the haters and evil-doers, that the whole world may have rest before Thee and that all nations may serve Thee; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 100. For the Maintenance of the Gospel ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Who givest us our daily bread in answer to our prayers: Withhold not from us, nor from our children's children, nor from our land, nor from the people of any nation of the earth, the Bread of Life; but grant that the living seed of Thy Word may everywhere be sown plenteously, and that the fruits thereof may abound, by Thy grace, unto life everlasting; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 101. For the Parents and Friends of Men in the Service OUR Father, Who art in Heaven, the Comfort and Help of Thy people in all times: Be Thou near to all who are lonely and sad because of the absence of loved ones in the service of our Country; be Thou their strength and stay in the time of sore trial, and help them to cast all their burdens upon Thee; comfort all who have been bereaved, giving to them the spirit of submission and an abiding faith in Thee and in Thy Word, and fill their hearts with Thy peace; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ________________________________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ASCII format for Project Wittenberg by Joel Herndon and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith Walther Library Concordia Theological Seminary E-mail: smithre@mail.ctsfw.edu Phone: (260) 452-3149 Fax: (260) 452-2126 Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA ______________________________________________________________