CALL ON ME
A Prayer Book for Young PeopleBy Jenifer C. Gamber Sharon Ely PearsonMorehouse Publishing
Copyright © 2012 Jenifer C. Gamber and Sharon Ely Pearson
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-0-8192-2764-5Contents
Chapter One
COMMON PRAYER
Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3
Prayer is a way of responding to God's love and blessings. There are many ways to pray—with words, by actions, alone, with friends, or with your church community. You can even pray together with others across the world.
In the Episcopal Church, we have The Book of Common Prayer, a collection of worship services and prayers that everyone in the church can say together. That's why we call it "common prayer." When we come together to worship with others, we are following Jesus' example, "For when two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:20).
The Episcopal Church has worshipped with a Book of Common Prayer for nearly five hundred years. Thomas Cranmer, a church leader in England, compiled the first Anglican prayer book in 1549. The English language has changed a lot since then and so has The Book of Common Prayer. Even though the one we use today is from 1979, new prayers are written all the time. You can find some in new books called Enriching Our Worship and even on the Internet. All are written for the same basic reason: so that as a people of God we can pray and worship together.
No matter where you are, when you pray these common prayers, you are not alone. You are praying with many others around the world as one body with Christ.
Daily Devotions
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1–2
Devotions are ways that we can pray along with reading the Bible. You can say devotions any time of the day. One tradition is to pray at fixed hours such as 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and so on. A schedule for prayer is called the horaria. Choosing a fixed time to pray each day establishes a familiar rhythm, which will help you maintain your practice even on those days you don't feel like praying. If you've chosen to pray when you wake up each morning at 6 a.m., your body and mind will remind you, "It's time to pray." It's like eating regularly. If you're used to eating dinner at 6 o'clock, your stomach starts growling at about 5:30. Your body reminds you that it's time to eat. The same is true for your soul.
You can choose your own horaria based on your schedule during the year. It might be different during the school year than during the summertime or when you are at camp. Consider praying in the same place or in the same posture. Our memories reside in our thoughts as well as our bodies. Are you used to kneeling during prayer at church? You might find kneeling to be a good way to focus on prayer. Some people have a special chair or corner of their room for prayer. You can create your own place by keeping your Bible and gathering items that remind you of God on your desk, dresser, or small table. By praying every day we can develop a stronger relationship with God.
The devotions here are from The Book of Common Prayer. What's neat about these prayers is that other people are saying these very same words—people in your own town or city, across the country, and even in other countries. Once you've established your practice, you might try writing your own devotions.
In the Morning
From Psalm 51
Open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence * and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again * and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
A Reading
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
A period of silence may follow.
A hymn or canticle may be used; the Apostles' Creed may be said.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.
Prayers and thanksgivings may be offered for ourselves and others.
For whom and what shall we pray? For what shall we give thanks?
Offer prayers and thanksgivings silently or aloud.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Collect
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the Close of Day
Psalm 134
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, * you that stand by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; * the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
A Reading
Lord, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9, 22
The following may be said
Lord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see; A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.
Prayers and thanksgivings for yourself and others may follow. It is appropriate that prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the day, and penitence for our sins, be included.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Collect
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
Compline
The Officiant begins
The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.
Officiant Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
People The maker of heaven and earth.
The Officiant may then say
Let us confess our sins to God.
Silence may be kept.
Officiant and People
Almighty God, our heavenly Father: We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all my offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Officiant
May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Officiant then says
O God, make speed to save us.
People O Lord, make haste to help us.
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, add Alleluia.
The following Psalm is sung or said. Other suitable selections may be substituted.
Psalm 4 Cum invocarem
1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; * you set me free when I am hardpressed; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 "You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory? * how long will you worship dumb idols and run after false gods?"
3 Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; * when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me.
4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; * speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5 Offer the appointed sacrifices * and put your trust in the LORD.
6 Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!" * Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, * more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; * for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture
Others may be chosen.
Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8?9a
People Thanks be to God.
A hymn suitable for the evening may be sung.
Then follows
V. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit;
R. For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
V. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye;
R. Hide us under the shadow of your wings.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Officiant and People
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
Officiant Lord, hear our prayer;
People And let our cry come to you.
