Kirchen-Agende für die Hof- und Domkirche in Berlin

Church Liturgy

for the Court and Cathedral Church in Berlin.

Foreword

The illustrious ancestors of His currently reigning Royal Majesty, namely the Prince-Electors Joachim II, Johann Georg, Duke Albrecht in Prussia, and others, had published Church Orders in the years 1540, 1572, and 1558. These contained, alongside various matters concerning the church, Liturgies drawn from the fullness of the divine Gospel, founded upon the ancient forms of the Christian Church and purified by the Reformation, which were simultaneously accepted and introduced in almost all evangelical lands.

Proclaiming the eternal truths of Christianity in connection with the very words of Holy Scripture in noble simplicity and powerful brevity, these Liturgies founded and promoted the unity of faith in the evangelical Church, and served as the beautiful, unifying bond of all evangelical congregations.

Elevated above every change of time, these magnificent Liturgies are just as edifying and uplifting now as they were then for our pious forefathers. Despite this, there has been a continuous departure from the prescribed forms, and arbitrary choices have taken the place of venerable old customs. However, the evangelical Church is meant to base its doctrine and order, and the fellowship of Christian faith, upon that which is fixed and eternal in Christianity. Even if the forms of ecclesiastical customs do not constitute the entirety of the essence of divine worship, their uniformity should produce not only a shared conviction, but also a serene peace of soul and a pious confidence, generated by the appealing thought that these are the very praises, thanksgivings, petitions, intercessions, and vows which our Christian forefathers prayed for centuries, and which—God willing—our children after us will pray.

Guided by these views, His Majesty the King has been moved to ordain this Liturgy. It is to be regarded as an improved version of the one previously introduced, founded upon the aforementioned Church Orders and adapted to the needs of the times. It is ordained, first and foremost, for use in the divine services of the Court and Cathedral Church, so that by God's help, Christian fear of God, true virtue, and loyal patriotism may be promoted!

General Remarks

The main divine service on Sundays and Feast Days must never exceed the time limit of one hour; of this, half an hour is allotted to the duration of the Liturgy, including the hymns of the congregation before and after it,* and half an hour is allotted to the duration of the Sermon.

* It is left to the Clergyman to extend this time slightly if a longer hymn corresponds to the wishes of the congregation.

The Choirs are sung by the church singers without organ accompaniment; they are in four parts and must consist of at least eight persons. The singing of the congregation takes place under the accompaniment of the organ and is likewise joined by the singers.

For such choirs of singers to whom the music of the choirs, as indicated in the Liturgy, might prove too difficult, there are somewhat easier hymns located in the Appendix, which, due to their brevity, may also be chosen on days when the Epistles and Gospels are long, or where specially inserted prayers extend the Liturgy: such as on Good Friday, on Repentance Day, and on the Day of the Commemoration of the Dead, etc.

Liturgy

for the Main Divine Service
on Sundays and Feast Days and for the Celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Hymn of the Congregation. [A few verses.]

The Clergyman [steps before the altar in priestly vestments during the hymn and holds a silent preparatory prayer. After ending this, he turns toward the assembly, which stands and remains standing in proper reverence until the altar prayers and choirs are finished, which conclude with the Lord's Prayer, and speaks]:

Blessed be the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, now and evermore, and from eternity to eternity. Amen.
Our help is in the Name of God, who made heaven and earth.

All-merciful God and Father! In deep humility we recognize and confess before Thee our manifold sins and transgressions. Look down upon us in mercy and forgive us, the penitent, all our sins, for the sake of the merit of Thy dear Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Choir. Amen. [See Music Appendix No. 1.]

Clergyman. Where is a God as great as our God! Thou art the God that doest wonders; Thou hast declared Thy power among the peoples. Unto Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my voice; unto my God have I lifted up my voice, and He hath heard me.

Choir. Kyrie eleison! Christe eleison! Kyrie eleison!* [See Music Appendix No. 2]
* Or in English: Lord have mercy upon us! Christ have mercy upon us! The Greek words are retained in the Liturgy partly because they were found in the old hymnbooks and are therefore presumed known, and partly because their meter is better suited to the retained old church melody.

Clergyman. Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men.
We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, and give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty! O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ! O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, receive our prayer! Thou that sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord! Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father.* Amen.
* The section of the prayer beginning with "We praise Thee" up to the conclusion "in the glory of God the Father" is generally only used on church festivals.

Choir. Amen.
Clergyman. The Lord be with you!
Choir. And with thy spirit. [See Music Appendix No. 4]

Clergyman. Lord God, dear Father! We beseech Thee, Thou wouldst lead and govern us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may hear and receive Thy Word with our whole heart, and thereby be sanctified; and that we may place our whole trust and our hope in Jesus Christ, Thy Son; to amend our lives according to Thy Word, and be eternally saved, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Choir. Amen.

Clergyman. The Epistle is written:
[Reading of the same.]
The Lord protects all those who love Him, and all the wicked He will destroy. He will fulfill the desires of those who fear Him; He will hear their prayers and deliver them. Praised be God! We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Hallelujah!*
* Instead of this verse, the following may also be used: Lord, let our soul live in Thy Word, that it may praise Thee always and eternally. Hallelujah!

Choir. Hallelujah. [See Music Appendix No. 5.]

Clergyman. The Holy Gospel is written:
[Reading of the same.]
Praised be Thou, O Christ. Amen.**
* Instead of this verse, the following may also be used: Lord, remember us according to Thy Word, upon which Thou hast caused us to hope. Amen.

Choir. Amen.

Clergyman. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten 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 descended into hell; 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.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; a holy, universal Christian Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Choir.* I will confess Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart. Thy words I will heed and keep; let me live according to them, O Lord! [See Music Appendix No. 7]
* Instead of this Choir, at times the Choir located in the Music Appendix under No. 8 may be sung: "Glory be to the Father and to the Son, etc."

