The Year of Our Lord 1990

The Nippon Sei Ko Kai

The Holy Communion(Excerpt from The Prayer Book)

For Trial Use
With the Approval by the House of Bishops

The Provincial Office
Nippon Sei Ko Kai

Table of Contents
Notes for Use ................................................................. 3
About the Translation...................................................... 3

The Holy Communion .............................................. 4
Additional Thanksgiving and Consecration ...................... 35
Offertory Sentences and Proper Prefaces .......................... 37
The Collects ....................................................................... 48
The Apostles’ Creed........................................................... 89
The Prayer of Penitence and Absolution ........................... 90
Words of Scripture ............................................................. 91

Notes for Use(1) A sentence printed in bold type indicates that the part of aservice is to be sang or said by a congregation or by botha congregation and a presider.
(2) At the end of a prayer or such, normally “Amen” is saidby all. If there is a period before “Amen,” the presider
does not say it. If there is no period before “Amen,” it issaid only by those who said or sang the prayer.

About the Translation
 This translation is a faithful translation to the original
Japanese Prayer Book of the NSKK. Therefore, thetranslation may seem to be not smooth or different fromordinary English texts. If such makes this translationdifficult for practical use, minor changes may be madewith the consultation of the diocesan bishop.
 Some liturgical texts, such as the creeds and the Lord’s
Prayer, are taken from Praying Together of the English
Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC), an ecumenicalbody which discusses common English liturgical texts
among denominations. Some texts that the ELLC does notprovide are mainly taken from the Book of Common
Prayer of the US-based Episcopal Church, which has
been declared as being in public domain.
 English wordings and spellings follow the educationalguidelines of the Ministry of Education.

The Holy Communion
Holy Communion is a celebration of thanks and praise established by Lord Jesus
Christ, and accepted by the Church as a gift from the Lord. Each time that wecelebrate Holy Communion, we commemorate the sacrifice of his death on the
cross, his resurrection, his ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, until thatday when he comes again; we are nurtured by the life of Christ and proclaim the
Lord’s works of salvation. Celebrating Holy Communion, first on Easter Day,on other Sundays and at other times, we do so believing firmly in his works,
repenting of those thoughts, words, and deeds which are contrary to his works,
and with hearts full of love, thanks and praise.

The Entrance
The entrance is made commemorating the Lord’s sacrifice made once for all on
the cross, and his love that continues to this day.

The Word
God speaks to us and we respond with faith. We find encouragement in, and act
in response to, God’s word, making it a foundation for our worship, our faithand our daily lives.

The Prayers of Intercession
Having heard God’s word, we offer intercessions as our duty as God’s holy
priesthood. We pray that all people will become people of God and that all in the
Church may offer themselves to God and become witnesses to God’s word and4to God’s mercy.

The Confession
At Holy Communion, we repent, with open and repentant hearts.

The Peace and the Offertory
We exchange a sign of the peace that comes through the resurrected Christ, inthe hope of unity of the Church throughout the world. The bread and wine thatare to be used in Holy Communion, and the offerings are offered at the altar.

The Thanksgiving and Consecration
The prayer of thanks and praise and the words used by the Lord himself at thelast supper continue to be used by the church as a prayer of thanksgiving andconsecration.

The Communion
The breaking of one bread, which is then shared, is a sign that we are united
with Christ, that the Church is united, and that we believe that all people may beunited in the Lord.
Holy Communion is the work of all God’s people. Where “priest” is indicated aspresider this means the bishop or priest serving as celebrant of Holy
Communion. The main presider of worship is the Diocesan Bishop, who
presides at Holy Communion and preaches a sermon. A priest joins with thebishop in the prayer of thanksgiving and consecration and assists in the5distribution.
If, among those wishing to take Communion, there is a person who is clearlyguilty of a grievous sin, or who has harmed a neighbor in word or deed and isthus no longer in fellowship with the people of God, the priest shall ask that
person to repent and right the wrong that they have committed, or to show
clearly a desire to right that wrong in the future. Should that person refuse, theyshall be refused communion. Similarly, if there are people who have a grudge
against one another, they shall be refused communion according to the above
rule. However, if one of these people forgives the damage against them, andclearly wishes to make amends for the damage they have caused, wishing toreturn to fellowship with others, the priest will allow that person to takecommunion even if others involved refuse to accept that person’s attempts tomake amends. Those who refuse to forgive and return to harmonious relations
however will be refused communion. The priest will report to the bishop within
two weeks of such a situation arising.
When someone is attending a church of which they are not a member (forexample during a trip) they ideally should give notice to the priest of that church
in advance of attending Communion.

6

The Entrance
All stand.
Here a hymn may be sung. An entrance anthem, or Words ofScripture (p.91) according to the church calendar, or otherappropriate Scripture may also be used.

PriestPeopleCome, Lord Jesus Christ.
Show yourself to us as once you revealed yourrisen self to the disciples, among whom you
stood after your resurrection.
Here the Priest says the following prayer.
The Prayer of Penitence and Absolution (p.90) may be used
beforehand. If used here, The Confession (p.16) is not used.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden: Cleanse the thoughts ofour hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that wemay perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
One of the following three texts is said or sung.

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[I]PriestPeopleGlory to the Father, and to the Son, and to theHoly Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will befor ever. Amen.
[ II ]
Each verse may be repeated three times.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
or

Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
PriestPeoplePriestPeople[ III ]
Praise God the Father almighty,
Praise the Son Lord Jesus Christ,
Praise the Holy Spirit who dwells among us,
As it is now and will be for ever. Amen
On Sundays and other Holy Days, except on days in Advent and8Lent, all sing or say the following anthem together.

Gloria in Excelsis
Glory to God in the highest,and peace to God’s 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.

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The CollectPriestPeoplePriest

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Here the collect assigned for the day is used.

The Word
Here the Priest may use Words of Scripture (p.91) according to
the church calendar, or other appropriate Scripture.

PriestLet us hear these Words of Scripture.
All sit.

The Old Testament
The Reader or Presider may read the Old Testament.
Before the reading, the reader says: “The Old Testamentreading is from the Book of _____ , beginning at chapter _ ,verse _” After the reading, the reader says: “Here ends the Old
Testament reading.”
At readings other than from the Old Testament, “Old
Testament” shall be removed from the above sentences.

