09 November 2015

From 'A Liturgy for Africa' 1964

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A Liturgy for Africa was an effort toward liturgical revision for African churches in the Anglican Communion.  The remarkably complete intercession below is a slight revision of a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer tradition...  relocating it from the Divine Office to the Holy Eucharist on weekdays.  In many ways it is a much fuller expression of prayer than most brief litanies that are offered as Prayers of the People/Faithful today.


THE INTERCESSION

 On weekdays, the following prayer may be used.

O God, the Creator and Preserver of mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholic Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace and in righteousness of life. And we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any way afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions.  And we also bless thy holy name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, beseeching thee that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

A LITURGY FOR AFRICA
S.P.C.K.
Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone Road
London, N.W.1

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