These may be used in the preceding forms for Public Worship.
1. Eternal God, our Maker and our Lord; Giver of all grace; from whom every good gift cometh, and who pourest Thy Spirit upon all who seek Thee; deliver us, when we draw nigh to Thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind; that with steadfast thoughts and pure affections we may worship Thee in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. Lord God of heaven and earth, who hast made the Church Thy dwellingplace, and chosen it as Thy rest for ever, and hast taught us in Thy Word not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together; regard us in Thy mercy, we beseech Thee, and send Thy Holy Spirit upon us; that our worship may prepare us, both to serve Thee now, and to glorify Thee hereafter in Thine eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. 0 God, who hast promised, that in all places where Thou dost record Thy Name, Thou wilt meet with Thy servants to bless them ; fulfill now Thy promise, and make us joyful in Thy house of prayer ; that our worship, being offered in the Name of Thy Son, and by the guidance of Thy Spirit, may be acceptable unto Thee, and profitable unto ourselves; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. Almighty Lord and everlasting God, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, much less the temples which our hands have builded, but who art ever nigh unto the humble and contrite ; pour Thy Holy Spirit, we beseech Thee, upon all here assembled; that, being cleansed and illumined by His grace, we may worthily show forth Thy praise, meekly learn Thy Word, render due thanks for Thy mercies, and obtain a gracious answer to our prayers, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
5. O God, Light of the hearts that know Thee, and Life of the souls that love Thee, and Strength of the thoughts that seek Thee; from whom to be turned away is to fall, to whom to turn is to rise, and in whom to abide is to stand fast for ever; grant us now Thy forgiveness and blessing, as we are assembled to offer up our confession and supplications; and though we are unworthy to approach Thee, or to ask anything of Thee at all, vouchsafe to hear and to answer us, for the sake of our great High Priest and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O LORD, our God, we thank Thee for the privilege of gathering in this consecrated place for meditation upon Thy holy Word. We pray that Thou wouldst sanctify us in the truth: Thy Word is truth. Thy Word abideth for ever, though heaven and earth shall pass away. For ever let it be our joy, for ever our comfort; for unless Thy Word be our delight, we must perish in our affliction. Awaken Thou, O Lord, the souls of all men, that they may receive Thy holy Word which is able to save their souls, that they may keep it, love mercy, and walk humbly before Thee. Let Thy holy Spirit enlighten all who are called to teach Thy Word, enabling them to proclaim it in its purity and with power. Remind all parents of their duty to impart Thy Word early unto their children. Grant, that Thy Word prove its power with us, controlling our conscience, purifying our thoughts, and directing our minds, so that we may keep it in everyday life with sincerity of purpose. Grant, that we may be doers of Thy Word, and not hearers only, lest we delude ourselves; that we may be guided into all truth, walking before Thee blamelessly.
To this end, O Father, bless the preaching of Thy Word in this hallowed hour, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FATHER of mercies, we thank Thee for the blessed Sabbath, on which Thou dost gather Thy children in a special way, that they may rest in Thee and receive rich spiritual blessings. We thank Thee for having given us boldness to draw nigh unto Thee in the Name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, through whom Thou hast bought us with a price, that we should be Thine own, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Speak O Lord; we, Thy servants, hear. Speak unto us Thy word of truth and love, that our souls may be refreshed, our hearts comforted, our minds enlightened; that we may rejoice in Thee, the God of our salvation, and delight in serving Thee in spirit and truth. Let the heavenly seed of Thy Word take root in our souls, spring up, and bear abundant fruit. Help us to hallow this whole Sabbath day in such a manner, that the influences of this hour of devotion may not be removed from us through frivolous conversation or sinful diversions. Let the blessings of this day remain with us throughout the entire week, yea, throughout our earthly life, enabling us to render unto Thee a continuous and acceptable service here below, until Thou wilt receive us into Thy courts above, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord. Amen.
