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.

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

THE HOLY COMMUNION
FIRST ORDER

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

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.

The Litany may be said or sung. If this is done, the Prayer of Preparation, the Ten Commandments, the Summary of the Law and the Intercession of this Order may be omitted.

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.

The priest, or one of the other ministers, reads aloud the Ten Commandments; and the people ask God’s mercy for their past transgressions, and grace to keep God’s laws in the future.

God spoke these words, and said; I am the Lord your God: You shall have none other gods but me.
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not make for yourself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: you shall not bow down to them, nor worship them. [For I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments].
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain. [For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his Name in vain.]
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. [Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. On it you shall do no work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and made it holy.]
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Honor your father and your mother: [that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you].
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not murder.
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not commit adultery.
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not steal.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Lord, have mercy on us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not covet [your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, or his female, or his ox, or his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor’s].
Lord, have mercy on us, and write these your laws in our hearts.

Or this

Our Lord Jesus said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Lord, have mercy on us, and write these your laws in our hearts.

The priest says
Let us pray.

He then says the Collect of the Day. Other Collects contained in this Book or authorized by the Bishop may follow.

A Reading from the Old Testament (or as appointed) may be read.

It is introduced, The Reading from the Old Testament is written in the ... chapter of ... beginning at verse…; and at the end, Here ends the reading.

A psalm may follow the Old Testament reading. ‘Glory to the Father…’ may be omitted.

The Epistle or Reading from the New Testament is read. It is introduced and concluded in the same manner as the Old Testament reading.

A canticle, hymn, psalm, anthem, or acclamation may be sung.

The people stand for the Gospel, which is introduced The holy Gospel is written in the ... chapter of the Gospel according to Saint..., beginning at the …verse.

The people may respond:

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel, the reader may say

This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon may be preached here, or after the creed.

The Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed is said or sung, all standing.

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.

The priest begins the Offertory, saying one or more of the sentences on pages 14-17.

While these sentences are being read, the offerings of the people are collected and brought to the priest, who reverently presents and places them on the holy table.

A hymn or anthem may also be sung during the collection.

And when there is a communion, the priest then place sufficient bread and wine on the Table or he may do so immediately before the Exhortation.

The minister may here bid special prayers and thanksgivings.

Then the person or persons appointed begin the Prayer of Intercession.

The Prayer of Intercession may follow the form printed below or one of the forms given on pages 78-84 and page 164. If one of the forms on pages 78-84 and page 164 is used, it concludes with the following:

Merciful Father,
accept these our prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

This form may also be read as continuous whole without the versicle and response after each paragraph.

Let us pray for the Church and the world, and let us thank God for his goodness.

Almighty and ever-living God, we are taught by your holy Word to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks for all people. We humbly implore you most mercifully to receive our prayers, which we offer to your Divine Majesty, asking you to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity and concord, and to grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray that you will lead the nations of the world into the ways of righteousness and peace and guide their leaders in wisdom and justice to act for the good of all people. Bless, especially we ask, the President of the United States of America, [the members of his Cabinet, the members of Congress and the Supreme Court, and the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth)]. Grant that he may impartially administer justice, restrain wickedness and vice, maintain true religion, and uphold integrity and truth.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give grace, heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers [especially N our bishop and…], that, by their life and teaching they may set forth your true, life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy sacraments.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Guide and prosper, we pray, those who are laboring for the spread of the gospel among the nations, and enlighten with your Spirit all places of education and learning; that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of your truth.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

And to all your people give your heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present, that they may receive your holy Word with reverent and obedient hearts, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

And we humbly implore you in your goodness, Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [, especially…].

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants who have died in the faith of Christ. Give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Grant this, Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. AMEN.

If there is no communion, the service concludes here with the Lord’s Prayer, other authorized prayers at the discretion of the minister, and the Grace or the Blessing.

THE PENITENTIAL PREPARATION

The priest places on the holy Table sufficient bread and wine for the communion (if he has not already done so). He may read this Exhortation.

