Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
The Holy Communion
SECOND ORDER
1 A psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung when the ministers enter or after the greeting. A seasonal sentence may be used here or after 3.
2 An Invocation, or an Acclamation such as follows, may be said before or after the greeting.
Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God's kingdom, now and for ever.
In Lent and on other penitential occasions
Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins,
whose mercy endures for ever.
3 The Greeting. The priest greets the people in these or other suitable words.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
or
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
or
From Easter Day to Pentecost
Christ is risen. [Alleluia.]
He is risen indeed. [Alleluia.]
4 This Prayer of Preparation may be said.
[Let us pray.]
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
5 to 10 may be used according to local and seasonal custom, in any appropriate form and sequence.
5 The Two Great Commandments, the Ten Commandments (see page 101), or other suitable passages are said when the confession follows.
'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' Jesus said: 'This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbour as yourself.'
6 A deacon or other minister may introduce the Confession with a seasonal introduction (see pages 147, 63) or other suitable words.
Silence may be kept.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident in God's forgiveness.
Merciful God,
our maker and our judge,
we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
and in what we have failed to do:
we have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves;
we repent, and are sorry for all our sins.
Father, forgive us.
Strengthen us to love and obey you
in newness of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7 The Absolution. Standing, the priest says
Almighty God,
who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith:
pardon you and set you free from all your sins,
strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
8 Lord, have mercy (Kyrie eleison)
Lord, have mercy Kyrie eleison
Christ, have mercy Christe eleison
Lord, have mercy Kyrie eleison
9 The Hymn of Praise, Gloria in excelsis. It may be omitted during Advent and Lent (see note 4).
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God's people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
10 Especially during Advent and Lent, the following (Trisagion) may be said.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,
have mercy on us.
11 The Collect of the Day
The priest says
Let us pray.
The community may pray silently.
The priest says or sings the collect.
12 All sit for the Reading from the Old Testament or as appointed.
After each reading the reader may say
Hear the word of the Lord,
thanks be to God.
Silence may follow each reading.
13 A Psalm, hymn or anthem may be sung.
14 The Reading from the New Testament (other than from the gospels).
15 A hymn or anthem may be sung.
16 All stand for the Gospel Reading.
The deacon or other reader may say
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The reader says
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
[chapter... verse...]
Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.
After the Gospel, the reader says
This is the Gospel of the Lord,
or [For] the Gospel of the Lord,
praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
17 The Sermon
Silence may follow.
18On Sundays the Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed (see page 171) is said or sung, all standing.
[The minister may say these or similar words.
Let us together affirm the faith of the Church:]
We believe in one God,
the Father, the almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge
the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
19 The minister says
Let us pray for the world and for the Church.
The prayers may be offered by a deacon and/or other members of the congregation.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Intercessions and thanksgivings may end with an appropriate response, for example:
Lord, in your mercy, Let us pray to the Lord.
hear our prayer. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, hear us. For your love and goodness
Lord, hear our prayer. we give you thanks, O God.
Father, hear our prayer God of grace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. hear our prayer.
For suitable patterns of prayer, see pages 172-173, 183-187.
The prayers may conclude with this or another suitable prayer.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.
Grant that what we have asked in faith
we may by your grace receive,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or, unless the Lord's Prayer is used later, the minister may say
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray,
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.
[PREPARATION]
20 A selection from the following or other suitable sentences of Scripture may be used.
Jesus said: Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11.28
Jesus said: I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6.35
Jesus said: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.
John 13.34
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11.25
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3.16
and/or
21 This Prayer of Approach may be used.
[Let us pray.]
We do not presume
to come to your table, merciful Lord,
trusting in our own righteousness,
but in your manifold and great mercies.
We are not worthy
so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table.
But you are the same Lord
whose nature is always to have mercy.
Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord,
so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ,
and to drink his blood,
that we may evermore dwell in him,
and he in us. Amen.