Clergyman. Lift up your hearts and let us give thanks to the Lord our God:
It is truly meet, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, Almighty God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for whose sake Thou hast spared us, forgivest our sins, and promisest eternal salvation; and with all Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious Name, evermore praising Thee and saying:

Choir. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! [See Music Appendix No. 10]

Clergyman. Lord God, heavenly Father! We beseech Thee, Thou wouldst govern Thy Christian Church, with all its teachers and ministers, by Thy Holy Spirit, that it may be preserved in the pure doctrine of Thy Word, that true faith may be awakened and strengthened in us, and that love toward all men may grow and increase in us.
Let Thy grace, O Lord, be great upon the King, our Lord, the Crown Prince, the entire Royal House, and all who are related and bound to him. Preserve them in long life, as a constant blessing and Christian example. Grant our King a long and blessed reign. Protect the Royal Army and all loyal servants of the King and the Fatherland. Teach them, as Christians, always to remember their oaths, and let their service be blessed to Thy glory and the best of the Fatherland. Bless us and all royal lands. Help everyone in their need, and be a Savior to all men, especially to Thy believers. Preserve us from an evil, unrepentant death, and bring us all at last into Thine eternal kingdom of heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Choir. Amen.

Clergyman. 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 us; 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.
* The invocation "Our Father" is found literally in Luther's translation. Ev. St. Matthew, Cap. 6. v. 9.

Choir. Amen. Amen. Amen. [See Music Appendix No. 12.]

[The Clergyman leaves the altar.]
Hymn of the Congregation. [A few verses.]
[The Clergyman enters the pulpit.]

The Sermon.
[After a brief introductory prayer follows the text for the Sermon, both of which the congregation listens to standing, just as they receive standing the blessing spoken at the end of the Sermon]:

Clergyman. The Lord bless thee and keep thee! The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace. † Amen.

Choir. Amen. Amen. Amen. [See Music Appendix No. 12.]

Hymn of the Congregation. [A few verses.]
[If no Communion takes place after the divine service, it is hereby concluded; but if Communion is held, the Clergyman steps before the altar again during the singing for the administration of the Holy Supper and speaks]:

Beloved in the Lord! Since we are now minded to hold the memorial supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was instituted by Him to strengthen and establish our faith, let a man examine himself, as the Apostle Paul exhorts us; for this Holy Sacrament is given to troubled consciences, who confess their sins, fear God, and desire redemption, for their strengthening and comfort. Since we must now acknowledge ourselves to be sinful and guilty, and are unable to help ourselves, Christ the Son of God, our beloved Lord, has had mercy upon us, and became man for the sake of our sins, so that He might fulfill the Law and the Will of God for us, and take upon Himself and endure the death and all that we have incurred with our sins, for our redemption. To confirm this, He instituted His Holy Supper, that everyone who eats of this bread and drinks from this cup, and believes in the words spoken with it and the received signs of Jesus Christ, that He may abide in the Lord Christ and Christ in him, and live eternally. In this we are to remember Him, and proclaim His death, namely that He died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Therefore, out of gratitude for this unspeakable grace, let each one take up his cross to follow Him, and to love one another according to His commandments, as He has loved us; for we are all One Body, because we all partake of One Bread, and drink from One Cup.
Let us pray:
Lord! Thou who didst give life to the world by Thy death, deliver us from all our sins and from all evil; grant us the strength of will to remain ever faithful to Thy commandments, and grant not that we may ever be separated from Thee, who reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit in eternity. Amen.

Choir. Amen.

Clergyman. Kneel down and hear the Words of Institution:
[The Clergyman turns toward the altar and performs the Consecration. The congregation hears the Words of Institution kneeling and stands up only when the Choir sings Amen.]

"Our Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread. Gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples and said: Take, eat: this is my Body †, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, gave thanks and said: Take and drink you all of it, this cup is the New Testament in my Blood †, 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."

[After performing the Consecration, the Clergyman turns back toward the assembly and speaks]:

The peace of the Lord be with you all. Amen.

Choir. Amen.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world,
Have mercy upon us, O Lord God.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world,
Hear us, O Lord God.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world,
Grant us Thy peace and blessing.
[See Music Appendix No. 13]

[While the preceding Choir is sung, the distribution of the Holy Supper begins. It is continued with other appropriate spiritual hymns, sung by the congregation, until the end of the Communion.]

Clergyman. [During the distribution of the Bread:]
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ says: "This is my Body, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me."

[During the distribution of the Cup:] Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ says: "This is the Cup, the New Testament in my Blood, which is shed for you; do this in remembrance of me."

[After the Communion is finished, the Clergyman speaks:]
Let us pray:
Almighty, Eternal God! We give Thee most fervent thanks for the unspeakable grace of which we have become partakers through the reception of Thy Holy Supper; we beseech Thee humbly, that Thou wouldst let the workings of Thy Holy Spirit become just as certain to us as we have now received Thy Holy Sacrament, so that we may lay hold of Thy divine grace, the forgiveness of sins, union with Christ, and an eternal life promised to us all therein, with firm faith, and keep it eternally. We thank Thee also, Almighty One, that Thou hast refreshed us by Thy divine grace, and beseech Thee that Thy mercy would allow this to serve toward strong faith in Thee and fervent, brotherly love toward all men, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns in unity with Thee and the Holy Spirit in eternity. Amen.

The Lord bless thee and keep thee!
The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee!
The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace. † Amen.

Choir. Amen. Amen. Amen. [See Music Appendix No. 12.]

Hymn of the Congregation [One verse.]