Dearly beloved in the Lord, in coming to the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Savior Christ, consider how Saint Paul urges all persons to examine themselves, before they presume to eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a truly repentant heart and a lively faith we receive that holy sacrament; (for then we spiritually eat the body of Christ, and drink his blood; then we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we are one with Christ, and Christ with us;) so is the danger great, if we receive the sacrament unworthily. For then we are guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord; we eat and drink judgment on ourselves, eating and drinking without discerning the body of Christ. Judge yourselves truly, brothers and sisters, that you will not be judged by the Lord; repent truly for your past sins; have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Savior; amend your lives, and be in perfect love with all people; so you will be worthy partakers of these holy mysteries. And above all things you must give most humble and heartfelt thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Savior Christ, both God and man. He humbled himself, even to the death on the cross, for us unhappy sinners, who were in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And in order that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master, and only Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for us, and the innumerable benefits which he has, by the shedding of his precious blood, obtained for us, he has instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless strengthening and comfort. To him, therefore, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, let us give (as we are obligated to do) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

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 priest may say The peace of the Lord be always with you and the people may respond and 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.

A hymn may be sung.

THE THANKSGIVING

Then the priest says

[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 hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory to you, O Lord most high.

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 angels, 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 hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory to you, O Lord most high.

Then the priest kneels down at the Lord’s Table, and all join the priest in this prayer

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.

When the priest has so arranged the bread and wine, that he may with more conveniently and appropriately break the bread before the people and take the cup into his hand, he says this Prayer of Consecration.

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, and grant that we who receive these gifts of your creation, this bread and this wine, according to your Son our Savior Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who on the night he was betrayed, (Here the priest is to take the paten) took bread; and, when he had given thanks, (And here to break the bread) he broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: Take, eat; (And here to lay a hand on all the bread) this is my body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me. In the same manner, after supper he (Here the priest is to take the cup) took the cup; and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: Drink this all of you, (And here to lay a hand on the vessels in which is wine to be consecrated) 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.

All answer AMEN.

THE COMMUNION

The priest receives the communion in both kinds himself, and then distributes it similarly to the other communicants; first to any bishops, priests, and deacons, who are present, and then to the other communicants; into their hands, all kneeling.

When the minister delivers the bread, he says

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

or

Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

When the minister delivers the cup, he says

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

Drink this in remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

When occasion requires, the minister may say the Words of Administration once to each row of communicants, or to a convenient number within each row, instead of saying them to each communicant separately.

During the Communion hymns, canticles, psalms, and anthems may be sung.

If the consecrated bread or wine proves insufficient for the communion, the priest is to set apart more, beginning at Our Savior Christ on the night…to consecrate the Bread; and at Likewise after supper…to consecrate the Cup.

When all have communicated, the minister reverently place upon the table what remains of the consecrated elements, covering them with a clean white cloth; or else, at his discretion, reverently consumes them.

AFTER COMMUNION

The priest says
Let us pray.

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.

Then all say one or both of these prayers

O Lord and heavenly Father, we your humble servants entirely desire your fatherly goodness to mercifully accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Grant that by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and your whole Church may receive forgiveness of our sins and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present to you, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and our bodies, to be a reasonable, holy and living sacrifice; and we pray that all who are partakers of this holy communion may be filled with your grace and heavenly benediction. Although we are unworthy, through our many sins, to offer you any sacrifice, yet we pray that you will accept this the duty and service that we owe, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, 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.

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.

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.

Then the priest (or the bishop, if he is present) says this Blessing or one of the Blessings on pages 106-107

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 amongst you and remain with you always. AMEN.

The priest or one of the other ministers may dismiss the people with these or similar words

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.

Collects which may be said after the Collect of the Day, or before the Blessing, at the discretion of the minister. Other Collects may be sanctioned by the bishop as need require.

Be with us, Lord, in all our prayers, and direct our way toward the attainment of salvation, that among the changes and chances of this mortal life, we may always be defended by your gracious help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Lord God Almighty, we rejoice that you are the sovereign Lord who rules over all: may the nations of the world hear your voice and the people acknowledge you. Banish the darkness of sin and unbelief. Break down every barrier that stands in the way of triumph of your Word and gospel and hasten the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We ask this in his name, and to his glory. AMEN.

Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, we pray that you will direct, sanctify, and govern our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws, and in the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, here and ever, we may be kept in body and soul to give glory to your holy name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Almighty God, grant, we pray, that the words, which we have heard today, may through your grace be so grafted in our hearts, that they may produce in us the fruit of good works to the honour and praise of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Go before us, Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favour, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally by your mercy attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Lord Jesus, you bid your disciples to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation…” Grant that we too shall be committed to this commission. Send us Lord wherever you choose, whenever you will, and we shall gladly go in your name and by the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

O God our Father, We pray that you will release the power of the Holy Spirit in all who believe, that we may become powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ our Lord who died and rose again and now reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN.