10

After the Old Testament, the Epistle, and/or the Gospel, thePriest may say the following: “Let us reflect on the Words wehave heard and keep silence.”
Before the Epistle, a Psalm appropriate for the day may be used
here.

The Epistle
The Reader or Presider sings or reads the Epistle.
Before the reading, the reader says: “The Epistle reading isfrom _____ , beginning at chapter _ ,verse _.” After thereading, the reader says: “Here ends the Epistle reading.”
Then all stand. Here a gradual anthem or a hymn may be used.
During the first eight days of Easter, Christ our Passover (notincluded in this translation) may be used.

The Gospel
After the following response, the Deacon or the Priest sings orreads the Gospel. All face the Gospel Book.

ReaderPeopleReader

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Saint _____ , beginning at chapter

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People_ , verse _ . Glory to the Lord.
Glory be to the Lord.
After the reading of the Gospel, the following is sung or said.

ReaderPeopleGive thanks to the Lord.
We give thanks to the Lord.

∗ The Sermon
Before or after the sermon, the Priest gives notice of upcoming
Holy Days, Penitential Days, and the days the Eucharist iscelebrated, teachings of the Bishop, banns of marriage, andother information.

The Nicene Creed
On Sundays and other Holy Days, all stand and sing or say thefollowing.
The Apostles’ Creed (p.89) may be used instead of the Nicene
Creed.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.

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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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Maryand became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius
Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose againin 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.

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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 worshiped andglorified,
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.
Prayers of Intercession
All stand.
The Deacon says the following. The Priest or a lay leader may
also say the following.

DeaconLet us pray for all people and for the Church
throughout the World trusting in the words andacts of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Here the Deacon may say, “Let us pray in silence for _____ ,”and offer specific items for petition or thanksgiving. Items for
petition or thanksgiving may also be offered by the
congregation. In place of silence, appropriate prayers from theprayer book may be used.

14

After “especially _____”, appropriate names may be offered.

DeaconPeopleO God, strengthen your whole Church (especially______) that we may do the works of your Son.
Guide your clergy and your people (especially______, our Bishop). Lord, unite in your truth
and love all who confess your name, that we may
live daily to proclaim your glory in all the world.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
Silence may be observed after each response.

DeaconPeopleDeaconPeopleO God, give wisdom to all the peoples of theworld (especially ______) and guide all peoples
in the way of righteousness and peace. Give them
the heart to respect each other, so that they may
seek the common good.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
O God, we commend to your keeping ourselves
and each other, our families, and all our friends
and neighbors (especially ______).Give us grace,
Lord God, that together we may know you andserve you, and live in love for one another.
O Lord, graciously hear us.

15

DeaconPeopleDeaconPeopleO God, have compassion on those who are introuble, sorrow, sickness, need, or any otheradversity (especially ______). Give them yourstrength, build them up in courage and hope, andlead us all into the joy of your salvation.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
O God, look upon all those who have departed
this life (especially ______); fulfill your loving
will for them. We praise your Name, Lord God,for the blessing of faithful witnesses in eachgeneration, and we pray that we, keeping
fellowship with them, may be brought to share in
the glory of your eternal kingdom.
O Lord, we ask all these things through yourSon Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Confession
If the confessional prayer has been used in the beginning of thisservice, the following Confession is not used.

Deacon or Priest
So that we may offer ourselves andpresent gifts acceptable to the Lord and16reverently celebrate this Sacrament our Lord has
ordained, let us confess our sins.
If the Communal Confession (not included in this translation) isused, it should be said here.
The people kneel.

PriestPeoplePriestPeopleI confess to God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, before the whole company of heaven andyou, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought, word, and deed. I humbly
ask God to have mercy on me, and you, mybrothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord
our God.
May the Almighty God have mercy on you,and forgive you all your sins.
Amen.
We confess to God Almighty, Father, Son, andHoly Spirit, before the whole company ofheaven and you, our priest, that we havesinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed.
We humbly ask God to have mercy on us, andyou, our priest, to pray for us to the Lord our

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God.
The following is said by Bishop, if present.

PriestPeopleMay God Almighty have mercy on you, forgive
you all your sins, give you grace and strength,and bring you to new life acceptable to God.
Amen.
All stand.

The Holy Communion
The Peace
PriestPeoplePriest

The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us greet one another in peace.
All exchange greetings, saying, “The peace of the Lord be withyou.”

The Offertory
Here the following is sung or said.

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Deacon or Priest
Let us offer our gifts to the Lord,
rendering him the glory which is proper to his
Name.
Here Offertory Sentences, or appropriate words from today’s
Old Testament, Epistle, or Gospel readings may be used. Or ahymn may be sung.
The people’s offerings are collected here.
Representatives of the people bring bread, wine, and theofferings to the Priest. At the offering, the Priest uses thefollowing prayer. The people’s words may be sung.
The words in ( ) should be omitted when there is no collectionof offerings.

PriestPeopleAlmighty God the Father, accept (this collectionand) these offerings that they may be used foryour holy work.
All things come from you, O Lord, and weoffer to you only what we have received fromyou.Amen.
(1 Chronicles 29:14)

The people kneel.

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The Thanksgiving and Consecration
The Priest uses one of the two Thanksgiving and Consecration
Prayers which follow.
[I]

PriestPeoplePriestPeoplePriestPeoplePriest

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.
Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, it isindeed right, it is our duty and our joy, at all
times and in all places to give thanks and praiseto the Lord, through your Son Jesus Christ.
For the Son is the Father’s living Word; throughthe Son the Father has created all things from the
beginning, and formed us in the Father’s own
image.
The Father made the Son to be born in humanity.
Through the Son’s death upon the cross and theresurrection, the Father has freed us from theslavery of sin, and exalted the Son to his right20

hand on high.
The Father has sent upon us the Holy Spirit, andmade us his people to stand before him. He also
made us a royal priesthood called to serve theLord and all people.
The Proper Preface is used here.

