Second edition 1997

© Liturgical Commission of the Catholic Diocese of the Old Catholics in Germany 1995

The present publication is the official altar book of the Old Catholic diocese in Germany; this church has been in full communion with the Anglican Communion since the 1931 Bonn Agreement. It is therefore fitting that the book which is used in the parishes of this diocese – and in many a Roman Catholic or Lutheran parish in Germany, in convents, and in Old Catholic parishes in other countries – should be made available in an English version to bishops, liturgists, and other interested people in the Anglican Communion and beyond.

The aim of this English version is to allow those who are interested and unable to use the original German book a look into the heart of this part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. The original intention had been to present a form which would lend itself to being instantly used in a liturgical setting. For reasons quite beyond the justification of anyone involved in this endeavour, a thorough revision of the draft translation has proved not to be possible without a delay which would be intolerable. It is for this motive that this present version is made available.

The texts do not exactly correspond to a Cranmerian style. This is not only due to the virtual impossibility to revise them, as outlined above, but also in order to offer a glimpse into the spirituality and thinking at present alive in this church. It may serve as an invitation to receive some inspiration when it comes to the contents of a particular day or season. This is also the reason why, although the entire book has been copyrighted by the Liturgical Commission, permission has been given freely and officially to use the texts contained in this publication as a resource. After all, official liturgical texts are not the property of any one body or church, let alone any individual, but the vehicle for the entire people of God to worship God. If anyone desires to use a text from this collection, the Liturgical Commission appreciates a reference to the altar book of this diocese, but does not restrict the use otherwise or will make it dependent upon prior inquiry and approval. It is satisfied if any one text should indeed serve its purpose of bringing the voice of the people of God to the One whom to worship is our primary task and glory.

As should be the normal case among sister churches, some Anglican churches, in particular The Anglican Church of Canada, have graciously given permission to use some of their texts in a German translation for being included among the prayers contained in the German altar book. In case an English text has been used as a source in its entirety, the original place has been indicated; in most instances, the original English version appears here, too. In other cases, the version presented here is an English rendering of what the Liturgical Commission has made of the original text. Those reading and using the English version should therefore always consult their Anglican sources for a particular text, should it look even remotely familiar. In case the English version (at least literally) corresponds to the Anglican source, the copyright is still held by the respective authority, and the text re-translated into English is in this case not in the public domain.

A history of the origins of this book and a broad interpretation of its contents can be found in an article by Thaddeus A. Schnitker, "Die Feier der Eucharistie: Das neue alt-katholische Eucharistiebuch", in Liturgisches Jahrbuch, 45 (1995), 238-249.

Inquiries, comments or any correspondence about this book may be addressed to The Chaplain to the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of the Old Catholics in Germany, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 28, 53115 Bonn, Germany.

God, our Father, whatever we are and have comes from you. Accept our prayers and gifts as signs that we are yours through Christ, our Lord.

Living and life-giving God, you have again fed us at the table of your Son. May we, in the power of this food, go to meet your Son who will lead us to you, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord.

Good God, we bring our gifts and pray: come and help us in our helplessness and limits through Christ, our Lord.

Father, we thank you for your word and for the meal which me received. Teach us who joined in this celebration to see the world with your eyes and to love what remains more than what passes away

through Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, it is through your mercy that we have become a new creation in Christ. Do not turn your eyes from us. Heal all the wounds of our guilt by the coming of your Son, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Gracious God, may your grace precede our efforts and follow our works, that we may obtain help for our lives and with great desire expect the coming of your Son, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

God of light, let your glory shine in our hearts and take the shadows of death of our sins away, that we may be revealed as children of light when your Son comes, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

God of our lives, we come before you with prayers and gifts. Whatever we have comes from you. We ask you to call us to your table in the coming kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, you have given us new strength by your word and the bread of life. Lead us through this dark age and turn our eyes to the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord.

God, giver of all good things, we bring these gifts before you as your Son has commanded us. Give to all the world the salvation which you have promised through Christ, our Lord.

God of mercy, we have experienced in this holy meal how good you are to us. You free us from all guilt. Approaching the coming feast with much joy we thank and praise you through Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father in heaven, what we bring is your gift. Accept these gifts and bless them. We praise you through Christ, our Lord.

God, source of all joy, we thank you for having given us, in this meal, a share in your life now already. Make us expect the coming of your Son in joy and be the more eager in your service the more the feast of his birth is at hand, of Christ, our Lord.

O Father, you alone are God. In Jesus Christ, your Son you come to us helpless and yet, you are stronger than all powers of this world. We ask you in these days: Strengthen us by your Word and Sacrament until he comes again, your Son Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Father in heaven, we pray: In these days prepare our hearts to be a home for your Son that we may receive him with us and praise and magnify you in joy through him who with you and the Holy Spirit lives among us now and for ever.

God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in joy and thanksgiving we offer our gifts and pray: Let us grow into the likeness of your Son whom you have given us, Christ, our Lord.

God, close to us, we rejoice over the birth of our Saviour. Grant that we follow him in all the ways of our lives und come to your eternal joy through him, Christ, our Lord.

God of peace, fill these gifts of the earth with your blessing. Unite us in this holy meal with your Son and grant us your loving-kindness through him, Christ, our Lord.

Merciful God, we give you thanks. As you have given us your Son and united us with him in this meal, so preserve our joy and our gratitude through him, Christ, our Lord.

Collect BAS *

God, you wonderfully created us in your image and likeness and yet more wonderfully restored us. May we share the divine life of your Son who humbled himself to share our humanity. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life now and for ever.

Good God, accept our prayers and offers and this whole world with its weal and woe for which, out of love, you gave your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father in heaven, we thank you that you have made us glad by the birth of your Son and nourished us in this meal. Yours is the glory for ever.

First Sunday after Christmas (Sunday in the Octave)

God, our Father, your Son has become like us in every respect and shown us the way of life. Make us share his mind and pass on his mercy and loving-kindness. We ask you this through him, Jesus Christ, our Lord and brother, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Octave Day of Christmas (1 January)

God and creator, you care for the work of your hands and meet us in Jesus Christ, our brother, who brings your salvation to the poor, release to the captives and joy to those who mourn. Open us, we ask you, to the mystery of his birth, give us faith and bless our lives, so that the world may know what you began among us in Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life now and for ever.

Second Sunday after Christmas

God of light, you illumine all who believe in you. Reveal yourself to us that we may know you and turn our hearts to you. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, our Lord and brother, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

God, source of all life, you made your Son take our flesh that he may set the world free from the powers of evil. Give us a share, we ask you, in the freedom of your children through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives among us now and for ever.

Our God, you sanctify the world by the incarnation of your Son. Accept our gifts and make us perceive what you have prepared for those who love you, through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, rejoicing over the birth of our Saviour we have celebrated his meal. For his sake give us the power to offer you our whole life through him, Christ, our Lord.

Father of all light, like the wise men we bring our worship and our gifts to you. Accept us, with all we are and have, by him who appeared today, Christ, our Lord.

We thank you, great God, for the gifts of your love. Illumine, we pray, all the ways of our lives with your light which has shone on us in Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, you show yourself to all who seek you. Give us an experience of the life of your Son in the fellowship and communion of this bread and this cup until you gather us into your kingdom through him, Christ, our Lord.

God of never-ending love, we thank you for the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Strengthen us by this meal on our way to you through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, accept our gifts and grant us your Holy Spirit who came down on Jesus at his baptism. We ask this through him, Christ, our Lord.

Proper Preface

Good God, you have given us your word, the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Help us to listen to your Son that we may not only be called your children but are in truth through him, Christ, our Lord. we thank you for the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Strengthen us by this meal on our way to you through Christ, our Lord.

God, our creator, this bread and this wine are tokens of our love to you. Accept them through Christ, our Lord.

Merciful God, your Son has commanded us this celebration as a memorial to him. Preserve in us the longing for this meal and make us live from it, until you bring the world and times to fulfilment through Christ, our Lord.

God of life, the gifts which we have prepared are tokens of our dedication to you. As bread and wine are sanctified in the power of the Spirit, so sanctify us also according to the image of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Proper Preface

Good God, we thank you for your life-giving Word and for the fellowship with your Son. Make us one of heart and soul by your Spirit, and lead us, in the strength of this food, to the marriage banquet of eternal life through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, the bread and the wine on this altar are tokens of our dedication. Be in our midst when we celebrate the meal of your Son until he comes again, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, giver of all good gifts, in the bread which we broke, and in the cup which we shared, you have given us a sign of your coming kingdom. May the gift which we have received bear fruit in our lives through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we begin this period of remembrance and of preparation for Easter, putting our trust in you. We ask you: Be with us and lead us in these forty days, that we turn to you, listen to your word and serve you in our fellow humans through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God of mercy and forgiveness, do not leave us in these days of penitence. Assist us with you healing Spirit, that with ready hearts we may walk on the way which your Son has shown us, Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Christ is our saviour and intercedes for us with the Father. Let us pray to him that he may forgive our sins and cleanse us from all that is wrong.

You have been sent to bring the good news to the poor and to lift up those who are bowed down. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You have come to call sinners, not the just. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You have forgiven the sins of the sinful woman because she has shown great love to you. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You did not refrain from sharing with tax collectors and sinners. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You carried back the lost sheep to the flock on your shoulders. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You did not judge the woman caught in adultery, but made her go her way in peace. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You called Zacchaeus the tax collector to penitence and to new life. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

You promised Paradise to the penitent criminal when you hung on the cross. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

Litany of Penitence, I (BAS *)

Most holy and merciful Father, we confess to you, to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

Reader:

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

We have been deaf to your call to serve as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved your Holy Spirit. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

We confess to you, O God, all our unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

We confess to you our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of other people. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

We confess to you our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

We confess to you our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

We confess to you our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to commend the faith that is in us. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Accept our repentance for the wrong we have done; for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Accept our repentance for all false judgements, for uncharitable thoughts towards our neighbours and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Accept our repentance for our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Restore us, O God of mercy. Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

Have mercy on us sinners, O God.

God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are close to the lowly and rejoice over all who turn around. Incline your ears to our prayers and bless all who will carry the sign of + these ashes. Help us to spend the forty days of penitence in the mind of Jesus Christ. Forgive us our sins, renew us in the image of your Son and grant us life eternal through his resurrection. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

The ashes are sprinkled with holy water. Then the priest applies the ashes to all who come forward, speaking to each:

Repent, and believe in the good news. (Cf. Mk 1.15)

Remember that you are dust,

and to dust you shall return. (Cf. Gen 3.19)

God, look upon these gifts, signs of our readiness to turn around. Give us love toward each other without which we cannot exist before you. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

God, our salvation, give us an ever deeper experience of what this meal means for our lives, and let the forty days until Easter become for us an acceptable time through Christ, our Lord.

We thank you, our God, for all that you have entrusted to us. Bless these gifts and grant us to serve our sisters and brothers in the power of your love through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Jesus you have given us the bread that gives life to the world. We thank you for it and ask: Repel self-indulgence and lack of love from our midst and lead us by your love to eternal salvation in him, Christ, our Lord.

Gracious God, for the sake of your Son you forgive the sinners their sins and grant the just their reward. We acknowledge our failure; have pity on us in our weakness and forgive us what we have done wrong. We ask this through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst now and for ever.

Or:

Lord Jesus Christ, you resisted temptation. Forgive us when we are weak, and send us your Spirit that we may know and overcome what separates us from you, who with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit are with us all the days and for ever.

Good Father and eternal God, you have gathered us at the table of your Son and strengthened us with your gifts. Grant us as everlasting salvation what we have celebrated under this hidden sign, the fellowship in your Spirit with Christ, who is praised now and for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord, creator of the world. Yours is all that we are and have. Accept these signs of our thanks to your honour through Christ, our Lord.

God of light and life, you have given us a share in the glory of your Son. We thank you that we may experience now already what you have prepared for us in the life eternal through Christ, our Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave your life to death. But we want to stick to our lives and keep them. We ask you: Take us with you on your way that we may find the true life with you. To you be glory for ever.

God, our Father, you have strengthened us at the table of your Son with the word and the bread of life. You have given us a share in his life and in his glory. We thank you and ask: Be with us with your Spirit, and strengthen our hope in the eternal fulfilment with you through Christ, our Lord.

We ask you, O God, to look on our gifts, signs of our devotion. Accept them and give us strength to care for each other in love through Christ, our Lord.

God, Father of the poor and needy, you have strengthened us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. You want to be with us on all our ways through this time. We thank and praise you through Christ, our Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave your life for the life of the world. Make us partakers of your mystery that only whose life is given will find life. To you be blessing, praise and glory now and for ever.

God, our Father, as you have given us your word and the bread of life, we thank you for your goodness and pray: be with us throughout these forty days of preparation and help us to live from the gospel through Christ, our Lord.

God, friend of life, we offer you our gifts in joyful expectation of Easter. Grant that this joy may become visible also in our lives through Christ, our Lord.

We thank you, God, our salvation, for this food and for your word, the true light enlightening every human being. Heal the blindness of our hearts that we may know what is right before you, and sincerely love you through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you gather your church on earth and have the word of reconciliation proclaimed in it. Send us your Spirit that we may receive the good news in our hearts and live together as children of our Father in heaven. To you be glory for ever.

Good God, your word which we heard and the meal which we celebrated render your mighty acts alive in our midst. We thank you and we ask you to complete what you have begun in us through Christ, our brother and Lord.

God, giver of all good gifts, we offer you bread and wine, the signs of your goodness with which you feed us. We thank and praise you through Christ, our Lord.

Great God, in the celebration of the eucharist you give us communion with you and with each other. Make us living members of the body of your Son who has become one with us in this meal, Christ, our Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave your life for the life of the world. Make us partakers of your mystery that only whose life is given will find life. To you be blessing, praise and glory now and for ever.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have strengthened us with your word and sacrament. Let your power be strong in us that we may serve you and each other in joy and patience, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and work now and for ever.

Opening acclamation

Liturgical Greeting

Prayer over the Congregation and the Branches

God, our Father, we confess our adherence to Jesus, your Son, our only Lord. Bless us and these branches with which we intend to show that we belong to Jesus, and make us ready to follow him with our cross in steadfast faithfulness, today and all days of our lives until the end of eternity.

Gospel of the Entrance of Jesus

Procession

At the procession and the entrance, the traditional anthem Gloria, laus et honor is sung.

God, great and incomprehensible, in obedience to your will your Son, our redeemer, took our flesh. He humbled himself and accepted the shame of the cross. Give us the strength to follow him on the way of passion that we may get a share in his resurrection. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life for ever and ever.

God of mercy, through the passion of your Son you grant us the forgiveness which we do not deserve for our deeds. Accept these gifts as signs of our trust in your mercy through Christ, our Lord.

God of heaven and earth, you have strengthened your congregation with your word and sacrament. We ask you: let your power be strong in us that we worthily serve you in our lives and bear fruit in patience. To you be glory for ever.

Lord Jesus Christ, many people acclaimed you when you entered Jerusalem and yet abandoned you afterwards. We ask you: make us stay with you and confess that we are yours when there is protest and temptation. To you be glory for ever.

Holy God, in this meal we have celebrated the memorial of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Strengthen us through the power of this food in our anxieties and temptations, and lead us through the death to the life that remains, through Christ, our Lord.

Today especially, the Gloria in excelsis should be sung with its full text and not substituted by a paraphrase.

At the washing of the feet, Ubi caritas may be sung.

God of mercy and consolation, on the evening before he suffered your dear Son instituted the meal of his love as the symbol of the new and everlasting covenant with you. Give us the fullness of your compassion and love, and make us extend it to the sisters and brothers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Great God, our Father, we share the bread and receive the body of Jesus Christ, your Son. Make us live in love and peace from its power, for we are his body in this world. To you be glory for ever.

Good Father, on this day your Son gave us an example of his serving love. Let our gifts be a sign of our readiness to accept each other as you have accepted us in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord and brother.

We thank you, good God, that today we have been strengthened for our own way in the supper of your Son. Continue to gather us for the fellowship with him, until, at the heavenly supper of eternal life, we praise and magnify you for ever.

The passion may be read with several roles. It may be interrupted at suitable places by verses of the hymn O sacred head, sore wounded.

God, our Father, you did not abandon us to the power of darkness but in your mercy redeemed us. Protect, free and sanctify us by your Son who suffered and died for us and whom you drew out of death, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Sprit lives and works now and for ever.

Lord Jesus Christ, grain of wheat falling into the earth and dying that we might have life, we call upon you.

For all who call themselves Christians, after you, for the churches in their divisions and separation, and for their work for fellowship and unity; for all men and women to whom a special ministry has been given; for our diocese and our parishes.

Draw us all to you. Help us to live according to your gospel and to be one in you.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For the peoples of this earth and their governments, for the Council of Europe, the United Nations and all parliaments, for the authorities in politics, economy and society, for all suffering from war and the consequences of war, for the persecuted and all who live in lack of freedom and in oppression.

