¶ After the necessary Communion-interrogation, which, if convenient, takes place in connection with the warning for the celebration of the Holy Communion, or on some other suitable day, the General Shriving is held, either on the day of the Communion, or on some day preceding. Note:--The General Shriving consists of a suitable Hymn, an address by the Priest, the Confession of Sins, the Absolution, followed by prayer and Blessing.
¶ After an organ prelude, during which the Priest advances to the Altar, the congregation shall sing from the Church Hymnal a Hymn, or a verse, suitable to the character of the day.
¶ The singing being ended, the Priest, turning to the Congregation, shall say or sing:
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.
The Lord is in His holy temple, His throne is in heaven; He is also near unto those who have an humble and contrite spirit. He heareth the sighings of the penitent and turneth unto their prayer. Let us, therefore, trustingly approach His throne of grace, and confess our sins and trespasses, saying:
I poor and sinful man, born in sin, likewise having all the days of my life transgressed against Thee in manifold ways, do with all my heart confess to Thee, Holy and Righteous God, most Merciful Father, that I have not loved Thee above all things, nor my neighbor as myself. Against Thee and Thy holy commandments I have sinned by thoughts, words, and deeds, and therefore acknowledge that I am worthy of eternal condemnation, if Thou shouldst judge me according to the demands of Thy justice, and as my sins have deserved. But Thou, Heavenly Father, hast promised to embrace with tenderness and mercy all penitent sinners, who return unto Thee and with a lively faith seek refuge in Thy fatherly compassion and in the merits of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Whatsoever they have offended against Thee, Thou wilt not regard, nor evermore impute unto them their sins. Relying thereupon, I miserable sinner, trustingly beseech Thee, according to this Thy promise, to be merciful and gracious unto me and to forgive me all my sins; to the praise and glory of Thy Holy Name.
¶ After the Confession of sins, the Priest, turning to the congregation, shall pronounce the Absolution in the following words:
If this your confession of sins be sincere, and if ye thus desire, with penitent hearts, the forgiveness of your sins for Jesus Christ's sake, so is it also, in accordance with God's word and promise, sure and certain that God of His grace forgives you all your sins; and this remission of your sins I pronounce to you, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son. and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ When the penitential service, or general shriving, with the confession, "I, poor and sinful man," etc., immediately precedes the Mass, the following form of confession may then be used in the Mass:
Merciful God, the Father of all goodness, whose grace endureth from generation to generation. Thou art patient, longsuffering, and pardonest all who are penitent, their transgressions and sins. Look with compassion upon Thy people, and hear the supplications of Thy children. We have sinned, we have been ungodly, and thereby made ourselves unworthy of Thy goodness and love. Against Thee we have sinned and done evil in Thy sight, but consider not our transgressions. Have mercy upon us. Help us, O God our Saviour, for Thine Own Name's sake. Deliver us, pardon all our sins, and grant us grace of Thy Holy Spirit, to amend our sinful doings and obtain with Thee an everlasting life; through Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
¶ The Priest rising, the congregation, still kneeling, shall then sing:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.¶ Then the Priest shall sing or say:
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
¶ The congregation, standing, shall sing, on all Sundays and holy days, except on those hereafter stated, the first verse of the Hymn 24.
¶ But instead of this, on Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday, and at other festivals, as well as on the first Sunday in Advent, on Circumcision, Ascension, and Holy Trinity Sunday. the congregation shall sing the following, the Priest being turned to the Altar:
We praise Thee, we worship Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory, O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son of the Most High, Jesus Christ. O Holy Ghost, the spirit of grace and truth and peace. Amen, Amen, Amen.
¶ Where this song of praise cannot be duly performed, Hymn 24.1 may be used instead, likewise on the above stated holy days.
¶ The Priest, turning to the congregation, shall sing or say:
The Lord be with you.
¶ The congregation: With thee also be the Lord.
¶ The Priest: Let us pray. ¶ The Priest, turning to the Altar, shall say the Collect for the day.
¶ The congregation shall sing: Amen.
¶ The Priest, turning to the congregation, shall say:
Hear the words of the Lord through the Apostle (Prophet, etc.) N.N.
¶ Then shall be read the Epistle for the day.
¶ After the Epistle, the Priest having turned to the Altar, a Hymn (the Gradual) shall be sung. The Hymn being ended, the Priest, turning toward the congregation, shall say:
Lift up your hearts unto God and hear the Gospel for the day. Thus writes the Evangelist (Prophet, etc.) N.N.
¶ Then the Gospel for the day shall be read.
¶ Then shall be said or sung the Confession of Faith, as follows:
We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
We believe also in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin .Mary: suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He went into the place of departed spirits; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
We believe also in the Holy Ghost; one holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the dead, and the life everlasting.
¶ After the Confession of Faith, a brief Hymn, or verse, introductory to the sermon, shall be sung.
¶ Then shall follow the sermon upon the appointed text from the Bible.
