Project Canterbury

Services for Those Reported "Missing."

Authorised for Use in the Diocese of Canterbury.

London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1943.


The Holy Communion.

COLLECT.

Remember, O Lord, thou creator and lover of men, thy servant X, that whether he be in the body or passed from this world, he may find in thee his light, his refreshment, and his peace, through Jesus Christ ...

or

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead: We humbly beseech thee that those for whom we pray, whether they be still in this world or have passed from hence, may receive all the benefits of thy salvation, through Jesus Christ . . .

LESSON. Ecclesiasticus 18, 8-13.

What is man, and whereto serveth he? What is his good, and what is his evil? The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years. As a drop of water unto the sea, and a pebble in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity. Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion. The mercy of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teachers, and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.

GOSPEL. S. John 6, 35-40.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I say unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

PRAYER BEFORE BLESSING.

O God, in whose will is our peace, grant to the kindred and friends of all those who are missing so to walk in the faith of things unseen that they may receive such consolation of things eternal as will outweigh their present sadness, through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Morning or Evening Prayer.

One or more of the following Psalms to be said or sung

6, 27, 38, 46, 102, 143, 146.

For the Lessons selection may be made from among the following:

Lam. 3, 19-33. Ecclus. 18, 8-13. Luke 12, 22-32. John 6, 35-40. John 17, 1-11. 2 Cor. 4, 5 to end.

After the Collect for the day may be said

FOR THE MISSING.

Remember, O Lord, thou creator and lover of men, thy servant X, that whether he be in the body or passed from this world, he may find in thee his light, his refreshment, and his peace, through Jesus Christ ...

or

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead: We humbly beseech thee that those for whom we pray, whether they be still in this world or have passed from hence, may receive all the benefits of thy salvation, through Jesus Christ . . .

FOR THE CONSOLATION OF THOSE THAT GRIEVE.

O God, in whose will is our peace, grant to the kindred and friends of all those who are missing so to walk in the faith of things unseen that they may receive such consolation of things eternal as will outweigh their present sadness, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE.

O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth to dwell in unity and concord, and hast redeemed by the blood of thy Son: Bring to an end this present war and give us peace again, that truth and justice, mercy and loving-kindness may be established throughout the world, to thy great glory and the relief of our distress. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Project Canterbury