22 At least on Sundays and other Holy Days a general Confession is said here if it has not been said at ¶ 6.
The deacon or other minister introduces the confession with the following, a seasonal introduction (pages 147-63) or other suitable words such as an exhortation (page 108), 1 Corinthians 11.26-28 or Isaiah 55.6-8.
God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy, welcoming sinners and inviting them to the Lord's table.
Silence may be kept.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident in God's forgiveness.
Merciful God,
our maker and our judge,
we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,
and in what we have failed to do:
we have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves;
we repent, and are sorry for all our sins.
Father, forgive us.
Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
23 The Absolution. Standing, the priest says
Almighty God,
who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith:
pardon you and set you free from all your sins,
strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
24All stand. The Greeting of Peace is introduced with these or other suitable words.
We are the body of Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
or
Christ has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross.
We meet in his name and share his peace.
The priest says
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
All may exchange a sign of peace.
A hymn may be sung.
25 The gifts of the people are brought to the Lord's Table. They may be presented in silence or a suitable prayer, such as follows, may be used.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have these gifts to share.
Accept and use our offerings for your glory
and for the service of your kingdom.
Blessed be God for ever.
26 The priest takes the bread and wine for the communion, places them on the Lord's Table, and says the following (Thanksgiving 1) or another authorised Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration.
Additional Thanksgivings
Thanksgiving 2page 130
Thanksgiving 3page 133
Thanksgiving 4page 136
Thanksgiving 5page 139
The Great Thanksgiving (Third Order) is found on page 176.
Thanksgiving 1
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
A Seasonal Preface (see pages 147-163) may be substituted for 'All glory and honour ... saying:'
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.]
Merciful God, we thank you
for these gifts of your creation,
this bread and wine,
and we pray that by your Word and Holy Spirit,
we who eat and drink them
may be partakers of Christ's body and blood.
On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread;
and when he had given you thanks
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
'Take, eat. This is my body given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.'
After supper, he took the cup,
and again giving you thanks
he gave it to his disciples, saying,
'Drink from this, all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant
shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'
The memorial acclamation is used here or below.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Therefore we do as our Saviour has commanded:
proclaiming his offering of himself
made once for all upon the cross,
his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension,
and looking for his coming again,
we celebrate, with this bread and this cup,
his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice
for the sins of the whole world.
The memorial acclamation may be used here.
Renew us by your Holy Spirit,
unite us in the body of your Son,
and bring us with all your people
into the joy of your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
with whom, and in whom,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
we worship you, Father,
in songs of never-ending praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
Please turn to page 141.
Thanksgiving 2
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, faithful God,
always and everywhere,
for with your only begotten Son
and life-giving Spirit,
you are the one true God from everlasting to everlasting.
At the dawn of time you wrought from nothing
a universe of beauty and splendour,
bringing light from darkness
and order from chaos.
You formed us, male and female, in your image,
and endowed us with creative power.
We turned away from you but you did not abandon us.
You called us by name and searched us out,
making a covenant of mercy,
giving the law, and teaching justice by the prophets.
And so we praise you,
joining with your faithful people of every time and place,
singing the eternal song:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.]
When the fullness of time was come,
you sent your Son to be born of Mary.
Bright image of your glory,
he learnt obedience to you in all things,
even to death on a cross,
breaking the power of evil,
freeing us from sin, and putting death to flight.
You raised him from death,
exalting him to glory,
and the new day dawned.
On the night he was betrayed
your Son Jesus Christ shared food with his friends,
his companions on the way.
While at table he took bread,
blessed, and broke it,
and giving it to them, said:
'Take, eat; this is my body.'
He took a cup of wine,
and, giving thanks, he gave it to them, and said,
'This is my blood of the covenant,
which is poured out for many.
Do this in remembrance of me.'