¶ After the sermon the following prayer shall be said:
Praised be God and blessed forever, who by His word has comforted, instructed, admonished and warned us. May his Holy Spirit confirm the word in our hearts, that we be not forgetful hearers, but daily increase in faith, hope, charity and patience to the end, and attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
¶ Thereupon the churchly announcements may take place in the following order:
I. The entering into the Covenant of Christian Matrimony is hereby published before this congregation.
First time between N.N. and N.N.
Second time between N.N. and N.N.
Third time between N.N. and N.N.If one, or both of those, for whom the banns are to be published, belong to a non-christian confession of faith, the publishing of their banns shall follow last in order and shall be in the following words:
Banns of matrimony are hereby published in this congregation the first (second or third) time between N.N. and N.N.
2. The following persons, who are afflicted with sickness, request the intercessions of the congregation: N.N. and N.N.
3. A new reminder of our mortality is delivered to us to-day, when notice is hereby given, that it has pleased the Lord God, according to His All-wise Counsel to call hence N.N., at the age of, etc. (In special cases proper care should be taken in the giving of this notice.)
¶ Then, when all the departed have been mentioned, shall be said:
The Lord teach us to consider our own end, that when, through death. He doth call us hence, we may be prepared for a happy departure.
4. For N.N., who after a serious illness has regained his (her) health, we offer unto God our humble thanks. Vouchsafe unto him (her), O Lord, Thy Holy Spirit, that he (she) may wisely use his (her) time of grace, now prolonged; to the praise of Thy Name, and to his (her) own salvation.
5. Announcements are made of the services, confirmation, and offerings for ecclesiastical or charitable purposes.
¶ The ministration in the pulpit shall close with a valedictory over the congregation, and for this purpose one of the following passages from the Scriptures will be appropriate:
In General
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor. 13, 14.)
¶ Or this:
The God of all grace, who hath called you unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (i Peter, 5, 10-11.)
During Easter and Whitsuntide
The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every god work to do His Will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13, 20-21.)
During Trinitytide
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the, power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (i Thess. 5, 23.)
¶ Then the Alms and Oblations shall be properly received and reverently brought to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place them upon the Altar; and whilst these are presented, there shall lie sung an offertory Hymn.
¶ After the Hymn, the Priest turning to the congregation, shall sing or say:
"The Lord be with you."
¶ The congregation shall answer:
With thee also be the Lord
¶ The Priest:
Let us pray.
¶ The Priest, turning to the Altar, shall say the General Prayer, which, however, on holy days, shall be preceded by the special prayer of the day, the congregation answering, Amen.
¶ Such portions of the General Prayer, as are appointed for special occasions, shall, be omitted, when such occasions do not exist.
Unto Thee, Eternal and Almighty God, Creator and Preserver of all things, do we call. Be gracious unto us, for the sake of Jesus Christ, and do not consider our sins-Sanctify and govern us with Thy Holy Spirit, and grant us grace according to Thy Word to lead a holy life. Unite, strengthen, and preserve Thy whole Church by the Word and the Holy Sacraments. Have mercy, O Lord, upon all who still are captives in the darkness and blindness of death, and grant that Thy saving grace, with light and life, may shine upon them through the Gospel.
For the General or Diocesan Convention
Bless those who are now assembled to take counsel upon the needs of Thy Church, so that their deliberations may redound to Thy honour and the upbuilding of Thy Kingdom among us.
Bless and protect the President of the United States, the governor of this State, and all faithful officials, the army and the navy, and all the inhabitants of our country; to the honour of Thy Name and to our mutual welfare. Bless our government, grant us peaceful and happy living, fruitful and propitious seasons, right-minded and Christian counsels in all our undertakings. Prosper every good work, and avert from us all evils and mischiefs. Let Thy blessing rest upon the fruits of the earth and upon all lawful trades and estates.
For Congress
Bless the Congress now convened, and grant that in all its deliberations godly fear and unity may be maintained; to the honour of Thy Name and the welfare of our native land.
Bless, O God, the Holy estate of Matrimony (and especially those who are now minded to enter into the same).
For the Candidates for Confirmation
Remember graciously those who are now being prepared for their first Communion. Grant unto them Christian insight and a sincere faith, that as Thy disciples indeed, they may always walk in the way of Thy truth.
For those about to Come to Communion
Bless also the guests at Thy Holy Table, so that they there may become strengthened in faith and charity, and the hope of eternal life.
Help and comfort all sick and poor, the afflicted and dying. Protect graciously all widows and orphans. Help us at last in the hour of death, and, after this corruptible life, grant us eternal bliss; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord.
¶ The congregation shall sing: Amen.
¶ Occasional prayers, relating to special circumstances, such as famine, pestilence, etc.; the erection of church buildings in the parish, etc., shall, when occurring, follow upon the General Prayer.