Grant to the peoples the spirit of reconciliation and guide their feet into the way of justice and peace.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For all who have lost their faith, and for all who do not find faith because we are in their way of seeing you.

Make the light of your gospel shine, and make us faithful witnesses of your salvation.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For the young people in our parish, in the churches and in the world.

Give them confidence. Let us shape our society in a way that they may grow into a world and a church which enable them to have life and a future.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For all who are in the shadow side of life: for the handicapped and sick, for the elderly and lonely, for the single parents and for the children without families, for the unemployed and for all who are disregarded, marginalised or excluded by us.

Be close to them and lead people to them who have open ears and hearts for their needs.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For all who do no longer see a road, for the desperate and helpless, for all who have been disappointed, exploited and betrayed by people, who have fled into stubbornness of heart or addiction, who have become caught in guilt, who see themselves abandoned by God.

Take them into your cry on the cross and give them a share in your new life.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For all who suffer from injustice, for the hungry and exploited people who by the work of their hands and with the fruits of their fields must create our abundance; and for ourselves being prisoners of our thoughtlessness and our claims.

Help us to respect the dignity of humans and their right to live and to share the gifts of the earth with each other.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For the whole creation groaning in labour pains and hoping for redemption; for all who care for its integrity and for all who suffer from its destruction.

Help us to experience that we are stewards only and that your good gift belongs to all, to the children and the children's children everywhere in the world.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

For the dying and the dead, for all who have given us life and faith, for all in whose death we share in guilt by indifference, hardness of heart and our way of life.

Lead them through your death to unending life.

Let us pray to the Lord.

[Lord, have mercy; or Kyrie, eleison]

Lord Jesus Christ, the Father did not leave you in death. He raised you and exalted you to this right hand. Intercede for us and stay with us on all our ways. To you be glory and honour and praise now and for ever.

Instead of the silence for prayer between the intention and the collect, a sung acclamation may be the answer, e.g. a triple Lord, have mercy or Kyrie, eleison.

Let us pray, brothers and sisters, for the holy Church of God, that our Lord and God grant it peace in all the world, unite and protect it and grant us a life in quietness and safety, to the praise of his name.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, eternal God, in Christ you revealed your glory to all peoples. Protect what your mercy has created, that your Church in all the world may persevere in steadfast faith. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us pray for our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops, all men and women in the apostolic ministry and for all the people of God.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everliving God, your Spirit sanctifies and governs the whole body of the Church. Hear our prayer for our Bishop and for all who minister in your Church. Give them the grace to serve you faithfully. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us also pray for all who prepare for baptism: Our God and Father may open their hearts for his word, he grant them the forgiveness of sins in baptism and receive them into his house that they may find life in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everlasting God, you continue to lead people to your Church. Grant to all who prepare for baptism to grow in faith and in knowledge. Let them be born again from the spring of baptism and accept them as your children. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us pray for all brothers and sisters who believe in Christ, that our Lord and God may lead them on the way to truth and unity them in the unity of the holy Church.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everliving God, you alone can overcome the division and grant the unity. Have mercy on your Christian people, sanctified by the one baptism. Unite them in the faith in your Son and in the bond of love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us pray for all who do not believe in Christ, that the Holy Spirit illumine them and lead them on the way of salvation.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everliving God, assist all who do not confess Christ, that they may live in integrity before you and find the truth. Grant to us that we perceive the mystery of our faith more and more and grow in love towards each other. Make us faithful witnesses of your goodness. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us also pray for all who do not know God, that, with his help. they may follow their consciences and thereby come to the God and Father of all peoples.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everliving God, you created the human beings that they might seek you and find their rest in you. Be recognised in the many acts of your compassion and in the deeds of your faithful ones that the people, despite all obstacles, may find you and confess you to be the true God and Father. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us pray for those who govern us: Our Lord and God may direct their minds and their hearts according to his will, that they may seek the true peace and the freedom, to the benefit of all peoples.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everliving God, the hearts of peoples and the rights of nations are in your hand. Graciously look on those who govern us, that in all the world safety and freedom may dwell, welfare of peoples and liberty of worship. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Let us pray to God, the almighty Father, for all who are in need of his help: May he purify the world from all error, take away the illnesses, dispel the hunger, solve unjust fetters, give safety to the homeless, a happy return to the pilgrims and travellers, health to the sick and life eternal to the dying.

Bent your knees.

Rise.

Almighty, everliving God, comforter of the sorrowful, strength of those who suffer, hear all who call upon you in their afflictions, and let them experience your mercy in every need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

This is the wood of the cross on which hung the Saviour of the world.

Come, let us worship.

Different forms of the veneration of the holy cross by the congregation are possible. The Improperia originating in the Ancient Church are particularly suitable.

Being united by the one baptism in the same Holy Spirit and in the one Body of Christ, we pray as daughters and sons of God:

Our Father in heaven ...

Let us receive the Body of the Lord and call upon his name.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say a word, and I shall be healed.

Let us pray. Almighty, everliving God, you have given us the new life by the death and resurrection of your Son. Preserve in us what your compassion has accomplished, and, as we have received this sacrament, give us the strength to serve you. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Almighty God, you hear those who call upon you, and you know the prayers of those who remain silent. We thank you that, by the passion and death of your Son, you have called us from afar to your people. Increase our faith and forgive us our sins. Strengthen us through your Holy Spirit, keep us in the truth, teach what we do not know, fill in what we lack, and strengthen what we have recognised. At the end of our days, unite us with your saints through Christ, our crucified and risen Lord.

In its traditional form, the paschal vigil has the following parts:

The Service of Light

The Vigil with Readings

Holy Baptism or The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The traditional pattern A is well-known and widespread. Several attempts have been made in ecumenism as well as in our diocese to offer a different composition of the liturgy. The parts marked by an asterisk (*) in pattern A should not be left out of any composition.

Pattern A

The Service of Light

1.1 Prayer at the Fire

1.2 Explanation of the Candle

* 1.3 Entrance with the Light

* 1.4 Exsultet

Readings of the Vigil

* 2.1a Reading (Creation or Noah)

* 2.2a Responsorial Psalm or Hymn

2.3a Prayer

* 2.1b Reading (Exodus)

* 2.2b Responsorial Psalm or Hymn

2.3b Prayer

* 2.1c Reading (Eschatological Outlook)

* 2.2c Responsorial Psalm or Hymn

2.3c Prayer

The Celebration of the Eucharist, first part

3. Gloria

4. Collect

* 5. New Testament Reading

* 6. Alleluia

* 7.1 Gospel

* 7.2 Sermon

* 8. Intercessions

Holy Baptism or The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

* 9.1 Thanksgiving over the Water

* 9.2 Renewal of Baptismal Vows or Holy Baptism

The Celebration of the Eucharist, second part

with the following changing parts:

10.0 Prayer over the Gifts

* 10.1 Preface and (remainder of) the Eucharistic Prayer

Our Father, Anthem at the Breaking, The Peace

* 10.2 Prayer after Communion

* 10.3 Solemn Blessing

Pattern B

The readings of the Vigil are advanced, at some places even read at a different place. The entrance with the light takes place after the readings of the Vigil and figures as the beginning of the proclamation of the resurrection. In this pattern, the collect and Gloria double as hymnic elements to the Exsultet. They may therefore be left out. The Gloria (not a paraphrase) may be sung as a response to the gospel of the resurrection.

Pattern C

Pattern D

The entrance with the burning paschal candle and the Exsultet are the centre of the service of light. The blessing of the fire and the marking of the paschal candle may be left out. At places there has been the tradition of kindling the paschal the fire with the light of the paschal candle at the end of the entire liturgy only.

Two texts are given for the Exsultet. The second text is suitable if there is no one able to sing.

The Old Testament readings of the Vigil are part of the celebration like the water is part of baptism. The Exodus reading must nowhere be left out. At least one more reading from the Prophets should follow. A short introduction (praefamen), a responsorial psalm and a collect are offered for each reading.

The praefamen puts each reading in the total context of the Paschal Vigil and thereby facilitates listening and joining in the celebration. These praefamina should be short and to the point and should not anticipate the sermon. In the Paschal Vigil in particular, the responsorial psalms should have precedence of hymns or chants. If the collects after the readings of the Vigil and the responsorial psalms are left out, the collect of the eucharist should not be left out in patterns A and C.

It is part of the celebration of the Paschal Vigil that the Alleluia which has not been heard since Ash Wednesday, should be intoned in a festive way. According to the pattern followed, this is done either at the fire or, traditionally, before the gospel. Care should be taken when choosing the hymns and responsorial chants that it should not be anticipated there. This is also true for the acclamation of the congregation to the recited Exsultet.

The fire is kindled outside the building. The priest greets the congregation with the liturgical greeting.

Let us pray.

O God, you wrap yourself with light as with a cloak. Through Christ you have given the light of glory to all who believe in you. Bless + this new fire that gives light to the night and inflame in us the longing for you, the unending light, that we may with pure hearts be brought to the eternal Easter. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Eternal God, Creator and ruler of the universe, in many ways you have destined your creature, the light, to point to you, to your truth and glory, your love and goodness. You have ordered the darkness, and there was light. As a sign of light of your covenant with Noah you put the rainbow in the clouds; in the burning bush you promised to Moses the road to liberty. In the pillar of fire you went ahead of your people, through darkness and desert. We ask you to bless this new fire at which we kindle the paschal candle. Or, as an alternative ending: We praise you for this new fire, the sign of your closeness, at which we now kindle the paschal candle.

Christ yesterday and today (the vertical arm of the cross)

the beginning and the end (the horizontal arm)

Alpha (above the cross)

and Omega (below the cross)

All time belongs to him (first numeral)

and all the ages (second numeral)

to him belongs glory and power (third numeral)

through every age for ever. Amen (fourth numeral).

By his holy wounds (1)

shining in glory (2)

may Christ the Lord (3)

guard us (4)

and keep us (5).

Christ is risen from the dead.

May his light dispel the darkness of our hearts and the world.

Christ is the light.

All: Thanks be to God.

The traditional Exsultet is sung by the deacon. If there is no deacon, it may be sung by a cantor.

The recited Exsultet is used if there is no one to sing the traditional Exsultet. The text is recited by the priest and livened up by an acclamation of the congregation.

Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels,

and let your trumpets should Salvation

for the victory of our mighty King.

Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth,

bright with a glorious splendour,

for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.

Rejoice and be glad now, Mother Church,

and let your holy courts, in radiant light,

resound with the praises of your people.

(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 him thanks and praise.

It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with all whole heart and might and voice, to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. To you, eternal Father, he paid for us the debt of Adam's sin, and by his blood, shed for love, delivered your faithful people.

This is the Passover feast in which the true Lamb was slain, whose blood consecrates the homes of all believers and preserves the people from death and destruction.

This is the night when you brought our fathers and all the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and led them through the Red Sea on dry land.

This is the night when the pillar of fire dispelled the darkness of sin.

This is the night when throughout all the earth all who believe in Christ are separated from the sin of the world, freed from all defilement, restored to the kingdom of grace and inserted in the fellowship of your Church.

This is the blessèd night when Christ broke the chains of death and rose victorious from the grave.

Truly, we would have been born in vain unless the Saviour had redeemed us.

How incomprehensible is your love, O Father: to ransom the slave you gave the Son.

O truly saving sin of Adam, you became a blessing for us as Christ's death has destroyed you.

O happy guilt, how great a redeemer did you find.

O truly blessèd night when Christ rose from the dead. This is the night of which it is written, "The night is as bright as the day, the night will surround me as shining light."

The splendour of this night dispels all evil, washes guilt away, grants forgiveness to sinners, brings mourners joy. It casts out pride and hatred and brings peace and concord.

In this blessèd night, holy Father, receive our songs of praise and accept this candle as our solemn offering. Even if its light has been distributed, it did not loose the power of its splendour.

The flame is nourished by the wax which the busy bees prepared for this candle.

O truly blessèd night when heaven is wedded to earth and God and people are joined.

Therefore we ask you, O Lord: the candle, sanctified to the praise of your name, may shine continually to dispel the darkness in this night. May it shine until the morning star appears, that true Morning Star who for ever knows no setting, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead, who shines in his Easter light to all peoples, and who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.

Congregation: Amen.

The recited Exsultet, with an acclamation of the congregation to be sung, is a paraphrase of the sung Exsultet. [Therefore it is not reproduced here.]

When this Exsultet is used, the Alleluia is to be announced in a festive way beforehand.

Christ is alive. He is risen from the dead, alleluia.

It is repeated at several places in this text.

1. Creation

Approaching the First Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights? Why do we hear what we have known for already, and why do we go back to the beginning?

That we might not forget whence we come and where we go. That we might praise the Creator, the source of all life, and see, recognise and believe that we are humans.

Reading: Gen 1.1 - 2.4a or Gen 2.4b-24

From Psalm 104

O Lord, how manifold are your works! *

in wisdom you have made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

All of them look to you *

to give them their food in due season.

You give it to them, they gather it; *

you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.

You hide your face, and they are terrified; *

you take away their breath,

and they die and return to their dust.

You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *

and so you renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *

may the Lord rejoice in all his works. (BCP)

Collect

God, Creator of the universe, you have entrusted your creation to us, full of your great goodness. We praise you and thank you for the light breaking upon us in this night, Jesus Christ, your Son, whom you have raised from the death to new life in this time and in your eternity.

2. Noah

Approaching the Second Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights? Why do we hear from the evil spreading through all humanity?

That we might not forget that the evil is still alive, but also that we receive God's compassion, his mercy and his faithfulness, the reconciliation of heaven and earth.

From Psalm 118

I called to the Lord in my distress; *

the Lord answered by setting me free.

The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *

what can anyone do to me?

The Lord is at my side to help me; *

I will triumph over those who hate me.

It is better to rely on the Lord *

than to put any trust in flesh. (BCP)

Collect

God of the covenant, you saved Noah and his family from the floods of destruction. Help us to resist the temptations of the evil in the power of your Spirit, that the peace of your covenant may remain alive for us and this earth. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

3. The Sacrifice of Isaac

Approaching the Third Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights? Why do we go back to the beginnings of the people of Israel?

That we might not forget that God promised salvation to Abraham and his children, but also to us. That we might thank God because he spared Abraham's son, but gave his own beloved Son for the life of the world.

From Psalm 16

O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *

it is you who uphold my lot.

I have set the Lord always before me; *

because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.

My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *

my body also shall rest in hope.

For you will not abandon me to the grave, *

nor let you holy one see the Pit. (BCP)

Collect

God, friend of life, you abhor that humans kill each other in your name. Let us live together in concord and peace with all people who call Abraham their father. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

4. The Exodus through the Red Sea

Approaching the Fourth Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights? Every night we go our own ways, but in this night we have been assembled at this one place.

Because we were slaves but called to freedom, because we were saved that we might belong together, because we are being called to freedom in this night.

From Exodus 15

I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted; *

the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea.

The Lord is my strength and my refuge *

and has become my Saviour.

This is my God and I will praise him; *

the God of my people and I will exalt him.

Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might; *

your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy.

With your constant love you lead the people you redeemed; *

with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling.

The Lord shall reign *

for ever and ever. (BCP *)

Collect

God, your wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day. What your mighty arm once did for one people, you now do for all peoples. You once delivered Israel from the slavery under Pharaoh and led them through the floods of the Red Sea; but now you lead us to freedom through the water of baptism. Grant that all the peoples may become children of Abraham and attain to the dignity of your people Israel. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

5. The Springs of Salvation

Approaching the First Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights?

We experience meaning and calling: our life is held, loved and redeemed. Whoever listens to the word of God will find life. Meaning is found by the person who is good soil for the word from the mouth of God.

From Isaiah 12

Surely, it is God who saves me; *

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord is my stronghold and my sure defence *

and will be my Saviour.

Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *

from the springs of salvation.

And on that day you shall say, *

Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name;

make his deeds known among the peoples.

Sing the praises of the Lord who has done great things, *

and this is known in all the world.

Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *

for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel. (BCP* )

Collect

God, you are rich for all you seek you. You have spoken to us through the word of the prophets, and you have sent your Son, your eternal Word. Make us listen to him and thereby bring fruit for eternal life through him, Christ, our Lord.

6. The New Heart and the New Spirit

Approaching the Sixth Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights? Why do we hear from people forgetting God and being abandoned by God?

We experience joy and redemption: God will give us a new heart, a heart of flesh and not of stone. He will give us a new spirit, his Spirit who is both gift and task.

From Psalm 42

As the deer longs for the water-brooks, *

so longs my soul for you, O God.

My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; *

when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

My tears have been my food day and night, *

while all day long they say to me,

"Where now is your God?" (BCP)

Collect

God, full of compassion, smile upon all whom in baptism you have given a new heart and a new spirit. Make them witnesses to your salvation: that things that had grown old are being made new, things that had become dark are being given light, things that had been dead are being raised to life, and that all things are being made whole in him who is the author of all, in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

7. The Dry Bones

Approaching the Seventh Reading

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights?