Therefore with angels and archangels, and withall the company of heaven, we proclaim yourgreat and glorious name, for ever praising you
and singing:
All sing or say the following.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Then all may sing or say the following.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PriestAccept our thanks and praises, heavenly Father,through your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;21

following his example and obeying his command,
we celebrate this sacrament. By your Word andthe Holy Spirit, bless and sanctify the Lord’s giftsof bread and wine that they may be to us his holy
body and blood;
On the night that the Lord Jesus was handed over,
he took bread and gave thanks; he broke it andgave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is
my body which is given for you; do this inremembrance of me.”After supper, he took the cup and gave thanks; hegave it to them, saying, “Drink from this cup, allof you; this is my blood of the new covenant,which is shed for you and for many for theforgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink
it, in remembrance of me.”All

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

PriestHeavenly Father, with this bread and this cup, weremember your Son’s sacrifice of himself once

22

All

for all upon the cross, we proclaim his glorious
resurrection and ascension, and we celebrate thisfeast until his coming again.
Accept through him, our great high priest, thissacrifice of our thanks and praise presented atyour heavenly altar; and as we eat and drink theseholy gifts in the presence of your divine majesty,
renew us by the Holy Spirit, inspire us with yourlove, unite us in the church which is the body of
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and together
with the whole company of heaven, may we forever praise your holy name.
To him who by the power at work within us isable to accomplish abundantly far more than
all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory inthe church and Christ Jesus to all generations,for ever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20, 21)
A period of silence may be kept here.
The service continues with the Communion (p.27).
[ II ]

PriestPeopleThe Lord be with you.
And also with you.

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PriestPeoplePriestPeoplePriestLift 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.
We offer our thanks to you, O Father, throughyour beloved Son Jesus Christ; for in these lastdays you sent him into the world to be our Savior
and Redeemer, and the messenger of your will.
He is your living Word, of one being with you;through your Word, O Father, all things werecreated and declared to be good.
From heaven you sent your Son to the womb of
the Virgin Mary, where he took on human flesh,
was born of the Holy Spirit and of her, andpresented as your Son. In fulfillment of your will,
O Father, the Son gained a holy people for you,and to release from suffering all who put theirtrust in the Father, your Son stretched out his
hands and endured suffering, destroyed death,broke the bonds of the devil, and rose to new life
to reveal his victory.
The Proper Preface is used here.

24Therefore with angels and archangels and with all
the company of heaven, we proclaim your great
and glorious name, for ever praising you andsinging:
All sing or say the following.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Then all may sing or say the following.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PriestO Father, you are holy indeed, the fountain of all
holiness: Send down your Holy Spirit over thisbread and this wine, which you gave us, andmake them to be for us the Body and Blood ofyour Son Jesus Christ.
At the time he was willingly handed over tosuffering, our Lord Jesus took bread and gave
thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples,saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given

25

for you; do this in remembrance of me.”After supper, he took the cup and gave thanks; hegave it to them, saying, “Drink from this cup, allof you; this is my blood of the new covenant,which is shed for you and for many for theforgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink
it, in remembrance of me.”All

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

PriestRemembering the death, resurrection, andascension of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, wegive you thanks, O Father, for allowing us tostand before you and serve you as priests, andoffer you this bread and this cup. Send your Holy
Spirit upon us as we share in your holy gifts,
draw all your people living and dead into one
body, and fill us with your Spirit. Strengthen ourfaith in truth, and with all your saints we may
glorify and praise you through your Son Jesus
Christ.

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All

All glory and honor be yours in the fellowshipof your holy Church, Almighty God theFather, who is with the Holy Spirit, throughour Lord Christ, now and for ever.
Amen.
A period of silence may be kept here.

The Communion
The Priest sings or says the following.

PriestAs our Savior Christ has taught us, we areconfident to say.
All sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.

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.

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Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
Then all sing or say the following.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The Priest breaks the bread, saying:

PriestPeopleWhen we break the bread
We partake of the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians
10:16)

PriestPeopleFor there is one bread
We who are many are one body. (1 Corinthians 10:17)
All may say the following prayer.

We do not presume to come to your table, merciful Lord,
trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold
and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as togather the crumbs that fall from 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 ofyour Son Jesus Christ, and drink his blood, that our28sinful bodies and souls may be cleansed by the precious
Body and Blood of Christ, and that we may evermore
dwell in Christ, and Christ evermore in us. Amen.
Then all may sing or say the following.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
grant us peace.
The Priest and the communicants take the communion. The
communion is given to each communicant saying the following
words, and the communicant responds, saying “Amen.”

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is given for you.
Amen.
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is shed for you.
Amen.
An anthem or hymn(s) may be sung during the Communion.
Appropriate words from the Old Testament, the Epistle, or the
Gospel may be used for an anthem.
If there are not enough consecrated elements, then use the29Additional Thanksgiving and Consecration (p.35). Whenconsecrated elements remain, they shall be consumed withappropriate respect. Then the Priest says:

PriestLet us pray.
All say the following prayer.

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding
the people who shared in these holy mysteries with theprecious Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. By
this, the Lord revealed more and more that we areincorporated into the Body of your Son and heirs of his
kingdom. Through the Son, we offer our hearts and ourbodies as a living sacrifice to you, our Heavenly Father.
Send us out into the world by your Spirit and make us to
do your holy will. Glory to the Father, and to the Son,and to the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Priest (or the Bishop, if present) blesses the People, saying
the following.

The blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and theHoly Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

30

All stand and use the following response.

PriestPeopleAlleluia! Let us go forth with the Lord.
Alleluia! In the Name of the Lord. Amen.
Before the blessing, general or seasonal words (p.32ff) may be
said.

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General
The peace of God, which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and allow
you to know and love God more deeply.

AdventChrist the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, andscatter the darkness from before your path.

Christmas
Christ, who by his incarnation gathered earthly andheavenly things into one, fill you with the joy andpeace of Christ.

Epiphany
Christ the Son of God fill your hearts with the goodnews of his kingdom.

From Ash Wednesday until the day before
Sunday next before EasterThe grace of the Lord Christ cleanse you, enable you todeny yourselves, take up your cross, and follow him.

32

From the Sunday next before Easter until Holy
Saturday
Christ the savior who was crucified draw you tohimself, forgive your sin, and give you a firm support
for faith and hope.

Easter
The God of peace, who brought again from the deadour Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the eternal covenant, make you
perfect in every good work to do his will for ever.

