Thanksgiving in the Book of Common Prayer

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1662 Thanksgiving

On The Bradford Prayer Book 1710

1717 Gunpowder Treason

1786 first effort of the U. S. Episcopal Church to produce its own Book of Common Prayer

1786 Fourth of July

1786 November Thanksgiving

1786 General Thanksgiving

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On The Bradford Prayer Book


The Bradford prayer book, 1710: some account of "The Book of Common Prayer," printed A.D. 1710, by William Bradford, under the auspices of Trinity Church, New York.Jones, Horatio Gates, 1870

The book is a small quarto, "Printed and sold by William Bradford, in New York, in 17 10," an exact reprint of the English *'Book of Common Prayer (of 1661) and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the Church of England ; together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David. Pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches." Facing the title page are the royal arms of Great Britain, and following it, prefatory to the body of the book, are twenty-three pages, containing " Rules for the more devout behaviour in the time of divine service in the Church of England ; with some explanations of the Common Prayer."-p.7

By 1661 it is assumed that this refers to the Savoy Conference version approved in 1661 printed 1662

1662-The 1662 Prayer Book was printed only two years after the restoration of the monarchy, following the Savoy Conference between representative Presbyterians and twelve bishops which was convened by Royal Warrant to "advise upon and review the Book of Common Prayer" (Procter & Frere 1965, p. 169,170). Attempts by the Presbyterians, led by Richard Baxter, to gain approval for an alternative service book failed. Their major objections (exceptions) were: firstly, that it was improper for lay people to take any vocal part in prayer (as in the Litany or Lord's Prayer), other than to say "amen"; secondly, that no set prayer should exclude the option of an extempore alternative from the minister; thirdly, that the minister should have the option to omit part of the set liturgy at his discretion; fourthly, that short collects should be replaced by longer prayers and exhortations; and fifthly, that all surviving "Catholic" ceremonial should be removed.(Harrison & Sansom 1982, p. 53)
The Savoy Conference ended in disagreement late in July 1661, but the initiative in prayer book revision had already passed to the Convocations and from there to Parliament.(Procter & Frere 1965, p. 192f) The Convocations made some 600 changes,-Wikipedia,verified

1662 Prayerbook Thanksgiving

Note-No Gunpowder treason day due to its nature as "Annexed"
The Annexed Book

The Booke of 
Common Prayer 
And 
Administration of the 
Sacraments 
And other Rites and 
Ceremonies 
of the Church 
According to the Use of 
the Church of England 
Together with 
The Psalter or Psalmes of 
David 
Pointed as they are to be 
sung or said in Churches 
And 
The Forme or Manner of 
Making, ordeining, & consecrating 
of 
Bishops, Priests, & Deacon

  

 

 Prayers and Thanksgivings upon severall occasions, to be said before the two finall Prayers of the Litany, or of Morning and Evening Prayer.

Prayers

 For Rain.

O God heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ, hast promised to all them that seek thy Kingdom, and the righteousnes thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance: send us, we beseech thee, in this our necessity, such moderate rain and showres, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thy honour, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For fair weather.

O Almighty Lord God, who for the sin of man didst once drowne all the world, except eight persons, and afterward of thy great mercy didst promise never to destroy it so againe: we humbly beseech thee, that although we for our iniquities have worthily deserved a plague of rain and waters, yet upon our true repentance thou wilt send us such weather, as that we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season, and learne both by thy punishment to amend our lives, and for thy Clemency to give thee praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 In the time of dearth and Famine.

O God heavenly Father, whose guift it is that the rain doth fall, the earth is fruitfull, beasts increase, and fishes do multiply: behold, we beseech thee, the Afflictions of thy people, and grant that the scarcity and dearth (which we do now most justly suffer for our Iniquity) may through thy goodnes be mercifully turned into cheapnes and plenty, for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the holv Ghost be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 Or this.