As humans we are often lost and without hope. But today we sense something of God's life-giving Spirit. In the darkness of death and from the pit of our sins, it is God who saves us. We experience life and home, shelter and protection. Easter is breaking upon us, life that knows no setting.

From Psalm 18

I love you, O Lord, my strength, *

O Lord my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.

My God, my rock in whom I put my trust *

my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;

you are worthy of praise.

The breakers of death rolled over me, *

and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.

I called upon the Lord in my distress *

and cried out to my God for help.

He brought me out into an open place; *

he rescued me because he delighted in me.

You, O Lord, are my lamp; *

my God, you make my darkness bright.

You lengthen my stride beneath me, *

and my ankles do not give way.

Therefore will I extol you among the nations, O Lord, *

and sing praises to your name. (BCP)

Collect

Be with us, living God, and raise us from the graves of our hopelessness. Pour out your Spirit who gives life and makes us messengers of your incorruptible life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

God of life and Father of light, you make this night bright through raising your Son. The world sees and knows in him what has been your will throughout the ages: that things that had grown old are being made new, things that had become dark are being given light, things that had been dead are being raised to life, and that all things are being made whole in him who is the author of all, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord, who lives and gives life with you, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Approaching the Epistle

Why is this night so totally different from all the other nights?

At other times we are persons who are often burdened and weary. But today, light is falling into our dark, lost life. Being baptised into Christ, we have been united with him in his death. The self of sin is dying. But the Lord lives. That is why we, too, live through him to God for ever and ever.

Romans 6.3-11

Since Ash Wednesday we have done without the Alleluia. Filled with joy, we now sing this shout of exultation to our risen Lord.

Year A: Mt 28.1-10

Year B: Mk 16.1-8

Year C: Lk 24.1-12

If there is a baptism, a meaningful and sensible selection should be made from the Order of Holy Baptism, and the following Thanksgiving over the Water should be used.

P: We give you thanks, God, almighty Father. Through the gift of water you feed and keep every living creature.

A: Blessed are you for ever.

P: We give you thanks, for through the waters of the Red See you led your people from the slavery to freedom, into the land of promise.

A: Blessed are you for ever.

P: We give you thanks, that you sent Jesus, your Son. He was baptised by John in the Jordan and anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Christ.

A: Blessed are you for ever.

P: Going to the darkness of death and being raised to the light of new life for us, he set us free from the bondage of death and sin and opened for us the gate to eternal joy and freedom.

A: Blessed are you for ever.

P: We give you thanks, that you called N.N. to this new life. May your Spirit sanctify this water so that, through baptism, N.N. be united with Christ in his death and his resurrection and keep free from sin.

A: Blessed are you for ever.

P: Anoint N.N. with your Holy Spirit and bring him/her to a new birth in the fellowship of your Church, so that he/she may share in your promise.

A: We praise and magnify you through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

If there is no baptism, the following text is used.

P: Almighty, everlasting God, we bless and praise you. Your invisible power works the salvation of all peoples through visible signs. You wonderfully created and yet more wonderfully restored us.

A: We bless and praise you.

P: In the beginning you created water that it may render the earth fruitful, quench our thirst and refreshen us. You set your people free from the slavery in Egypt, you led them through the Red See and strengthened the thirsting people with water from the rock.

A: We bless and praise you.

P: The prophets and saints saw in the streams of living water the saving power of your creation. Jesus Christ, our Saviour, descended into the water of the Jordan to become in all like us.

A: We bless and praise you.

P: May through him descend into this water the power of the Holy Spirit, so that all who have been buried with Christ through baptism into his death, may also rise to eternal life with him through baptism. Holy, everlasting God, we bless and praise you through him, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord and brother, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

P: Will you overcome the evil by the good, in the power of the risen Christ?

A: We will.

P: Will you resist the power of the evil and care for peace, justice and the integrity of creation?

A: We will.

P: Will you live in the liberty of the children of God?

A: We will.

P: Will you Will you join the way of the community and respect and assist each other in love?

A: We will.

P: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

A: We believe.

P: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered and was buried, rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?

A: We believe.

P: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting?

A: We believe.

P: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us new life by water and the Holy Spirit and has forgiven us all sins. He keep us through his grace in Christ Jesus, our Lord, to life eternal.

A: Amen.

If (in Southern Germany in particular) food (eggs, meat, bread) are to be blessed, they are brought to the altar at the preparation of the gifts.

God of life, we bring you our gifts in the joy of this paschal vigil. Grant that this joy becomes visible in our lives as well through him, our risen Lord.

God, shepherd of your people, we thank you that you have fed us in this holy meal with the true paschal lamb, Jesus Christ. Let us, in the power of this food, live as risen ones in him, Christ, our Lord.

The solemn blessing may be used.

The Easter dismissal, with "Alleluia" added, is suitable also after the regular blessing.

God, our Father, accept the gifts and prayers which, in the joy of Easter, we bring to the altar as signs that we are yours. Give us your blessing and strength through the death and the resurrection of your Son, Christ, our Lord.

God, giver of all good gifts, we thank you for food and drink at the table of your Son. Fill us with the spirit of love and unite us in the faith, that we may live as witnesses to the resurrection and proclaim your praise in all the world through Christ, our Lord.

God,

accept the gifts and prayers of your congregations. Let us find joy and true life in you through Christ, our risen Lord.

God, giver of all life, in the breaking of the bread we have known Christ, the Risen One. Nourish us always with this food, and enable us to proclaim your goodness and love to the world. We ask this through him, Christ, our Lord.

Good Father, we bring bread and wine for the Easter meal with Jesus. Keep us in the joy of your baptized through him, Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, in our baptism and in the celebration of the Easter meal you have given us a pledge of our future glory. Keep us in the communion with you until you bring us to completion in your eternity.

God, our salvation, accept the gifts which we offer in the joy of Easter. Let them be signs of our thankfulness and devotion to you through Christ, our Lord.

God, friend of life, you saved Jesus from the death and called him to your glory. He is present among us as often as we celebrate this meal in remembrance of him. For this we thank you through him, Christ, our Lord.

God, we did not see your Son Jesus Christ with our own eyes, and our hands did not touch his body, and yet we dare to believe in him. Make us certain of his presence. Let us believe, though we do not see. To you be glory for ever.

God, author of all life, we believe and proclaim that our Lord Jesus Christ died and rose for us. Raise us also to new life through the power of the Holy Spirit. We ask this of you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life now and for ever.

God and Father, like the communities of the Apostles we want to contribute to joint works of love in different ways. What we offer to you today let be a sign of our love through Christ, our Lord.

God of life, you destined us yourself to be branches at the vine of Jesus Christ. You give us life when we abide in him. We thank and ask you: Let us bear fruits through him, Christ, our Lord.

God of faithfulness, you never abandon humanity. In this paschal meal we have remembered the passion of your Son and celebrated his resurrection. You called him from death to life as the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Be with your eternal love with our lives, until we have been completed in you through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Living God, accept what we offer today. In our community and in the poor and tormented, let us experience the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God of truth, you gave your Son in our hands in the signs of bread and wine. May your Spirit take us that we may be strengthened in faith and grow in love to you and to each other, through him, Christ, your risen Son, our brother and Lord.

God of tender love, you spread the table of life before us and fill us the cup of salvation. Grant us comfort in the fellowship of our saviour and good shepherd, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Lord and Saviour, good shepherd, you lead us to the waters of life. Let us reach your eternal kingdom in the power of this food, where there will be one shepherd and one flock. To you be praise and glory now and for ever.

God,

friend of life and of humans, you raised your Son Jesus from the shadow of death and also called us into a communion which death cannot destroy. Let us live from the confidence that you will fulfil in us what you have begun in Jesus, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Holy God, you received our brother Jesus, your beloved Son, into your eternal glory. It is your will that we will also live with him for ever. Guide us to this great goal through the word of your truth and the Spirit whom you have given us through him, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Good God, you entrusted your creation to us and will set it free from its bondage to decay, like us. Make us live in your creation and preserve it as those you have redeemed. We ask this through him, our Lord Jesus Christ, your risen Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works now and for ever.

God, creating and completing this world, in bread and wine we bring your creation before you and ask: Heal its wounds through Christ, our Lord.

God, our salvation, through this paschal food Christ lives in us and we live in him. Let us abide in him and witness to him in word and deed, to Christ, our Lord.

Good God, accept the gifts which your church offers you in the joy of Easter. As you have given it reason for such rejoicing, keep the joy until all has been fulfilled through Christ, our Lord.

God, giver of all good things, we thank you for the bread of life and the wine of gladness which we received from your hand. Guided by you, let us always be grateful in word and deed through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, creator of the universe, in this paschal celebration you give us a share in your divine life. Grant that we may recognise the traces of your love in this world and direct our lives on you, through Christ, our Lord.

God, rich for all who call upon you, we thank you that we were guests at the table of your Son whom you saved from death into your incorruptible life. Let us live as people of Easter and always praise your goodness through Christ, our Lord.

God of loving-kindness, you are with us in Jesus Christ, your risen Son. We ask you: Set us free from the power of death, and let us in self-sacrificing love witness to the life which you always give us through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst now and for ever.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by raising your Son you have given hope to the world and rescued your faithful from eternal death. Give us always a joyful heart and a firm faith in him, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works now and for ever.

Father, our gifts are signs of our openness and our trust. Accept them and all the world with its well and woe, through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, we thank you for Jesus, the bread for the life of the world. Strengthen us through him on our way through this time to the goal of your eternity.

God, Father of all people, your Son promised to be in our midst when we gather together in his name. May he himself fill our prayer to your glory, who live and give life now and for ever.

Good God, you have given us new life in the resurrection of your Son. We thank you for this paschal meal and praise you with all the church through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit today and for ever.

Good God, accept the gifts and prayers of your congregation. Set us free from all that separates us from you, and let us love you above all else through Christ, our Lord.

Our Father in heaven, you have given us who still live on earth a share in the heavenly banquet of eternal life. Direct our minds and hearts more and more to Christ who lives and works with you now and for ever.

God, friend of life, you have given us Jesus that he may walk with us and guide us on our way to you. We thank you and ask: Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit, and keep in us the joy of Easter through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works now and for ever.

Great God, your Son has promised us the Holy Spirit. We ask you: Let us grow in this Spirit in recognising your will, in your truth and your love. We ask you this, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life now and for ever.

God, our salvation, accept the gifts which we offer, and through your Holy Spirit make us a gift which is yours for ever through Christ, our Lord.

God, source of life, you raised Jesus from the dead. He breaks the bread with us and always renews his presence among us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that what we speak and do may bear witness to your mighty acts through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, may our prayers come to you and accept the gifts which we offer in the joy of this Eastertide. Keep us in the joy until everything has been accomplished through Christ, our Lord.

God, source of all life, you created us anew through the resurrection of your Son. In your loving-kindness turn towards us and abide with your compassion always with us until we rise to life incorruptible and may gaze at you as you are. This we ask through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you call your people from among all peoples and gather it together in the Holy Spirit. Grant that your Church remains faithful to its mission, that it may be leaven for humanity which you want to renew and transform into one family in Christ. This we ask through him who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you now and for ever.

Great God, you entice us in the signs of storm and fire. Send your Spirit into our lives and break the narrow confines of our thoughts by the fire of your wisdom. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life now, always and for ever.

God, you created the world and do not abandon it. Pour out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. Stir us up that we work for justice and peace and the integrity of your good creation. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, you filled (on this day) the hearts of your faithful with the fire of the Holy Spirit. May we, in this Spirit, know what is right and always perceive his comfort and help. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life now, always and for ever.

God and Father, we bring these gifts before you. Sanctify us by the fire of your Spirit who once came down on the community waiting and set their hearts on fire through Christ, our Lord.

Creator of all life, accept what we bring before you today. Let the Spirit whom you gave to your Church be felt in the world through all who believe in you. This we ask through Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, we thank you that you have united us, at the table of your Son, to a fellowship of love. Keep your Church in your word, renew it in Christ, and unite it in your Spirit through him, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, creator of heaven and earth, you have nourished us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Fill our hearts with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Grant that what we have received in this celebration will once be ours as the gift that remains through Christ, our Lord.

God, creator of life, the inextinguishable fire of your Holy Spirit always reaches when we celebrate the Eucharist. We thank you for this gift and ask: Let us always perceive the reflection of your future through Christ, your Son, our risen brother and Lord.

At the end of the psalm, the Gloria Patri is sung.

Or: Opening hymn from the hymnal

Or: Kyrie litany or Kyrie hymn

P[resider]: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

A[ll]: Amen.

P: The Lord be with you.

Or: Grace and peace to you from the One who is and who was and who is to come.

A: And also with you.

C[antor]: Lord, have mercy (upon us).

A: Lord, have mercy (upon us).

C: Christ, have mercy (upon us).

A: Christ, have mercy (upon us).

C: Lord, have mercy (upon us).

A: Lord, have mercy (upon us).

P: Let us pray.

Prayer

A: Amen.

R[eader]: Here ends the reading.

A: Thanks be to God.

Psalm with antiphon (or psalm hymn)

R: Here ends the reading.

A: Thanks be to God.

with biblical verse

D[eacon]: The Lord be with you.

A: And also with you.

D(P): The Holy Gospel according to N.

A: Glory to you, O Lord.

D(P): These are the words of the Holy Gospel, they are words of eternal life.

A: Praise to you, O Christ.

or other means of proclamation

Either: The Apostles' Creed

Or: The Nicene Creed

(The German versions are here printed, the Nicene Creed alternating between C and A. The texts are not reprinted here. The Nicene Creed is said without the filioque clause.]

P: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

A: Peace be with all of us.

Give each other a sign of peace and reconciliation.

Prayer

P: Pray, brothers and sisters, that our gifts be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

A: To his glory and the salvation of the world.

Or.
P: All things come from you.

A: Of your own do we give you our gifts.

P: Let us pray.

Prayer

A: Amen.

The Dialogue at the beginning

P: The Lord be with you.

A: And also with you.

P: Lift up your hearts.

A: We lift them to the Lord.

P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

A: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Sanctus

[The German version of the Sanctus is here printed, alternating between C and A; it is not reprinted here.]

Anamnetic Acclamation

In versions IV, VIII, XI, XII, XIII, XVII, XIX, XXI and XXIII, the Anamnetic Acclamation is introduced in the following way:

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

In versions VI and XX, the Anamnetic Acclamation is introduced in the following way:

Great is the mystery of faith.

In versions VII, IX, X, XIV, XV and XVI (as well as in I and II), the Anamnetic Acclamation is introduced in the following way:

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

In all versions, the Acclamation is the same:

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

Great Doxology

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Introduction

Either: Admonished and taught by our Lord's instruction, we are bold to say:

Or: Let us pray as the Lord taught us to pray:

Or: We are called children of God and indeed we are. Therefore we pray in confidence:

Or: We have received the Spirit who makes us children of God. Therefore we are bold to say:

The Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

A: Peace be with all of us.

Give each other a sign of peace and reconciliation.

The Agnus Dei

[The German version of the Agnus Dei is here printed, alternating between C and A; it is not reprinted here.]

The Lamb that was slain and has reconciled us to God by his blood, is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.

C: Jesus, Lamb of God,

A: have mercy on us.

C: Jesus, bearer of our sins,

A: have mercy on us.

C: Jesus, redeemer of the world,

A: have mercy on us.

The Breaking of the Bread, The Peace, The Lord's Prayer.

for example:

P: Now let us receive the body and blood of the Lord and call upon his name.

A: Lord, I am not worthy that you enter under my roof. Only say a word and my soul will be healed.

P: This is the bread of life (and the cup of salvation).

A: We, being many, are one body, for we all share in the one bread (and in the one cup).

P: Let us pray.

Prayer

A: Amen.

A: And also with you.

B: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

A: From this time forth for evermore.

B: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

A: The maker of heaven and earth.

P: The almighty God bless you: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

A: Amen.

If desired, the Solemn Blessing may be used [text printed hereafter].

D: Go in peace.

A: Thanks be to God.

During Eastertide:

D: Go in peace, alleluia, alleluia.

A: Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.

B: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

A: From this time forth for evermore.

B: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

A: The maker of heaven and earth.

We thank you, Father in heaven, and praise you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

You promised him as Saviour to lost humanity. His truth shines for those who seek, his power strengthens the weak, his mercy brings forgiveness to sinners. For he is the Saviour of the world whom you sent because of your faithfulness.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with the cherubim and seraphim and all the choirs of angels, and sing the glory of your name:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise your mercy.

The day of redemption is shining, and the time of our salvation is at hand, as the saviour comes, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through him we praise the work of your love, joining the choirs of angels, to proclaim your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right to give you thanks, and a good and joyful thing to praise you, holy Father, through your only Son Jesus Christ.