Ascension
Christ our ascended King make you more faithful andpatient to follow him, that you may reign with the Lordin heavenly glory

Pentecost
The Spirit of truth lead you into all truth, give you
grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, andstrengthen you to proclaim the word and works of God.

33

Trinity Sunday
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith andlove, defend the Church on every side, and guide you
to the way of truth and peace.

Saints’ Days
God give you grace and strengthen you to follow theexample of his saints in their faith and hope and love.

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Additional Thanksgiving and Consecration
In case the consecrated elements are exhausted during thecommunion, use one of the following prayers to consecrate bothkinds.
[I]

PriestAccept our thanks and praises, heavenly Father,through your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; wefollow his example and obey his command, we
now celebrate this sacrament.
By your Word and the Holy Spirit, bless andsanctify the Lord’s gifts of bread and wine thatthey may be to us his holy body and blood;
On the night that the Lord Jesus was handed over,
he took bread and gave thanks; he broke it andgave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is
my body which is given for you; do this inremembrance of me.”After supper, he took the cup and gave thanks; hegave it to them, saying, “Drink from this cup, allof you; this is my blood of the new covenant,which is shed for you and for many for theforgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink

35it, in remembrance of me.”Amen.

[ II ]

PriestMost precious Father, source of all that is holy:
Send down your Holy Spirit over this bread andthis wine, which you gave us, and make them tobe for us the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus
Christ.
At the time he was willingly handed over tosuffering, our Lord Jesus took bread and gave
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.”After supper, he took the cup and gave thanks; hegave it to them, saying, “Drink from this cup, allof you; this is my blood of the new covenant,which is shed for you and for many for theforgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink
it, in remembrance of me.” Amen.

36

Offertory Sentences and Proper Prefaces
GeneralThe following Offertory Sentences may be used.

Offertory Sentence
I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great
gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (Ps 27:9)
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said,“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Act 20:35)
Christ was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen byangels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout
the world, taken up in glory. (1Ti 3:16)
Advent
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.
They can be used on the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the
Baptist.

Offertory Sentence
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter
Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you. (Zec 9:9)37

Proper Preface
Especially, we give you thanks because you sent your only
Son to bring salvation to humanity; when he shall comeagain in glory to judge the world, he may renew everything.
(Therefore ...
Christmas
The following are used for eight days from the day. Then they
may be used until the day before Epiphany, or on the feasts of
the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, the Annunciation of
Our Lord to Saint Mary, and Saint Mary, Mother of Our Lord.

Offertory Sentence
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea
thunder and all that is in it; all shout for joy before the Lord
when he comes. (Ps 96:11-12)
Proper Preface
Especially, you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be bornfor us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, wasmade perfect Man of the flesh from the Virgin Mary his
mother; that being himself without sin, he might make us
clean from all sin. (Therefore ...

38

Epiphany
The following may be used during the Epiphany Season. And
they may be used on the feasts of Saint Joseph and theTransfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Offertory Sentence
All the earth bows down before you, sings to you, sings out
your Name. Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I
will tell you what he has done for me. (Ps 66:3,15)
Proper Preface
Especially, your only Son Jesus Christ took our flesh upon
himself and showed his glory; that he brings us out of
darkness and confusion into the marvelous light of the Lord.
(Therefore...
From Ash Wednesday until the day before the
Sunday next before Easter
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.

Offertory Sentence
Rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord,

39

your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love. (Joe 2:13)
Proper Preface
Especially, Jesus Christ our Lord, who fasted forty days andforty nights and afterwards suffered hunger, overcame thetemptation by the devil; when we are tempted, by hisrighteousness go boldly unto the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace and strength.
From the Sunday next before Easter until
Wednesday before Easter
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.

Offertory Sentence
Reproach has broken my heart, and it cannot be healed; I
looked for sympathy, but there was none; for comforters, but
I could find no one. (Ps 69:20)
Proper Preface
Especially, our Lord Jesus Christ became human, andhumbled himself and became obedient until his death, even40

death on a cross; that is, when he is lifted up from the earth,
he will draw all people to himself. (Therefore...
Holy Thursday
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.

Offertory Sentence
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you
proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever,therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an
unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and bloodof the Lord. (1Co 11:26)
Proper Preface
Especially, our Lord Jesus Christ loved his own who were in
the world; he loved them to the end. On the night that the
Lord was handed over, he sat at the table with the disciples,and instituted this Sacrament, that through his suffering we
receive his grace, and by his resurrection we live anew andshare in his divinity.

41

Easter Day
The following is used for eight days from the day. Then they
may be used until the day before Pentecost.

Offertory Sentence
In fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruitsof those who have died. Alleluia! (1Co 15:20)
Proper Preface
Especially, we praise you for the glorious resurrection ofyour Son Jesus Christ our Lord; He is the true Paschal
Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sinof the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by
his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.
Ascension Day
The following may used from the day until the Seventh Sundayof Easter. Then they may be used until the day before Pentecost.

Offertory Sentence
The Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up
into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And theywent out and proclaimed the good news everywhere.

42Alleluia! (Mar 16:19,20)
Proper Preface
Especially, we give you thanks for the Ascension of yourdearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. After his glorious
Resurrection he openly appeared to his disciples, and intheir sight ascended into heaven, to prepare a place for us;that where he is, there we might also be, and reign with him
in glory.
Pentecost
The following may be used on any Sundays unappointed.

Offertory Sentence
Send forth your strength, O God; establish, O God, what
you have wrought for us. Kings shall bring gifts to you, foryour temple’s sake at Jerusalem. Alleluia. (Ps 68:28,29)
Proper Preface
Especially, after our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven
and was seated at the right hand of the Father, he sent forth
upon the universal Church the Holy Spirit; that through his

43glorious power the everlasting gospel might go forth into all
the world. The Spirit leads us out of darkness and confusion
into the marvelous light, that we truly know the Father andhis Son Jesus Christ.
Trinity Sunday
The following may be used on the feast of Saint Michael and All
Angels.

Offertory Sentence
Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was andis and is to come. (Rev 4:8)
Proper Preface
With your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are one Lord; youare not in one Person, but in the Trinity of Persons. We
believe in the glory of you, O Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit, without any difference or inequality.
Apostles’ or Evangelists’ Days
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.