FATHER of light, who makest the sun cover the earth with brightness, send the light of Thine eternal truth into our benighted souls, that it may dispel all darkness of sin and all gloom of despair; that we may know Thee, and in such knowledge have liberty and life. We realize that, left to ourselves, we grope in darkness; the imagination of our heart is evil from our youth; and we cannot come unto Thee, nor attain unto righteousness, save through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, we beseech Thee, grant us understanding of Thy holy Word, which Thou hast given as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Sun of righteousness, whom the Father hath sent for a light unto the nations, in Thee is the fountain of life, and through Thee shall we see light. O Lord and Master, we would walk with Thee as the children of light; but the darkness within us is yet so great that we often fail to see Thee and Thy path. As Thou in the days of Thine earthly pilgrimage didst open the eyes of the blind, that they could see and follow Thee, so do Thou now open the eyes of our understanding, that we may behold Thy salvation. Cause Thy face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
Holy Spirit, without whom no man can call Jesus, Lord, make us to see the truth as it is in Jesus, and bring the message of this day home to our hearts with such power, that it may accompany and guide us throughout the whole week.
O Holy Triune God, grant us grace to walk in Thy light, until we shall see Thee face to face. Amen.
ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank Thee for the manifold and gracious manifestations of Thine eternal love and power. The heavens declare Thy glory, and the earth is full of Thy goodness. Day by day Thou openest Thy hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. But our souls rejoice most of all in the revelation of Thy love in Thy dear Son, in whom we behold the brightness of Thy glory and the express image of Thy person. Through Him Thou hast reconciled our sinstricken world unto Thyself, and hast restored unto man righteousness and eternal life. For such abundance of Thy grace we offer unto Thee unceasing praise and thanksgiving, and would to-day consecrate ourselves anew to Thy service. Graciously accept our humble sacrifice. Sanctify our hearts through Thy Holy Spirit, and fill us with Thy peace that passeth all understanding. Draw nigh unto us, O Father, as we are gathered around Thy holy Word, and draw us into closer communion with Thy dear Son, that through faith in Him we may be drawn away from all ungodliness and sinful lust, strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. Create in us, O God, clean hearts, and fill us with Thy love; work Thou in us, both to will and to do, what is pleasing in Thy sight, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
LORD GOD, Thou art light, and in Thee is no darkness. Thou hast sent Thine only begotten Son into the world, that whosoever followeth Him, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. We pray that on this Sabbath morn Thou wouldst send unto us Thy light and Thy truth to lead us. Let Thy Word, as it is preached unto us this hour, be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Let Thy Holy Spirit so direct its searching rays that we may be freed from all self-deception and see ourselves, as Thou dost see us. Cast out from us all sinful pride, and cleanse us from all impurities of the flesh and spirit, that Thou mayest fill us with Thy good and perfect gifts and make Thine abode with us. Restore in us Thy holy image, so that we may live in blessed communion with Thee, enjoying a sweet foretaste of the perfect communion with Thee in heaven. Let Thy Holy Spirit strive with those who yet despise and reject Thy blessed Gospel, that they may experience its power unto salvation, that Thy kingdom may spread from shore to shore, and souls be saved to sin no more. Grant these our petitions, O Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
O GOD, Father of mercies and God of all comfort! By Thy grace we have assembled to worship before Thee in holy fear. We are but dust and ashes and have taken upon ourselves to speak to Thee. Thou hast said, Seek ye My face; therefore, Thy face, O Lord, will we seek and wait upon Thy counsel. Lord, we love the habitation of Thy house and the place where Thy glory dwelleth, that we may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. We praise Thee, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. From of old Thou hast blessed Thy people with spiritual blessings in the heavenly places through Christ. In Him and through Him bless us now, and continue to pour out upon us Thy blessings, that we may ever be the blessed of the Lord. Grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that He may guide us into all truth; the Spirit of grace, that He may confirm us in the faith; the Spirit of prayer, that He may establish our communion with Thee; the Spirit of power, that He may enable us to fight the good fight; the Spirit of peace and hope, that He may guard our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus unto eternal life. Amen.
LORD GOD eternal, who wast, art, and shalt be, graciously look down upon this congregation gathered here in Thy Name. Bless us in this hour, as Thou hast blessed us in times past out of the fullness of Thy love and faithfulness. Awaken within us a heartfelt desire and a holy zeal to seek the one thing needful. Grant, that by Thy power, every work of darkness in our hearts may be destroyed, and that we may be built upon Thy Son Jesus Christ, the only foundation of our faith. Graciously open the eyes of our understanding as we consider Thy holy Word, that we may see Thee as Thou art, and see ourselves as we are, and realize what we must become, if we would attain unto the glory Thou hast prepared for Thy children.
O Thou God of all grace, who hast called us unto Thine eternal glory in Christ, perfect, establish and strengthen us through the power of Thy Holy Spirit, as we now worship before Thee. In the Name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, we ask it. Amen.
ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would approach Thee this morning with heartfelt gratitude. We thank Thee for Thy precious gift, this sacred day of rest, the day that bids us remember all Thy goodness and mercy which Thou hast manifested unto us in the great work of creation, redemption and sanctification. Let it be a Sabbath of rest to our souls. Sanctify us by Thy Spirit, that we may consecrate this day unto Thee. Come Thou and dwell in us, that we may rest in Thee. Cleanse us from all impurities of flesh and spirit, that not only to-day, but throughout all the days of our life, our body and soul may be sanctified. Grant, that, as we go about the performance of our daily duties, our hearts and thoughts may be directed unto Thee, so that our whole life may be worship pure and undefiled before Thee, our God and Father. Let us through faith in Thy Son enjoy that peace which the world cannot give. Comfort us in our daily work and in the toil of our hands with the blessed assurance of the fullness of eternal joy and rest in Thy presence. And when, at last, Thou shalt call us away from the land of our sojournings, wilt Thou graciously grant that we may become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. All this we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
LORD GOD, our heavenly Father, blessed be Thy holy Name for ever and ever. Oh, that we might ascribe unto Thee the glory due unto Thy great Name for the blessed Gospel of salvation, wherein Thou hast revealed unto us the wonderful riches of Thy lovingkindness. We humbly beseech Thee, enlighten and rule us by Thy Holy Spirit, that with open and sincere hearts we may hear and receive Thy holy Word; and grant, that, as we remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, we may by the power of Thy Holy Spirit be sanctified in Thy truth.
Enlighten and strengthen the ministers of Thy Word by Thy Holy Spirit, that, fully assured in their own minds and constrained by the love of Christ, they may proclaim the Gospel with power in all its truth and purity.
Give us grace, that we may set all our assurance and hope on Jesus Christ, Thy Son; that we may evermore endeavor perfectly to conform our lives to the beautiful counsels of Thy Word; that we may avoid giving offense; that with ever increasing faithfulness we may follow our Saviour, and, when life's journey is ended enter Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.
GOD of all grace, we have assembled in Thy house to meditate upon Thy precious Word with which Thou hast blessed us, that we might become wise unto the salvation of our souls. Oh grant, that we may be profoundly conscious of Thy divine presence, and in humility bow down before Thee; that we may turn from the vanities of earth to the eternal realities of the heavenly places, and waiting upon Thee, be enlightened to apprehend Thy love in Christ which passeth all knowledge. To this end grant us, O God, Thy Holy Spirit and bless Thy Word unto each one according to our individual needs.
Grant, that the indifferent may be aroused, the weak strengthened, the afflicted comforted, and our souls be saved for Thy great mercies' sake, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
HOLY, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. To Him we lift up our hearts and Him we worship in reverence and holy fear.
Lord, Thy greatness is inconceivable. The heavens tell of Thy glory and the whole earth proclaims Thy wisdom; the seas bear witness to Thy goodness and omnipotence, yea, all that breathes do praise Thee, and all the blessed spirits bow before Thee in adoration, for Thou alone art worthy to receive praise and honor, power and glory. Hallelujah!
Lord, we worship and glorify Thee and utter our praises before Thee, who art holy and dwellest in the sanctuary, who hast need of no creature, but hast in Thyself the fullness of all perfection. But we are imperfect and unclean; we have sinned before Thee, and are not worthy to lift up our eyes unto Thee, who dwellest in perfect holiness. Therefore we humble ourselves before Thy majesty and confess to Thee all the sins we have committed in thought, word and deed, openly as well as in secret, those known to us, and those known only to Thee, the All-knowing One. But trusting in Thy great mercy, we come to Thee confidently, as those who have free access to the throne of Thy grace through Thine only begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour. To Thee we lift up our voices and pray, O God, be merciful unto us who are sinners; cast us not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. Purify our hearts from all uncleanness; renew and sanctify our minds; draw our thoughts and desires away from the things of the earth and from all worldly cares, and make us worthy to serve Thee not only this day, but throughout all the days of our life, that the offerings of our prayers and our praises may be acceptable unto Thee. Teach us the truth of Thy Word and reveal unto us the glad message of righteousness, that we may hear and learn it gladly, keep it in honest and good hearts, and be willing doers of Thy Word, bringing forth fruit in patience. Graciously regard all Thy people that wait upon the riches of Thy mercy. Be near unto all who seek Thy presence this day, who call earnestly upon Thee, lifting up holy hands without wrath and disputing, at all times and in every place. Hear Thou our petitions and prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen.