O God our Father, give us your passion for your Word and boldness in telling our neighbor about your grace, may the Holy Spirit convict the lost and draw them to the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

In Ember seasons and at other times

Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, you have appointed various orders of ministry in your Church; give grace to those who are now called to the sacred ministry. So fill them with your truth and clothe them with holiness that they may faithfully minister to the glory of your name and to the benefit of your people. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Almighty God, look with compassion on the world you have redeemed by the death of your Son Jesus Christ. Move the hearts of many to offer themselves for the sacred ministry of your Church, so that by their lives and labours your light may shine in the darkness and the coming of your kingdom advanced; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our needs before we ask and our ignorance in asking; have compassion n our weaknesses, and give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Heavenly Father, you have promised through your Son Jesus Christ, that when we meet in his name, and pray according to his mind, he will be among us and hear our prayer: in your love and mercy fulfill our desires, and give us your greatest gift, which is to know you, the only true God, and your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

NOTES

1. Announcements may be made before the service begins, before the sermon, after the Nicene Creed, or after the Prayers.

2. The sermon may be omitted on weekdays.  

3. This alternative version of ‘Holy, holy, holy…’ may be used.

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

4. 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, ‘Hear us, merciful Father,” and ending ‘in remembrance of me.’

5. 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 Prayer of Intercession, together with one or more of the Collects and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with the Blessing or the Grace.

Alternative Forms of Service (2009): The Holy Communion: Initial Directions

THE HOLY COMMUNION
ALSO CALLED THE EUCHARIST
AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

The celebration of The Holy Communion is the action of the whole people of God. The ministry of the members of the congregation is expressed through their active participation in the liturgy, and by some of them reading the Lessons and leading the Intercessions. It is highly desirable that a different person read each Lesson and a different person lead the Intercessions.

Communicants should partake of the Lord’s Supper regularly and frequently, after careful preparation.

The minister shall frequently remind the people of what is required of those who come to receive the Lord's Supper, as set forth in the Catechism and the Exhortations.

It shall also be his duty to warn individually any whom he knows to be living in grievous sin, that they presume not to come to the Lord's Table until they give evidence that they truly repent; and if they do not heed his warning, he shall refuse to administer the Communion to them.

He shall deal in the same manner with those between whom he perceives malice and hatred to exist, not allowing them to be partakers of the Lord's Table until they be reconciled. But if one of the parties is willing to forgive and, to the best of his ability, to make whatever amends may be proper, and the other party refuses to do so, the Minister shall admit the penitent person to the holy Communion and refuse him that is obstinate.

Before repelling any from the Lord's Table under the provisions of this rubric, the minister should consult with the bishop. After so repelling any, he shall within fourteen days give a written account to the bishop, who shall take such action as he deems necessary.

And there shall be no celebration of the Lord’s Supper, except when there are three (or two at least) of the people to communicate with the priest.

The bread and wine for the communion shall be provided at the expense of the parish.

It is sufficient that the bread be such as is usually eaten.

If any of the consecrated bread and wine remains, it shall not be carried out of the church, but the priest, and such other communicants as he shall request shall consume it after the Communion or immediately after the Blessing.

For the significance of kneeling to receive the Lord’s Supper, see the declaration that is printed at the conclusion of the Communion Service in The Book of Common Prayer of 1662.

Notwithstanding anything contained in these rubrics, when circumstances require it, communicants may stand to receive the Communion at the Lord’s Table or may remain in their seats and receive Communion where they are seated.

When the minister gives notice of the celebration of communion, he may read this Exhortation.

