Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
A Service of Praise, Prayer and Proclamation
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD
1The minister greets the people and reads one or more of the following.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3.16–17
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to God glorious praise. Say, ‘How awesome are your deeds!’
Psalm 66.1–3
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare God’s glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96.2–3
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2.9–10
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!
Revelation 5.12
Great and marvellous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
Revelation 15.3–4
2The following or a similar thanksgiving may be said together.
Gracious God, we humbly thank you
for life and health and safety,
for freedom to work, leisure to rest,
and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life.
But, above all, we praise you for our Saviour,
Jesus Christ,
for his death and resurrection;
for the gift of your Spirit;
and for the hope of sharing in your glory.
Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3A time of praise follows, including suitable hymns, songs and prayers.
4This prayer or a suitable alternative is said in preparation for the reading and teaching of Scripture.
Thank you, Father, for making yourself known to us
and showing the way of salvation
through faith in your Son.
We ask you now to teach and encourage us
through your word,
so that we may be ready to serve you;
for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
5The First Reading, from the Old Testament
After each reading the reader may say
Hear the word of the Lord,
thanks be to God.
6A psalm, hymn or song may follow, enabling the congregation to respond to the first reading.
7The Second Reading, from the New Testament
8A New Testament Canticle may follow (see pages 29ff) or a song enabling the congregation to respond to the second reading.
9The Apostles’ Creed may be said here or after the sermon.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
or this Affirmation of Faith may be used.
We believe in one God,
who made and loves all that is.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was born, lived, died and rose again,
and is coming to call all to account.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who calls, equips and sends out God’s people,
and brings all things to their true end.
This is our faith, the faith of the Church:
We believe in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
10The Sermon
11A time of congregational reflection may follow, involving questions and discussion and mutual encouragement based on the sermon and the readings.
12A hymn or song may be sung.
13The following Confession or an authorised alternative may be introduced by recollecting what has been highlighted in the sermon or by reading one of these passages.
‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson they shall be like wool.’
Isaiah 1.18
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32.1
Return to the Lord your God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Joel 2.13
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4.16
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love,
but we have broken your holy laws
and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins
and turn away from them.
For the sake of your Son who died for us,
forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit,
enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14The minister stands and declares God’s forgiveness.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ, and live.
In response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent,
and truly believe the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
One or more of the following passages may also be used as an assurance of God’s forgiveness.
Christ died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6.10–11
God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2.4–5
Jesus is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7.25
15The Lord’s Prayer is said here or after ¶ 16.
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.
16Prayers may be offered
for the world
for the community
for the work of the Church, and
for the needs of individuals.
See pages 172–73, 183–87 for suitable patterns of prayer.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD'S PEOPLE
17This or a similar prayer may be said.
Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers,
feeding us with your word,
and encouraging us in our meeting together.
Take us and use us
to love and serve you
and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
18The service may conclude with a hymn or song and this blessing.
May the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing his will, working in you what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.