THE BIDDING PRAYER

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Brethren, pray for us.

This prayer should be repeated by the Minister while standing and facing the Congregation, the People meanwhile kneeling in their accustomed places.

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Brethren, let us remember in gratitude and prayer the great company of men and women who in time past have wrought so nobly to advance the world upon its appointed way. triarchs, Lawgivers and Kings, Sages and Philosophers, the goodly fellowship of Prophets, the glorious company of Apostles, the noble army of Martyrs, all Saints and Heroes, all true Benefactors of ankind, particularly 1 those of our own city and country whom we should hold in honour and pious remembrance. And as we now share and enjoy the rich treasures which they bequeathed to the world, so may our posterity also be blessed by the sacrifices we make, and the services we now render, to the time in which we live. Let us also have in pious memory the multitudes of every name and land, our brothers and sisters in the family

1 These on appropriate occasions should here be mentioned by name.

of God, and pray that we may all be blessed with a larger knowledge of the truth, and a greater measure of the faith and spirit of our Saviour Christ.

Let us remember and pray for our Rulers, the President and his Council, the Governor of this Commonwealth, our Legislators, Judges and Magistrates, and all who are in authority over us, and desire that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavors on the best and surest foundations that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety may be established amongst us for all time to

come.

Let us remember and pray for the good estate of the whole and Universal Church of Jesus Christ, the blessed company of all faithful and aspiring souls, and ask that God will so illuminate all Teachers and Ministers of Religion with true knowledge and understanding of His word that they may be as burning and shining lights, and, both by their preaching and living, faithfully guide the people into the way of righteousness and peace.

Let us remember and pray for our Schools and Colleges, all Universities and Seminaries of sound learning, and ask for a blessing upon all Doctors, Professors, all Tutors and Instructors of youth, and upon all wise agencies for the spread of knowledge, virtue, and true piety amongst us.

Let us remember our children and youth, and keep them under the watchful care of our de

voted love, and pray that they may ever find wise and true friends to counsel and help them, so that they may grow up in reverent love and fear of God, and in the stedfast service of all that is good, and pure, and true.

Let us remember in charity all who have done or even wished us evil, and freely forgive them as we ourselves hope to be forgiven, and pray that God will give them repentance and a better mind in time to come.

Let us remember also the poor and needy, and all who have no helper, the sick and those in distress and trouble, all who are absent from home, and in foreign lands, and commend them in loving trust to God's most fatherly comfort and sustaining care.

Remember also with pure affection the friends no longer with us here, our companions of other days, and pray that our love may remain and increase, and our friendship be unchanged, until we meet in that land where there shall be no more pain or tears, and where all parting and sorrow shall be done away for ever.

Think, brethren, upon Him Who is the greatest thought of finite man, our Father and our God! In the day of prosperity let us rejoice in the thought of that Great Being Who made us, and our life, to be so full of beauty and of power. Think upon Him also in the day of adversity when the hours are grey and dim, remember that Infinite Heart which beats so warmly close to ours, and how often in times gone by we and our fathers have experienced

the faithfulness and truth of our Almighty and All-Holy God.

Think also upon Jesus Christ our Beloved Master and Friend, and be for ever grateful for the unspeakable services which He has rendered to every separate sovereign soul and still extends to all our race. Remember Him well, for He also passed this way before us. Let life be hallowed, and death also be a holy thing, for He shared them both with us. And when our days down here are done, may His calm and holy Spirit come to cheer us through the dark vale which leads to the everlasting peace.

Brethren, rejoice, and bow before Him who poureth such benefits upon us, and for a little space keep silence, if perhaps we may the better learn what His gracious wishes are concerning us and know more perfectly what He would have us do. Speak, Lord! we wait for thy lovingkindness in the midst of Thy temple.

Here a brief silence shall be kept for private prayer and meditation, the silence to be broken by Minister and People together saying,

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 For Thine is the Kingdom, And the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.