For he, your eternal Word, became human. You, O God, have come to us in visible form in him, and you kindle in us the love for what no eye has ever seen.

Therefore we praise you with all the choirs of angels and join all Christians to proclaim your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the mystery of his birth is great: Today he, the invisible God, appeared in visible form as a human. Born of you before all ages, he subjected himself to the laws of time. Everything has been recreated in him. He heals the wounds of all creation, lifts up what had fallen, and calls us into the kingdom of your peace.

Therefore heaven and earth, angels and humans praise you and proclaim your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God.

For today you unveil the mystery of our salvation, today you reveal the light to the nations, Jesus Christ, your Son. He has appeared on earth as a mortal and has created us anew in the splendour of his divine life.

Therefore we join all angels and saints in proclaiming the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise your greatness.

For at the baptism in the Jordan you reveal the mystery of your Son by wonderful signs: the voice from heaven proclaims him your beloved Son who has appeared on earth as your eternal Word living among humans. The Spirit alights on him and testifies him to be your servant whom you have anointed to bring the good news of joy to the poor.

Therefore we join the angels and archangels, the thrones and powers and all the throngs of heaven in praising your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, all-merciful Father, and to praise you with all creation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He did the first of his signs at the wedding at Cana; in the water become wine he shows us your power to save. He gives us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet and reveals himself to be the messiah whom you have sent.

Therefore we praise you full of joy and join heaven and earth proclaiming your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We thank you, holy Father, for in these forty days of penitence you call us anew to follow your Son, that with him we might resist the evil and fulfil his commandment of love.

You strengthen our trust in your closeness, you set us free from the powers of everyday life, you open our hand for the needs of the poor. In this way you lead us with pure hearts to the joy of Easter and prepare us to meet your risen Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through him we praise your mercy and join the throngs of angels and all those redeemed in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We praise you, all-merciful, eternal God, in this time of the forty days, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He calls us to turn around and to believe the gospel. He himself is your word, his death is our life.

Through him we praise your mercy and join the throngs of angels and those who live with you in joyfully singing:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We thank you, Father in heaven, and praise you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He has loved us and given himself to death for us. He has died for all that we might not perish but have eternal life.

Through him all those you redeemed magnify you and join the choirs of angels to sing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Preface of the Passion of the Lord II also on Palm Sunday and on the Feast of the Holy Cross

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, all-merciful Father, and to praise you with all creation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He was lifted up from the earth to the cross to draw all people to himself. Through his passion and his death he became the author of salvation for the entire creation.

Therefore we praise you with all angels and saints and proclaim your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Preface of Maundy Thursday also on Corpus Christi Day

It is indeed right to joyfully thank you, great God.

For our Lord Jesus Christ has instituted this celebration as the memorial of his love, his death and his incorruptible life. He has given us a sign of the new and everlasting covenant and promised that it would find its fulfilment in the coming kingdom.

Therefore we praise you with your angels and saints and proclaim your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to give thanks to you, Father, always and everywhere, but chiefly to celebrate this night (this day) as our paschal lamb has been sacrificed, Jesus Christ.

For he is the true lamb who has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he destroyed death, and by his resurrection he created life anew.

Therefore in this night (today) all the world rejoices in paschal joy, therefore the company of heaven and the choirs of angels magnify you, singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to give thanks to you, Father, as our paschal lamb has been sacrificed, Jesus Christ.

The old is passed, the fallen world redeemed, life in Christ renewed.

Therefore we praise you in the joy of Easter and join the choirs of angels, singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Preface of the Good Shepherd also on Sundays throughout the year

We thank you, holy Father, and praise you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In him you have shown yourself to be the Father of all peoples and accepted us as your beloved children. In his resurrection you have overcome the power of death and also called us to life eternal. Your Son, the Good Shepherd, nourishes us through the meal of his love and fills us with his Spirit that we might attain the goal of our lives.

Therefore we praise you with all your creation, singing in the joy of Easter:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

After his resurrection he appeared to his disciples. You raised him to your right hand before their eyes that he may raise us to be your children and heirs of your glory.

Therefore all the world rejoices (today) in paschal joy, and we join the praise of the angels and the company of heaven, singing with one voice:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Between Ascension and Pentecost also at confirmation services in Eastertide

We praise you, God, our Father, and magnify you through your Son Jesus Christ.

Risen from the dead, he sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples, his life in abundance, his salvation and his peace. Through him you give us the breath of life of your Spirit in whom we call you, "Abba, Father".

Therefore we praise you in paschal joy and join the praise of heaven and all Christians on earth:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, holy Father, always and everywhere, and to celebrate this day in festal joy.

For today you completed the paschal mystery, today you sent the Holy Spirit to all whom you raised with Christ and called to be your children. On Pentecost you fill your Church with life: your Spirit gives to all peoples the knowledge of the one living God and unites the many tongues in confessing the one faith.

Therefore all peoples on earth praise you in paschal joy, and we join the praise of heaven and magnify your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to praise you, eternal God and Father, always and everywhere through our Lord Jesus Christ.

You have called the Church from among all peoples and have kept it by your Holy Spirit up to the day of today. You do not cease to call all of us to the unity of the Spirit.

Therefore we praise your mercy now and for ever, joining the choirs of angels in praising your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, holy God, to thank you, it is good to praise you, the source of all life.

You have created, redeemed and sanctified us. We adore you in your divine greatness and bow before the unsearchable mystery of your trinity.

We praise you with all your creatures, joining the praise of your angels and saints singing without end:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Day of Thanksgiving for the Eucharist also on Maundy Thursday

We thank you, holy Father, and praise you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is the bread coming from heaven to satisfy our hunger for life. He testified to your love and gave his life for us, like a piece of bread that is broken. You made him the head of a new humanity. We are members of his body and share in his indestructible life. He gave us the heritage of his love, we break the bread and share the cup.

In this way we honour you by celebrating his memorial, singing with all creation the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is right to praise you, God, our Father, through Jesus Christ, your Son.

You exalted him as Lord of creation that he might present to you a kingdom, eternal and universal: the kingdom of truth and life, the kingdom of holiness and grace, the kingdom of justice, love and peace. Then every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, and heaven and earth will proclaim your glory.

Therefore we join all the angels and saints, singing in joy:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise you with all creation.

For in you we live, we move and we have our existence. Each day anew we know the works of your loving-kindness. In this life you already give us the Holy Spirit as pledge of eternal glory. Through him you raised Jesus from the dead and gave us the sure hope that the paschal mystery will be fulfilled in us.

Therefore we join the praise of heaven, singing with all your creatures the hymn of joy:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise you with all creation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He suffered the darkness of this world and of death, but you raised him to new life. Therefore in him we are a new creation, overcome fear and prepare the way for his coming.

Through him we bless your mercy now and for ever, joining the choirs of angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise you with all creation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In living faith we remember his death, proclaim his resurrection and, full of hope and confidence, await his coming in glory.

We praise you with all those made perfect, joining the hymn of your angels:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For he is the One who suffered death for all of us so that we may not perish in death. He is the One who died for all of us so that we may live with you forever.

Through him those whom you redeemed bless you, joining the choirs of angels in singing the praise of your glory: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Ordinary Preface, V God leads his church

We thank you, God our Father, for you called us to life.

You do not abandon us on our way and hear us when we cry to you. You once led your people Israel through the wilderness. Today you accompany the church in the power of your Spirit. You Son prepares us the road through this time to the joy of eternal life.

Therefore we join all the angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Ordinary Preface, VI Jesus, our way

We thank you, holy and strong God. You direct the destiny of this world and care for each person. You gather us to be a fellowship that we listen to your word and follow your Son in faith. He is the way, on this way we come to you; he is the truth, it alone sets us free; he is the life and fills us with joy.

Therefore we bless your mercy now and for ever, joining the choirs of angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

Ordinary Preface, VII Jesus, the brother of all

We thank you, faithful God and Father, for your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour. He had compassion for the poor and sick, the outcasts and sinners. He was a brother to those in need and despair. His life and message show us that you care for us humans like a good father and a loving mother.

Therefore we bless your loving-kindness and faithfulness, joining all the angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you always and everywhere, Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God.

For today Mary brought your eternal Son to the temple; Simeon, illumined by the Spirit, praised him as the glory of your people Israel; Hanna, the prophet, proclaimed him as the saviour and blessed your name.

We join Simeon and Hanna in meeting our saviour in joy, and the angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to glorify your love.

For the angel (today) brought tidings to Mary, and she accepted your word with faith in her heart. She conceived your eternal Word through the power of the Holy Spirit; it took flesh in her womb to living among us mortals. You fulfilled your promise to Israel and sent whom the peoples await, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through him we bless your mercy, joining the choirs of angels in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We thank you, Father in heaven, and glorify you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist prepared his way and proclaimed that this is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

Therefore we raise our voices, joining the choirs of angels and the cloud of witnesses in praising your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, through your beloved Son Jesus Christ.

In him you have shone upon us to give the light of the knowledge of your glory in his face.

Therefore we magnify you, joining the choirs of angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to bless and thank you, God our Father.

You send your heavenly messengers to repel the powers of darkness; you preserve your church through the ministry of your angels.

We join our voices with theirs, confessing without end:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

All Saints 1 November also at special memorials of saints

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, all-merciful Father, and to glorify you with all creation.

For today we see your holy city, our home, the heavenly Jerusalem, where our sisters and brothers brought to perfection praise you forever. To it we are on our way in faith and walk to the end of your promise with confidence.

Therefore we magnify you in the fellowship of your saints, joining the choirs of angels in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, holy God, whom heaven and earth cannot contain.

For your glory this house was built in which you gather your pilgrim church to show it an image of your presence and to give the grace of your communion. You build a temple for yourself from living stones. From all places you call us as your people and join us to the body of your Son. Here you direct our eyes to the heavenly Jerusalem and give us the hope to behold your everlasting peace.

Therefore we praise you in your church, joining the choirs of angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank you, Father in heaven, and to praise the work of your mercy.

You chose Mary from among all humans and blessed her before all women. The dawn of salvation shines in her. She bore Christ, the sun of righteousness.

Through him we bless your mercy now and forever, joining the choirs of angels and saints in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank and praise you, holy Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

After his resurrection he sent his apostles to proclaim the good news and to teach all peoples. He promised to be present all the days until the end of time.

Therefore we magnify your holy name, joining the angels and saints and all Christians in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to thank and praise you, holy Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He built his church through the ministry of prophets and apostles, of martyrs and evangelists. They glorified his name by the witness of their lives.

Therefore bless you, joining the choirs in heaven and all Christians on earth in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We bless you, Father in heaven, and thank you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In him you led us to the knowledge of truth and made us members of his body through one faith and one baptism. Through him you poured out your Holy Spirit on all the peoples that he might do great things with his gifts. He lives in the hearts of the faithful, he permeates and guides the whole church and works its unity in Christ.

Therefore we bless your mercy now and forever, joining the choirs of angels in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to praise you, almighty Father, and to bless you with your manifold creation.

We thank you for the fruits of our labour and for the harvest of this year. We thank you for keeping our lives in your loving-kindness.

We join the choirs of angels and saints in singing with great joy the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to praise you always and everywhere, God our Father.

We thank you that in your loving-kindness, you have led us through the years and receive us anew into the communion of your love through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore we bless you with all your creation and sing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to praise you, our Father, and to magnify the work of your creation.

For you created us humans in your image and gave us the gift of love. You join man and woman in matrimony to a holy fellowship in Christ and promise your blessing to their covenant.

Therefore we bless you, joining the choirs of heaven and all Christians on earth in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, to praise you, Father in heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In him shines the hope that we will rise in glory. Even burdened by the fate of sure death, we are comforted by the promise of future immortality. For your faithful, O God, life will be changed, not taken. And when the tent of our pilgrimage on earth decays, an eternal home is prepared for us in heaven.

Therefore we join the angels and those made perfect in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to thank you, the living God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For he is the salvation of the world, the life of the mortals, the resurrection of the dead.

Through him heaven and earth, angels and humans bless you, joining their voices in singing the praise of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

We give you thanks, O God, our Father, through your beloved Son Jesus, the Christ. You sent him in the fullness of time to be our saviour and redeemer, as the angel of your holy will. He is your eternal Word, inseparable from you. Through him you created everything, and you saw that it was good. He became human by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary. You revealed him as your Son. To accomplish your will and to gather a holy people for you, he stretched out his hands in suffering, to bring release to those who place their hope in you. He gave himself freely to death to break the power of death, to shatter the chains of evil, to banish the darkness and to reveal the resurrection.

On the night he was handed over, he took bread and gave you thanks, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you. After supper he like wise took the cup, and when he had given thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, drink, this is the cup of the new and eternal covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial for me.

Remembering, therefore, the death and resurrection of your Son, we bring you this bread and this cup and celebrate the mystery of our faith.

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

We thank you that you have made us worthy to stand before you and to serve you.

We ask you: Send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts and upon the celebration of your Church. Gather it to unity at your Table. Strengthen it by your Spirit in its faith in you and keep it in the truth, that we may praise you and give you glory through your Son Jesus, the Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

All-merciful Father, accept our praise, our thanks and our gifts. We humbly implore you and pray you to bless us and all who are united to the meal of love to proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. The whole Church on earth joins us in this celebration. Listen to our prayer and grant us unity and peace and your Spirit. Look on all who seek you and believe in you. Strengthen our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops and all women and men in the apostolic ministry. Bless all peoples and all who are responsible for peach and justice. Remember also all for whom we ask you. (Silence) Like us, they are all yours. You look into our hearts, you know our faith but also our fears. Make us open for you and lead us to salvation, uniting us in one holy fellowship. We praise you with Mary, the mother of our redeemer, and with all the apostles, martyrs and confessors of faith. May their word, example and prayer bear fruit among all of us and for all of us. Send us your Holy Spirit, the giver of all life and all sanctification that with these gifts of the earth, the commandment of your Son be fulfilled. Give us in the bread that we break a sharing in the body of the Lord, and in the cup which we bless a sharing in the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the day before he suffered, he took the bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you. After supper he like wise took the cup, and when he had again given thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, drink, this is the cup of the new and eternal covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial for me.

We and all your Church therefore remember the saving death of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, his resurrection from the dead and his exaltation to your right hand. He gives himself for us as a pure and holy sacrifice, giving himself to us as the holy bread of eternal life and in the cup of everlasting salvation.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Father, you have called us to communion around this Table. Fill us through this body and blood of your Son with all the blessing and all grace of heaven. We ask you to remember all who have gone before us in the sign of faith and rest in peace. (Silence) May we and all for whom your Son has died share in his resurrection. Accept us sinners too who trust in the fullness of your love into the fellowship of your salvation, with all whose life has come to completion with you, not because we would merit it but because you are granting your mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

We give you thanks, God our Father, for from you comes our life. You created us and you do not abandon us from your hands. You are always close to us. You once led your people through the desert. Today you go with your Church in the power of your Spirit. Your Son himself is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore we praise you with all the angels and saints, joyfully singing:

Blessed are you, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of all mercy and God of all consolation. You loved the world so much that you gave your only Son so that all who believe in him might not perish but have eternal life.

He instituted a lasting memorial of his saving deeds. On the night he was handed over, he took bread and gave you thanks, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you. After supper he like wise took the cup, and when he had again given thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, drink, this is the cup of the new and eternal covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial for me.

We therefore remember before you, O Father, the incarnation of your Son, his words and signs, his humiliation, his obedience to death on the cross and his resurrection in glory. You exalted him above all and gave him the name that is above every name so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue should confess:

Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

With praise and thanksgiving we bring these signs of his sacrifice before you and pray: Send your Holy Spirit and fill these gifts with his life-giving power so that they may become for us the body and blood of your beloved Son. May the bread which we break be a sharing in the body of the Lord, and the cup which we bless be a communion with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Make us all one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

In the fellowship with Mary the Mother of God, the apostles and martyrs, with Saint Willibrord and all the saints, with our Bishop N. and Archbishop N., with the fellowship of bishops, with all women and men in the apostolic ministry and with all your Church, we praise you and look with joy for the coming of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

It is indeed right and a good thing that we give you thanks, holy Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ. You made the visible and the invisible. You created us in your own image and made a covenant with us. You revealed your promises through the words of your prophets. Therefore with all the angels and saints we proclaim your glory and sing together:

You are holy indeed, God our Father. So loved the world so much that you sent your Son. He took flesh from Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the power of this Spirit today sanctify our eucharist that he may fulfil the word of your beloved Son who wishes to give us his body and his blood.

On the night before he was handed over, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Until your Son comes again, we do as he commanded us by celebrating the memorial of the passion, resurrection and ascension of your Christ. He always lives before you as our high priest, interceding for us and bringing his only and perfect sacrifice before you on our behalf.