O God mercifull father, who in the time of Elisha the Prophet didst suddenly in Samaria turne great Scarcity and dearth into plenty and Cheapnes: have mercy upon us that we who are now for our sins punished with like Adversity, may likewise find a seasonable relief. Increase the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction; and grant that we receiving thy bountifull liberality may use the same to thy Glory, the reliefe of those that are needy, and our own Comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 In the time of War and Tumults.

O Almighty God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent: save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, asswage their malice, and confound their devices, that we being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee who art the only giver of all victory through the merits of thy only son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 In the time of any common plague or sicknes.

O Almighty God, who in thy wrath didst send a plague upon thine own people in the wildernes for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and also in the time of King David, didst slay with the plague of pestilence threescore and ten thousand, and yet remembring thy mercy didst save the rest: have pitie upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sicknes and mortality, that like as thou didst then accept of an atonement, and didst command the destroying Angell to cease from punishing: so it may now please thee to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sicknes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 In the Ember Weeks, to be said every day, For those who are to be admitted into holy orders.

Almighty God our heavenly Father, who hast purchased to thyselfe an universall Church by the pretious blood of thy dear Son: mercifully looke upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors of thy Flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fitt persons to serve in the sacred ministery of thy Church. And to those which shall be ordeined to any holy function, give thy grace and heavenly benediction, that both by their life and doctrine they may set forth thy glory, and set forward the Salvation of all men, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Or this.

Almighty God, the giver of all good guifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers orders in thy Church: give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and Administration in the same: And soe replenish them with the truth of thy Doctrine, and indue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great name, and the benefitt of thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 A Prayer that may be said after any of the former.

O God whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions: and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulnes of thy great mercy loose us, for the honour of Jesus Christ our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

A Prayer for the High Court of Parliament to be read during their Session.

Most gratious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for this Kingdom in generall, so especially for the high Court of Parliament, under our most religious, and gratious King, at this time assembled: That thou wouldst be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety honour and welfare of our Soveraign, and his kingdoms; that all things may be so ordered and setled by their endeavors upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and Piety may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly begg in the Name and Mediation of Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

A Collect or Prayer for all Conditions of men to be used at such times when the Litanie is not appointed to be said.

O God, the Creatour and Preserver of all mankind, We humbly beseech thee for all sorts, and conditions of men, that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy waies known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholick 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. Finally wee commend to thy Fatherly goodness all those who are any wayes afflicted or distressed in mind body or estate, *[especially those for whom our prayers are desired] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their severall necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we begg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen. 
 

*This to be said when any desire the prayers of the Congregation.

 

A generall Thanksgiving.

Almightie God, Father of all mercies, We thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodnes, and loving kindness to us and to all men [*particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises, and thanksgivings for thy late mercies vouchsafed unto them] We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee give us that due sence of all thy mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankfull, and that we shew forth thy prayse, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousnes all our dayes through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour and glory world without end. Amen.

 For Rain

O God our heavenly Father, who by thy gracious providence do'st cause the former and the latter rain to descend upon the earth, that it may bring forth fruit for the use of man: We give thee humble thanks that it hath pleased thee in our great necessity to send us at the last a joyfull rain upon thine inheritance, and to refresh it when it was dry, to the great Comfort of us thy unworthy servants, and to the glory of thy holy Name through thy mercies in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For fair weather.

O Lord God, who hast justly humbled us by thy late plague of immoderate rain and waters, and in thy mercy hast relieved and comforted our soules by this seasonable and blessed change of weather: we prayse and glorify thy holy Name for this thy mercy, and will alwayes declare thy loving kindnesse from generation to generation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For Plenty.

O most mercifull father, who of thy gracious goodnes hast heard the devout prayers of thy Church, and turned our dearth and Scarcity into cheapnes and plenty: Wee give thee humble thanks for this thy speciall bounty, beseeching thee to continue thy loving kindnes unto us, that our Land may yeild us her fruits of increase to thy glory and our comfort through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For Peace and deliverance from our Enemies.