[On special church festivals, such as Christmas, Easter, etc., the Clergyman must read an appropriate prayer, relating to the festival being celebrated, instead of the usual prayer before the Epistle.
There are several listed in the Appendix at the end, which may also be used interchangeably with the prayers located in the Liturgy before the Epistle, according to circumstances.
On Repentance Day (Bußtage), instead of the general prayer, the Litany found in the Appendix is read.
On Good Friday, in the general prayer, behind the passage "Preserve us from an evil, unrepentant death," the Prayer found in Appendix page 10 is inserted.]

[At the Commemoration of the Dead, the following changes take place in the Liturgy: after the Choir "And with thy spirit" the Clergyman speaks:]

Clergyman: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!
Choir: Yea, the Spirit saith, that they rest from their labors! Hallelujah! [See Music Appendix No. 14.]
Clergyman: Prayer. [See Appendix p. 5]
Choir: Amen.
[Here follows the usual Liturgy up to the place in the general prayer: "Preserve us from an evil, unrepentant death," where the prayer, see Appendix p. 10, is inserted, and then the Liturgy is continued to the conclusion.]

[On patriotic festivals, which are celebrated annually to commemorate the great events of our time: the 18th of October, the 30th of March, and the 18th of June, on the Sundays immediately following them, in the general prayer after the words: "...and let their service be blessed, to Thy glory and the best of the Fatherland," the prayer found in the Appendix p. 11 is inserted, whereupon the general prayer and the Liturgy proceed.]

[Two cases may occur in which a deviation from the form of the Liturgy prescribed here would be necessary.
The first: if at a divine service to be held, only the Liturgy is read, without a sermon. In this case, the threefold Amen to be sung by the Choir after the Lord's Prayer is to be entirely omitted; instead, the Clergyman speaks the Blessing immediately after the Lord's Prayer, upon which the threefold Amen follows from the Choir.
The other case occurs when Communion takes place on a day when no sermon is customarily held (e.g., Maundy Thursday) and the preparatory sermon with Confession has already been held the day before.
In this case, where the sermon is omitted, the address or exhortation before Communion follows immediately after the Lord's Prayer, and the threefold Amen of the Choir is omitted; after this, everything else follows as prescribed for the holding of Communion. With well-rehearsed choirs, the following pieces in the Liturgy, instead of being spoken by the Clergyman, may also be sung by the Choir, as was generally customary in the evangelical churches from of old.
However, this may only occur in rare cases, and then it must alternate with the individual sung pieces, in order not to lengthen the divine service:
1) The verse following the confession of sins.
2) Glory be to God on high, etc.
3) The verse before the Hallelujah, after the Epistle.
4) The Creed.
5) The prayer of thanksgiving before the: Holy! Holy! Holy!]
The music for the aforementioned pieces will be sent to the Choirs.

Preparation for the Holy Supper.

[This takes place either on the afternoon of the day before Communion, or on the Communion day itself, before the Liturgy.
In the first case, the divine service begins with the singing of a hymn by the congregation. (2 to 3 verses).
The Clergyman meanwhile enters the pulpit, and speaks after the conclusion of the singing the words:]

"In the Name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen."

[Here follows the confessional address, as preparation for the Holy Supper, generally of the following content:]

"All men are sinners; only through the redemption of Jesus Christ does the penitent obtain grace, if he trusts in the merit of Christ."

[After the confessional address is finished, the Clergyman speaks the confession of sins and the absolution as follows:]

Clergyman. Beloved in Christ! Since we are gathered here in the Name of the Most High God, and have heard His holy, uniquely saving Word, let us also humble ourselves before Him, and from the heart confess all our sins, and speak thus with one another:
Almighty God, merciful Father! I, a poor, miserable, sinful man, confess unto Thee all my sins and iniquities, with which I have ever offended Thee, and have earned Thy temporal and eternal punishment. They cause me deep sorrow and I repent of them greatly, and I beseech Thee, for the sake of Thy fathomless mercy and for the sake of the innocent, bitter suffering and death of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, Thou wouldst be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinful man. Amen.

If this is your earnest will and you have the sincere intention to amend yourselves, then answer: Yes.
Congregation. Yes.
Clergyman. Upon this your confession, I proclaim to all of you who heartily repent of your sins and comfort yourselves with true faith in the merit of Jesus Christ, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained minister of the Word: the grace of God, and the forgiveness of your sins, in the Name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. † Amen.

Should there be persons among us who are oppressed by any distress of mind, needing our special counsel and comfort, we are ready to grant them such by virtue of our office and according to our abilities.

[The conclusion is made by the Lord's Prayer and the Blessing, after which the congregation sings another verse.
In the other case, the divine service begins with the singing of a verse by the congregation. The Clergyman has meanwhile ascended the pulpit, speaks the words of blessing at the entrance, and holds the confessional address etc., everything as mentioned at the beginning, up to the Absolution.
After this he leaves the pulpit, the congregation sings a verse, whereupon the Liturgy begins, and no sermon is held.]

Form of Baptism.

Clergyman. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen!

[Brief address and exhortation by the Clergyman before the Baptism, broadly basing it upon the words of Christ in the Gospel of St. Matthew Chap. 28, V. 19:]
"Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Clergyman. The spirit of the unclean give way to the Holy Ghost.
[Sign of the Cross on forehead and breast.]
Receive the sign of the cross on forehead and breast. Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I call upon Thee over this candidate for baptism, who asks for Thy Baptism, and desires Thine eternal grace through spiritual rebirth. Receive him, O Lord, as Thou hast said: Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. So bestow now upon him this good, that he may attain the eternal blessing of Thy heavenly Baptism and receive the promised Kingdom of Thy goodness through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, who by the Baptism of Thy dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan hast sanctified and instituted the water of Baptism for a blessed washing away of sins; we beseech Thee, have mercy also upon this candidate for baptism, bless him with true faith in the Spirit, that everything in him that is sinful may go down and perish, so that he may serve Thee with fervor and joyful hope, that he may, with all believers, obtain eternal life according to Thy promise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us hear the Gospel of St. Mark:
And they brought little children to Jesus, that He should touch them. But the disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.