The memorial acclamation is used here or below.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Therefore, living God, as we obey his command,
we remember his life of obedience to you,
his suffering and death,
his resurrection and exaltation,
and his promise to be with us for ever.
With this bread and this cup
we celebrate his saving death until he comes.
The memorial acclamation may be used here.
Accept, we pray, our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
and send your Holy Spirit upon us and our celebration
that all who eat and drink at this table
may be strengthened by Christ's body and blood
to serve you in the world.
As one body and one holy people,
may we proclaim the everlasting gospel
of Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom, with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours, eternal God, now and for ever.
Amen.
or
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
Please turn to page 141.
Thanksgiving 3
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The following Preface is omitted if a Seasonal or other Proper Preface is used.
It is indeed right,
it is our duty, our joy and our salvation,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks to you, almighty and everlasting God,
through Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord.
For he is the true high priest,
who has freed us from our sins
and made us a royal priesthood
to serve you, our God and Father.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.]
Holy and gracious God,
all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness, comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
whom you sent to share our human nature,
to live and die as one of us,
to reconcile us to you,
the God and Father of all.
Hear us, merciful Lord;
through Christ accept our sacrifice of praise;
and, by the power of your Word and Holy Spirit,
sanctify this bread and wine,
that we who share in this holy sacrament
may be partakers of Christ's body and blood.
Who, when his hour had come,
on the night before he went up to the cross
to make full atonement for the sins of the whole world,
offering once for all his one sacrifice of himself,
took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying,
'Take, eat:
this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.'
In the same way, after supper
he took the cup and gave you thanks;
he gave it to them, saying,
'Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant
which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it,
in remembrance of me.'
[Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:]
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Therefore, in obedience to his command,
we commemorate and celebrate
his saving passion and death,
his mighty resurrection and ascension into heaven
and we eagerly await his coming again in glory.
We thank you that by your grace alone
you have accepted us in Christ;
and here we offer you a spiritual sacrifice,
holy and acceptable in your sight.
Through Christ, receive this our duty and service,
and grant that we who eat and drink these holy gifts
may, by your Holy Spirit,
be one body in Christ,
and serve you in unity and peace.
In your grace and mercy,
bring us to the joy of your eternal kingdom
with all the company of the redeemed.
May we praise you in union with them,
and give you glory through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through him, with him, in him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
either
all glory and honour is yours, gracious Father,
for ever and ever. Amen.
or
we worship you, Father eternal,
in songs of never-ending praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever. Amen.
Please turn to page 141.
Thanksgiving 4
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
All thanks and praise, glory and honour,
be yours at all times, in every place,
holy and loving Father, true and living God.
We praise you that through your eternal Word
you brought the universe into being
and made us in your own image.
You have given us this earth to care for and delight in,
and with its bounty you preserve our life.
We thank you that you bound yourself to the human race
with the promises of a gracious covenant
and called us to serve you in love and peace.
Above all, we give you thanks for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ:
born as one of us, he lived our common life
and offered his life to you in perfect obedience and trust.
By his death he delivered us from sin, brought us new life,
and reconciled us to you and to one another.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
with apostles, and prophets,
with holy men and women of every age,
we proclaim your great and glorious name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.]
Holy God, we thank you
for these gifts of your creation, this bread and wine,
and we pray that we who eat and drink them
in obedience to our Saviour Christ,
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
may be partakers of his body and blood,
and be made one with him and with each other
in peace and love.
On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread;
and when he had given you thanks
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
'Take, eat. This is my body given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.'
After supper, he took the cup,
and again giving you thanks
he gave it to his disciples, saying,
'Drink from this, all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant
shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'
The memorial acclamation is used here or below.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Therefore we do as our Saviour has commanded:
proclaiming his offering of himself
made once for all upon the cross,
his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension,
and looking for his coming again,
we celebrate, with this bread and this cup,
his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice
for the sins of the whole world.
The memorial acclamation may be used here.
