16 November 2018

Oldest English Version of the Prayer of the Church

Luther D. Reed points to this gem, hidden away in the Common Service (pp. 159, 160). Composed originally by Melanchthon and Bucer for the Reformation in Cologne, which order might have been rendered in English by none other than Cramner himself. It has clearly influenced the 1549 BCP:

Merciful God, Heavenly Father, Who hast commanded us to meet together in Thy name and in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, to ask of Thee what is requisite and profitable for us and for all men, and hast graciously promised to hear our prayers and grant our requests: We beseech Thee to pardon our sins and unrighteousness, and to quicken our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit that we may ask of Thee whatsoever things are needful to Thy Church and to all men.

For Thy Church and people, we pray: Save and defend them from the power of those whom Thou hast not sent, and send them  Pastors and teachers, who shall faithfully seek Thy scattered sheep, bring them to the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and diligently build them up in all Thy will and pleasure, that all ungodliness and wicked works, and all heresies, schisms, and false religion, may be done away; and that, in the unity of the true faith and the confession of Thy dear Son, we may be one in Him, and dwell together in love, to the honor of Thy name and the good of our fellowmen.

For all in authority, especially, for all who bear rule over us, we pray: Grant that they may be Thine indeed, put down all evil, and uphold and further all good, that we, being delivered from the fear of our enemies, may serve Thee in all holiness and righteousness.

And as it is Thy will to be a Saviour to the whole world, we also pray for all sorts and conditions of men: Draw to Thy dear Son those who are yet far from Him, and grant that those whom Thou hast drawn to Him may daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord. 

For all who are in any trouble or sorrow, we pray: Comfort them in their distresses and send them speedy deliverance out of all their afflictions; and help us to lay to heart Thy Fatherly chastenings, that we may judge ourselves and amend our ways, that we come not under Thy judgments.

Grant, also, that we, who are here assembled for Thy worship, may hold fast Thy Word, die unto our self, and be wholly given to Thy dear Son, our Saviour, Who by His bitter sufferings and condemnation, and by His glorious Resurrection and Ascension hath brought us to oneness with Himself and with His Church; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

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