Dearly beloved, on…next, I intend, through God’s assistance, to administer to all who shall be spiritually and devoutly disposed, the most comforting sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, to be received by them in remembrance of his meritorious cross and passion, by which alone we obtain forgiveness of our sins, and are made partakers of the kingdom of heaven. For this reason it is our duty to give our most humble and heartfelt thanks to our heavenly Father that he has given his Son our Savior Jesus Christ, not only to die for us, but also to be our spiritual food and sustenance in that holy Sacrament. This is so divine and strengthening a thing to those who receive it worthily, and so dangerous to those who presume to receive it unworthily; my duty is to exhort you, in the meantime, to consider the dignity of that holy mystery and the great peril of the unworthy receiving of it, so that you may search and examine your own consciences (and that not lightly, and after the manner of dissemblers with God,) but so you may come holy and clean to such a heavenly feast, in the marriage –garment required by God in holy Scripture, and be received as worthy partakers of that holy Table.

The way to prepare yourselves is to examine your life and conduct by the rule of God’s commandments, and wherever you see you have offended, either by will, word, or deed, there to lament your sinfulness and to confess your sins to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if you think that you have injured not only God but also your neighbor, then you must ask his forgiveness as well, and make good, to the full extent of your ability, any injury or wrong that he has suffered at your hand. You must likewise forgive others who have injured you, if you desire God to forgive your offenses. For if you receive the Holy Communion without God’s forgiveness, you only increase the judgment under which you already stand. Should any you be a blasphemer of God, a hinderer or slanderer of his Word, an adulterer, or be in malice, or envy, or in any other serious offence, repent of your sins, or else do not come to that holy table; [from fear that, after taking of that holy Sacrament, the devil enter into you, as he entered Judas, and fill you full of wickedness, and bring you to destruction both of body and soul.]

And since no one should come to the Lord’s table without a full trust in God’ mercy and a quiet conscience, if there is any one of you who cannot quieten his conscience by these means, but needs further help or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other discreet and learned minister of God’s word, and open his grief, that by the ministry of God’s holy word he may receive the benefit of absolution, together with spiritual counsel and advice, and so be quietened in his conscience, and resolve all scruples and doubts.

Or he may use this Exhortation.

Dear brothers and sisters, on … I intend, by God’s grace, to celebrate the Lord’s Supper: to which, in God’s behalf, I bid all who are here present; and implore you, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, that you will not refuse to come to the Lord’s Supper, being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. You know how grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man has prepared a sumptuous feast, spread his table with ample fare, so there lacks nothing but the guests to sit down; and yet those who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved? Who would not think a great injury and wrong done to him or her? On account of which, most dearly beloved in Christ, take good heed for fear that you, withdrawing yourself from this holy Supper, provoke God’s indignation against you. It is an easy matter for a man or a woman to say, I will not communicate, because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such excuses are not so easily accepted and taken into account by God. If anyone says, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore I am afraid to come: Is this not reason for you to repent of your sins and to amend your life? When God calls you, are you not ashamed to say you will not come? When you should return to God, will you excuse yourselves, and say you are not ready? Consider earnestly with yourself how little such pretended excuses will be of use with God. The invited guests who refused the feast in the Gospel, because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused but counted unworthy of the heavenly Feast. I, for my part, shall be ready; and according to my office, I bid you in the Name of God, I call you in Christ’s behalf, I exhort you, as you love your own salvation, that you will be partakers of this Holy Communion. And as the Son of God did condescend to yield up his soul by death upon the Cross for your salvation; so it is your duty to receive Communion in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself has commanded: which if you neglect to do, consider with yourselves how great injury you do to God. And how grievous punishment hangs over your heads for this injury; when you willfully abstain from the Lord’s Table, and separate from your brothers and sisters, who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. If you earnestly consider these things, you will by God’s grace return to a better mind: for obtaining of which we shall not cease to make our humble petitions to Almighty God our heavenly Father.  

Alternative Forms of Service (2009): Interpretation, The Preface, and General Notes

INTERPRETATION

No doctrine or practices should be construed or based on these forms of service apart from those that are authorized by The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion and/or The Book of Common Prayer of 1662 and are agreeable to the Scriptures.

THE PREFACE

Alternative Forms of Service seeks to provide Anglicans in North America with forms of service in contemporary English, which are recognizably Anglican and embody the Biblical and Reformation theology of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion and The Book of Common Prayer of 1662 and its predecessors -- the Prayer Books of 1549, 1552, 1559, and 1604; and which at the same time are sensitive to 21st century pastoral needs.