[The Clergyman places his hands on the child's head and prays the Lord's Prayer, etc.]
[The candidate is prepared for baptism.]

Clergyman. The Lord keep thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth and even for evermore.
Dost thou renounce the evil one, in all his works and his ways?
Answer. Yes.
Clergyman. Dost thou believe in God, etc.
[The Apostles' Creed.]
Answer. Yes.
Clergyman. Wilt thou be baptized?
Answer. Yes.

[He baptizes the child and speaks:]
I baptize thee (N.) in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
[The godparents hold or touch the child during the Baptism.]

Clergyman. The Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has begotten thee again by water and the Holy Ghost, and has forgiven thee all thy sins, strengthen thee with His grace unto eternal life, Amen.
Peace be with thee!
Answer. Amen.
Clergyman. The Lord bless thee, etc.

Form of Marriage.

[The Clergyman begins with the words:]
In the Name of God the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

[An address to the assembly follows, dealing very briefly with the sanctity of the estate of matrimony and the mutual duties of the spouses, and a God-willed conduct of the marriage, concluding with the words:]
For this we also wish to beseech grace and the blessing of the Almighty upon this bridal couple.

[Now the Clergyman turns to the bridegroom:]
Before God the Omniscient and in the presence of these witnesses I ask thee, N. N., whether thou wilt have this N. N. to thy wedded wife, and wilt love her in sorrow and in joy?
[He asks the bride the exact same way. If both answer, Yes, the marriage proceeds.]

[Here let the wedding rings be exchanged, and join their right hands together and speak:]
What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.
Since N. N. and N. N. have resolved to enter into holy matrimony with one another, and have confessed such publicly here before God and the world, and have thereupon given each other their hands, and also exchanged wedding rings, I hallow this bond in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

[The Clergyman continues:]
That marriage is a holy bond, which must not be dissolved by the arbitrary will of man, our precious Redeemer teaches, Matthew 19, V. 3 to 6. Consider therefore rightly the will of our Lord Jesus Christ. See to it that your marriage is without blemish, and take with patience and thanksgiving all that shall befall you by God's providence.
The Lord be with you, and guide you in His truth and fear, now and eternally, Amen.

[The Prayer of the Lord (Lord's Prayer).]

Eternal God, Creator of Heaven and Earth! Thou who, after all things were created, didst create mankind, to be lords over them, Thou who, because it was not good for man to be alone, gavest him a woman as a helpmeet! O God, who joinest man and woman and hast bestowed Thy blessing upon them, and thereby symbolically pointest to the holy bond of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ and His Church, look down graciously upon this couple, who long for Thy protection in the estate of matrimony. Grant grace, that they may live in love and peace, in honor and fidelity, and always remain steadfast in Thy fear. Encompass them with all spiritual and bodily blessings, and let them reach a desired age, so that they may rejoice in the virtues of their descendants, and after this life inherit an eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
The Lord bless thee, etc.

Ordination of Preachers.

[The Ordination of Preachers takes place on a Sunday (or Feast Day), after the conclusion of the main divine service, where after the Sermon, just before the Blessing, the impending action is made known, and prayers are offered for the ordinands as follows:]

"After the conclusion of the divine service, a solemn consecration to the holy office of preaching will be performed in this House of the Lord. Therefore, let the Christian congregation join in united prayer to invoke the Almighty for grace and blessing upon those who are now to be consecrated:
Merciful God, loving Father! We thank Thee from our hearts that Thou hast instituted the office of preaching on earth through Thine only Son Jesus Christ, and hast hitherto graciously preserved it among us. We beseech Thee, Thou wouldst lead and govern all faithful teachers in Thy Church by Thy Holy Spirit, that the pure truth of Thy Word may be proclaimed everywhere. Grant truth, strength, and grace to those who are now to receive a share in this office, that through their service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ many souls may be enlightened, led to true conversion and to eternal salvation, so that Thy great Name may be rightly honored, and our Savior, Jesus Christ, may be ever more and more glorified in His Church, Amen."

[After the conclusion of the main divine service, as is usual, a verse is sung by the congregation, during which the consecrating Clergyman, the assistants, and the ordinands step to the altar, the latter facing the former.
After the singing has ended, the consecrating Clergyman speaks from the altar:]
"In the Name of God the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

[Then he gives an address, relating individually to the ordinands;—and speaks the following prayer:]
"Almighty God, gracious Father, who hast earnestly commanded us that we should pray to Thee for laborers in Thy harvest, we plead with Thee, Thou wouldst send righteous teachers and servants of Thy divine Word, and put into their hearts and mouths the same enlightening Word, that they may faithfully carry out Thy command, and teach nothing contrary to Thy Holy Word, so that we may thereby be exhorted, taught, refreshed, comforted, and strengthened. Bestow Thy Holy Spirit upon Thy congregation, and let Thy Word be preached with joy; let it grow among us and bear the fruits of goodness, so that we may thereby be improved, serve Thee with constant faith, and persevere in the confession of Thy Name unto the end, through our Lord Jesus Christ, etc."

[Now follows the reading of the names of the ordinands, naming also the ministry to which they are called, whereupon the consecrating Clergyman continues:]
"Since you are called to the holy office of preaching, and are prepared to enter upon it: listen with attention and keep in your hearts the precious doctrines which shall now be read to you from God's Word."