44

Offertory Sentence
Those who lead many to righteousness shall shine like thestars forever and ever. (Dan 12:3)
Proper Preface
Especially, we thank you for by your Son Jesus Christ our
Lord having called Saint _______ to be an apostle (anevangelist), that we may keep the doctrine which theytaught and boldly preach the Gospel to all peoples.
Saints’ Days
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.
They may be used on the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Offertory Sentence
All your works praise you, O Lord, and your faithfulservants bless you. (Ps 145:10)
Proper Preface
By your saints, you, our Lord, have given us the good
example of godly life and assured us the hope of our callingwhich we keep, that we may be surrounded by a great cloud45

of witnesses, may run with perseverance the race of faith,
until we may receive the eternal crown of glory with the
Lord.
Consecration or Memorial Day of a Church
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.

Offertory Sentence
Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts
to dwell there! They will be satisfied by the beauty of yourhouse, by the holiness of your temple. (Ps 65:4)
Proper Preface
The holiness of the Lord is great; even heaven and earth
cannot contain the Lord. But the Lord granted to sanctify
this house for worship, that the grace is given to those who
believe.
Memorial Service
The following Offertory Sentence and Proper Preface may be
used.

46

Offertory Sentence
Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord. Yes,
says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors, for theirdeeds follow them. (Rev 14:13)
Proper Preface
Especially, you have given us hope of the resurrection toeternal life through your Son Jesus Christ; even when wemourn our mortal nature, we are consoled by the promise ofeternal life, that the life of the one who believes is changed,
not ended; our earthly tent is perishable, but the Lord
prepares an eternal dwelling place for us. (Therefore...

47

The Collects
The Collect, Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings for
Sundays are used from the eve of the day through the week,
unless otherwise specified.
If the collect is terminated by “through Jesus Christ our Lord”
or equivalent, it can be replaced by “through Jesus Christ ourLord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever.”First Sunday of Advent
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works ofdarkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time ofthis mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall comeagain in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and thedead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Second Sunday of Advent
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets topreach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,48

that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Third Sunday of Advent
O Lord, stir up your power, and with great might comeamong us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliverus; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns withyou, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
This collect is used until the morning of the day next before
Christmas.

Almighty God, purify our conscience, by your Son’svisitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may
find in us a mansion prepared for himself; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unityof the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

49

The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day
This collect is used until the morning of December 31st, except
Sunday.

Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son totake our nature upon him and be born of a pure virgin: grantthat we, who have been born again and made your children
by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy
Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now andfor ever. Amen.
First Sunday after Christmas
Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own
image and yet more wonderfully restored us through yourSon Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in ourhumanity, so we may share the life of his divinity; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Naming of our Lord Jesus
This collect is used until the morning of the day next before
Epiphany.

50

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was circumcised andgiven the Name that is the sign of our salvation: give us
grace faithfully to bear his Name, to worship him in thefreedom of the Spirit, and to proclaim him as the Saviour of
the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Second Sunday after Christmas
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son shared at Nazareth thelife of an earthly home: help us to live as one family, united
in love and obedience, and bring us all at last to our home inheaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Epiphany
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only
Son to the Magi: Lead all the peoples of the earth, who
know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see
your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Sunday after Epiphany: The Baptism of
our Lord Jesus
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River

51

Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldlyconfess him as Lord and Savior; through Jesus Christ ourLord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Almighty God, who revealed in the incarnation of your Son,the eternal Word, the way of truth: Grant that we may
entrust our lives to him, on whom is built the wholesalvation of humankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, wholives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things inheaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of yourpeople, and grant us your peace all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

52

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that hemight destroy the works of the devil and make us childrenof God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope,
we may purify ourselves; that, when he comes again withglory and power, we may be made like him; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unityof the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people whocall upon you, and grant that they may know and understandwhat things they ought to do, and also may have grace andpower faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Almighty and everlasting God, whose Son Jesus Christ
healed the sick and restored them to wholeness of life: lookwith compassion on the anguish of the world, and by yourhealing power make whole all people and nations; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

53

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
O God, you have taught us that without love whatever we
do is worth nothing, love is the bond of peace and of all
virtue, and whoever lives without love is accounted deadbefore you: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts
this greatest gift; hear us through your only Son Jesus
Christ. Amen.
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany
Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is for all humankind
the way, the truth, and life: grant us to walk in his way, torejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday next before Lent
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son
revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that
we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may bestrengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his
likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

54

First Day of Lent (Ash Wednesday)
This collect, old testament, epistle, and gospel readings areused on ordinary days until the Saturday of the week.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you havemade and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create
and make in us new and contrite hearts, That we, worthilylamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you perfect remission and forgiveness;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Sunday in Lent
O Lord, who had your Son Jesus Christ fast forty days in thewilderness: Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, ourflesh being subdued to the Spirit, we may ever obey yourcommands in righteousness, and true holiness, to your honorand glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives andreigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever andever. Amen.
Second Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in55

ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in ourbodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended
from all adversities which may happen to the body, andfrom all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Third Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, look upon the heartful desires of yourservants who call to you, and stretch out your mighty handto be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Gracious God the Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ
came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives
life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may
live in us, and we in him;through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns withyou, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

56

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ came as our greatHigh Priest, and by his blood he has entered into the holy
place to complete the eternal redemption once for all. Grant
that we, by the blood of Christ who offered himself to you,
may serve you cleansed in conscience from all evil doings
that bring us to death. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sunday next before Easter (Palm Sunday)
This collect is used until the evening of Wednesday of the week.

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for thehuman race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to
take our nature upon his being, and he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the
cross. Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his
suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
Almighty and everlasting Father, we give thanks to you for57

leaving us a memorial of the passion of your Son our Lord
Jesus Christ in this wonderful Sacrament: Grant us so tovenerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and Blood, that
we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of his
redemption and make our lives as its manifestation; throughJesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and theHoly Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Holy Friday (Passion Day)
On this day, the service can be terminated after the collect, theold testament, the epistle, and the gospel. The morning service
and/or the litany can be used beforehand. This collect is used in
the morning of the day, and only the first collect is used for themorning service and the evening service.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this yourfamily, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be
betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer
death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the wholebody of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our

58supplications and prayers, which we offer before you foreach and every member of your holy Church, that all of us,
in our different vocations and ministries, may truly andhumbly serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Merciful God, you created every living thing and hatenothing that you have made, and you take no pleasure in thedeath of the wicked, but would rather they should turn fromtheir ways and live; Have mercy upon all those whose hearts
are hardened against belief in the crucified Christ. Takefrom them all ignorance and contempt of your Word; and sobring them home, blessed Lord, that they may be saved andbe made one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ ourLord; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now andfor ever. Amen.
Holy SaturdayServices of the day are done according to those on the Holy
Friday. This collect is used in the morning of the day.