As we eat and drink this holy sacrament,
renew us by your Spirit
that we may be united in the body of your Son
and serve you as a royal priesthood
in the joy of your eternal kingdom.
Receive our praises, Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
with whom and in whom,
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
we worship you in songs of never-ending praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
Please turn to page 141.
Thanksgiving 5
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Special thanksgivings appropriate for the season or the occasion may be inserted at appropriate places in this prayer.
Loving God,
we thank you for this world of wonder and delight.
You have given it to us to care for,
so that all your creatures may enjoy its bounty.
Lord our God,
we give you thanks and praise.
We thank you that when we turned away from you,
you sent Jesus to live and work as one of us,
and bring us back to you.
He showed us how to love you
and set us free to love and serve one another.
Lord our God,
we give you thanks and praise.
We thank you that on the cross
Jesus took away our sin,
all that keeps us from each other and from you.
He frees us from hate and fear,
from all that destroys love and trust.
Lord our God,
we give you thanks and praise.
And so with everyone who believes in you,
with all the saints and angels,
we rejoice and praise you, saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
And now we thank you
for these gifts of bread and wine;
may we who receive them,
as Jesus said,
share his body and his blood.
On the night he was betrayed, he took bread
and gave you thanks.
He broke the bread and gave it to his friends, and said,
'Take and eat. This is my body given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.'
After supper he took the cup
and gave you thanks.
He shared the cup with them and said,
'This is my blood poured out
so that sins may be forgiven.
Do this in remembrance of me.'
The memorial acclamation is used here or below.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
You have gathered us together
to feed on Christ
and to remember all he has done for us:
The memorial acclamation may be used here.
Fill us with your Spirit
that we may follow Jesus
in all we do and say,
working for justice and bringing your peace
to this world that you have made.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
27 If the Lord's Prayer has not already been said, it is said here or after the communion. The priest says
As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray,
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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND THE COMMUNION
28 The priest breaks the bread. One of the following may be said.
[We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.]
We who are many are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
or
As this broken bread was once many grains,
which have been gathered together and made one bread:
so may your Church be gathered
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
29 The priest and other communicants receive the Holy Communion.
The sacrament is given with the following words.
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.
and
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
or
The priest says
[The gifts of God for the people of God.]
Come let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance that he died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
The sacrament is given with the following words, after which the communicant responds Amen.
The body of Christ [the bread of heaven] keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The blood of Christ [the cup of salvation] keep you in eternal life. Amen.
During the communion, psalms, hymns or anthems such as those on pages 145-46 may be sung or said.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD'S PEOPLE
30 The priest says one of the following or another suitable prayer (see the Seasonal Variations, pages 147-63).
a Gracious God,
we thank you that in this sacrament
you assure us of your goodness and love.
Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving
and help us to grow in love and obedience
that we may serve you in the world
and finally be brought to that table
where all your saints feast with you for ever.
or
b Bountiful God,
at this table you graciously feed us
with the bread of life and the cup of eternal salvation.
May we who have reached out our hands to receive
this sacrament
be strengthened in your service;
we who have sung your praises
tell of your glory and truth in our lives;
we who have seen the greatness of your love
see you face to face in your kingdom
and come to worship you with all your saints for ever.
or
c Living God,
in this holy meal you fill us with new hope.
May the power of your love,
which we have known in word and sacrament,
continue your saving work among us,
give us courage for our pilgrimage,
and bring us to the joys you promise.
or
d Father of all
we give you thanks and praise
that when we were still far off
you met us in your Son and brought us home.
Dying and living, he declared your love,
gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory.
May we who share Christ's body live his risen life;
we who drink his cup bring life to others;
we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.
Keep us in this hope that we have grasped;
so we and all your children shall be free,
and the whole earth live to praise your name.
If this prayer is said, ¶ 31 may be omitted.