[The assisting Clergymen now read alternately, Matt. 28, 18-20. 1 Tim. 4, 7-11. 1 Tim. 4, 12-16. Matt. 5, 16. 2 Tim. 2, 24-25. 2 Tim. 2, 22. 2 Tim. 2, 15. 1 Peter 5, 2-4. Whereupon the consecrating Clergyman now once more in brief and powerful words, best in biblical verses, exhorts and calls them to make the confession of faith, which the Ordinandus reads, whereupon the consecrating Clergyman exclaims:]
"The Lord give you grace to persevere in this faith unto the end, and to strengthen the brethren therein."

Hear now for conscientious consideration the following questions:
"Are you willing to accept the precious office of preaching with all its duties?"
Yes.
"Do you bind yourselves to sacrifice all the powers of your soul and your body to this office?"
Yes.
"Do you bind yourselves to preach reconciliation according to God's Word, for wisdom, for righteousness, for sanctification, and for redemption?"
Yes.
"Do you bind yourselves, by God's grace, to be an example to others in righteousness and virtue?"
Yes.
"You therefore recognize your duties; you have declared your earnest intention to fulfill them. Now confirm such with your oath of office.

[The Ordinandus now speaks the following oath of office:]
"I, N. N., who am now called and accepted to the holy office of preaching, vow and swear before God and His holy Gospel, that I will spread no other doctrine and no other faith than that which is grounded in God's pure and clear Word, the prophetic and apostolic writings of the Old and New Testaments, and is recorded in the three main Creeds, the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian, as well as in the well-known symbolic books generally accepted in the Evangelical Church, as they have been accepted in the lands of His Majesty the King of Prussia, my King and Lord, in accordance as a norm of faith, and in whose spirit the prescribed and introduced Church Liturgy of the year 1822 is composed."
"Also, I will teach the Catechism with all diligence and faithfulness to the Christian youth, to form them into worthy members of the evangelical Church; to receive them as such; to instruct my hearers in God's Word; to administer the holy Sacraments after the institution and ordinance of Jesus Christ, and to flee all deviant and arbitrary teachings as poison to the soul."
"Likewise, I will and shall be faithful to my lawful King, His Majesty the King of Prussia, my most mighty sovereign and highest bishop, so that I seek and promote the King's use and benefit in every way. With life and blood, with teaching and example, with word and deed, I will defend the Royal Power and Dignity as it is established in our salutary monarchical form of government. Equally, I will uncover at the right time, if I should learn of it, anything that is at hand concerning the alteration or abolition of this excellent constitution in which the welfare of the state exists and consists; and will yield to and obey those set over me in all points. Likewise, as much as is in me, I will render obedience to His Royal Majesty, my most gracious King, and to those who have to command and order on His behalf. I will also hold all my parishioners and members of the congregation at all times to think and speak rightly concerning the worldly government, which is ordained by God. I will also strive to uphold the right and proper ecclesiastical order in the congregation entrusted to me, according to the laws published by His Royal Majesty; I will exhort them to the practice of piety, of the peace of the land, of a pious life and conduct, and of mutual love and unity; I will remind them of the high obedience they owe to God, and all members of the congregation of the submissive loyalty, obedience, and compliance incumbent upon them."
"Also, I will and shall show due honor and obedience to my spiritual superiors, and faithfully comply with all that is imposed upon me in my office. I will not seek my promotion through intrigues and unlawful means. Yearly and daily I will seek to progress in the knowledge of the Word of God and the articles of faith, and in the other sciences necessary to me. With God's grace, I will rightly divide the Word of truth and execute my office honestly; I will also diligently endeavor to lead a purely pious, sober, proper life becoming a righteous teacher, so that I may walk therein with a good example before others."
"In worldly matters and things not fitting for my office, which do not concern a spiritual person and teacher, I will not meddle."
"If I err in one thing or another, and my superiors set it before me and warn me, I will gladly correct it with God's help."
"To such promises and to all else that the Church Order prescribes, I will and shall follow faithfully according to all my strength and the grace that God grants, as befits an upright and righteous Christian Clergyman before God and men, without any invention and deceit, so help me God in body and soul. Amen."

[After this oath has been laid down, the consecrating Clergyman speaks:]
"May God the Almighty strengthen and help you to keep all this! And I, by virtue of the authority entrusted to me on God's behalf, by His Church and the King in this matter, hand over to you hereby the office of preaching, in the Name of God the Father, † and of the Son, † and of the Holy Ghost. †."
"May the Highest grant that such may redound to your eternal salvation and that of those entrusted to you. Therefore we will beseech God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift, joining our supplication as we now have been taught by our dear Savior, Our Father who art, etc. Amen."

[All the Clergymen now lay their hands upon the heads of the ordained, and the consecrating Clergyman speaks:]
"May God the Almighty bless your work in the congregation, that His great Name may thereby be glorified and the eternal salvation of many souls promoted, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Bow your hearts and knees to God, and receive the Blessing: The Lord bless thee and keep thee, etc."

[Finally, a few verses from a suitable hymn are sung, whereupon all the Clergymen return to the sacristy with the ordained.]

Confirmation of the Children.

[After the instruction of the Confirmands is finished, Confirmation takes place following a preceding announcement from the pulpit.
The Confirmands, boys and girls, stand for this in two rows, opposite the altar. A suitable Confirmation hymn, e.g., Come Holy Ghost, etc., begins.
The Clergyman steps before the altar and speaks:]
"Our help is in the Name of God, who made heaven and earth."