O Lord, Grant that as we are baptized into the death of yourblessed Son Jesus Christ, so by continually putting to death59

our sinful desires we may be buried with him: and thatthrough the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our
joyful resurrection; by the grace of your Son Jesus Christ
who died, was buried, and rose again for us. Amen.
Easter Day
One of the following collects is used from the morning of theday.

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty
resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin anddeath to make all things new in him: grant that we, being
dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with
him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit bepraise and honor, glory and might, now and in all eternity.
Amen.
Almighty God, who through the resurrection of your onlybegotten Son overcame death and opened to us the gate ofeverlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the
day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the deathof sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ ourLord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the60

Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Second Sunday of Easter
Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die forour sins and to rise again for our justification: grant us so to
put away the leaven of malice and wickedness that we may
always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through themerits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Third Sunday of Easter
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his
disciples in the breaking of bread: Graciously open the eyesof our faith, so that we may behold him in all his redeeming
work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now andfor ever. Amen.
Fourth Sunday of EasterGod of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus Christ, the good shepherd of the sheep, by the bloodof the eternal covenant: make us perfect in every good work
to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing61

in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Almighty God, to know you truly is the way to eternal life:
Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be
the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly
follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
This collect is used until Wednesday morning.

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly
wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace tolove what you command and desire what you promise; that,among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts
may surely be fixed in that place where true joys are to befound; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ascension Day
This collect is used until Saturday morning.

62

Almighty God, Grant, we pray, that as we believe your onlybegotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into
heaven, so we may also in heart and mind ascend there, andcontinually dwell with him, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Seventh Sunday of Easter (The Sunday after
Ascension Day)O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son
Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit tostrengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior
Christ has gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord, wholives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Day of Pentecost
One of the following collects is used. This collect is used on theeve of the day and on the day, then on the following weekdays
the collect of the closest proper Sunday to the Day of Pentecost
is used.

63

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal
life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your
Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift of Spirit throughout theworld by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to
the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, wholives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithfulpeople by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:
Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all
things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; throughJesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in theunity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Trinity Sunday: The First Sunday after
PentecostThis collect is used on the eve of the day and on the day, then on
the following weekdays the collect of the closest proper Sunday
to this day.

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us yourservants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to64acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and to worship
one God in the Trinity: Keep us steadfast in this faith, andhelp us to overcome all adversities; through Jesus Christ ourLord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Proper 1
O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you,mercifully accept our prayers and, because through ourweakness we can do no good thing without you, grant us thehelp of your grace, that in the keeping of yourcommandments we may please you both in will and deed;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 2
O Lord, who makes us to have perpetual love and reverence
for your holy Name, help and govern us, and set upon thesure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 3
O Lord, you have given us a true desire to pray. Mercifully

65hear our supplication to you that, through your almighty
power, we may be defended in all dangers and comforted in
all troubles; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 4
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whomnothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply
upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through earthly things, that we lose not thethings eternal; hear this, heavenly Father, through the meritsof Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 5
Almighty God, grant that the course of this world may bepeaceably governed by your providence; and that yourChurch may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 6
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such
good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into ourhearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all66things and above all things, may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Proper 7
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all
good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name;
increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness;and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 8
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things
both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you,all hurtful things which come from our flesh, and instead
make us to bear fruit of good works according to your will;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 9
O Lord, without you, we cannot do any good works; grant
to us, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things
that are right, that we may be enabled to live according to67

your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 10
O Lord, Let your merciful ears be open to the prayers ofyour humble servants; that they may obtain their petitions,guide them to ask such things as shall please you; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 11
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing
mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,running to obtain your promises, may become partakers ofyour heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Proper 12
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more readyto hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either
desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of yourmercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience isafraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not
worthy to ask; through the merits and mediation of your Son

68

Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proper 13
Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that yourfaithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant
that we may faithfully and diligently serve you in the world,
truly put our trust in your heavenly promises, and run
without stumbling to enter your kingdom; through themerits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 14
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts offaith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you
promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 15
O Lord, keep your Church with your perpetual mercy; and,because without you our human frailty cannot but fall, keep
us ever by your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to
all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

69

Proper 16
O Lord, your Church cannot continue in safety without yourhelp; with your continual mercy cleanse and defend it, andprotect and govern it always by your goodness; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 17
Merciful God, we pray that your grace may always precedeand follow us, that we may continually be given to all goodworks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 18
O Lord, grant your people grace to withstand thetemptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and withpure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 19
O God, because without your grace, we are unable to please
you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things
direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

70

Proper 20
Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, wepray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being readyboth in mind and body, may accomplish with willingness ofhearts those things which belong to your purpose; throughJesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in theunity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Proper 21
Merciful Lord, grant, we beseech you to your people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins andserve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Proper 22
O Lord, keep your household the Church in your steadfast
grace, that through your protection we may be free from alladversities and be devoutly given to serve you in goodworks, to the glory of your Name;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

71Proper 23
O God, our refuge and strength, who is the author of all
godliness; be ready, we ask you, to hear the devout prayersof your Church, and grant that those things which we ask
faithfully we may be able to obtain, through Jesus Christ ourLord. Amen.
Proper 24
O Lord, absolve your people from their offenses, thatthrough your bountiful goodness we may all be deliveredfrom the chains of those sins which by our frailty we havecommitted; grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of yourSon, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proper 25
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ has taught us thatwhat we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we doalso for him: give us the will to be the servant of others as
he was the servant of all, and gave up his life and died forus; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns withyou, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

