Alternative Forms of Service (2009): The Holy Communion: Second Order

THE HOLY COMMUNION
SECOND ORDER

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

A psalm, hymn, canticle, or anthem may be sung as the ministers enter or after the Greeting..

The priest may greet the people.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

In Eastertide
Christ is risen. Alleluia! Alleluia!
He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Alleluia!

A sentence of Scripture may be read (see pages 10-13, 18-20, and 32-34), and the minister may introduce the theme of the service. 

This Prayer of Preparation is said.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

This Hymn of Praise (Gloria in excelsis) is said or sung. Other versions of this canticle may be used, or when appropriate, another suitable hymn of praise.

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly king,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. AMEN

The priest says

Let us pray

The priest then says the Collect of the Day. 

Other Collects contained in this Book or authorized by the Bishop may follow.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

The Scripture readings follow, one from the Old Testament and one or two from the New Testament. A reading from the Gospels is always included.

After each reading the reader may say

Hear the word of the Lord,
Thanks be to God.

A psalm or a portion of a psalm may be sung or said after the First Reading from the Old Testament, or a suitable hymn or song may be sung.

If two readings from the New Testament are read, a canticle, psalm, hymn, anthem, song, or acclamation may be sung before the Gospel reading.

All stand for the Gospel reading.

The reader may say

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to… [chapter… verse…]
Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.

After the Gospel, the reader may say

This is the Gospel of the Lord,

or

[For] the Gospel of the Lord,
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

The Sermon is preached here or after the creed.

On Sundays the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed is said or sung, all standing. This version of the Nicene Creed or another authorized version may be used.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge
the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. AMEN.

or

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father,
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.

The Sermon is preached here if it has not been preached earlier.

A hymn or song may follow.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

One or more members of the congregation may pray, using the form on page 134 or a suitable alternative (see pages 78-84 and page164).

If there is no communion, a collection may be taken here and a hymn or other song may be sung and the service may conclude with the Lord’s Prayer, other authorized prayers at the discretion of the minister, and the Grace or the Blessing.

PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER

Then the priest or one of the other ministers says

You who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are reconciled and at peace with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking in his holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to strengthen and comfort you. But first, let us make a humble confession of our sins to Almighty God.

A pause for self-examination may be observed.

All then say this General Confession, kneeling

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all people, we acknowledge and lament our many sins and the wickedness we have committed time after time, by thought, word and deed against your divine majesty. We have provoked your righteous anger and your indignation against us. We earnestly repent, and are deeply sorry for these our wrongdoings; the memory of them weighs us down, the burden of them is too great for us to bear. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that from this time forward we may always serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

The priest (or the bishop if he is present) stands and pronounces this Absolution.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all who with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him: have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

The priest says one or more of these sentences.

Hear the comfortable words that our Lord Jesus Christ says to those who truly turn to him.

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: 28

For so God loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16

Hear also what Saint Paul says.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1: 15 Hear also what Saint John says.

If anyone sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2: 1, 2

All stand. The Greeting of the Peace may be given by the priest.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Also with you.

The priest and the people may share with one another a sign of peace, such as a handclasp or other similar action, and may say these or similar words Peace be with you. This may be introduced with the words Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

The offerings of the people are collected and brought to the Lord’s Table. A hymn or song may be sung.

THE THANKSGIVING

Bread and wine for the communion are placed on the Lord’s Table. The priest says the following Prayer of Consecration and Thanksgiving.

[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, and our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God

On certain days a special preface is said here; otherwise the priest and people together continue

Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.]

Special Prefaces

In Advent
Because you sent your Son Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin and death and to make us inheritors of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may with joy behold his appearing, and in confidence may stand before him. Therefore with angels, etc.

At Christmas, Presentation, Annunciation
Because you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be born for us. By the work of the Holy Spirit he was made true man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother. He was without sin, to make us free from all sin. Therefore with angels, etc.

At Epiphany and the Transfiguration
Because in coming to dwell among us as man, your Son Jesus Christ revealed the radiance of your glory and brought us out of darkness into your own marvelous light. Therefore with angels, etc.

In Lent
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was in every way tempted as we are; yet remained sinless. By his grace we are able to overcome our sinful desires and to live not for ourselves, but for our Lord who died for us and rose from the dead. Therefore with angels, etc.

In Passiontide and Holy Week
Through Jesus Christ our Lord who, though he is one with you and the Holy Spirit, humbled himself and was obedient, even to death on a cross, that we might have life through him. Therefore with angels, etc.

In Eastertide
But chiefly we praise you for the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true Passover lamb who was offered for us and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death; by his rising to life again he has restored to us eternal life. Therefore with, etc.

In Ascensiontide
Through your most dearly loved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. After his glorious resurrection, he revealed himself to all his apostles. In their sight, he ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us, so that we might also ascend to where he is and reign with him in glory. Therefore with angels, etc.

On the Day of Pentecost (or Whitsunday)
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whose sure promise the Holy Spirit came down from heaven upon the apostles with the sound of a mighty wind and in tongues of fire. He came to teach them and to lead them into all truth. He enabled them to speak other languages and gave them continuing boldness to preach fervently the gospel to all nations. By that gospel we have been brought out of darkness and error into the light and into true knowledge of you and of your Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with angels, etc.