Sanctify your Church as you did on Pentecost; your Holy Spirit may guide it into all truth. He may strengthen it for its mission to the ends of the earth. He may prepare your eternal kingdom so that we may have a share in the inheritance of your saints in light; with Mary, the prophets, apostles and martyrs, (with Saint N.) we look for the coming of your beloved Son.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Maranatha, our Lord comes.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever.

Amen.

We praise you, holy Father, for you are always with us on our way, especially when Jesus, your Son, gathers us for the meal of love; like the disciples at Emmaus, he interprets the Scriptures and breaks the bread for us.

Therefore we ask you, holy God: send your Spirit upon bread and wine, so that Jesus Christ be present in our midst with his body and blood.

On the night before he suffered, he took bread at the supper and gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way he took the cup with wine, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore we celebrate the memorial of our reconciliation and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Your Son has passed through suffering and death to new life and is risen to your glory. Look upon your Christ who sacrifices himself with body and blood and, in his sacrifice, opens the way to you, our Father.

Merciful God, grant us the spirit of love, the Spirit of your Son. Strengthen us by his body and blood and renew us in his image. Guide our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops and all women and men in the apostolic ministry. Make all members of the Church understand the signs of the time and grow in faithfulness to your gospel. Make us open for the people around us, so that we share their mourning and fear, their hopes and joys and show them the way to salvation. Have mercy on our brothers and sisters who have gone in the peace of Christ and on all the departed whose faith no one knows as you do, and lead them to the resurrection. When our own way reaches its end, receive us into your kingdom where we may expect the fullness of life and of glory for ever. In the fellowship of Mary, the blessed Virgin and Mother of God, of the apostles and martyrs, (of Saint N.) and of all your saints, we praise and glorify you through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

We praise you, God, holy Father, and glorify you in your holy, life-giving Spirit who in the beginning hovered over the waters, who spoke through the prophets, who gave light and strength to your chosen people. When the fullness of time had come, Jesus, your Son, took flesh from Mary by the Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit he proclaimed the good news of salvation to the poor, freedom to those in prison and joy to those who mourn. So that we might live no longer for ourselves but for him who was crucified and raised, you also gave your Spirit to us that he might continue and complete the saving deeds of your Son.

Send this Spirit upon our eucharist that he may fulfil the word of your Son who on the night before he suffered took bread at the supper and praised you for your great deeds, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way he took the cup with wine, praised your mercy and loving-kindness, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore we celebrate the memorial of your Son and proclaim his death and resurrection, his exaltation to your right hand, and look for the day in which he will make all things new.

Great is the mystery of faith.

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

Until he comes again, we come before you with these signs of his sacrifice and pray that you Spirit may fill all who share in the body and blood of your Son with his power and his life. May he bring your Church together to unity. Strengthen through him all whom you have called to your service: our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops, all women and men in the apostolic ministry and all your people wherever they may be. We praise you in fellowship with Mary the mother of your Son, with your apostles and martyrs and with all your saints through Jesus, your Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

It is indeed right and a good thing to thank you always and everywhere, holy Father, creator of heaven and earth. You made everything through your word and saw that it was good. You created us in your image that we may share in your life and your glory may shine through us. When the fullness of time had come, you gave us Jesus, your Christ, the way, the truth and the life. You testified to him as your beloved Son whose mission it was to proclaim the good news to the poor. He left us the eucharist that we may remember his death and resurrection and receive him as our food. Therefore, with all the angels and saints, we proclaim your glory:

You are holy indeed, and all creation proclaims your praise.

Fill our eucharist with your life-giving Spirit (who spoke through Moses and the prophets, who overshadowed the Virgin Mary with his grace, who, at the Jordan, descended upon Jesus and, on Pentecost, upon the apostles) that this bread and this wine may become for us the body and blood of Christ.

On the night before he was handed over, he took bread at the supper and gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way he took the cup with wine, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

We therefore celebrate today the memorial of our redemption: the birth and life of your Son among us, his baptism by John, his last supper with the apostles, his death and descent to those held by death. We proclaim his resurrection and exaltation to you where, as our high priest, he intercedes for us and for all. We look for his coming in glory and through him bring this bread and this cup before you. Remember the sacrifice of your Son and, through him, set all people and all your creation free. Strengthen the covenant which you made with us.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

When we receive the body and blood of Christ fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may become one body and one spirit in Christ, one living sacrifice to the praise of your glory.

Come, creator Spirit.

Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Son. Grant it unity, deepen its faith and keep it in peace. Strengthen our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops and all women and men in the apostolic ministry. Remember especially ... Remember also our departed sisters and brothers whose faith is known to you alone. Accompany them to the banquet in your presence which has been prepared for all people, together with Mary, with the patriarchs and prophets, the apostles and martyrs, ... , and with all the saints who live from your friendship. With all of them we praise and bless you and look for the coming of your kingdom in which, together with all creation redeemed from sin and death, we glorify you through Christ, our Lord.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

We praise you, O God, and glorify you. You did not abandon to sin and death what you, almighty God, created. Through Jesus Christ, your Word, you call us all to life. He took our sins upon himself, making peace between you and mortals.

On the night before he suffered, he took bread at the supper and gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way he took the cup with wine, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

We thank you, Father in heaven, remembering the life and passion of your Son and his sacrifice on the cross and praising his resurrection, the victory over sin and death.

Give us, Father, your Holy Spirit and renew our life through him. Bless these gifts to be the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Unite all who share in the body and blood of Christ in the unity of faith, in the fellowship of love and in the hope in your glory.

Maranatha. Our Lord comes.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever.

Amen.

We thank you, O God, for the bread, for everything we need like bread: for the air we breathe, for the people who share our life, for the peace, for your closeness in words and signs. We thank you, O God, for the wine, for everything that makes us glad like the wine: for the son and the stars in the skies, for the love given us, for the hope in your kingdom. We thank you for Jesus Christ, your Son, our brother and friend.

On the night before he suffered, he took bread at the supper and gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way he took the cup with wine, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Before you, O Father, we do what your Son, our brother, has commanded us to do. We listen to his word. We celebrate his memorial. We see him suffer and die for us. United at his Table we feel that he is among us as the Living one.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

We ask you in his name: Fill these gifts with your Spirit that they may become for us the body and blood of your Son. Fill us and all the world with your Spirit. Change us, help us to become as you have willed us to be. In this bread which we break may we know that we are united in Jesus as his community, for joint service to the people, despite all that separates us. In this cup which we drink may we feel that Jesus is our joy, in life and in death, despite all that frightens and burdens us.

Our Lord comes.

Yes, come, Lord Jesus.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever.

Amen.

Good Father, we stand before you empty-handed, showing our needs. Whatever is ours does not suffice if we do not have you. You are the meaning, the true goal and the depth of our existence. You are not a God who would not reach out. You have taken pity on our poverty and weakness and have given into our outstretched hands your singular gift, your Son. He is the way, the truth and the life.

We therefore ask you: Your Spirit may raise from these earthly gifts, the bread and the wine, your immortal gift to us, the fulfilment of all hope, the refuge of the guilty, the salvation of the sick, the resurrection of the dead: our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the night before he suffered, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore, Father, we celebrate the memorial of your Son. We remember that you gave him to us out of love. We remember his life, the words through which he spoke into our lives, the signs with which he gives us the hope in the fulfilment of the world. We remember his passion and death by human hands. But we are filled with your Easter certainty: He lives. He is risen. He reigns in your unbounded majesty and has established the kingdom of his love among us.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Look on all people, O God, who are in special need of your and our love and care: on those tormented, disrespected and exploited, on all whose illnesses no one heals. Remember also the lonely, those without hope, those mourning and all who crave in their hearts for love. Encourage all who proclaim your word: strengthen our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops and all women and men in the apostolic ministry. Grant to our departed your closeness and perfect them in your immeasurable loving-kindness. Together with all your saints give us a share in the victory over death and over all that frightens and oppresses us. We ask you this through our Lord Jesus Christ, the author of our salvation.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

God, our Father, we thank you with all our heart, for you have called us to life and wish our happiness in Jesus, your Son. He is the revelation of your loving-kindness and your will to save us. He is the redeeming word for us, your helping hand. We can no longer forget how he became one with us in suffering and death, he who was totally one with you, as he came to fulfil your will. He bore our burdens -- and called us to follow his love. All our life we owe you our thanks for him.

It was before the passover. As he loved his own who were in world, he gave them a love unsurpassed by any. He knew that he had come from you and would return to you. Therefore he took the bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Until your Son comes again, we do what he commanded us to do. Faithful to his word, we celebrate the memorial of his obedience and sacrifice in suffering and death, the victory of his resurrection and his glorification with you. In trust we look for the day of his coming.

Send now, Father, the comforter and helper into our midst, your Holy Spirit. Accept through him these gifts and fill them with your life. Kindle in us the fire of your love and give us trust that we may come closer to each other and understand each other better.

We also ask you, Father, for your Church: Protect and guide it, give it peace and unity all over the world. Give wisdom and strength to our Bishop N., the fellowship of bishops and all men and women in the apostolic ministry. Remember in your loving-kindness also the people who are particularly dear to us, and remain faithful to those whom death has taken from this life. With all your people, with Mary, the mother of our Lord, with the apostles and martyrs and with all your saints, with all people on earth who put their trust in you we ask you for your mercy, worship your greatness and give you thanks through Jesus, your Son.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Indeed, we stand before you in wonder and gratitude, Creator of the universe. You called our livable planet into existence, our earth. In its fruitfulness and in the manifold creatures we sense your motherly care, long before our restlessness and ambition could take hold of it. You became particularly close to us in Jesus, your Son. He did not see you as a god of vengeance and despotism, but as the Loving One who addresses us, to whom we may respond with affection and trust.

It is in this trust that we ask you: Your Holy Spirit come upon our gifts, upon bread and wine, so that in these peaceful gifts Jesus Christ may become present among us.

On the night before he suffered, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Until he comes again, we celebrate the memorial of your Son, O God. He called us all his sisters and brothers. In his sensitivity for the weak and in his standing up for the outcasts, the old roles of man and woman merged into the one uniting power: that of love. He responded to injustice with forgiveness, to illness with healing, to despair with hope, to disdain with dignity.

Fill us all with his Spirit: all the Church, the people in all their distinctiveness, those in authority and all who are in special need of the spirit of reconciliation. This meal strengthens us. It unites us to all who witnessed to the coming of your kingdom, to Mary, his mother, to Mary Magdalen, the loving one, to all women and men who knew to be sent, to be apostles (to Elizabeth, the princess of the poor, to Hildegard, the healing one, to Teresa, the light of inwardness). All martyrs live before you and all who were the victims of madness and greed for power. Let us live to see the future of your kingdom, not because we could buy it through our achievements, but because you are long-suffering and abounding in mercy. We ask you this through Christ, the author of our salvation.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Our Father, God of power and might, fill our praise with your glory. Bless this gift, complete it, accept it as rendering present the one sacrifice of our Lord.

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and our eucharist, sanctify this bread to be the body of Christ and this cup to be the blood of Christ that the Holy Spirit, the creator, fill the word of your beloved Son.

On the night in which he was handed over, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Until he comes again, we celebrate the memorial of the incarnation and the passion of your Son, his resurrection from the dead, his ascension into the glory of the heavens where he always intercedes for us. We look and pray for the day of his coming. Remembering his saving deeds and his gifts we bring before you the signs of the eternal sacrifice of Christ, as our thanksgiving and intercession: the bread of life coming from heaven, and the cup of the banquet in your kingdom. Accept our praise, our gifts and prayers in Christ, as you have been pleased to accept the gifts of your servant Abel, the just one, the sacrifice of our father Abraham and of your high priest Melchizedek. We humbly ask you that this prayer may be lifted by the hands of your angel to your altar before you. May we be filled by the Holy Spirit in sharing in this Table when we receive the body and blood of your Son, and may we be gifted with all the graces and blessings of heaven through Christ, our Lord.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Good God, we gather in houses from stone to pray to you. But you created us for a greater dignity: you live in the depths of our hearts. You sent us Jesus, your Christ, that your divinity may shine forth from our speaking and doing. He became the foundation, the cornerstone of your Church into which we may be inserted as living stones. Accompanied and strengthened by him and in our weakness, we proclaim your kingdom, the kingdom of love and peace, the new and unfading city, the temple of your Spirit in which everything that lives praises you.

Therefore we ask you: Your Holy Spirit come upon these gifts of the earth, upon bread and wine, that your Son Jesus Christ may be living among us in these signs, as our hope and our salvation.

On the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup, again gave you thanks, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore, Father, we celebrate the memorial of your Son. People put him to death but you did not abandon him in death. He is alive. He reigns in your incomparable glory.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Christ, the stone whom the builders rejected, became the foundation of a new future not abandoned to decay. He lives among us in his word. He lives among us in the signs of his salvation. He lives among us in the closeness of each human being in need of our love and affection.

Father, look upon your whole Church. Make it more similar to Christ, sign of your care for us, sign of your feast with us, sign of the everlasting covenant in which your saints live with you. We ask you this through him, our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom you have given us all good things.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

All-merciful Father, we praise you and thank you: you told Moses your name and revealed yourself as God-with-humans. You led your people Israel through the desert, day and night, in the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. When the fullness of time had come, you sent your Son, the Emmanuel, in whom you are with us in bodily form, all the days until the end of this age. He made known to us your mercy, gave us healing and freedom.

On the night before he gave himself freely to death, he took bread, sang the praise of your great deeds, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup with wine, praised your mercy, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore we celebrate the memorial of your Son and do according to his commandment, bringing bread and wine before you and proclaiming his death and his resurrection. When he comes in glory he will wipe every tear from our eyes, death will be no more, sorrow and crying and pain will be no more; all things will be made new.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

We ask you, Father, send your holy, life-giving Spirit upon these gifts. In the bread which we eat and in the wine which we drink, make us one with him, your Son, our brother and Lord. Unite us in him to the fellowship with the patriarchs and prophets, with Miriam, Deborah, and Ruth, with John the Baptist, with Mary, the mother of your Son, with your apostles, with Mary of Magdala and with the whole cloud of witnesses.

We praise and magnify you and sing of your mercy together with our Bishop N., with the fellowship of bishops, with all women and men in the apostolic ministry and with all your people on earth through Jesus, your Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XVI (Christmas)

Truly, you are holy, God, our Father. We praise you through your beloved Son, our Lord and brother Jesus, the Christ. For in this night / on this day we may perceive that the fullness of time has come. Behold, he comes to do your will. Therefore we celebrate the meal which he commanded us as a memorial to him, so that, by giving thanks for your love, we may experience your presence.

On the night before he suffered, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup with wine, again gave you thanks, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore, Father, we remember before you his incarnation and birth, his life among us, his humility to the death on the cross, his resurrection and exaltation to your glory, and, filled with hope, we await the day when he will come again and make all things new.

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Father, we bring before you bread and wine, the tokens of the offering of your Son, and we ask you to sanctify these gifts by your life-giving Spirit. Unite us with your Son and with each other when we eat this bread and drink from this cup, proclaiming his death until he comes.

Strengthen our Bishop N., the fellowship of the bishops and all women and men in the apostolic ministry. Give to our departed the joy of your eternal light. At the end of our pilgrimage receive us into your glory, together with them, where, with Mary and Joseph, with the shepherds and wise men, with Simeon and Hanna, with the angels and with all who have found your salvation we will behold, praise and magnify you through your word become flesh, Jesus, our saviour, brother and Lord.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XVII (Reconciliation)

Blessèd are you, Lord of all power and might, in your Son Jesus, the Christ, who came in your name. He is your saving word for humanity. He is the hand which you extend to sinners. He is the way in which your peace reaches us. God, our Father, because we had turned away from you, you drew us back by your Son, the good Shepherd. He was obedient for us unto death so that we might get back to you and to each other. That is why we celebrate the reconciliation which has been granted to us in your Son.

On the night, before he gave himself for us on the cross, he took the bread, praised you for your mighty acts, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup with wine, praised your compassion, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Until he comes again, we celebrate the memorial of our reconciliation and proclaim the gift of your love, your Son who entered death for us, whom you set free from death and raised to your right hand.

We ask you: look on the signs of our devotion, on this bread and on this cup. Send your Holy Spirit on these gifts and sanctify them to be the body and blood of your Son. Accept us also in your Son and in this meal grant us the Spirit whom he has promised, the Spirit of unity who takes away what separates us, who brings us together in Christ and who makes us instruments of your peace.

Strengthen our bishop N., the fellowship of bishops, and all women and men in the apostolic ministry. As you have gathered us here at the table of your Son, in communion with Mary, his mother, (with Saint N.) and with all your saints, so gather the peoples of all nations and languages, of all classes and groups to the banquet of the eternal reconciliation and of the lasting peace through him, our brother and Lord, Jesus, your Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XVIII (Maundy Thursday)

You are holy indeed, God, our Father, and holy is your dear Son, your eternal Word. He has revealed your name to us and given us a sign of his love as he sacrificed himself for us.