ALMIGHTY and merciful God and Father! Gathered in Thy sanctuary, we call upon Thee to fill us with the spirit of grace and prayer, that we may not worship Thee with our lips only, but that we may draw near unto Thee with our hearts and worship Thee in spirit and truth. We come to Thee with praise and thanksgiving for the guidance and protection which we have enjoyed during the past week and throughout all our life, especially in the hours of trial and affliction. In the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Thy Son, we pray Thee that Thou wouldst be gracious and merciful toward us who are weak and sinful, for, since the days of our youth, we have in many ways transgressed Thy holy commandments. But enter Thou not into judgment with Thy servants, and deal not with us according to our sins; have mercy upon us according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies.
And, as Thou hast commanded us to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, we beseech Thee to open our hearts, to the end that we may be benefited by the hearing of Thy Word, grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and have life through faith in Him. Help us to receive humbly the chastenings of Thy Word, and to bring our life and conduct into better conformity with it, so that we may become more fruitful.
Watch over us, O Lord, during this new week and throughout all the remaining days of our life. Be Thou a wall of fire round about us and all those who are near and dear to us, and protect us from all sorrow and misfortune. Guide us in all our ways and keep Thou our going out and our coming in from this time forth and for evermore. Amen.
HOW AMIABLE are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! Our hearts are glad and exult in Thee, as we gather in Thy house to call upon Thy Name and proclaim Thy living Word. We praise Thy holy Name that Thou hast revealed unto us Thy grace in Christ Jesus and hast made known unto us the way of life, and art even now ready to speak to us through the preaching of Thy Word. We beseech Thee humbly, do not remember our sins, but forgive us our iniquities and transgressions, for we daily sin greatly and well deserve nothing but punishment. But Thou art gracious and merciful. Therefore, blot out all our wickedness for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Saviour.
Be Thou with us even now, as we are assembled before Thee, and enlighten our understanding through Thy good and holy Spirit, that we may hear Thy Word aright, consider it diligently and keep it in an honest and good heart. Sanctify us more and more, that we may become better fitted to serve Thee sincerely, and to worship Thee in spirit and truth. Make us perfect in every good work to do Thy will, and work in us that which is wellpleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
O HOLY and eternal God, Thou who dwellest in the heavens and with those of a contrite heart and who honor Thy Word! We come before Thee as disobedient children to acknowledge our transgressions, because we have sinned much, from infancy until this day, with evil thoughts, words and deeds, even as Thou, O Lord, knowest us to be guilty, and we ourselves feel and recognize it most deeply. We repent sincerely, O Lord, and in deep sorrow and humility seek Thy mercy and pardon. Be Thou gracious unto us, O Lord and Father. Forgive us our many sins according to Thine infinite lovingkindness. Renew and sanctify us through Thy Holy Spirit and lead us unto life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
O great and glorious God, praised by all the angels and saints in heaven! Give to us poor creatures grace sufficient to worship Thee sincerely and to serve Thee in ways acceptable unto Thee. Help us now to stand reverently in Thy presence with a believing heart and a mind inclined toward that which is heavenly. Guide our thoughts and desires, sanctify our devotions, consecrate our hearts, and let the words of our lips and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer! Hear our prayers for Jesus' sake, and graciously bestow upon us all that is needful for our temporal welfare and eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
O MERCIFUL and faithful God, Father of our Saviour and Master, who with the Son and the Holy Spirit dost reign eternally; we praise Thee for all the gifts of Thy goodness and mercy which we are continuously receiving by Thy lovingkindness. Thou hast graciously kept and protected us, so that we are again privileged to observe joyously this Thy day with all Thy children. We thank Thee especially, that we are dwelling in the fullness of the light of Thy Gospel of salvation, through which we may learn to know Thee better and to serve Thee more, to the end, that we may live and die as Christians. We beseech Thee, our heavenly Father, that Thou wouldst preserve this gracious light for us and our children. And in order that we may be acceptable unto Thee, and remain in the adoption of sons, wouldst Thou forgive us all our sins and transgressions for the sake of Thy beloved Son, our Lord and our Redeemer. Sanctify us through Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to renounce the world and all earthly desires, and find our greatest joy in serving Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days. And now, as we are gathered here to hallow Thy day of rest, do Thou give us grace to hear Thy Word gladly, to ponder upon it faithfully and to keep it in a pure heart. May we not only this day, but all the remaining days of our pilgrimage, cease from every evil work, and finally join all the elect, the saints and the angels, on that eternal Sabbath in Thy presence, there in unending bliss to praise with them Thy great and mighty deeds. We ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
LORD, our God, how amiable are Thy tabernacles! We love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. We come into Thy presence with praise and thanksgiving, for Thou hast proclaimed to us Thy Word of truth and established the glory of Thy holy Name. We thank Thee that Thou hast manifested Thy tender mercy toward us, through Jesus Christ our Lord; and taught us the way of life, and dost call us to a life of bliss and everlasting salvation by the preaching of Thy holy Word.