[Then follows an address to the Confirmands, in which he reminds them of the holiness of the baptismal covenant and of the grace which God has shown them through it, as well as the necessity to remain faithful in it unto the end. With a suitable transition, he calls upon them to give an account of the foundations of their Christian faith, whereupon the examination before the assembled congregation begins.
In the examination, the most important Christian primary doctrines and the articles of faith will be briefly gone through in connection. After its conclusion, the Clergyman addresses the children from the altar as follows:]

"Dear Children, this is the doctrine which Jesus Christ and His Apostles have given us in Holy Scripture; this is the faith which our Christian Church confesses. I now ask you—you have before God and before this Christian assembly, as your witnesses, at the Last Day, to answer and to confess:—Do you acknowledge this doctrine as a divine truth, as the right path to salvation?"
They answer: Yes.
[The Clergyman continues:]
"So lay down your confession yourselves now and renew the vow which you already made in Baptism."
"Do you believe in God the Father, etc."
Answer: Yes.
"Do you believe in Jesus Christ, etc."
Answer: Yes.
"Do you believe in the Holy Ghost, etc."
Answer: Yes.
"Do you also will to fulfill the duties to which this confession of faith binds every disciple of Christ: To love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself?"
Answer: Yes.
"Is it also your honest resolve to be true and obedient to God and your Redeemer in all the days of your life?"
Answer: Yes.
"Do you vow to call upon God for grace in daily prayer to this end, and alongside it to conscientiously use the means He has given you, to strengthen yourselves in faith and in true Christianity?"
Answer: Yes.
"Will you confirm all these vows and assurances with Jesus' Holy Supper?"
Answer: Yes.

[Now the Clergyman holds another short exhortation to the Confirmands, after which they, kneeling before the altar, receive the Blessing by the laying on of hands with the following words:]
"The blessing of God the Almighty, of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost come upon you, and remain with you now and evermore. Amen."
[After the blessing, the Clergyman speaks to the Confirmands:]
"Kneel down and let us pray: Our Father, etc."
"The Lord bless you, etc."
[The Confirmands rise again.]
Hymn of the Congregation [1 Verse.]

Communion of the Sick.

[If a sick person, who cannot come to church, desires the preacher and demands Communion, let him read the preparatory talks, the confession of sins found in the Liturgy (p. 29 of this Agenda), or let him read it to the sick person himself; then speak the Absolution, as it is prescribed there, and the addition:]
"May the Lord strengthen your heart with His grace and let the memorial of Jesus' death, which you now will observe, seal your faith, revive your love, and make firm your hope unto eternal life."

[Thereupon let the Clergyman read the Apostolic Creed; furthermore the words of institution of the Holy Supper, while performing the Consecration, then pray the Prayer of the Lord, and read the words of the hymn: "O Lamb of God, etc.", distribute the holy Meal in the usual manner, and conclude with the prayer of thanksgiving from the Liturgy and the Blessing.]

Burial.

[In front of or at the entrance of the churchyard, the Clergyman receives the corpse, provided the deceased or their surviving relatives have desired the religious celebration of the burial; whereupon the singing of a suitable funeral hymn, sung by the Choir, begins, and the procession proceeds under the ringing of bells to the grave site.
After the coffin has been lowered here, the Clergyman throws earth upon the coffin three times, which can also be done by the mourners present, and speaks:]

"From earth thou hast come, to earth shalt thou return again. (Gen. 3:19) Jesus Christ our Redeemer will raise thee up on the Last Day."

[Then the Clergyman continues:]
"Let us pray: Almighty, merciful, eternal God! Thou who, for the sake of sin, hast imposed upon man that he must die, but Thou hast also, so that we might not remain eternally in the power of death, laid death upon Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, to conquer death for us, who Himself was without sin; Thou who hast transformed for us through His death our death into a sleep, so that it might not harm us, turn Thy fatherly countenance unto Thine children, and grant us grace, that we may each for ourselves, as we observe this burial, remember at all times how we too, when it pleases Thee to call us home, shall become earth again, and carefully take to heart how we have no abiding place in this world. Grant us grace, merciful Father, to seek that which is eternal, and always to walk according to Thine holy Will, so that we may on the Last Day rise to eternal life through Thine Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

[Also, instead of this prayer, the prayer No. 9 from the Appendix of the Liturgy, for the Commemoration of the Dead, may be chosen, which is then preceded by the Responses.
After the prayer, it is left to the Clergyman to still quote some words of comfort from Holy Scripture, such as 1 Thess. 4:13-14. John 11:25-26. John 5:28-29. Job 14:1-2. Psalm 39:5-9. 1 Cor. 15:54-57. Heb. 9:27. Rev. 14:13. etc., and to accompany them with a few words according to the circumstances. Finally, the Preacher speaks the Lord's Prayer and the Blessing.
If singing is to occur at the conclusion, this happens before the pronouncing of the Blessing.]

The Three Universal Creeds of the Christian Church.

The Apostolic Creed.

I believe in God the Father, etc. [see Liturgy p. 14.]

The Nicene Creed

from the year 325.

I believe in one only Almighty God, the Father: Creator of heaven and earth: of all things visible and invisible.
And in one only Lord Jesus Christ, God's only Son, who is born of the Father before the whole world: God of God: Light of Light: very God of very God: begotten; not made: being of one substance with the Father: by whom all things were made: who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; also was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried, and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory, to judge the quick and the dead: whose Kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Lord, the Holy Ghost, who maketh alive: who proceedeth from the Father and the Son: who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and together glorified: who spake by the Prophets.
And one holy, Christian apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and look for the resurrection of the dead, and a life of the world to come, Amen.

The Athanasian Creed

from the year 333.