72

Proper 26
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us asacrifice for sin, and also an example of pure life: Give us
grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his immeasurable
work, and with all our strength to follow daily in his blessed
steps; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 27
Almighty God, whose sovereign purpose none can defy:
Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of the world,
knowing that your kingdom shall come and your will be
done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 28
O Lord, stir up the wills of your faithful people; that they,
joyfully bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by yourfullness of grace be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Proper 29
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore allthings in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord73

of lords: Mercifully grant that by your grace the peoples ofthe earth may be freed and brought together under his most
gracious rule; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives andreigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

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Feasts
Saint Andrew the Apostle
Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew
that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, andbrought his brother with him: Give us, who are called byyour Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and totell the good news of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Saint Thomas the Apostle
Almighty and everlasting God, for the firmer foundation of
the Gospel, you allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt
the resurrection of your Son. Grant us a true faith in which
we perfectly and without doubt believe in your Son Jesus
Christ, and, witnessing his Holy Name, we may be worthy
to look upon him when he comes again in glory; throughJesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Saint Stephen, the First Martyr
Heavenly Father, grant that whenever we suffer here on

75

earth for the testimony of your way, we may learn to loveand forgive our persecutors by the example of our Lord
Jesus and your first Martyr Saint Stephen. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who stands at the right hand of God to
comfort all those who suffer for your name, our only
Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Merciful Lord, we ask you to cast your bright beams of lightupon your Church, that being enlightened by the doctrine ofyour blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John, it may sowalk in the light of your truth that it may at length attain to
the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Holy Innocents
Almighty God, we remember the slaughter of the holy
innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray,
into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by
your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants andestablish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle
O God, who, through the preaching of the blessed Apostle
Saint Paul, caused the light of the Gospel to shine
throughout the world: Grant, we ask you, that we may
always remember his miraculous conversion, and give
thanks for it by following the holy doctrine which he taught;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Almighty and everlasting God, whose only Son Jesus Christ
was, in accordance with the Law, presented in the Temple
and acclaimed the glory of Israel and the light of thenations: grant that in him we may be presented to you and in
the world may reflect his glory; through Jesus Christ ourLord. Amen.
Saint Matthias the Apostle
Almighty God, who chose your faithful servant Matthias totake the place of the traitor Judas and be numbered among
the Twelve: Grant that your Church, being always preserved
from false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithfuland true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Saint Joseph
Almighty God, who from the family of your servant David
raised up Joseph to be the spouse of the Virgin Mary and theguardian of your incarnate Son: Give us grace to imitate his
uprightness of life and his courage to follow yourcommands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives andreigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
The Annunciation of Our Lord to Saint MaryO Lord, As the angel announced to the Virgin Mary, we
have known that your Son Jesus Christ was given flesh andtook upon himself our human nature: Pour your grace into
our hearts that we may, by his cross and passion, be brought
to the glory of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ ourLord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saint Mark the Evangelist
Almighty God, by Mark the evangelist you have given to
your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We

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thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly
grounded in the truth of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles
Almighty God, to know you truly is everlasting life: Grant
us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way,
the truth, and the life, that following the steps of your holy
Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may steadfastly
follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; throughyour Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint Barnabas the Apostle
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ has taught us that it
is more blessed to give than to receive: help us by theexample of your apostle Barnabas to be generous in ourjudgements and unselfish in our service, so that we may
constantly reflect your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the
Baptist was wonderfully born, and was sent to baptize withthe baptism of repentance to prepare the way of Christ:
Grant that we may truly repent according to his preaching;
and, following his example, constantly speak the truth,boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the sake of truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles
The first two collects or only the third one may be used.

Almighty God, who by your Son Jesus Christ called your
Apostle Saint Peter, and commanded him earnestly to feed
your sheep: We pray for all pastors, that they may diligently
preach your holy Word, and for your people, that they may
obediently follow, and so receive the crown of everlasting
glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who has put many people of all nations into yourChurch through the preaching of your Apostle Saint Paul;
grant us, we pray, that we, who venerate this holy apostle

80

and remember his martyrdom, may overcome every
suffering and devoutly proclaim your Holy name; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who gives us grace to remember the
martyrdom of your blessed apostles Saints Peter and Paul:
Grant that your household the Church, instructed by theirteaching and example, and knit together in unity by yourSpirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, whichis Jesus Christ our Lord; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Mary Magdalene
Almighty God, whose Son restored Mary Magdalene tohealth of mind and body and called her to be a witness to his
resurrection:
Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be forgiven andhealed from all our infirmities and serve you in the power of
his risen life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives andreigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

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Saint James the Apostle
O merciful God, your holy Apostle Saint James wasobedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ and without
delay followed him, leaving his father and all that he had; sowe, forsaking all desires of the world and the flesh, may beevermore ready with willingness to follow your holycommandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses
your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raimentwhite and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being
delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faithbehold the King of Glory in his beauty; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honorand glory, now and forever. Amen.
Saint Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Almighty God, you have chosen the Virgin Mary as themother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have beenredeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your
eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives

82and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for everand ever. Amen.
Saint Bartholomew the Apostle
Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle
Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach yourWord: Grant that your Church may love what he believed
and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Almighty God, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ
having called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle andevangelist: Give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit ofgain and the possessive love of riches that we may follow inthe way of your Son Jesus Christ; through Jesus Christ ourLord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of theHoly Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Saint Michael and All Angels
Eternal God, by your providence you have ordained andconstituted the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully

83grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship
you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help anddefend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Luke the Evangelist
Almighty God, by your Son you have called Luke thephysician to be an evangelist to set forth in the Gospel thelove and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue inyour Church this love and power to heal, to the praise andglory of your Name; through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
Almighty God, who built your Church upon the foundationof the Apostles and Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as
the chief cornerstone: Grant us, who remember Saints
Simon and Jude, so to be joined together in unity of spirit by
their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple for thetestimony of the faith once our Lord taught the holy
apostles; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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All Saints’ Day
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one
communion and fellowship in the Body of your Son Jesus
Christ: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all
virtuous and godly living, that on the last day we may cometo those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those wholove you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Martyrs of Japan
Almighty God, whose mercy and power made the holy
martyrs of Japan overcome their suffering and lead theirlives in faith to the time of death: Grant that we,remembering their earthly lives and being thankful for yourdeeds, may hold fast the faith we profess; together withthem, we too will receive the crown of life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unityof the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Establishment of Nippon Sei Ko Kai
The following collect is used when Holy Communion iscelebrated on a weekday. On Sunday, other feast day, or FirstDay of Lent (Ash Wednesday) this collect is used after the85collect of the day.