On the night in which he was betrayed and, out his own free will, subjected himself to suffering, this is today, he took bread, praised you for your mighty acts, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. In the same way after supper he took the cup with wine, praised your compassion, gave the cup to his disciples saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore, in this hour, we celebrate his memorial, his obedience unto death, unto death on the cross. You have exalted him and given him the glory and power that he may give incorruptible life to those whom you have entrusted to him, that we may know you, the only true God, and whom you have sent, Jesus, your Christ. So we come before you, with bread and wine, as he has commanded us, and celebrate the mystery of faith.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. (Presider:)

Father, we ask you: Look upon the signs of our devotion, and sanctify these gifts through your Spirit. Give us in this bread and in this wine the Body and Blood of your Son, his life and the fellowship in him. Let us remain in him and keep us in the unity with our Bishop N., with the fellowship of the bishops, with all women and men in the apostolic ministry and with all your people on earth.

Lead us with Mary, the mother of your Son, with the disciples, with all who have already reached the end of their way, and with all who are still looking for you, to the joyful banquet of your eternal glory through Jesus, your Son, our Lord and brother.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XIX (Easter and Eastertide I)

We praise you, Father in heaven, in this night of joy (on this day / in this Eastertide). To rescue us from the power of darkness you did not abandon your Son in death. In him we have received freedom, the forgiveness of sins, the abundance of new life.

On the night before he suffered, he took the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. After supper he took the cup with wine, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

In this way we celebrate Easter, the suffering and death of your Son, the new life which you have given him. He, the firstborn from the dead, exalted to your right hand, intercedes for us. He will come again in glory to give us the fullness of life. We bring bread and wine before you, the signs to which he himself has given the promise of his presence.

Send your Holy, life-giving Spirit upon us and upon these gifts that in them we might share in the fulness of life of your beloved Son. Make us witnesses to your love in the fellowship of your table.

Raise your Church to new life and rescue it from all powers of death of fear, of intolerance, of lack of freedom and of injustice. Raise our dead to your incorruptible life. When our own way comes to a close, give us the glory to which your Son has gone before us.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XX (Easter and Eastertide II)

It is indeed right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to praise you, the creator of all life, and to give thanks to you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For you called him to new life from the grave and with him rescued our life from death.

Therefore in heaven the choirs of angels rejoice, and all creatures praise you. We unite our voices to theirs, as we join them to the everlasting praise of your goodness and glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. ...

You are indeed holy, God, source of all holiness. You bring light out of darkness, life out of death, word our of silence. We thank you for our earthly life and for the world which you have given us. We thank you for the new world to come and for your love which will penetrate all. We praise you for your grace which you have bestowed on Israel, your chosen people: for the salvation from Egypt, for the gift of the promised land, and for your faithfulness to the covenant which you made with them. We thank you for leading them back from the exile and for the words of the prophets, not lost to us. We praise you for the death and resurrection of your beloved Son who fulfilled and will still fulfil your promises.

On the night before he suffered, he took the bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. After supper he took the cup with wine, thanked you again, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup we remember the incarnation of your Son and the covenant whom he has made with us: Born in our flesh, he shared the table with the outcast and the sinners. He gave his life. In particular, in joy and gratitude, we remember today his resurrection.

Great is the mystery of faith.

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

Send your Holy, life-giving Spirit upon us and upon these gifts. Unite us and all who receive the Body and Blood of Christ in his communion and fellowship. Let us enter the splendour of your heavenly kingdom and receive our heritage with all your saints in light. We long for our resurrection and for the completion of the world, when Christ will come again in beauty and power to celebrate his promised great banquet with us.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XXI (Eucharist with children and families I)

Good God, we thank you for Jesus who came in your name as friend of the poor and children. He showed us how we can live with you and with each other. He came to overcome the evil and to set us free from fear and need. He promised us that his Holy Spirit would always be with us and help us to live as your children.

On the night before he suffered, he sat at table with his disciples and took the bread, he thanked you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Then he took the cup with wine, blessed you, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

God, our Father, we stand before you. We bless and praise you. We remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. He takes us with him on our way to you.

We ask you: Send your Spirit that these gifts of bread and wine may become the body and blood of Jesus who loved us to his death. Give all of us who share in this meal the spirit of love so that more and more we may become one heart and one soul. Look on all whom we love. Be close to those who suffer and are sad. May our departed be happy with you. Look on all people on our earth. Guide all of us to the great feast in your kingdom where, with Mary and all the saints, we are happy for ever and praise you through Jesus Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XXII (Eucharist with children and families II)

You are holy indeed, great God. You are good to all of us. We thank you. We thank you especially for Jesus Christ. He came to us because we had separated ourselves from you. He opened us the eyes and ears so that we know that you are our Father and all of us are brothers and sisters. He has now joined us together at his Table that we may do what he did.

On the night before his death Jesus was together with his disciples to keep the passover meal with them. He took the bread, thanked you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Then he took the cup with wine, blessed you, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

Therefore we have been gathered here, Father, and remember joyfully all that Jesus did for us and still does for us now.

In this meal which he entrusted to us we celebrate his death and resurrection, the mystery of faith.

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

Until he comes again, we celebrate the memorial of your Son. You accepted his sacrifice. We ask you: Accept us too with all that we bring to you. Jesus gave his life. You raised him. He lives among us. When he comes again in glory, there will be no more need, nobody will cry and be said any longer.

Through your Spirit make us a fellowship of sisters and brothers when we receive the body and blood of your Son, the one bread and the one cup. Through this holy meal give us the strength to live according to your will. May we deal with the gifts of the earth from which bread and wine for this holy meal have been taken in reverence and responsibility. Make us join in helping that justice and peace may grow among us. May we at the end forever be with you, together with all who believe in you, and sing your praise together with Mary and with all the angels and saints. This we ask through Jesus, your Christ.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer XXIII (when remembering the departed)

Holy, immortal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, we praise and thank you because your mercy is infinite. For love you created us mortals and breathed in us life from your immortal life. You will not suffer that grow cold forever the hands that were raised to you, the eyes that looked for your beauty, the hearts that longed for your rest. You will not suffer those to perish in death whom you have called to eternal fellowship and communion with you, you give a share in the mystery of the death and resurrection of your Son.

On the night before he suffered, he took the bread, praised your great deeds, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Then he took the cup with wine, blessed your mercy, gave the cup to his disciples, saying, Take and drink this, all of you, this is the cup of the new and everlasting covenant, my blood which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as a memorial to me.

As often as we eat from this bread and drink from this cup, we taste and proclaim the mystery of faith.

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

Until your Son comes again, we do what he has commanded us to do. We proclaim his death, his resurrection and his imperishable life with you.

Therefore we ask you: Send your life-giving Spirit upon these gifts that they may become for us the bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting salvation. May we, by sharing in this meal, become one with your Son and with each other. Raise us at the end of time when he comes and makes all new; grant us then, (together with N. and) with all who have gone before us, the never-ending life in your glory. With our Bishop N., with all women and men in the apostolic ministry and with all your Church we praise you, God of life. You are worthy to receive the blessing and the honour and the power, for your created all things and people. Through your will they are, and in your love they remain in Jesus, our living Lord.

Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

Trinity Sunday First Sunday after Pentecost

Living God, accept our gifts and prayers. Help us to listen to your word and so share in your divine life through Christ, our Lord.

Triune God, we thank you for celebrating and receiving this Eucharist. Let us be faithful in all we do and proclaim your power and glory in all the world. To you be honour and praise and worship, now and for ever.

God of life, we bring bread and wine before you. As this bread has been prepared from many grains, and this wine been pressed from many grapes, so gather the many peoples from among all nations into the kingdom of your peace which we expect through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, you invited us to share at your table, you nourished us with your word and your meal on our way through this era, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, through the cross of your Son you give us your salvation and bind us together as your church. Help us to live from the gospel and to be of one mind to be credible witnesses to your Christ. We ask this through him, your Son, our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Merciful God, through your Son you call us to turn around and to believe in the gospel. Strengthen us by your Spirit that we may follow this call decisively. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our strength and our joy, take from us all faintheartedness and sorrow. May we hear your word and keep it on our way to the fullness of life through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Eternal God, direct our actions according to your will and grant that we recognise your beloved Son in our sisters and brothers, him, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Holy God, you yourself magnify your name among the peoples. Give us in this bread and wine the food of immortality through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Jesus Christ, you have strengthened us with the Word and the Bread of life. Keep us trusting that you are close that we may experience your presence and grow in faithfulness to your commandments, who live, now and for ever.

All-merciful God, you accept us in our weakness, you are our refuge. Be our comfort and our strength that we may give your justice and peace to others. We ask this of you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God and Father of Jesus Christ, you give authority to your Son to proclaim words of life incorruptible. Open our ears and hearts that we receive his message and live from it through him, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God, source and origin of our life, from you come loving-kindness and patience. Free us from blind zeal, from egoism and wrath. May we advance in your knowledge until we see you face to face. This we ask you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Great God, you created us in your image and likeness. Grant that we may turn to you with all our hearts and love our neighbours as your Son has done before, Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Gracious God, you created bread and wine that we may find food and joy from your gifts. May we find at this table the strength, the peace and the life which you promised through Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, you have satisfied us with the food which you alone can give. May we live from it and rejoice in your loving-kindness and mercy, and may our joy bear fruit in good works. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

God, you are present when we call upon you. Make us the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that our fellow humans may recognise that you lead us and give us life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Mighty God, look on our helplessness. You know everything that holds us down and makes us sick. Restore us in the name of your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Holy God, no one has the power to approach you, you meet us and call us to your service. Grant us to be ready to listen to your word and to praise your name before the people. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our Father, our names have been written in your palms. We put all our trust in you and your mercy. Stay with us in temptation and need, and protect us through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Merciful God, we come to you with gifts and prayers, trusting in your loving-kindness. Do not regard our sins and iniquities, but keep us in the fellowship with you in Christ, our Lord.

Good God, in this celebration you have given us a share in your divine life. Let us never be separated from you but keep us in your love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

God, hidden and incomprehensible, what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, you have prepared for those who love you. Open our hearts for the great gift of your love. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit live and give life, now and for ever.

Father of all consolation, your Son has healed sick and given new meaning to their lives. Look with compassion on all the suffering people in our world, free them from loneliness and bitterness and give them your saving health. This we ask you through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst now and for ever.

Great God, source and hold of our lives, help us to trust in your word and your promise, for you alone are our hope and trust. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, lover of all you have created, it is your joy to be among the humans. Give us a ready and sincere heart open for you and your presence. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, our Father, as often as we celebrate the memorial of the sacrifice of Christ, our salvation is rendered present among us. Grant that we fulfil the commandment of your Son rightly through him, Christ, our Lord.

God of life, you have strengthened us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. In the strength of this food we can live our everyday lives and endure in the hope for our future with you. Go with us on our way there through Christ, our Lord.

Father in heaven, you make your sun rise on evil and good and send rain on righteous and unrighteous. Help us to accept each other as you accept us. We ask you this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Faithful God, your salvation you have not only promised but in your Holy Spirit given us already a share in your life. Free us from all that immobilises and prevents us from advancing in confidence to the abundance of life. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Father of mercy and God of all consolation, preserve us from hard-heartedness and self-righteousness. Help us to forgive injustice and to accept each other in the spirit of reconciliation, as you accept us through your Son Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Merciful God, you have spoken to us through your Son. Make us meditate on your word and ponder it in our hearts that we may speak and act according to your law. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, our Father, we have gathered around the table of your Son. May we recognise in this holy meal what you will prepare for us at the end of time, and receive us into your eternal dwelling place through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, we have shared in celebrating the meal of your Son and remembered his death and resurrection. Strengthen us through the power of this food that we may seek your glory and the well-being of our fellow humans, until we will have been made perfect in your love through Christ, our Lord.

God, you are for us Father and Mother, you know better than we do what we need. Take us out of the little worries of our everyday lives that we may be open for your kingdom and your righteousness. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, you love us with inexpressible love. Through Christ we have great confidence in you. Work in us that we may serve you with sincere and joyful hearts, not according to the letter but from your life-giving Spirit. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God of life, you fill our hearts with your good news. Free us from self-righteousness, and make us credible in testifying to you and your word. This we ask through him, our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, you created the world and do not abandon it from your hands. Look upon our perplexities in the necessities of our times. Pour out your Spirit on us and your world and renew the face of the earth. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, giver of all good things, we offer you these gifts. Accept them as signs of our devotion and make them the sacrament of our redemption through Christ, our Lord.

God of life and holiness, in baptism you have made us new people. May we put away the habits of our former way of life and be renewed in holiness and righteousness. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

God, strength of the weak, help us that we will confess you not only with our lips but fulfil your will in our action and thereby build our lives on a secure ground. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Great God, creator of life in the midst of all darkness, give us space when we are crushed, and show us ways when we are perplexed. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God, our Father, you do not regard origin or position, you are present for those who put their trust in you. Give us a wide heart, and may we together know the healing power of the gospel. This we ask through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, you are for us like Father and Mother, our lives come from you and find their fulfilment in the light of your face. Keep from us what may harm us, and grant us what your salvation. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God, our creator, we offer bread and wine. In them we bring our lives before your face. Bless us and all your creation through Christ, our Lord.

Holy God, you have renewed your covenant with us in the meal that we have celebrated. May we live as instruments of your peace. Help us to love where there is hatred; pardon where there is injury, reconcile where there is discord. Grant us the strength to understand our fellow humans, to love and to comfort through Christ, our Lord.

All-merciful Father, you Son has come to call the sinners into his presence and to heal. Deliver us also from all self-righteousness and grant us your mercy. This we ask you through him, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, our salvation, you burst the narrow confines of our small world. Grant that we may not become lost in the visible but look out to the invisible, to the habitations that remain, which your Son has prepared for us in your eternal home, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are a God of the living, not of the dead. Fill us with your life-giving Spirit and help us to live in justice, peace and in accordance with your creation. This we ask you through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our creator, every good gift comes from you, the Father of lights. Fill us with your spirit that we know what is right, and, with your help, also do it. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Holy God, in the celebration of these mysteries we do what your Son has commanded us to do. Grant that we may praise and magnify you and, in doing so, receive your salvation through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, we thank you for giving us divine life in the supper of your Son. May we always experience your love in this sacrament and live from its strength. We ask you this through Christ, our Lord.

God, our creator, yours is the earth and all that is in it. Grant that we may be faithful workers in your vineyard, and send us to proclaim the liberating power of your gospel. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, our Father, every good gift and every growth come from you. You have promised us your kingdom. May we hope for its coming, even if we do not see how the seed of your word grows. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God of mercy, your Son has given his life for us. We may come to you with our guilt. Free us from the bonds of sin. Accept us in Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our hope and strength, without you we can do nothing. Help us that our thinking, speaking and doing may proceed from you and find their fulfilment in you. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, creator of the world, the grain from many ears and the grapes from many vines have been gathered for this bread and this wine. Gather in this way the peoples from all nations into the kingdom of your peace through Christ, our Lord.

Gracious God, you have strengthened us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. May your power work in us, and enable us to spend our lives following your Son who lives and gives life with you, now and for ever.

God, source of all love, your unlimited trust has taken its habitation in us. Putting our trust in you may we proclaim your good news and witness to your faithfulness before all peoples. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our salvation and strength, show us your saving help when fear and storms are threatening. You have proved it in Jesus whom you did not abandon in death. Save us through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Our Father, in Jesus, the crucified and risen One, you have given us the great sign of your love. All barriers have been broken down between us. Look on all who suffer from the burden of their crosses. Help us not only to look on ourselves but to join others in carrying their burden. This we ask you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Holy God, grant that we have always reverence for your name and love you from all our hearts. Guide us by your hand and root us firmly in your love. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Faithful God, your Son calls us to his table and gathers us to the fellowship of his supper. Grant us what these gifts of bread and wine signify, the life that never dies, Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for having received the body and the blood of your Son. Guide us through your Spirit, that we adhere to you not only in words but may witness to your loving-kindness also by our actions through him, Christ, our Lord.

Loving God, in Jesus whom you raised from the dead we too share in your life. Free us from false security and anxiousness. Help us to walk the way of life in joy with Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, you are for us Father and Mother, whatever is and lives comes from you. You have created us according to your image and called us to life incorruptible. Help us to resist all powers of destruction, to preserve your creation and gratefully to be worthy of its gifts. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our Father, in Christ you have called us to the liberty of your children. Pull us out of all compulsions and addictions and lead us into the liberty and power of those who know themselves loved by you. This we ask you, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God of our lives, in baptism you have made us children of light. Do not allow the darkness of unbelief to prevail over us. Keep us in the light of your faithfulness, and let the sun of your righteousness rise in this dark and unjust world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, author of all good things, you yourself have given us the gifts which we offer you. Accept them as signs of our devotion, and give us the strength to live according to your will, that we may witness to your loving-kindness in our everyday lives through Christ, our Lord.