We humbly beseech Thee, not to remember against us our manifold iniquities. Let Thy mercy abound with us, and quicken our souls with the assurance of Thy lovingkindness toward all those who seek Thy countenance with contrite hearts. Pardon and deliver us from all our sins, for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
And since we are gathered in Thy Name to rest from our daily labor and to worship Thee, we pray, that Thou wouldst open our hearts to give heed to the words that are spoken, that we may be doers of the Word of God, and not hearers only. Grant us enlightenment through the Holy Spirit to a proper understanding of Thy blessed revelation, that we may know Thy will and worship Thee in spirit and truth.
Make us ever more efficient in every good work, to do Thy will, and accomplish in us what is pleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
OUR HEAVENLY Father, merciful and eternal God, humbly do we confess our sinfulness before Thy divine Majesty. We acknowledge our sins unto Thee, and our iniquities we would not hide. We have broken Thy holy commandments with our sinful lives, provoked Thy wrath and merited punishment and condemnation.
But, O Lord, Thou art merciful to the contrite heart. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. We come unto Thee in deep contrition and pray, that Thy mercy may abound with us in our sinfulness and weakness. Wilt Thou forgive us our many sins and transgressions for our Saviour's sake, and grant us the help of the Holy Spirit, that Christ may be glorified in our hearts and lives, that sin may be cast out and we arise anew in purity, righteousness and holiness.
Help us, our Father, to understand Thy holy Word. May it be the light unto our path and the fountain of life to us. Help us to put our trust in Thee, realizing that all flesh is as grass, and that the arm of man availeth not.
May we crucify and utterly abolish the old body of sin, and give our life unto Thee as a living sacrifice to the greater glory of Thy holy Name, and to our own and our neighbor's salvation. We ask it all for our Saviour's sake, unto whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, shall be praise and honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
HOLY, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.
All we like sheep have gone astray, every one to his own way. Innumerable evils have compassed us about, our iniquities have taken hold upon us; our life is spent in grief and our years with sighing; our strength faileth us, because of our transgressions.
But in Thee do we trust. Thou wilt help us, O Lord our God. All Thy paths are mercy and truth. Thou forgivest the iniquity of our sins. Thou art our hiding-place, Thou shalt preserve us in the day of trouble.
Purify our hearts as in a refiner's fire. Hear the voice of our supplication when we cry unto Thee. We lift up our hands unto Thee. We cried unto Thee and Thou didst heal us. How great is Thy goodness laid up for them that fear Thee. Hide us in the secret of Thy presence. Amen.
ALMIGHTY and merciful God, our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord; we sincerely thank Thee for Thine unbounded love which Thou hast manifested from the beginning in Thine all-wise counsel and foreknowledge of redemption. When the fullness of time came, Thou didst send forth Thy Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life. We thank Thee for Thy manifold gifts of grace by which Thou hast delivered us out of the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son of Thy love, that we might become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
Lord, Thou art gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness. We acknowledge that we are not worthy of all these evidences of Thy mercy; for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. We do earnestly repent of our offenses, and beseech Thee, to have mercy upon us and to forgive us our sins for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Renew and multiply in us the gift of Thy holy Spirit, that we may die unto sin, but live unto Thee in Christ Jesus, that we may be filled with the knowledge of Thy will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Grant, that we may walk worthily of Thee, bearing fruit of every good work, increasing in Thy knowledge. Strengthen us with all power, according to the might of Thy glory, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We ask Thy special blessing upon the services of this day. Bless Thy people wherever they may be assembled to worship Thee, to the end, that we may enjoy the testimony of a good conscience and the assurance of Thy favor; and, finally,
when our pilgrimage here is ended, graciously receive us into the realms of peace and glory and life eternal. We ask it in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.