31 All say together, either
Father,
we offer ourselves to you
as a living sacrifice
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Send us out in the power of your Spirit
to live and work to your praise and glory.
or
Most loving God,
you send us into the world you love.
Give us grace to go thankfully and with courage
in the power of your Spirit.
32 A hymn may be sung.
33 The priest says this or an appropriate seasonal Blessing.
The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
34 The deacon may say
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ. Amen
or
Go in the peace of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
During the Easter season 'Alleluia, alleluia' may be added to the dismissal and the people's response.
Additional Prayers and Anthems
Confession and Kyrie
The confession (¶ 6) and Kyrie (¶ 8) may be replaced by a Litany of Confession using these or other appropriate words. See also page 198.
Lord, we have sinned in thought, word and deed:
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
We are truly sorry and we ask you to forgive us:
Christ have mercy
Christ have mercy
Help us by your Spirit to live in newness of life:
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
Memorial acclamations
The following or other suitable memorial acclamations may be used.
We remember his death on the cross.
We proclaim the resurrection to new life.
We await Christ's coming in glory.
Dying, you destroyed our death.
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ Jesus, come in glory.
When we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,
until you come in glory.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection
you have set us free.
You are the Saviour of the world.
The deacon may introduce the memorial acclamations in these or other suitable words:
In obedience to this command:
In faith we acclaim you, O Christ:
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Invitations to Communion
Either of the following may precede the invitation on page 142.
Jesus is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sins of the world.
Happy are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Jesus Christ is holy,
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Anthems
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us your peace.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
grant us your peace.
The following are especially appropriate during the season of Easter.
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
The disciples knew the Lord Jesus
in the breaking of the bread.
The disciples knew the Lord Jesus
in the breaking of the bread.
The bread which we break, alleluia,
is the communion of the body of Christ.
The disciples knew the Lord Jesus
in the breaking of the bread.
We are one body, alleluia,
for though many we share one bread.
The disciples knew the Lord Jesus
in the breaking of the bread.
Alternative refrain
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Advent
Invitation to Confession
The Lord comes, bringing to light things now hidden in darkness, and disclosing the purposes of the heart.
Silence may be kept
Let us open our hearts and prepare for his coming, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
We thank you that when he shall come again
in power and great triumph to judge the world,
we may with joy behold his appearing,
and in confidence stand before him
who redeems us from sin and death
and makes us heirs of everlasting life.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
or
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who was looked for by the prophets,
heralded by the Baptist
announced by an angel,
born of the Virgin Mary,
and revealed at last to men and women of every race.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God for whom we wait,
we thank you that you have fed us with the bread of life
and the cup of salvation.
As we joyfully await your Son,
keep us ever watchful
that we may be ready to stand before him
on the day of his coming.
Blessing
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,
and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;
and the blessing...
Christmas
Invitation to Confession
Christ the grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all.
Silence may be kept.
Let us bring our weaknesses and infirmities to him, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
In your Word made flesh
you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts,
to give knowledge of your glory
in the face of Jesus Christ.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God of heaven, dwelling among us,
we thank you for feeding us with this holy food.
By your grace keep us ever faithful
to your Word made flesh
that as his body in the world
we may bring your presence to all people.
Blessing
Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will;
and the blessing...
Epiphany
Invitation to Confession
Christ the Son of God has been revealed as a light to the nations.
Silence may be kept.
Let us bring our darkness to his light, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
You anointed him as Messiah,
the light of the nations,
and revealed him as the hope
of all who thirst for righteousness and peace.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God of the nations,
we thank you for nourishing us with this holy sacrament.
Guide us by your presence,
that we may bring your light to those who dwell in darkness,
and establish your justice in the earth.
Blessing
May Christ the Son of God be manifest to you,
that your lives may be a light to the world;
and the blessing...
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Invitation to Confession
Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled and wandered far off.
Silence may be kept.