O Almighty God, who art a strong tower of defence unto thy Servants against the face of their Enemies: we yeild thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers wherewith we were compassed: we acknowledge it thy goodnes that we were not delivered over as a prey unto them, beseeching thee still to continue such thy mercies towards us, that all the world may know that thou art our Saviour and mighty deliverer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For restoring publick peace at home.

O eternall God our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house, and stillest the outrage of a violent and unruly people: We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleased thee, to appease the seditious tumults which have. been lately raised up amongst us: most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy Commandments, and leading a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of prayse and thanksgiving for these thy mercies towards us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen .

 For deiiverance from the Plague, or other common Sicknes.

O Lord God, who hast wounded us for our sins, and consumed us for our transgressions by thy late heavy and dreadfull visitation, and now in the midst of Judgement remembring mercy, hast redeemed our soules from the jaws of death: we offer unto thy fatherly goodnes our selves, our souls and bodies which thou hast delivered, to be a living sacrifice unto thee, alwayes praysing and magnifyeing thy mercies in the midst of thy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Or this.

We humbly acknowledge before thee (O most mercifull Father) that all the punishments which are threatned in thy law, might justly have falln upon us, by reason of our manifold transgressions and heardnes of heart: yet seeing it hath pleased thee of thy tender mercy, upon our weake and unworthy humiliation, to asswage the contagious sicknes wherewith we lately have been sore afflicted, and to restore the voice of joy and health into our dwellings: we offer unto thy divine majesty the Sacrifice of prayse and thanksgiving, lauding and magnifying thy glorious Name for such thy preservation and providence over us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

* This to be said when any that have been praied for desire to return prais.

 

The Thanksgiving of women 
after Childbirth, 
commonly called, the Churching of Women.

 The Woman, at the usual time after her delivery, shall come into the Church decently apparelled, and there shall kneel down in some convenient place, as hath been accustomed, or as the Ordinary shall direct. And then the Priest shall say unto her.

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his goodness to give you safe deliverance, and hath preserved you in the great danger of child-birth; You shall therefore give hearty thanks unto God. and say.

 Then shall the Priest say the 116 Psalm.
 

 

I am well pleased : that the Lord hath heard the voice of my Prayer. 
    That he hath inclined his eare unto me : therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 
    The snares of death compassed me round about; and the pains of hell gat hold upon me. 
    I found trouble and heaviness, and I called upon the Name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. 
    Gratious is the Lord, and righteous, : yea our God is mercifull. 
    The Lord preserveth the simple; I was in misery, and he helped me. 
    Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul : for the Lord hath rewarded thee. 
    And why? thou hast delivered my Soul from death : mine Eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 
    I wilt walke before the Lord : in the Land of the living. 
    I believed, and therefor will I speak; but I was sore troubled : I said in my hast, All men are liars. 
    What reward shall I give unto the Lord : for all the Benefits that he hath don unto me ? 
    I will receive the cup of salvation : and call upon the Name of the Lord. 
    I will pay my vowes now in the presence of all his people, : in the courts of the Lords house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord. 
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost. 
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

 Or Psalm 127. 
 

Dilexi quoniam. Psal: 116.

Except the Lord build the house,: their labour is but lost that build it. 
    Except the Lord keep the City : the watchman waketh but in vain. 
    It is but lost labour, that ye hast to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. 
    Lo, children and the fruit of the Womb : are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord. 
    Like as the Arrowes in the hand of the giant: even so are the young children. 
    Happie is the man that hath his quiver full of them : they shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their Enemies in the Gate. 
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost. 
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

 Then the Priest shall say.

    ¶ Let us pray. 
Lord have mercy upon us. 
    Christ have mercy upon us, 
Lord have mercy upon us.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be don in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,: But deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
 Minister.
O Lord save this woman thy servant.
 Answer.
Who putteth her trust in thee.
 Minister.
Be thou to her a strong tower.
 Answer.
From the face of her Enemy
 Minister.
Lord hear our prayer.
 Answer.
And let our Cry come unto thee.
 Minister
    Let us pray.