Gracious God, you are the physician of our souls and heal us by the strength of this food. Free us from the bonds of our faults and foolishness, and guide us into the way of peace through Christ, our Lord.

God, you created heaven and earth. We praise you and thank you that you have become close to us in Jesus, your Son. Free us from whatever presses upon us, and give us the knowledge of your mercy and loving-kindness. This we ask you through him, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, your power helps us in our weakness, and in your grace is our strength. Grant that we do not despair in our limits and helplessness but, in all our cares and necessities, throw ourselves on you alone. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

All-merciful Father, in you we experience comfort and shelter as at the heart of a mother. You carry us on your arms and fill our hearts with peace. Give us the courage to pass on the experience of your love. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our creator, in your beloved Son you have shown us your image of humanity and begun the renewal of all creation. Fill us with joy in the redemption and lead us into your future. This we ask of you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Our god, we have prepared the table for celebrating the holy meal. You yourself enable us to do so worthily through Christ, our Lord.

God of mercy and love, we have celebrated the memorial of the passion and resurrection of Christ and received the holy sacrament. What your Son has given us in his infinite love may not become our judgement but our help to eternal salvation through him, Christ, our Lord.

Holy God, by your word was everything made. Open our ears and our hearts for you. May we trust in the power of your word that it might not return to us empty. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have chosen us before the foundation of the world. In Jesus you have bestowed on us the redemption, the forgiveness of all our trespasses, from the riches of your grace. May our lives praise you and witness to your glory. This we ask you through him, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Our God, your word is very near. We can live according to it and hold ourselves at your law. May we love you and each other with all our heart and all our soul, with all our mind and all our strength. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our life find its meaning and fulfilment in you. You show the light of truth to those seeking and give support and confidence to those doubting. Pour out the fullness of the Spirit upon all who confess your name that they may be a blessing for this world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, author of all things, you grant food and drink for our daily life. Accept as tokens of our gratitude what you have put into our hands, through Christ, our Lord.

God in our midst, you renew us through your sacraments. Grant us your help, and may the redemption which we have celebrated be efficient in our lives through Christ, our Lord.

Loving God, you know our toils and cares and help us in our weakness. Your Holy Spirit intercedes for us, bringing before you what is too deep for words. Give us confidence in all our needs. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, shepherd of your people, you gather us when we are scattered. Take us back when we go astray, take from us all perplexity and fear and grant us always your mercy. This we ask you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, our Father, in Jesus you come to us and give us hope in the abundance of life. May we not fail to hear his word in all the cares and occupations of every day. This we ask you through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Faithful God, you have called us into your service. Strengthen us in faith, in hope and in love. May we live with open eyes and hearts and keep on the way of your commandments. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God and Father, we bring before you the products of the earth and of our labour. Be with us in the power of your Spirit when we celebrate the supper of your Son, Christ, our Lord.

God, rich in mercy and loving-kindness, you made us partakers in the supper of your Son. May we be one in him and become the light for the world. We ask this through him, Christ, our Lord.

Great God, Jesus has become our brother, and we may call you Father. May we comprehend this more and more with our hearts and minds and so find the abundance of life in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Good God, in faith and hope we are one body in Christ, your Son. May we bear and share with each other that we may we credible in proclaiming the message of life. This we ask you through him, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, our Father in heaven, you give your good gifts to all living. Precede our petitions and give us your Holy Spirit that in him we may know to pray according to your will. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our brother and Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Holy God, the refuge of all who put their trust in you, without you nothing is righteous and nothing is holy. Guide us into the way of our life and help us so to use the passing goods that we may not loose the eternal ones. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Immortal God, you have given us bread and wine as food for our passing life. We bring these gifts before you; return them to us as the sacrament of immortality through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, you have given us the bread of life and the cup of joy. Shape us in the image of your Son who has become our food in this sacrament, Christ, our Lord.

God, the source of all life, in your creation you give us your gifts in abundance. Open our eyes and hearts for each other, that we may begin to share and all may be satisfied. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, friend of humans, your Son nourishes the hungry with the word of truth and the bread of life. Renew our minds and make us live in newness of life, in holiness and righteousness before you through him, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, day for day you care for us and know what we need. Make us free that we may not get lost in the cares and toils of our days. Set our minds on things that remain, that we may share in Christ's life in glory, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, you create and guide our life. May we know your love to be anew every day, until we see you as you are. We ask you this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God and Father, we come with gifts before you, trusting in your loving-kindness. What we do in honour of you may become a blessing for all peoples through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, we thank you for the meal of your Son. May our share in this holy celebration be known in our everyday lives. This we ask you through him, Christ, our Lord.

God, you are with us even if we do not perceive you in mighty signs. Free us from our anxieties and support our little faith, that we may know your presence and praise you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, our strength, we are often desperate and helpless, like your prophet Elijah; we see no way and feel no strength. Help us when we languish, and strengthen us with the bread of life, your Son, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Holy and strong God, as to Abraham and Sarah, so to give to us the power of faith in your presence. In the face of our helplessness, may we not despair but, in the readiness of faith, go to meet your Son, our Lord and brother Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

All-merciful God, we may call you Father and Mother, for you have adopted us as your children and given us the Spirit of your Son. Grant that we may grow in this Spirit and, in the end, receive the promised heritage through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Holy God, we prepare the table for the holy meal in your honour. May the power of this meal be visible in our actions through Christ, our Lord.

God, our salvation, as Jesus, your son, healed the sick and brought dead ones to life, so may we, in our meeting with him, gain new strength and become heralds of the salvation which he has proclaimed to us, today and all days of our lives.

Good God, you love all people and make no distinction. Keep us from disrespecting and rejecting fellow humans who, like us, are strangers and pilgrims on the roads of this world. We ask you this, this Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Our Father in heaven, from you comes the living bread, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son. May we and all the world be filled with his strength which flows and works into the life eternal. This we ask you through him, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God and Father of all people, we look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Give us perseverance and decisiveness, and may we walk on the way of faith in confidence. We ask this through him, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Merciful God, what no eye has seen nor ear heard you have prepared for those you love you. Give us the strength to love you in all and above all, and so to receive the riches of your promises which exceed everything what we can hope for. We ask you this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, you have fulfilled the many sacrifices of the first covenant in the one sacrifice of the new covenant. Bless our gifts and give to all people what we offer you in your honour through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, we received the bread of life and the cup of joy. Shape us in the image of your Son who has become our food in this sacrament, Christ, our Lord.

God in all and above all, source of all wisdom and knowledge, everything has been created from you, through you and to you. We come from you, and our ways lead to you. Make us open for you, for you are greater than our hearts. We praise and glorify you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives, now and for ever.

God, shepherd of your people, you led Israel through the desert by a pillar of light and a pillar of cloud. To us you sent your Son as the way, the truth and the life. Keep us from complaining and leaving the word of eternal life, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our salvation, you have brought us together from many nations that together we may walk on the way of peace and justice. Strengthen our weak hands and feeble knees, and may we gather from east and west, from north and south and see your salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our Father, you bind all who believe in you on their ways together. Grant that we may love your word and long for what you have promised, that in the changes of this life our hearts may be fixed where the lasting joys are. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Wonderful and merciful God, you have shown to the world your love in the passion and death of your Son. Open our eyes that in the sign of bread and wine, we may recognise the depth of his devotion. Make us follow him on the way of obedience and love, him, Christ, our Lord.

Good God, we have celebrated the memorial of your Son, have eaten the one bread and drunk from the one cup. May we, in the strength of this food, join in walking on the way of faith to meet Jesus Christ our Lord. To him be glory for ever.

God, our Father, you renew our minds that we may know your will and be transformed. Let us not be conformed to this world but trust in your word and confess it boldly in the power of your Spirit. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God of our life, stir us up from our habits and securities. Grant that we give you honour not only with our lips but serve you and each other from the bottom of our hearts, in simplicity and joy. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Great God, in the name of your Son you have called us to one communion and fellowship greater than the congregation gathered here. With the righteous made perfect since creation, with all the faithful in all the world and with all the angels and saints we praise and magnify your loving-kindness, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, creator of the world, every good thing comes from you. Plant in our hearts the love for you and bind us more and more to you. Give growth to what is good and holy, and preserve what you have worked. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, giver of all good things, we have nothing what you would not have given us; yet we come before you with gifts and prayers. Hear us through Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have done great things for us. We thank you for our fellowship. Grant that we may never lose what you have given us in your Son, and give us a share when you will make everything new in Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have gathered in the name of your Son, he is in our midst. May we live from the joy of the gospel. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Living God, open our ears and loosen our tongues that we may hear and proclaim the gospel of your Son, to your glory and for the salvation of the world. This we ask through him, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Holy God, your greatness surpasses all our understanding. Free us from presumption, from selfishness and from the burden of our cares, that we may be free to know the inexhaustible riches of your wisdom through our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Holy God, you have adopted us as your beloved children. Look on all who trust in you. Strengthen us in the faith and love and give us a share in your life. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Good God, you have fed your people in the desert with manna and made water to stream from the rock. You will feed us as well at the table of your Son. Accept the gifts which we have prepared for this meal through Christ, our Lord.

Good and faithful God, in the supper of your Son you make us always share in the life of the world to come. We thank you and pray: the Spirit, whom we have received, keep the hope alive in us and guide us to works of love, until you will make your creation complete through Christ, our Lord.

God, you are for us like a Father and a Mother. We do not hold our lives in our hands. We are yours, whether we live or whether we die. May we, trusting in you, pass your love to others and forgive each other as you always forgive us. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son humbled himself and entered the bitter way of his passion. When we suffer, and the quest for the meaning receives no answer, give us patience and confidence through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God of loving-kindness and compassion, you sent Jesus into the world to seek what was lost, and to accept what had been excluded. Lead us from all the ways of our lives back to him, the source of life eternal. To you be glory and honour through Jesus, your Son, in the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, creator and ruler of all things, graciously look on us. Grant that we serve you with all our hearts and know the power of your love. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come before you with bread and wine to celebrate the memorial of your Son and to give you thanks. Be in our midst that our time may be illumined by the reflection of your glory through Christ, our Lord.

God, source of all life, you have called us to the table of your Son and known his presence. We thank you that you have us share in the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God of wisdom and loving-kindness, your thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not your ways. Guide us in your mercy that we may not stray from the way to you and not lose the goal, which you show us, out of sight. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God of peace and love, take away from our hearts all evil thoughts and wishes. Make us instruments of your peace, that the seed of your righteousness rise and the world become new in Christ, your Son, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, Father of us all, we include in our petitions all whose names no one recalls before you and whose dignity has been disrespected. May the Sun of your Righteousness rise on us and your kingdom come through Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Holy God, you have commanded your people Israel to love you and the neighbours. Your Son has given us an example of this love to the end. Grant to us too the power to be faithful to this commandment, until we reach the goal of our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God and Father, we prepare bread and wine for the supper of your Son. May all who gather around his table know the salvation which he has brought us, Christ, our Lord.

Good God, friend of life, we thank you for having strengthened us at the table of your Son with your word and the meal of life. You have given us a share in his life and his glory. Be with us with your Holy Spirit and strengthen our hope in our fulfilment in you through Christ, our Lord.

Father, you have exalted Jesus, the tortured and crucified One, above all and given us a share in his life. May we live like he did, respect and assist each other and praise you through him, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, powerful in your signs, put your Spirit on all your people. Wake us from sluggishness and superficiality, and make us your witnesses that the world may know you and believe in whom you sent, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Holy, magnificent God, you alone are immortal, you dwell in unapproachable light. Yours is honour and eternal dominion. Help us to stand before you in sincerity and integrity and in this way to give witness before the world to Jesus Christ through whom you give us eternal life. He lives and works with you in the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Great God, you reveal your greatness and power chiefly in showing mercy and sparing. Accept us in your loving-kindness even if guilt is burdening us. Grant that we may walk on the way of our life in hope and trust and reach the joy of your glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Our God, the gifts which we have prepared are tokens of our devotion. As the bread and the cup will be sanctified in the power of your Spirit, shape us more and more in the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, our Father, it is your will that we may have life in abundance. You strengthen us by your word and the supper of your Son. We ask you: your Spirit free us from anxieties. Christ, whom we have received, penetrate our thinking, feeling and acting that we may always be your witnesses through him, Christ, our Lord.

All-merciful Father, you are rich for all who call upon you. We thank you that in everything we may come to you and let our requests be known to you. Keep our hearts and minds in the fellowship with Jesus Christ, your Son, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, our creator, you have entrusted your creation to us, not for dominating and exploiting but for preserving it. Give us knowledge and wisdom and make us grateful for the riches of your gifts. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Faithful God, we call upon you: give us perseverance and endurance, self-discipline and love. Increase our faith and strengthen our faithfulness, that, in the power of your Spirit, we may pass on the message that you have entrusted to us. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, source of our joy, in your loving-kindness you give us more than we deserve and greater things than we request. Take away what may burden our consciences, and give us that peace which only your mercy can give. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Great God, accept our gifts, and what each one offers to your glory, may be for the salvation of all through Christ, our Lord.

God of loving-kindness and friendliness, you grace us with your gifts. May we not walk from one day to the next as if we lacked a goal, but keep us in the hope which you rouse in us through the supper of your Son. We ask this through him, Christ, our Lord.

God of life, you will wipe away all tears and take away anxiety and death for ever. Help us to console each other and to put our hope in you. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our Father, our life is bare to you. Give us the Spirit of discernment and wisdom, that we may live according to your commandments and know the liberation which you give us through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Father in heaven, it is your will that we always praise and thank you. Tear us away from all superficiality and fill our hearts with the knowledge of salvation, that we may give you thanks and magnify you through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Great God, may your grace precede our thinking and acting and follow us, that we may keep your word in our hearts and be ready to do the good. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our salvation, you give us the peace and the strength to serve you with sincere hearts. May we honour you with these gifts and know the fellowship with your Son and with each other. We ask this through him, Christ, our Lord.

God of mercy and loving-kindness, in this holy supper you already give us a share in the life of your Son. Preserve in us this grace, make us more and more the image of your Son, and make our fellowship with him complete when he comes, Christ, our Lord.

God, you alone are our Lord and there is no other. Take us by your hand, guide and strengthen us in the faith and in the hope which you give us through your Son, our brother Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Good God, your Son has become the servant of all and has given his life for us. Help us that we may not lord it over others but serve each other as he has served us, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, our Father, hear us when we call and have mercy on us. Help us to deal with each other in justice and kindness and thereby to be credible in witnessing to your mercy through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, ruler of the universe, as you have revealed yourself to Israel, make yourself known to us too. Make us ready to follow your law, and give us hearts that serve you in sincerity. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God and creator of the world, we offer bread and wine and prepare the supper of your Son. As you now gather us around his table, so unite us with all your saints at the supper of your coming kingdom through him, Christ, our Lord.

Good and faithful God, you have gathered us in the supper of your Son which we have celebrated, that we may live with you and with each other in reconciled communion. May your Spirit work in us and keep in us the readiness to grant forgiveness and to make peace through Christ, our Lord.

God of love and peace, fill us with your Spirit. Free us from thinking only about ourselves and disregarding our neighbours. Give us the strength to pass on your mercy and love, even beyond borders. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, Father of your people Israel and Father of all people, have mercy on us. Take away all blindness of mind and heart, and fill us with your consolation, that we may proclaim your praise and magnify you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God of justice, you listen to the cry of the afflicted. Look on the misery and desolation in the world. Break the power of the evil and lead us into your kingdom through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Good god, increase in us the faith, the hope and the love. Help us to listen to your word, that we may attain what you have promised. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Father, we offer you bread and wine and ask you: gather us at your table and strengthen us with your power through Christ, our Lord.

God of life, we thank you that you give us fellowship in the supper of your Son. We ask you: keep us alive in the Holy Spirit and lead us towards the fullness through Christ, our Lord.

God, our Father, you give us your word and your law. May it be at work among us and help us to do what we teach. This we ask you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Holy God, you have written your law in our hearts. Grant that we hear it and live accordingly in order not to be far from your kingdom. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, you love the living, you look for us and invite us without reservation. May we meet your Son in this celebration who seeks out and saves the lost, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, shepherd of your people, it is your gift and your work if people serve you in sincerity. Take away from us what prevents us on our way to you, that we may go to find the joy which you have promised through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

God and Father, accept us with these gifts, and through the celebration of our redemption give us a share in your salvation through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, we have been guests at the table of your Son and shared the bread of life and the cup of salvation with each other. Preserve in us the new life which you have given us, that we may bring fruits of love for time and eternity.