Let us then ask for mercy, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
He was tempted in every way as we are,
yet he did not sin.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
By his grace we are able
to triumph over every evil,
and to walk in the way of his love.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God of mercy,
may we who have shared in this holy meal
know your forgiveness in our lives,
bring your reconciliation to others,
and be a sign of your wholeness in this broken world.
or
Compassionate and loving God,
through your Son Jesus Christ you have fed us
and have reconciled your people to yourself.
Following his example of fasting and prayer,
may we obey you with willing hearts
and serve one another in holy love.
Blessing
Christ our Saviour draw you to himself,
that you may find in him crucified
a sure ground for faith,
a firm support for hope,
and the assurance of sin forgiven
[and the blessing...]
or
Grant, merciful Lord,
to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that they may be cleansed from all their sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Christ our Lord.
During Lent, 'and the blessing...' may be omitted.
Holy Week
Invitation to Confession
God shows great love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Silence may be kept.
Let us then confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Preface
Holy Week
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
He offered the one true sacrifice for sin,
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
The tree of defeat became the tree of victory;
where life was lost, there life has been restored.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Maundy Thursday
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
He offered the one true sacrifice for sin,
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
When his hour had come, in his great love
he gave this supper to his disciples,
that we might proclaim his death,
and feast with him in his kingdom.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
Holy Week
God our help and strength,
through these holy mysteries
confirm our faith
that by the death and resurrection of your Son
we may walk in the way of salvation.
Maundy Thursday
Holy God, source of all love,
on this night of betrayal
Jesus commanded his disciples
to love one another as he loved them.
We thank you for feeding us in this supper.
Give us the will to serve others
as he was servant of all.
Good Friday
Most merciful God,
you have restored us to life
by the triumphant death of Jesus, your Son.
Continue his healing work within us
that all who partake in this communion
may give themselves wholly to your service.
Easter
Invitation to Confession
Christ our Passover Lamb has been offered for us, therefore we come to celebrate the festival.
Silence may be kept.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, with a sincere and a true heart.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin,
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
And now we give you thanks
that you raised him to life triumphant,
and exalted him in glory.
By his victory over death,
the reign of sin is ended,
a new day has dawned,
a broken world is restored
and we are made whole once more.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
or
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
He is the true Paschal Lamb
who was offered for us
and has taken away the sin of the world.
And now we give you thanks
that you raised him in triumph from the dead.
By his death, he has destroyed death
and by his rising to life again
has restored us to eternal life.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
Eternal God, giver of life,
in the breaking of the bread we know the risen Lord.
May we who celebrate this holy feast
walk in his risen light
and bring new life to all creation.
or
Most glorious Lord of life,
we thank you that you nourish us
in these Easter mysteries.
Fill us with the Spirit of love
and unite us in faith,
that we may witness to the resurrection
and show your glory to all the world.
Blessing
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you what is pleasing in his sight;
and the blessing...
or
Almighty God,
who redeemed us through the resurrection of Christ,
[who raised us to newness of life through the waters of baptism,]
and has brought us out of slavery into everlasting freedom,
give you joy and peace in faith and bring you to your eternal inheritance;
and the blessing...
Ascension
Invitation to Confession
Christ has entered heaven itself, there to appear before God on our behalf.
Silence may be kept.
Let us therefore draw near in full assurance of faith, and confess our sins to the God of grace.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
You have highly exalted him,
and given him the name which is above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God of glory
you sent your Son Jesus Christ into the world
to preach the gospel of the kingdom.
Strengthen us who share this meal to continue his mission
by living the good news we proclaim.
Blessing
Christ our exalted king pour upon you his abundant gifts and bring you to reign with him in glory;
and the blessing...
Day of Pentecost
Invitation to Confession
The Spirit of truth comes to convict of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement.
Silence may be kept.
Let us then open our hearts and confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
Today we give you thanks that
in fulfilment of your promise
you pour forth your Spirit upon us,
filling us with gifts and leading us into all truth.
