20 March 2014

Anglican Patrimony: Upon Entering a Church

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Devotions upon entering a church or chapel

 
When you enter the church, kneel, make the sign of the Cross, and say:
 
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer.  Amen.

O Lord God, give unto us grace, that with due reverence we may draw near to this Holy Sacrifice, that together with Thy Priest we may offer it unto Thee, first to Thy Honor and Glory; second, in thankful memory of the life and death of Jesus Christ Thy Son Our Lord; third, in thanksgiving for all Thy mercies to us (especially ...); fourth, that Thou mayest give unto us Thy continual help (especially for ...); fifth, for the blessing of all dear to us (especially ...); and sixth for rest and peace to all the blessed dead. Hear us, we beseech Thee, for the sake of Christ Our Lord.  Amen.
 

While waiting for the service to begin, read hymns, psalms, or other portions of the Holy Bible.

As the priest enters, say this prayer for him:
 
May the Lord look upon thee with favour, forgive all thy sins, pardon thine unworthiness, and make thee an acceptable minister, that thou mayest rightly offer these Holy Mysteries. Amen.

 With slight adaptations from
THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF

THE HOLY EUCHARIST
ARRANGED BY
 THE VERY REVEREND

BERNARD IDDINGS BELL, S. T. B.
DEAN OF ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
 FOND DU LAC, WISCONSIN
1914
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