Officiant Let us pray.
The Officiant then says one of the following Collects
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Matthew 21:22
You might recognize the Prayers of the People from Sunday worship. The Prayers of the People are part of every Sunday liturgy and are the moments that join God's Word and God's world together. Praying together is one of the most important responsibilities of people who worship in public.
These prayers for the church, our country, the world, and our own communities can be part of our personal prayer too. We can also include prayers for those who are sick and those who have died.
The prayers here are in the form of a collect (pronounced kol'·ekt)—a prayer that "collects" us into one body to pray. They usually focus on one theme. Every Sunday service has two collects: the collect of purity that begins the service and the collect of the day. You can read these collects on pages 159 to 261 in The Book of Common Prayer.
A collect is written like a letter. You address God. You ask for something. You tell God what you're going to do with it. You conclude. Collects can get pretty complicated, so here's a simple formula:
1. Address God using words that call on God, such as "Dear God who loves me," just like in a letter you'd say dear so-and-so. God is so many things. That's why you add words that describe God.
2. Ask God for something such as, "Open my heart."
3. State what you will do with what God gives you such as, "so that I can love other people." Amen.
The Prayers of the People cover six areas: the church, the nation, the world, the local community, people who are suffering, and people who have died. So if you're writing the Prayers of the People for a service, make sure you write one for each.
Here is one complete set:
1. The church
Holy Spirit, you join us together in a common bond of love and faith in Jesus Christ. Keep all churches focused on God's mission of healing and reconciliation of all people. Give wisdom to those who lead the church: lay leaders, deacons, priests, and bishops. Strengthen all of us to do your work in the world, so that we will be drawn closer to your kingdom here on earth every day. Amen.
2. The nation
God of all people and nations, help us to work together for peace and harmony. Help the leaders of our country remember that we are all created in your image, and that in working together we can accomplish so much more. For it is in the combining of our efforts for the good of all humanity that we can all be truly free. Amen.
3. The welfare of the world
You tell us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned. Bless all who provide comfort to those in need. Keep our own eyes open to the opportunities in which we can minister to others. For in the eyes of others, we shall see you. Amen.
4. Concerns of your local community
Watch over all who live and work in (name of your city or town). Keep those who protect us safe, including our firefighters and police officers. Give courage to those who represent us in government. Provide the skills needed for all who work in our hospitals and schools. Grant us all compassion to live and work together so we may make our community a sign of your presence in the world. Amen.
5. The suffering and those in trouble
Heavenly Creator of all, keep watch over those who are in pain or hurt in any way today. Protect those who find themselves in trouble or in danger. May your presence comfort them and give them courage to face their difficulties. For with you, we are never alone. Amen.
6. Those who have died
God, you give us life. You are also with us in death. Hold (name) and all who have died in your arms that they might be at peace. Comfort us in our sadness. Let us remember (name) with joy and thanksgiving for the time we had together. Give rest to all of us, for we know that with you there is no sorrow or pain, but life everlasting. Amen.
KINDS OF PRAYER
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16b
Prayer is talking with God; like talking to your best friend. It's easy to talk to someone when you know they love you no matter what. And God loves YOU unconditionally—no strings attached. Sometimes we pray to thank God. Other times we ask for something. There are times when we confess our sins. There are seven principal kinds of prayer used in The Episcopal Church. You might try writing one of each.
Adoration is when we focus our heart and mind on God, simply to enjoy being in the company of God. "God, I love you."
Praise is when we celebrate that God is God and worth our respect and love. "God, how great you are!"
Thanksgiving is offered to God for all the blessings, or good things, we have received in our lives, including whatever brings us closer to God. "God, I thank you for ..."
Penitence is when we admit we've done wrong. This type of prayer also includes our desire to make things right again, as best as we are able. "God, I confess ..."
Oblation is when we give ourselves to God, handing over to God who we are and what we are doing. "God, here I am."
(Continues...)
Excerpted from CALL ON MEby Jenifer C. Gamber Sharon Ely Pearson Copyright © 2012 by Jenifer C. Gamber and Sharon Ely Pearson. Excerpted by permission of Morehouse Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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