You give us power to proclaim your gospel to all nations
and to serve you as a royal priesthood.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
Giver of life and love,
we thank you that in this heavenly banquet
you invigorate and renew us.
Living in the unity of the Spirit,
may we boldly use your gifts
to continue your work in the world.
Blessing
May the Spirit lead you into all truth,
giving you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
and to proclaim the wonderful works of God;
and the blessing...
or
God stir up within you the gift of the Spirit
that you may confess Jesus Christ as Lord and proclaim the joy of the everlasting gospel wherever you may be;
and the blessing...
Trinity Sunday: First Sunday after Pentecost
Invitation to Confession
'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' Jesus said: 'This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbour as yourself.'
Silence may be kept.
Let us therefore bring our sins before the one true God, in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
Through him, you have revealed to us your glory
in the community of your love,
three persons, one God,
ever to be worshipped and adored.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
Almighty and eternal God,
may we who have received this sacrament
of your Son's body and blood
worship you in all we do,
proclaim your word to all the world,
and live in the power of your Spirit.
Blessing
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,
defend you on every side,
and guide you in all truth and peace;
and the blessing...
Saints
Invitation to Confession
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
Silence may be kept.
Let us then run our race, laying aside every weight and bringing our sins to the Lord in penitence and faith.
Preface
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
And now we give you thanks because
you have called us into the fellowship of [N and]
all your saints,
and set before us the example of their witness
and the fruit of your Spirit in their lives.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God, the source of all holiness:
may we who have shared at this table
as strangers and pilgrims on earth
be welcomed with [N and] all your saints
to the heavenly feast in your kingdom.
Blessing
God give you grace to follow [N and] all the saints in faith and hope and love;
and the blessing...
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Invitation to Confession
The Lord has mercy on those who fear him from generation to generation.
Silence may be kept.
Let us humbly confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident that God will raise us up.
Preface
A Preface for Christmas or the following:
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who was born and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
And now we give you thanks for the obedience
of your servant Mary,
who by your grace answered your call
to be the mother of your Son.
With all generations we call her blessed,
and with her we rejoice in the greatness of your salvation.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
God our Saviour,
your word proclaims our salvation
which we taste in the bread of life.
Grant us the humble obedience we see in Mary
that we, too, may respond as willing servants
and bear your Word to our world.
Blessing
Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, gladden our hearts by his coming to dwell among us, and fill us with joy and peace;
and the blessing...
Australia
The invitation to confession is especially suitable for services whose theme is reconciliation between the indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of Australia.
Invitation to Confession
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7.14
Though Christ has called us into one body, the oneness of the peoples of this land has been broken by acts of oppression and the failure of compassion.
Silence may be kept.
Let us therefore confess our brokenness, confident in God's power and promise to make us whole.
The general confession and absolution on page 126 or the litany of confession on page 199 or other suitable prayers may be used.
Preface
All glory and honour, thanks and praise,
be yours now and always,
Lord of every time and place,
God beyond our dreaming.
We give you thanks that from the beginning of time,
your Spirit has brooded over this ancient land.
In the fullness of time you revealed your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin,
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
We give you thanks that in him
you have revealed to us your presence
in the vastness of this land,
your love in its fruitfulness, and
your purpose in its cycles of death and renewed life.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Prayer after Communion
Heavenly Father, you have created all humanity
in your image and likeness,
and have revealed your plan and purpose
in calling us your friends and family.
As we have shared this holy meal,
inspire our hearts to see
every man, woman and child
given the dignity and value
which is your purpose and your gift;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Lent post-communion prayer is also suitable.
Blessing
God of this ancient land, through baptism you have given us an inheritance into one family, give us grace to walk together in the unity of Christ Jesus;
and the blessing...
Ordination
Preface
Blessed are you, gracious God,
creator of heaven and earth.
We give you thanks and praise
for your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Who came not to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
He taught your word with boldness,
and offered himself to you in perfect obedience.