Whosoever will be saved, before all things he must hold the right Christian faith.
Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
But this is the right Christian faith, that we worship one only God in Trinity, and Trinity in one Godhead.
And do not confound the Persons; nor divide the divine Substance.
There is another Person of the Father: another of the Son: another of the Holy Ghost.
But the Father and Son and Holy Ghost is one only God, equal in glory: equal in eternal Majesty.
Such as the Father is, such is the Son: such is also the Holy Ghost.
The Father is uncreated: the Son is uncreated: the Holy Ghost is uncreated.
The Father is incomprehensible: the Son is incomprehensible: the Holy Ghost is incomprehensible.
The Father is eternal: the Son is eternal: the Holy Ghost is eternal.
And yet they are not three Eternals; but one Eternal.
Likewise they are not three Uncreated; nor three Incomprehensibles; but one Uncreated and one Incomprehensible.
So likewise the Father is Almighty: the Son is Almighty: the Holy Ghost is Almighty.
And yet they are not three Almighties; but it is one Almighty.
So the Father is God: the Son is God: the Holy Ghost is God.
And yet they are not three Gods; but there is one God.
So the Father is Lord: the Son is Lord: the Holy Ghost is Lord.
And yet they are not three Lords; but it is one Lord.
For like as we are compelled by the Christian truth to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord.
So are we forbidden by the Christian faith to say, there be three Gods, or three Lords.
The Father is made of none: neither created, nor born.
The Son is of the Father alone: not made, nor created, but born.
The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created, nor born; but proceeding.
So there is one Father, not three Fathers: one Son, not three Sons: one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.
And in this Trinity none is afore, none is after another: none is greater, none is less.
But the whole three Persons are co-eternal together, and co-equal.
So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the three Persons in one Godhead, and one God in three Persons is to be worshipped.
He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the three Persons in God.
Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation: that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man.
God, of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds: Man, of the Substance of His Mother, born in the world.
Perfect God: perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.
Equal to the Father, as touching His Godhead: inferior to the Father, as touching His Manhood.
Who although He be God and Man; yet He is not two, but one Christ.
One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh; but by taking of the Manhood into God.
One altogether; not by confusion of Substance; but by unity of Person.
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man; so God and Man is one Christ.
Who suffered for our salvation: descended into hell: rose again the third day from the dead.
He ascended into heaven: He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty.
From whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies.
And shall give account for their own works.
And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.
This is the right Christian Faith: which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.

Catechism for Evangelical Christians.

I. The holy Ten Commandments of God.

The first Commandment.
I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

The second Commandment.
Thou shalt not take the Name of thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.

The third Commandment.
Thou shalt keep the sabbath day holy.

The fourth Commandment.
Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

The fifth Commandment.
Thou shalt not kill.

The sixth Commandment.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.

The seventh Commandment.
Thou shalt not steal.

The eighth Commandment.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

The ninth Commandment.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.

The tenth Commandment.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, manservant, maidservant, cattle, or anything that is his.
[Exodus Chap. 20, v. 5 & 6] For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

II. The Apostolic Creed.
I believe in God the Father, etc. [see Liturgy p. 14.]

III. The Prayer of the Lord.
Our Father, etc. [see Liturgy p. 17.]

IV. The Sacrament of Baptism.
[Our Lord Christ speaks, in the last chapter of Matthew]: Go ye into all the world, and teach all nations, and baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
[Our Lord Christ speaks, in the last chapter of Mark]: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

V. The Sacrament of the Altar.
[Thus write the holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul]: Our Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed, etc. [see Liturgy p. 21.]

[Gospel of St. Matthew Chap. 22, V. 37 to 39]* Thou shalt love God, thy Lord, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
* This is called the Sum of the Law.

[Gospel of St. John Chap. 20, V. 21 to 23]* Then said Jesus to them again: Peace be unto you! As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.
* This is called the Office of the Keys, and the Absolution refers to this, see Liturgy p. 30.

Appendix

of Prayers.

1. For Christmas.
Lord God, heavenly Father! We thank Thee for Thy great grace and mercy, that Thou hast let Thine only-begotten Son become man for our sake, and through Him hast graciously saved us from sin and from eternal death, and we beseech Thee, enlighten our hearts through Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be thankful for such Thy grace, and comfort ourselves with the same in all distress and temptation, through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

2. For New Year.
Lord God, heavenly Father! from whom we without ceasing receive all manner of good things entirely unmerited, and are graciously protected daily from all evil, we beseech Thee, grant us by Thy Spirit all this, even in this new year, to recognize with our whole heart in true faith, to praise Thy mild goodness and mercy for it here and there eternally, and to praise Thee through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

3. On Maundy Thursday.
Almighty, eternal God! grant that we may so remember and proclaim the wonderful Sacrament of the Body, Suffering, and Death of Thy Son, as He has commanded us, and that Thou mayest grant us to make use of it, so that we thereby may become daily more partakers of His redemption, through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

4. On Good Friday.
Merciful, eternal God! Thou who hast allowed Thy Son to suffer the disgrace of the cross for us, that Thou mightest drive the power of the enemy from us, grant us to celebrate this holy Festival, and to remember our Redeemer in such a way, that we may obtain the redemption of sins won by His death, through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

5. For Easter.
Lord God, heavenly Father! Thou who hast given Thy Son to death for our sins, and hast raised Him for our justification, we beseech Thee, Thou wouldst give us Thy Spirit, to govern and lead us through Him, to keep us in the true faith, to protect us from all sins, and finally to raise us up again after this life to eternal life, through the same, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

6. On Repentance Day.
Almighty God, heavenly Father! Thou who hast no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but rather desirest that he turn and live, we beseech Thee heartily, Thou wouldst graciously turn away the well-deserved punishments for our sins from us, and lead us to repentance, to grant us Thy mercy mildly, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

7. On Ascension Day.
Almighty God! grant us, that we, who believe that Thine only-begotten Son, our Savior, has ascended to heaven, may also walk and dwell with Him spiritually, in a spiritual nature, through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