One of the aims of Alternative Forms of Service is to offer worship planners the kind of flexibility they need to tailor services to a wide variety of circumstances – composition, size, ministry target group, and worship style of the congregation, cultural context of the community, availability of clergy and musical resources, worship setting, and other variables. The services of Alternative Forms of Service can be used in the informal setting of a living room, an office, a hotel conference room, a school auditorium or cafeteria, a movie theater, a picnic shelter in a park, or a storefront – all the places where 21st century North American Anglicans can be expected to meet for worship - as well as in the more formal setting of a parish church.

Alternative Forms of Service is a service book that both a congregation with a formal, traditional style of worship and a congregation with a more informal, more free-flowing worship style can use. It does not seek to force the worship of all congregations into the same mold. Rather it encourages congregations to explore a range of options and discover what they can do well, and what works best for them in reaching the spiritually-disconnected and the unchurched and in drawing both seekers and believers closer to God in their particular circumstances. It recognizes that in the 21st century all sorts of churches and all kinds of worship are needed to fulfill the Great Commission and to make disciples of all people groups.

Those using Alternative Forms of Service will note the continuity between the book and earlier Anglican service books. Alternative Forms of Service incorporates modern English versions of the collects, confessions, absolutions, exhortations, prayers and thanksgivings from the classic Anglican Prayer Book, using the old where it may be well used rather than devising everything anew. The order of each form of service and the order of the forms of service in the book is largely that of the classical Anglican Prayer Book. Material used in Alternative Forms of Service from newer Anglicans service books has been carefully selected so as not to incorporate anything that compromises the book’s Biblical and Reformation theology.

GENERAL NOTES

Where they occur, the directions to stand, sit, or kneel are suggestions only.

The words in square brackets may be omitted.

Words in bold type are said or sung by the congregation.

All persons, clergy or lay, reading any part of the services in this book shall speak distinctly, reverently, and in an audible voice.

All persons present in the time of divine service shall audibly with the minister make the answers appointed and in due place join in such parts of the service as are appointed to be said or sung by all present.

In addition to the places where they are printed in the service, traditional versions of texts may be used.

Where a rubric states a section is to be ‘said,’ this is to be understood to include ‘or sung’ and vice versa.

Where parts of the service are sung to a musical setting, the words for which these settings were composed may be used.

Hymns may be sung in these services otherwise than where provision is made for them. In the selection of hymns, careful attention should be given both to the appropriateness of the words to the themes of the Bible readings and the sermon and also to the relation of the hymn chosen to the position within the service.

Metrical psalms may be substituted for prose psalms. Hymns may be substituted for canticles.

Informal worship songs may be used in addition to or in place of hymns. The same attention should be given to the selection of these songs as to hymns.

A sermon should be preached on Sundays and on the major feast days.

A sermon may be preached without the use of Morning or Evening Prayer or any other prescribed service provided that one or more prayers from this book precede and follow the sermon.

The use of the terminology, ‘the sermon’, does not rule out a variety of ways of proclaiming the message of the Gospel; these may include less formal exposition of Scripture, drama, interviews, discussion, audio-visual aids, and other techniques.

A short period of silence may be kept at any point in the service at the discretion of the minister. Appropriate points for silence are before the Collect of the Day, after each reading, after the sermon, in the Prayers, and after the Communion.

Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Alternative Forms of Morning and Evening Worship, the Litany, and The Holy Communion may be used as separate services, or in any combination, at the discretion of the minister. One or more of these services, in whole or in part, may be omitted.

The minister who officiates at Morning or Evening Prayer or the Alternative Forms of Morning and Evening Worship may be a priest, deacon or a licensed catechist or reader or other authorized lay person.

The Psalms, the Reading from the Old Testament, and Reading from the New Testament at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer may be taken from one of the modern lectionaries of the Church of England or another Province of the Anglican Communion. The Psalms and the Readings may also be taken from Proper Lessons To Be Read at Morning and Evening Prayer, on the Sundays, and Other Holy-Days Throughout the Year and the Psalm from Proper Psalms on Certain Days or The Calendar, with The Table of Lessons and The Psalter of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer or any other approved source such as the Table of Proper Psalms for Sundays and Holy Days, The Psalter and the Table of Lessons of the Church of Ireland’s 1926 Book of Common Prayer.

Whatever lectionary is being used for the Sunday or weekday services will normally determine the selection of the readings for the Alternative Forms of Morning and Evening Worship. On occasion one of the readings may be presented in dramatized form.