On Trinity Sunday
Who is one God, one Lord, not one person but three persons in one substance. What we believe of the glory of the Father, we believe also of the glory of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with angels, etc.

On All Saints and Saints’ days
Who, in your multitude of saints has given us an example of godly living; that rejoicing in their fellowship, we may run with perseverance the race that is set before us, and with them receive the crown of glory, that does not fade. Therefore with angels, etc.

On other occasions
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the true high priest who has cleansed us from sin and made us a royal priesthood called to serve you for ever. Therefore with angels, etc.

After each of these prefaces the priest and people together continue

Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.]

The priest continues

All glory to you, almighty God, our heavenly Father, for in your tender mercy you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and who instituted, and in his holy gospel commanded us to continue, a perpetual memory of his precious death, until his coming again:

Hear us, merciful Father, we humbly pray, and grant by the power of your Holy Spirit we who receive these gifts of your creation, this bread and this wine, according to your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of the death that he suffered, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood.

The priest takes the bread into his hand and says

On the night he was betrayed, our Saviour took bread; and, when he had given thanks, he broke 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.

He takes the cup into his hands

In the same manner, after supper he took the cup; and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: Drink this all of you, this is my blood of the new covenant 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.

Father, with these your holy gifts we do as our Saviour commanded; we remember his precious death and passion, mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension, giving you thanks for the innumerable benefits that they procured for us.

Accept, we pray, merciful Father, this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and grant that by the death and merits of your Son and by faith in his blood, we and all your church may receive forgiveness of sins and all other benefits of his passion.

And we offer ourselves, our souls and our bodies, to you, O Lord, to be a living sacrifice, humbly praying that all who eat this bread and drink this cup may be filled with your grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with your Son Jesus Christ, that he may dwell in them, and they in him. Although we are unworthy to offer you any sacrifice, accept this our duty and service, through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all honor and glory be yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

If the Lord’s Prayer has not already been said, it is said here or after the communion. The priest says

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. AMEN.

or

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 BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND THE COMMUNION

The priest breaks the bread. This may be done in silence or the following may be said.

We who are many are one body in Christ,
for we all share in one bread.

The Prayer of Humble Access may be said

We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. AMEN. 

The priest and other communicants receive the holy communion.

Those who distribute the bread and deliver the cup may say

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

or

The priest may say

Come let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance that he died for us and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

Those who distribute the bread and deliver the cup may say

The body of Christ keep you in eternal life. AMEN.
The blood of Christ keep you in eternal life. AMEN.

or

The body of Christ, the bread of heaven. AMEN.
The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. AMEN.

THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE

If the Lord’s Prayer has not been said earlier, it is said here. This or another thanksgiving (see pages 143 and 185-186) is then said.

Almighty and ever-living God, we heartily thank you that you graciously feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ. By this you assure us of your favour and goodness towards us; that we are truly members of the mystical body of your Son, the blessed company of all faithful people, and that we are also heirs, through hope, of your eternal kingdom, by the merits of the precious death and passion of your dear Son. We humbly implore you, heavenly Father, to so assist us with your grace that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and to do all the good works which you have prepared for us walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and for ever. AMEN.

A hymn may be sung, which may be the Gloria in excelsis (see page 148) if it has not already been used elsewhere in the service.

One of the Collects on pages 145-147 or another suitable Collect may be said.

The priest says this or another suitable Blessing.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. AMEN.

A final song or hymn may be sung.

The deacon or another minister may say

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
In the name of Christ. AMEN.

or

In Eastertide:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia!
In the name of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!

or

Go in peace to share the good news.
In the name of Christ. AMEN.

or 

In Eastertide
Go in peace to share the good news. Alleluia! Alleluia!
In the name of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!

The ministers and people depart.

NOTES

1. Gloria in excelsis may be used wherever a hymn is permitted instead of where indicated in the service; it may be omitted during Advent and Lent and on weekdays.

2. These forms may be used immediately after the Prayer of Preparation in addition to or in place of Gloria in excelsis.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

or

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy

Lord, have mercy

or

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal, have mercy on us.

Other versions of Kyrie elesion (‘Lord, have mercy) and Trisagion (‘Holy God’) may be used.

Kyrie elesion (‘Lord, have mercy) and Trisagion (‘Holy God’) may be repeated according to local custom or the musical setting for it. The threefold repetition of these forms is traditional.

3. A pause for reflection may be observed at any of the following: before the Collect of the Day; after each Reading; before the Confession; and after all have received the holy communion.

4. The Readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament are introduced, ‘A reading from …, chapter …, beginning at verse ….’

5. If the consecrated bread and/or wine are insufficient for the communion, the priest is to take more bread and/or wine saying the appropriate portions of the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration, beginning, ‘Merciful Father,” and ending ‘in remembrance of me.’

6. A sermon is normally preached at this service.

7. Announcements may be given before the Prayers of the People or before the final Blessing.

8. If there is no communion, the priest, a deacon, or a licensed catechist or reader may say all that is appointed, until the end of the Prayers of the People, together with one or more of the Collects and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with the Blessing or the Grace.