He cared for all as the good shepherd,
and laid down his life for his sheep.
By his death and rising to new life
he brought new life to your people.
In baptism you have united us to him,
and brought us out of darkness to light.
And now we give you thanks that
in fulfilment of your promise
you pour out your Spirit upon us,
filling us with your gifts and leading us into all truth.
You give us power to proclaim your gospel to all nations,
and to serve you as a royal priesthood.
For deacons.
You call out those who will serve you as deacons,
and commission them for the service of others,
that the pattern of Christ's rule may be seen among us.
For priests and bishops.
You ordain ministers to proclaim your word,
to care for your people,
and to celebrate the sacraments of the new covenant.
Therefore, with them, and with all your saints
who have served you in every age,
we give thanks and lift our voices
to proclaim the glory of your name.
Prayer after Communion
Gracious God,
we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son,
and for uniting us through him in the fellowship
of your Holy Spirit.
We thank you for raising up faithful servants
for the ministry of your word and sacraments.
May they be godly examples in word and action,
in love and patience, and in holiness of life,
that they may faithfully fulfil their ministry.
May your word spoken through them never fail.
Make us, with them, faithful witnesses of the Lord Jesus
and his resurrection,
that at his coming we may go out with great joy to meet him,
and be found worthy to worship you with all your saints for ever.
Notes
1 For the communion, the Holy Table is spread with a white cloth.
2 In addition to its position at ¶ 1 or ¶ 3, a seasonal sentence may be used after the distribution of holy communion.
3 A deacon or other minister may lead the acclamations at ¶ 2.
4 It is suggested that the Gloria or some other hymn of praise be used at ¶ 9 on Sundays (except during Advent and Lent), the weekdays of the Easter season, and on Holy Days. The Trisagion is particularly appropriate during Advent and Lent.
5 It is desirable that the readings be read from a prominent lectern or pulpit, and that the gospel be read from either the same place or in the midst of the people. It is recommended that all readings be read from a book or books of appropriate size and dignity.
6 The first and second reading may be introduced by the reader in this way: 'A reading from [the book]...[chapter...beginning at verse...]. One of these readings may be omitted.
7 The use of the psalm in the Ministry of the Word is encouraged (as is singing it). The Gloria Patri is best omitted when a psalm is used in this context.
8 The sermon is integral to the Ministry of the Word. A sermon should normally be preached on Sundays and Holy Days.
9 A time of children's ministry may take place at any point during the Ministry of the Word.
10Silence is important in this rite. It may be observed as follows: before the collect, after any of the readings and/or the sermon, before the confession, after the distribution of the holy communion.
11 At the Greeting of Peace all present may greet one another with a handshake or other suitable sign of reconciliation.
12 When a certain posture is particularly appropriate, it is indicated. Otherwise local custom may be followed. The Great Thanksgiving prayer is a single prayer. Its unity may be obscured by changes in posture in the course of it; standing for the whole of the prayer is recommended.
13The symbolism of one bread and one cup has great value. It is suggested that one loaf of bread and one chalice of wine only be placed on the table for the Great Thanksgiving. If need be, extra loaves of bread and some suitable jug or other container of wine may also be placed on the table. Other chalices may then be filled from the jug after the Breaking of the Bread. It is sufficient that the bread be that normally eaten and that the wine be fermented juice of the grape.
14In the Great Thanksgiving prayer, it is customary during the narrative of the Last Supper (commonly called the Words of Institution) for the priest to take hold of the bread during the words concerning the bread, and likewise the cup.
15 At the Breaking of the Bread, the bread should be broken in the sight of all.
16Any remaining consecrated bread and wine is to be reverently consumed after the distribution of communion or immediately after the service. This may be done at the Holy Table or at a credence table, in a chapel or at some other discreet place.
17If notices are to be given, they may be given before the prayers, after the Greeting of Peace, before the final blessing, or at another appropriate time.