Almighty God, you have illuminated this nation with thelight of your Gospel, and called us to serve you in the one
holy catholic and apostolic Church: Grant that we may evergive thanks to you for this great mercy by walking
steadfastly in the way of true faith, and that all who
proclaim your name may live as one in your Son, throughJesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in theunity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Channing Moore Williams, The First Bishop of
Nippon Sei Ko Kai
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, you brought Bishop
Williams to Japan to establish the bases of one holy, catholicand apostolic Church, and to let the light of the Gospel shine
in this country: Give us, who remember and give thanks forhim, a grace to follow his example of proclaiming only theGospel, not the self; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Harvest Thanksgiving
Almighty and gracious God, we offer you our hearty thanks
for your care in abundantly giving us the fruits of the earth86

in their seasons. Give us the wisdom and power to use themrightly, to your glory, for fulfilling the needs of all people onearth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Mission
One of the following collects is used.

God of all nations, you have created us all in your image:
Remember, Lord, those whose faith in you is known to you
alone in your care. Bless your Church so that by its work,
people may be delivered from unbelief and superstition, andcome to believe in you; through the merits of your Son
Jesus Christ. Amen.
O God, you formed all people from the same flesh andblood, and made them to dwell in all parts of the world; andyou sent your Son to the world so that peace may beproclaimed to those nearby and far away: Grant that thepeople of all nations may seek and find you; and makespeed to complete your promise to pour out your Spirit upon
all people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Almighty God, you so loved the world that you sent into it
your only Son, and you wish for all people to be completely
reconciled to you and live in holy communion with you:
Grant us knowledge of your works, and the grace to giveourselves as witnesses to them, that we may aid in thefulfillment of your Kingdom, through our one and only
great High Priest, your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
O merciful God, you created every living thing and hatenothing that you have made, and you take no pleasure in thedeath of the wicked, but would rather they should turn fromtheir ways and live; Have mercy upon all those whose hearts
are hardened against belief in you, give them grace tobelieve in your holy word that they may be made one flockunder one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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,he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and 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.

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The Prayer of Penitence and Absolution(Taken from the Morning and Evening Prayer)

Officiant Let us kneel before God and examine ourselves,and pray together for the forgiveness of our sins.
All kneel.
After the time of self examination, all say

Most merciful God the Father, we have done what weought not to have done, and we have left undone what
we out to have done, and we have sinned exceedingly inthought, word, and deed. Forgive us who are sinful. May
we walk in newness of life, and obey your will, that wemay show your glory. Through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen

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Words of Scripture
General (Season after Pentecost)
O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known
his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises tohim; tell of all his wonderful works. (Ps. 105:1, 2)
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in
spirit and truth. (John 4:24)
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am thereamong them. (Mat. 18:20)
Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns andspiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making
melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God theFather at all times and for everything in the name of ourLord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 5:18-20)
AdventA voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of theLord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people91

shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”(Isa. 40:3, 5)

It is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For
salvation is nearer to us now than when we became
believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us thenlay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor oflight. (Rom. 13:11, 12)
Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Do not worry about anything. (Phil. 4:5, 6)
Christmas
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, sothat everyone who believes in him may not perish but may
have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his
only Son into the world so that we might live through him.
(1Jo. 4:9)

The angel said, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing
you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born
this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,

92the Lord.” (Luke 2:10, 11)
Epiphany
For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”
who has shone in our hearts to give the light of theknowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2Cor. 4:6)
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation fromday to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his
marvelous works among all the peoples. (Ps. 96:2, 3)
For the grace of God has appeared, training us to wait forthe blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of ourgreat God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Tit. 2:11-13)
From Ash Wednesday to the day before
Sunday next before EasterMy soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Ps. 42:2)
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Puton the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to standagainst the wiles of the devil. (Eph. 6:10, 11)Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life,93to which you were called and for which you made the good
confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1Tim. 6:12)
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken
and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Ps. 51:17)
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation
and brings no regret. (2Cor. 7:10)
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so
closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set
before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of ourfaith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken hisseat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1, 2)
From Sunday next before Easter to Holy
Friday (Passion Day, Good Friday)
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that,
free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his
wounds you have been healed. (1Pet. 2:24)
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are

94perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power ofGod. (1Cor. 1:18)
Christ Jesus gave himself a ransom for all. (1Tim. 2:6)
Holy Saturday
We have been buried with Christ Jesus by baptism into
death, we might no longer be enslaved to sin. (Rom. 6:4, 6)
Easter Day and Easter Season
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By
his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
(1Pet. 1:3)

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through ourLord Jesus Christ. (1Cor. 15:57)
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things thatare above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
(Col. 3:1)

The Son sustains all things by his powerful word. When hehad made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand95

of the Majesty on high. (Heb. 1:3)
To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing
and honor and glory and might forever and ever! (Rev. 5:13)
Pentecost
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come uponyou; and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.
(Acts 1:8)

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. It
is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we arechildren of God. (Rom. 8:14, 16)
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy
Spirit that has been given to us. (Rom. 5:5)
Trinity Sunday
Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was andis and is to come. (Rev. 4:8)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizingthem in the name of the Father and of the Son and of theHoly Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I

96

have commanded you. And remember, I am with you
always, to the end of the age. (Mat. 28:19, 20)
All Saints’ Day
I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could
count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples andlanguages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They
cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our
God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:9,
10)

Saints’ Days (Other Feast Days)
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all
your faithful shall bless you. (Ps. 145:10)
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of thesky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars
forever and ever. (Dan. 12:3)
Rogation Days, Harvest Thanksgiving
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and97

those who live in it. (Ps. 24:1)
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruitsof all your produce. (Pro. 3:9)
For Mission
The first sentence of General (p.91) or the second sentence ofTrinity Sunday (p.96)

Anniversary of the Establishment of the
Nippon Sei Ko Kai
Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, andsee; have regard for this vine, the stock that your right handplanted. (Ps. 80:14, 15)
You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens
with the saints and also members of the household of God,built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with
Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. (Eph. 2:19, 20)98