God, friend of life, you did not abandon Jesus, your Son, in death and wish to lead us to life too. Give us a heart that is awake that your Son may not find us asleep when he comes, Christ, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Merciful God, no one is little before you, you look on all who suffer need and affliction. Help us to share with each other and to accept the weak, that we may pass on the gift of your love through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Mighty God, our ideas are often narrow and confined. Broaden our vision and open our hearts that we may see life with your eyes and praise you in joy eternal from face to face. This we ask you through your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and gives life with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, friend of humans, you have written us in your palms. Keep from us what may hurt us, and take away what may oppress us, that with joyful hearts we may praise and magnify you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God and Father, it is only small things which we offer. In your goodness grant us a share in the abundance of life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Gracious God, we thank you for having nourished us with your word and the bread of life. Preserve us in your love and lead us on the way to you through Christ, our Lord.

Immeasurably great God, it is from you that our talents come which we often hide because we are afraid. May we know that we win when we give ourselves away. This we ask you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

God, our creator, you do not abandon us and do not give us over to death. Your life-giving word will not pass away. May we, in confidence and joy, meet your Son when he comes in glory, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, Sun of Righteousness, illumine us in all our darkness and trouble. Give us your word and wisdom that we may not be ashamed to confess you and gain salvation and life. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, the source of all good things, you alone are our Lord. Give us the knowledge that we will become free if we open our hearts to your will, and that we will find the perfect joy if we remain faithful in your service. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, look with kindness upon your people gathered for your praise. Accept what we offer, and increase through this celebration our love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Our Father in heaven, we live from your word and from the supper of your Son. Work through these great gifts that he remain in us and we in him, Christ, our Lord.

God of life, we believe and confess that your Son will come again to bring to perfection all that is. May we perceive to what great future we have been called together with all of creation. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, our Father, your Son, raised to your right hand, is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Keep all destructive powers away from us, rescue us from the darkness and guide us to the kingdom of justice, of love and of peace through him, Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Eternal God, we give you thanks that you have rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of your beloved Son. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. May we be with him when he comes again in glory, he, our Lord Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

Holy and eternal God, you have set your Son free from death that we might have life through him. Open our hearts for the least of his sisters and brothers, that the world may know his justice, his peace and his love. Gather all people together in Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Father in heaven, we come before you with our gifts, tokens of our readiness to fulfil your will. We ask you: receive us into the table fellowship of your Son, today and for ever.

God and faithful God, in the supper of your Son you always give us a share in the life of the world to come. We thank you for this and ask: The Spirit whom we have received keep the hope alive in us and guide us to works of love, until you will bring your creation to perfection through Christ, our Lord.

or:

God, you are without beginning and without end. Whatever exists comes from you. We begin this new year in the name of your Son and ask you: go with us on all our ways through him, our Lord Jesus Christ, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, who keep our times in your hands, we offer you our gifts and the year ahead of us. May we find shelter in your love all the days through Christ, our Lord.

Father in heaven, in Jesus you have given us your love. We thank and ask you: Be close to us all the days of this year in him, Christ, our Lord.

God and Father, we come to you with our gifts and ask: Illumine our hearts with the light of the faith and fill us, who celebrate your meal, with the same Spirit who urged the apostle Paul to proclaim your light among the people, Christ, our Lord.

God of grace, you chose Paul to be the apostle of the gentiles and to call to unity. May we, through the meal we have celebrated, grow in the faith and in unity through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, the source and origin of all light, (on this day) you have revealed to Simeon and Hanna the Christ as the light to illumine the nations. Bless + these candles which we carry in our hands (and light throughout the year). Illumine our hearts that all, who with burning lights enter your house today, may in the end see the inextinguishable light of your glory. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Let us go forth in peace.

All: In the name of Christ. Amen.

God, Father of lights, Jesus, your Son, was today presented in the temple as yours and recognised by Simeon and Hanna as the true light that enlightens all the world. Holding burning candles in our hands, we ask you: Dispel all darkness from our hearts and make us witnesses to your light, until we praise you in the Holy Spirit through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Eternal God, merciful Father, you gave Simeon to see your saviour, and gave Hanna words to praise the redeemer. We ask you: open our eyes, too, that we may behold the splendour of your love in your son Jesus Christ and confess him, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Great God, your Son sacrificed himself for the life of the world. Accept us and all the world in these gifts through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God of your people Israel and Father of all humankind, we thank you for this celebration. You fulfilled the prayer of Simeon and Hanna and made them behold the salvation of the world, after many years of waiting. Give to us as well that we may live in hope and confidence, meet Christ and find fulfilment in him, who lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God, our Father, accept our gifts and our praise and strengthen our weak faith through Christ, our Lord.

Gracious God, you give to your people a share in your life. Keep us who have received the bread of life and the cup of salvation faithful to Christ, our Lord.

God, origin of all things, you give food and drink for our daily lives. What you have given into our hands in our hands accept as signs of our gratitude through Christ, our Lord.

Our Father in heaven, on the feast of Saint Joseph you have gathered us around the table of your Son. You have fed us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. May we increase through this meal in wisdom and grace through Christ, our Lord.

Father of light, accept all we offer before you today. May we share in your wisdom and love through Christ, your incarnate word.

Eternal God, we thank you for your word and for this supper with which you give us life. May we, like Mary, by being obedient to your will, be sisters and brothers of your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord.

God of our salvation, accept our gifts and our praise and keep us faithful to your gospel through Christ, our Lord.

Gracious God, we thank you for the gifts which we received at your table. Strengthen us by them in our faith in the salvation which you make known to us in the message proclaimed by Saint Mark the evangelist through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we magnify you, for your power has been made perfect in the weakness of your apostles. Accept us with our gifts and prayers through Christ, our Lord.

HOly God, in Jesus Christ we find the way to you. WE have listened to his word and have met him in his supper. Preserve us in your unending love through him, Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, accept what we offer today. Kindle in us the fire of that love through which your apostle Barnabas bore witness to the gospel, to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God of loving-kindness, we have heard your word and received the bread of life at the table of your Son. Strengthen our witness for your truth in the world, and lead all people to your kingdom of justice and peace through Christ, our Lord.

God of our salvation, accept the gifts which we offer you today in festal joy. Make us free that we may serve you without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives through Christ, our Lord.

We thank you, God and Father, for your word and your banquet. Your tender compassion has broken upon us as the dawn from on high. Grant us thoughts of righteousness, and guide our feet into ways of peace through Christ, our Lord.

God, glorified in your saints, accept the gifts which we bring on the feast day of your apostles. Support us in our weakness, that the power of Christ may be made perfect in us. To you be glory for ever.

Our Father in heaven, renew the life of your church by the power of this sacrament. Grant that we may devote ourselves to the breaking of the bread and the teaching of the apostles and be united in your love in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

or:

God, great in your mercy, you have looked with favour on your lowly servant Mary and chose her to be the mother of your Son. Give us a humble heart, that we may join her in praising your goodness and receiving your mercy. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God of mercy, accept our gifts, as you have accepted the service of Mary, the mother of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives with you and in our midst, now and for ever.

God of faithful love, we have been strengthened by your gifts which we received. Help us always to praise you for the great things you have done to us through Christ, our Lord.

God of life and salvation, accept our gifts, as your Son has accepted the gifts of the women on his way, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord.

God of mercy, we have celebrated the death and resurrection of your Son and shared in the wedding banquet of the Lamb. May we, by bringing the message of the resurrection of your Son to this world, full of suffering and death, become witnesses to the new life in Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, today we honour James, who was the first apostle to have drunk the cup of suffering. Accept our gifts as signs of our devotion, and preserve us in the faith in Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord.

God, friend of mortals, we have eaten the bread of life and drunk from the cup of salvation. Give us strength to serve the people, so that, in compassion and mercy, we may follow Jesus Christ, who lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Holy God, accept our gifts and show us your glory, as it shone to the disciples in Christ, our Lord.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the symbol of the supper which we celebrated you grant us a share in your glory now already. Give us the strength to witness to your Son in word and deed, who lives with you and in our midst, now and for ever.

Great God, we bring our gifts before you and praise your mercy. Show strength with your arm and fill the hungry with your gifts through Christ, our Lord.

God, in your love you care for the weak and humble. We proclaim your holy name and praise the mother of our saviour. We thank you for the mercy which you bestow on us and all through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, accept our gifts and prayers. May we be faithful to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God of our salvation, you have nourished us at the table of your Son. Guide us on our way, and may your kingdom come in our time in Christ, our Lord.

Merciful God, we bring these gifts before you as the memorial of the passion of your Son. Through his death, the pillory of the cross has become the sign of hope. To you be glory and praise and honour, now and for ever.

God, our hope, we thank you that you have given us a share in the supper of your Son. As he took our flesh and became like us, so may we follow him, Christ, our brother and Lord.

God, our Father, we come before you with our prayers and gifts. You founded and strengthened the faith of the church by the preaching of the apostles. Nourish us with the word of truth and strengthen us with the bread of life through Christ, our Lord.

God of loving-kindness, in this celebration you grant us the same joy with which Matthew received the Lord into his house. May we be prevented from despising the invitation to the supper of your Son, who came to call all to salvation, Christ, the saviour of the world.

God, the cherubim and seraphim praise you. Accept the signs of our thank. May our praise be joined to the song of angels surrounding your throne. To you be glory for ever.

Holy God, you have nourished us with the bread of heaven and the cup of life. May we, in the strength of this food, continue on the way of salvation and praise and glorify you through Christ, our Lord.

God, giver of all good things, in gratitude we bring gifts from the fruit of the earth and of our labour before you. We bring bread and wine to celebrate the supper, which your Son has commanded us, and we pray: Accept us in these gifts and all the world with its weal and woe, through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, we thank you for our daily bread, for your word and for the food that remains unto life eternal. May we pass on your gifts and witness to the people about your love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we glorify you, for your power has been made perfect in the weakness of your messengers. Accept us with our gifts and prayers through Christ, our Lord.

God, friend of life, we thank you for the medicine of immortality which you have given us in this meal. Send us to heal the sick and to proclaim the gospel to the poor through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we glorify you, for your power has been made perfect in the weakness of your apostles. Accept us with our gifts and prayers through Christ, our Lord.

Great God, you have strengthened us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Your Holy Spirit, who filled us and our gifts, keep us in the faithfulness and love to you through Christ, our Lord.

Holy and strong God, we give you thanks for your saints. Accept our gifts and help us to follow Christ, who lives with you for ever.

Holy, immortal God, we praise your glory reflected in the saints. Lead us in our pilgrimage to the wedding banquet of eternal life where you yourself will be the perfection of the saints and we may see you face to face. To you be glory and praise for ever.

Gracious and righteous God, look with kindness on our gifts and hear our prayer. With all who have gone before us, lead us to the glory of your Son, who lives and works with you, now and for ever.

God of love, we have celebrated the memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ. Direct our eyes beyond the graves; may we with confidence meet your future and gain the life in Christ, our Lord.

God of our salvation, we bring our gifts on the feast day of Saint Willibrord and ask you: keep us in the faith through Christ, our Lord.

Father in heaven, we thank you for the supper of your Son which we celebrated on the feast day of Saint Willibrord. Grant that this food and this drink increase in us the faith, hope and love. Send us out to the people that, in word and deed, we may be witnesses to your Son, Christ, our Lord.

God of our fathers and mothers, may the meal which we celebrate with these gifts strengthen us on our way to you, through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, strengthen us by the food which we received at your table. May we, like the apostle Andrew, follow the Crucified One and be brought to the resurrection through him, Christ, our Lord.

Living God, accept our gifts and keep in us the hope in the life of the world to come through Christ, our Lord.

God, giver of all good things, we have celebrated the supper with your risen Son and received the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Strengthen us, that we who do not see yet believe through Christ, our risen Lord.

God and Father of all, accept these gifts as signs of our readiness. May we, like Stephen, serve you and our fellow humans with singleness of heart through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we thank you for this holiday period. In the birth of your Son you grant us your salvation. In Stephen, the deacon, you show us the example of faithfulness unto death. Strengthen us, that in our lives we may give witness to your Son, Christ, our Lord.

Father of light, accept all we bring before you today. May we share in your widom and love through your incarnate Word, Christ, our Lord.

Eternal God, John proclaimed your Son as the Word that took flesh among us. We heard his word, received him as the bread of life and drank from the cup of salvation. May we stay with you and behold your glory in him, Christ, our Lord.

Righteous God, accept the gifts which we bring before you. Preserve us from cruelty and indifference to the suffering of innocent. May we be advocates of the weak and exploited through Christ, our Lord.

Our Lord and brother Jesus Christ, comforter of the oppressed and saviour of the broken, you have nourished us at the table of hope and life. May we be peaceful and compassionate for the suffering. Have mercy on all children of this earth who have become victims of brutality, who, with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, are with us all the days and for ever.

Father in heaven, accept the prayers of your people, and grant that all who celebrate the eucharist may be built up as living stones of your church through Christ, our Lord.

God, whom no temple can contain, you have gathered us here and strengthened us with your word, with the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Gather us also at the day of your glory for the eternal wedding supper in your heavenly Jerusalem. We praise and worship you through Christ, our Lord.

Or: Collect

God, great in your saints, you have strengthened Saint N. in faith and in trust in your might. Make us, too, grow in the confidence that in all the needs of our life you are with us and we may know your salvation in Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One, who in the unity of the Holy Spirit lives and works with you, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, inscrutable wisdom, you have poured out your Spirit upon your daughters and sons and in visions made known to them your greatness and loving-kindness. We thank you at the feast of Saint N. that you have filled her/him with the spirit of counsel, of might and piety, and with love to you and her/his neighbours. We ask you that we, by also following your Son, may know the joy that lasts through him, Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God and Father, your Son has promised to be in the midst of us when we gather together in his name. Pour out your Spirit over us; bless what we discuss and resolve; give us to consider what is necessary, and to do what serves your glory. This we ask you through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and works, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our Father, you have called us into the universal fellowship of your church. Send us the Spirit of wisdom, truth, and peace. May we know what you expect of us, and make us ready to accomplish with one mind what we have recognised as your commission. This we ask you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, friend of life, we hunger for peace and thirst for love; we are afraid of injustice and hatred. May your Spirit work among us, that we may give love and peace to each other and are ready to share with each other. This we ask through Jesus Christ, your Son and our brother, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives in our midst, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, our creator, the antagonisms in the world accuse us: riches and need, hunger and abundance, carelessness and suffering face each other. Help us all that we stop aggravating the antagonisms, and begin being brothers and sisters to each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with you lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, before he suffered your Son prayed that all may be one. May we become one with him as he is one with you. Gather all under the one shepherd, Jesus, our brother and Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

God, giver of all good things, we bring bread and wine for the supper as your Son has commanded us. As this bread has been brought together from many grains, and the wine from many grapes, so gather your church from the ends of the earth to be one people through Christ, our Lord.

God of our life, we thank you that you have strengthened us through your word and the supper of your Son. Gather all, who have become one through the one baptism, around the one table of your Son, Christ, our Lord.

Holy God, hear our prayer and accept these gifts as tokens of our readiness to open ourselves for your Holy Spirit through Christ, our brother and Lord.

God, our Father, we thank you. You have anointed us with your Holy Spirit and strengthened us with the Body and Blood of your Son. Stay close to us and make us walk confidently on the way of our life in the power of your gifts, until everything is accomplished in your eternity.

God of love, we ask you to accept our thanks which we offer on the wedding day of the couple N. and N. May they always know to be a gift for each other through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we have been united in this supper with you and with each other. Stay all the days with N. and N. who have promised each other love and faithfulness for their whole life. May their love grow and all dangers be kept from them through Christ, our Lord.

Good God, graciously accept these gifts as tokens of our gratitude. Bring our human desire for happiness on earth and in heaven to fulfilment through Christ, our Lord.

Faithful God, we thank you for the joy of this celebration. We have eaten from the one bread and kept communion with you. Give N. and N. the strength even in the days to come to grow in this communion which they have begun before you. May they pass on their love which you have given them. Strengthen them to do so with your Spirit through Christ, our Lord.

Or: Collect

God and Father, you do not wish that one of your human creatures perish. Much more than us seeking you, you are always seeking us. Hear our prayer for N. Do not regard her/his sins but the good that she/he has done. This we ask you through Jesus Christ, our hope, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Or: Collect

God of all consolation, we are helpless in the face of the death of N. and do not understand. It is hard for us to see your justice and wisdom in it. We ask you to take N. up into your peace, and to give us strength and consolation in this hour of trial through Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and gives life, now and for ever.

Living God, you have given your Son as our bread and our life beyond death. May we find strength and consolation in this hour, as with this bread and wine we celebrate the memorial of his passion and confess his resurrection, until he comes in glory, Christ, our Lord.

God, you are a God of the living, not of the dead. In the supper of your Son we may always know that he is with us on the ways of our life, that he remains our hope beyond death. We ask you to accept our sister / our brother N. into the communion of all those made perfect, and to give her/him a part in the banquet of that life which is imperishable through Christ, our risen Lord.