A time of Children’s Ministry may be associated with the readings at Morning and Evening Prayer, in the Alternative Forms of Morning and Evening Worship, and at The Holy Communion.

The priest who presides at The Holy Communion must be episcopally ordained.

When the bishop is present, it is normal for him to preside over the celebration of The Holy Communion and to preach. Even when he does not preside, he pronounces the Absolution and the Blessing.

A deacon may read the Gospel, preach the Sermon when licensed to do so, read the Prayer of Intercession, prepare the elements of bread and wine, administer the Communion, perform the ablutions, and dismiss the people.

Lay persons may read the Old Testament Lesson, the Epistle, the Gospel, and the Prayer of Intercession. A licensed catechist or reader may preach the Sermon and licensed communion assistants may distribute the consecrated elements of the Lord’s Supper.

The Ten Commandments should be read at least one Sunday of the month, and are especially appropriate on the feasts of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost (Whitsunday). They are also appropriate to read on the Sundays in Advent and Lent.

The Exhortation on pages 127-129 should be read at least three times a year and is especially appropriate on the feasts of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost (Whitsunday). It is also appropriate to read at the beginning of Advent and Lent.

Baptized persons who are communicant members of other Churches that subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and are in good standing in their own church shall be admitted to the Holy Communion.

Additional notes for the conduct of these services will be found at the beginning and the end of each service.

An American Prayer Book (2009): Sentences

SENTENCES

INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES

These sentences may be used at Morning or Evening Prayer, in the Alternative Forms of Morning and Evening Worship, or at The Holy Communion, on any day during the seasons or on the occasions indicated. Other sentences will be found on pages 18-20 and 32-34.

General

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near. Isaiah 55: 6

Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124: 8

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113: 3

I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD! Psalm 122: 1

In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4: 6

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145: 18

Through Christ let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15

To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Jude 25

Advent

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40: 5

Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Romans 13: 11

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Luke 12:38

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation. Isaiah 52: 7

Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9: 6

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Epiphany

The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2: 14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people. Titus 2: 11

For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. Malachi 1: 11

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory. John 1:14

Lent

Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love for they have been from of old: let not my enemies exult over me. Psalm 25: 2,6

Passiontide and Holy Week

Far from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6: 14

Jesus himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2: 2

Good Friday

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53: 6

Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the LORD inflicted. Lamentations 1:12

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10: 45

In Jesus we have redemption through his blood, forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7

Easter

Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5: 7f.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! Revelation 5: 12

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15: 20

Thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15: 57

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118: 24

Ascension

God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts 15: 31

Pentecost (Whitsunday) and Ember Seasons

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1: 8

Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! Galatians 4: 6

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

Trinity Sunday

Day and night they never cease to say, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Revelation 4: 8

All Saints and Saints’ Days

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5: 8

Dedication

How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Genesis 28: 16, 17

Martyrs

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116: 15

These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14

Rogationtide and Harvest

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Psalm 24:1; 96:11

Times of Thanksgiving

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalm 100: 4

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make his deeds know among the peoples! Psalm 105: 1

On National Occasions

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the people with equity, and guide the nations upon earth. Psalm 67: 4

Ordinations

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will be my servant also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Luke 4:18

Jesus said: the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Missions

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16: 15

Jesus said, Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28: 20

As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. John 20: 21

Times of Trouble

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

OFFERTORY SENTENCES

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5: 16

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6: 19, 20

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7: 12

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20: 35

Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7: 21

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: 6, 7

Now there is great gain with godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 1 Timothy 6: 6, 7

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1 Timothy 6: 17, 18, 19

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13: 16

You shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. Deuteronomy 16: 16, 17

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9: 13, 14

If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 1 Corinthians 9: 11

One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Galatians 6: 6, 7

God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6: 10

So then as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6: 10

If anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3: 17

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord: and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19: 17

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers. Psalm 41: 1

Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. John 4: 35, 36

The following sentences may be used at The Holy Communion on any day during the seasons indicated.

Christmas

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8: 9

Easter

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Corinthians 5: 7,8

Ascension

When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. Ephesians 4: 8

Whitsuntide

God…has also put his seal on us, and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1: 22

Trinity Sunday

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1: 17

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendor, and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own do we give you. 1 Chronicles 29: 11, 13, 14