¶ Then shall follow a short Hymn or verse, during which the holy elements for the Sacrament are being prepared and arranged upon the Altar. The Hymn ended, the Priest, turning to the congregation, shall sing or say:
Lift up your hearts unto God
¶ The congregation, standing, shall answer:
May God lift up our hearts.
¶ The Priest:
Let us give thanks to God, our Lord.
¶ The congregation:
He alone is worthy to receive thanks and praise.
¶ The Priest, turning to the Altar, shall sing or say the following thanksgiving:
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, Almighty Father, Holy God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is our Paschal Lamb, offered for us, the spotless Lamb of God, who bore the sins of the world even unto death. And like as He hath conquered death, and risen again to live for ever more, even so all who believe on Him shall conquer sin and death, and inherit eternal life.
Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious Name; evermore praising Thee, and saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. The heavens and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
¶ Or this:
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, Almighty Father, Holy God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whom Thou hast delivered for our offences and caused to die for us who have deserved death, that we may live through Him.
¶ Then the Priest shall sing or say as follows:
All glory be to Thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that Thou, of Thy tender mercy, didst give Thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; who made there (by His own oblation of Himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in His holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that His precious death and sacrifice, until His coming again.
For our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which He was betrayed, took Bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake 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. Likewise after supper, He took the cup; and when lie had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.
Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of Thy dearly beloved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we, Thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before Thy Divine Majesty, with these Thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto Thee, the memorial Thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance His blessed passion and precious death. His mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto Thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same.
And we most humbly beseech Thee, O Merciful Father, to hear us; and, of Thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with Thy Word and Holy Spirit, these Thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of His death and passion, may be partakers of His most blessed Body and Blood.
And we earnestly desire Thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching Thee to grant that, by the merits and death of Thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in His blood, we, and all Thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of His passion. And here we offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy and living sacrifice unto Thee; humbly beseeching Thee, that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with Him, that He may dwell in us, and we in Him. And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto Thee any sacrifice; yet be beseech Thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by Whom, and with Whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto Thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Priest shall sing or say:
Let us all pray as our Lord Jesus Christ Himself hath taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against ns; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
¶ Then the Priest, turning to the congregation, sings or says:
The peace of the Lord be with you.
¶ Then the congregation shall sing:
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, save us, merciful Lord God. O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, hear us, merciful Lord God. O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace and blessing.
¶ Then shall the Priest, first receiving the Holy Communion in both kinds himself, proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests and Deacons (if any be present), and after that, to the People also in order, all devoutly kneeling.
¶ To each communicant the Priest delivers first the Bread with these words:
The Body of Christ, which was given for Thee.
¶ And then the Cup with these words:
The Blood of Christ, which was shed for thee.
¶ Before each group of communicants leave the Holy Table, the Priest shall say:
The Lord Jesus Christ, whose Body and Blood ye have received, preserve you unto everlasting life. Amen.
¶ Or else the Priest, delivering the Bread, shall say:
Jesus Christ, whose Body thou receivest, preserve thee unto everlasting life.
¶ And delivering the Cup, he shall say:
Jesus Christ, whose Blood them receivest, preserve thee unto everlasting life.
¶ Before each group of communicants leave the Holy Table, the Priest shall say:
The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ he with you all. Amen.
¶ Or some other appropriate passage from the Holy Scripture.
¶ The administration of the Holy Communion being ended, the Priest, turning to the congregation, shall say:
Let us pray. ¶ Turning toward the Altar, the Priest shall say one of the following thanksgiving collects:
We thank Thee, Almighty Father, who through Thy Son Jesus Christ, for our comfort and salvation hast instituted this Holy Supper; and we pray Thee, grant us grace so to celebrate the memorial of Jesus on earth, that we may also become partakers of the Great Supper in heaven.
¶ The congregation shall sing: Amen.
¶ Or this:
We thank Thee, Almighty God that Thou hast refreshed and filled us at this precious feast of grace; and we pray Thee, grant that it may lead to our increase in faith, godliness, and all Christian virtues; through Thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.
¶ The congregation sings: Amen.
¶ Or else this: Lord Jesus Christ, who hast called us to this Supper, we thank Thee, with all our hearts, for Thy mercy in feeding us with Thy Body and Thy Blood, and in filling and surrounding us with Thy goodness. O Lord, abide with us. We deliver ourselves into Thy hands and put our trust in Thee; suffer us to remain with Thee forever.
¶ The congregation sings: Amen.
¶ Then the Priest, turning to the congregation, shall sing:
Let us thank and praise the Lord.
¶ The congregation, standing, shall answer:
Thanks and praise be to the Lord. Hallelujah. Hallelujah,
¶ Finally, the Priest shall say:
Bow your hearts to God, and receive the Benediction.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ The congregation shall sing:
Amen, Amen, Amen.
¶ After the benediction the service closes with a short Hymn or verse.
¶ Upon the Sundays and other Holy days (though there be no sermon or Communion) shall be said all that is appointed at the Holy Communion, unto the end of the Creed, concluding with suitable prayers and the Blessing.
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