8. For Pentecost.
Lord God, dear Father! Thou who hast enlightened and taught the hearts of Thy believers through Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, that we also by the same Spirit may have a right understanding of Thine essence and will, and at all times rejoice in His comfort and His power, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

9. For the Commemoration of the Dead.
Almighty, eternal God! Thou who hast brought the death of Thy Son, sin, and death to naught, and hast restored innocence and eternal life through His resurrection, so that we, redeemed from the fear of death, may live in Thy Kingdom: grant us that we may believe this with all our heart, and in such faith steadfastly praise and thank Thee at all times, through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

10. Litany.
Eternal, Almighty God! have mercy upon us; Lord, hear our prayer! Lord, God, Father in Heaven, Lord, Son of God, Redeemer of the world, Lord, God, Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us! Be gracious, beautiful, and helpful to us, dear Lord God! Preserve us from all sins, from all error, from all evil, from deceit and the cunning of the evil one, from pestilence and famine, from war, from rebellion and discord, from hail and tempest, from fire and distress, from an unhappy sudden death, from eternal death. Help us, dear Lord! by Thy holy Birth, by Thy Cross and Thy Death, by Thy Resurrection and Ascension, in the hour of death, in the Last Judgment. Hear us, dear Lord God, we beseech Thee, we poor sinners, that Thou wouldst graciously protect and shield Thy holy Christian Church; that Thou wouldst preserve all Bishops, Teachers, and Ministers in true doctrine and a holy life; avert false doctrine and offense, call back all those wandering and led astray, grant victory over all our spiritual enemies; send faithful laborers into Thy harvest, accompany the Word with Thy Spirit and power; help and comfort the troubled and heavy-hearted; bestow peace and harmony upon Kings and Princes; bless, comfort, and protect our beloved King and His House and His relatives, and all loyal Officials, and bless the Government; strengthen and protect the Armed Forces; rescue all who are in distress and danger; protect and help the pregnant women, refresh the sick, free the innocent captives, protect and provide for the widows and orphans, the poor and oppressed, and grant a reconciling heart toward our enemies and persecutors, and turn their hearts; that Thou wouldst guide and protect travelers by Thine holy Angels; bless the fruits of the earth, mining, seafaring, and other lawful branches of nourishment, and grant grace to use all such rightly; that Thou wouldst have mercy upon all men, and graciously hear us. O! Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us! O! Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, redeem us, dear Lord God! Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, give us Thy peace and blessing! Christ, hear our prayer! Lord, have mercy upon us! Christ, have mercy upon us! Lord, have mercy upon us! Deal not with us according to our sins, and reward us not according to our iniquities.
Let us pray. Lord, Almighty God! Thou who hearest the supplication of the penitent, and comfortest troubled hearts, hear the prayer which we bring before Thee in our distress, and help us, that through the power of Thy Spirit all that the evil one, sin, and the world inflict upon us may be destroyed and brought to naught, and we, delivered from all evil, may bring Thee praise and thanks in Thy Church continually, through Thine Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

11. On Good Friday and for the Commemoration of the Dead.
Prepare us more and more for a blessed end; especially in our last hour of death, drive from us all temptations, and increase our faith in Thy Son Jesus, that we may overcome all terrors of death. When then our ears can hear no more, let Thy Spirit bear witness to our spirit, that we are Thy children and Christ's co-heirs, that we shall soon be with Jesus by Thee in Heaven. When then our eyes can see no more, open to us the eyes of our faith, that we may then see Thine Heaven open before us, and the Lord Jesus at the right hand of His Father, and we may be where He is! When then our tongue can speak no more, let Thy Spirit intercede for us with unutterable groanings, and teach everyone to cry in their heart: Father! into Thy hands I commend my spirit! Grant also, faithful God! that we may live in Thy fear; die in Thy grace; journey hence in Thy peace; rest in the grave under Thine protection, and rise again by Thy power, and inherit the blessed hope, eternal life, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, together with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory, honor and majesty, now and evermore. Amen.

12. On Patriotic Festivals.
Thou hast made a memorial of Thy wonders, gracious and merciful Lord, among us founded, and children's children will praise what Thou hast done to us and to the peoples of the earth in greatness. Fulfill, O all-good God, with the Spirit of Wisdom, of Counsel, and of Harmony, all the Christian Rulers of Europe. Bless and protect especially the Holy Alliance and the Monarchs who concluded it, in faith in Thee, and Thy Son, the Redeemer of the World, to govern their peoples and to make them happy. Let Thine holy work prosper to the praise of Thy great Name, to the promotion of the general welfare, so that peace, order, and justice may prevail everywhere, and our latest descendants may still rejoice gratefully in Thy blessings. Grant, O Lord! that these pious feelings may animate every soul, who communally with us celebrate today's memorial of the glorious victory of Leipzig (Paris, Belle-Alliance).

13. For alternative use before the Epistle.
Almighty God! Thou who governest and rulest the whole Christendom most holily by Thy Holy Spirit, hear our prayer and grant graciously, that it, with all its members, may serve Thee in pure faith by Thy grace, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

14.
Almighty God! grant us the right true faith, and increase the same daily in us; grant us also true love and hope, that we may please Thee and our neighbor, through Jesus Christ, Thine Son, our Lord. Amen.

15.
Lord! we beseech Thee, grant us at all times to desire and do by Thy Spirit what is right, that we, who cannot be without Thee, may live according to Thee through Jesus Christ Thine Son, our Lord. Amen.

16.
Almighty God, who hast graciously permitted us to bring before Thee our unanimous and communal prayers, and hast assured us, when two or three are gathered in Thy Name: Thou wilt fulfill the wishes and requests of Thy servants, as is fitting for them, and grant us in this world the knowledge of the truth, and in the next eternal life, through Jesus Christ Thine Son, our Lord. Amen.