O Almighty God, we give thee humble thanks for that thou hast vouchsafed to deliver this woman thy servant from the great pain, and peril of child-birth: Grant, we beseech thee, most mercifull Father, that she through thy help, may both faithfully live, and walk according to thy will, in this life present; and also may be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 The Woman that cometh to give her thanks, must offer accustomed offerings; And if there is a Communion, it is convenient that she receive the holy Communion. 

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Book Of Common Prayer, John Sturt 1717
"Gunpowder Treason"



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1786- The Proposed Prayer Book of 1786 was the first effort of the U. S. Episcopal Church to produce its own Book of Common Prayer, a process which was necessitated by the division of that church from the Church of England brought about by the Revolutionary War.  In regard to November thanksgiving-Gunpowder Treason Day also falls in the first week of November.



A FORM OF

PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

TO ALMIGHTY GOD,

For the inestimable Blessings of Religious and Civil Liberty; to be used yearly Fourth Day of July, unless it happen to be on Sunday, and then on following.

¶ The Service shall be as usual, except where it is hereby otherwise appointed.

¶ Among the Sentences at Morning Prayer shall be the following:

THe Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting Arms.  Deut. 33. 27.
    Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: The fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine: also his heavens shall drop down dew.  Verse 28.
    Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people favoured by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy Excellency.  Verse 29.
    The Lord hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless us; he shall bless them that fear him, both small and great.  Psalm115. 12, 13.
    O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men.  Psalm 107.21.

¶ Instead of "O come let us sing, &c.," the following Hymn shall be said or sung.

MY Song shall be alway of the loving kindness of the Lord : with my Mouth ever be shewing his Truth from one generation to another.  Psal. 89. 1.
    The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous Works : that they ought to be had in remembrance. Psal. 111. 4.
    Who can express the noble Acts of the Lord : or shew forth all his praise? Psal. 106. 2.
    The works of the Lord are great : sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Psal. 111.2.
    For he will not alway be chiding : neither keepeth he his anger forever. Psal. 103.9.
    He hath not dealt with us after our sins : nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. Verse 10.
    For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth : so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Verse 11.
    Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children : even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. Verse 11.
    Thou, O God, hast proved us; thou also hast tried us, like as silver is tried. Psal. 66.9.
    Thou didst remember us in our low estate, and redeem us from our enemies for thy mercy endureth forever. Psal. 136. 23, 24.
 

 

 Then shall be said or sung the Psalm; which shall be the same as is appointed Day, Part 2.

¶ The first Lesson shall be, Deut. 8; and the second Lesson shall be, [1] Thess. 5. 12 to 24.

¶ A thanksgiving for the day, to be said after the general thanksgiving.

OGod, whose Name is excellent in all the earth, and thy glory above the heavens, who as on this day didst inspire the direct the hearts of our delegates in Congress, to lay the perpetual foundations of peace, liberty, and safety; we bless and adore thy glorious Majesty, for this thy loving kindness and providence. And we humbly pray that the devout sense of this signal mercy may renew and increase in us a spirit of love and thankfulness to thee its only author, a spirit of peaceable submission to the laws and government of our country, and a spirit of fervent zeal for our holy religion, which thou hast preserved and secured to us and our posterity. May we improve these inestimable blessing for the advancement of religion, liberty, and science throughout this land, till the wilderness and solitary place be glad through us, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

 The Collect: to be used instead of that for the Day.

ALmighty God, who hast in all ages shewed forth thy power and mercy in the wonderful preservation of thy church, and in the protection of every nation and people professing thy holy and eternal Truth, and putting their sure trust in thee; We yield thee our unfeigned thanks and praise for all thy public mercies, and more especially for that signal and wonderful manifestation of thy providence which we commemorate this day; Wherefore not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name be ascribed all honor and glory, in all churches of the Saints, from generation to generation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Epistle. Philip. 4. 4.

REjoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

¶ The Gospel.  St. John 8.31.

THen said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

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November thanksgiving 1786

A FORM OF

PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

TO ALMIGHTY GOD,

FOR THE FRUITS OF THE EARTH AND ALL THE OTHER BLESSINGS OF HIS MERCIFUL PROVIDENCE;

to be used yearly on the First Thursday in November.

¶ The Service shall be as usual, except where it is hereby otherwise appointed.

 Among the sentences at the Beginning of Morning Prayer shall be the following:

HOnor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Prov. 3. 9, 10.
    The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the Heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. Verse, 19, 20.

¶ Instead of O come, let us sing, &c., the following shall be said or sung:

PRaise ye the Lord : for it is good to sing praises unto our God; or it is pleasant, and praise is comely.
    The Lord doth build up Jerusalem : he gathereth together the out-casts of Israel.
    He healeth those that are broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
    He covereth the Heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth : He maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains.
    He giveth to the beast his food : and to the young ravens which cry.
    Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem : Praise thy God, O Sion.
    For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates : He hath blessed thy children within thee.
    He maketh peace in thy borders : And filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

¶ Then shall be said or sung the Psalm; which shall be the same as is appointed for the 13th Day, Part 2.

¶ The first Lesson shall be Deut. 28 to verse 15; and the second Lesson shall be Matth. 7 verse 7 to 28.

 After the General Thanksgiving, shall be said this which followeth.

MOst gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew; we yield thee unfeigned thanks and praise as for all thy mercies, so especially for the returns of Seed-time and Harvest, and for crowning the year with thy goodness, in the increase of the ground, and gathering in of the fruits thereof. And, we beseech thee, give us a just sense of this great mercy; such as may appear in our lives, by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.
 

 

 The Collect to be used instead of that for the day.

OMost merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us; that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Epistle. St. James 1.16.

DO not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above; and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved Brethren, let every Man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a Man beholding his natural face in a glass; for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of Man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this Man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this Man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

¶ The Gospel. St. Matt. 5.43.

YE have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour, and hate thine Enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the Publicans the same? Or if ye salute your Brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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General thanksgivings 1786

PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS upon several Occasions, to be used before the two final Prayers of Morning and Evening Service.
 

P  R  A  Y  E   R  S.
 

 For Rain.

OGod, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance; Send us, we beseech thee, in this our necessity, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thy honour, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For fair Weather.

OAlmighty Lord God, who for the sin of man didst once drown all the world, except eight persons, and afterward of thy great mercy didst promise never to destroy it so again; We humbly beseech thee, that although we for our iniquities have worthily deserved a plague of rain and waters, yet upon our true repentance thou wilt send us such weather, as that we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season; and learn both by thy punishment to amend our lives, and for thy clemency to give thee praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ In the time of Dearth and Famine.

OGod, heavenly Father, whose gift it is, that the rain doth fall, the earth is fruitful, beasts increase, and fishes do multiply; Behold, we beseech thee, the afflictions of thy people; and grant that the scarcity and dearth, which we do now most justly suffer for our iniquity, may through thy goodness be mercifully turned into cheapness and plenty, for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord ; to whom with thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory now and for ever. Amen.

¶ Or this.

OGod, merciful Father, who in the time of Elisha the prophet didst suddenly in Samaria turn great scarcity and dearth into plenty and cheapness; Have mercy upon us, that we, who are now for our sins punished with like adversity, may likewise find the seasonable relief: Increase the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving thy bountiful liberality, may use the same to thy glory, the relief of those who are needy; and our own comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ In the time of War and Tumults.

OThou Almighty Ruler of the Universe, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee; who art the only giver of all victory, through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ In the time of any common Plague or Sickness.

OAlmighty God, who in thy wrath didst sed a plague upon thine own People in the wilderness, for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron; and also, in the time of King David, didst slay with the plague of pestilence threescore and ten thousand, and yet remembering thy mercy, didst save the rest; Have pity upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sickness and mortality; that like as thou didst then accept of an atonement; and didst command the destroying Angel to cease from punishing; so it may now please thee to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sickness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ For those who are to be admitted into holy Orders.

ALmighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious blood of thy dear Son; Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors of thy flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred ministry of thy Church. And to those who shall be ordained to any holy Function, give thy grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and doctrine they may shew forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Or this

ALmighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers orders in thy Church; Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve, before thee, to the glory of, thy great, Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

T H A N K S G I V I N G S.

 

¶ The Thanksgiving of Women after Child-birth; to be said when any Woman, being present in Church, shall have desired to return Thanks to Almighty God for her safe Deliverance.

OAlmighty God, we give thee humble thanks, for that thou hast been graciously pleased to preserve this woman thy servant through the great pain and peril of Child-birth; Grant we beseech thee most merciful Father, that she through thy help may both faithfully live, and walk according to thy will in this life present, and also may be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ For Rain.

OGod our heavenly Father, who by thy gracious providence, dost cause the former aud the latter rain to descend upon the earth, that it may bring forth fruit for the use of man; We give thee humble thanks that it hath pleased thee, in our great necessity, to send us at the last a joyful rain upon thine inheritance, and to refresh it when it was dry, to the, great comfort of us thy unworthy servants, and to the glory of thy holy Name, through thy mercies in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ For fair Weather.

OGod, who hast justly humbled us by thy late visitation of us with immoderate rain and waters, and in thy mercy hast relieved and comforted our souls by this seasonable and blessed change of weather; We praise and glorify thy holy name, for this thy mercy, and will always declare, thy loving kindness from generation to generation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

¶ For Plenty.

OMost merciful Father, who of thy gracious goodness hast heard the devout prayers of thy Church, and turned our dearth and scarcity into cheapness and p!enty, We give thee humble thanks for this thy special bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving kindness unto us, that our land may yield us her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

¶ For Peace and Deliverance from our Enemies.

OAlmighty God, who art a strong tower of defence unto thy servants against the face of their enemies; We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers wherewith we were compassed: We acknowledge it thy goodness that we were not delivered over as a prey unto them; beseeching thee still to continue such thy mercies towards us that all the world may know that thou art our Saviour and mighty deliverer, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

¶ For restoring Publick Peace at Home.

OEternal God, our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house, and stillest the outrage of a violent and unruly people; We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleases thee. to appease the seditious tumults which have been lately raised up among us; most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy commandments and leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty; may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for these thy mercies towards us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ For Deliverance from the Plague or common Sickness.

OLord God, who hast wounded us for our sins, and consumed us for our transgressions by thy late heavy and dreadful visitation; and now in the midst of judgment remembering mercy, hast redeemed our souls from the jaws of death; We offer unto thy fatherly goodness ourselves, our souls and bodies, which thou hast delivered, to be a living sacrifice unto thee, always praising and magnifying thy mercies in the midst of thy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Or this.

WE humbly acknowledge before thee, O most merciful Father, that all the punishments which are threatened in thy law, might justly have fallen upon us, by reason of our manifold transgressions and hardness of heart: Yet seeing it hath pleased thee of thy tender mercy, upon our weak and unworthy humiliation to asswage the contagious; sickness wherewith we lately have been sore afflicted, and to restore the voice of joy and health into our dwellings; We offer unto thy divine Majesty the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, lauding and magnifying thy glorious Name for such thy preservation and providence over us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

C  O  L  L  E  C  T S.

 

¶ C O L L E C T S  that may said after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer, or Communion, at the discretion of the Minister.

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attaining of everlasting salvation; that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OAlmighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

GRant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may through thy grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living to the honour and praise of thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name; and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALmighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking; We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALmighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son's Name; We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us who have made now our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we lave faithfully asked according to by will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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