A Sojourner's Quest

9 4 / A S O J O U R N E R ’ S Q U E S T

unto the glorious liberty of the children of God. Who livest and reignest God, world without end. ~ The Priest’s Prayerbook Geffen. The Handbook of Public Prayer . p.138.

Prayers for Those in Ministry (Church Leadership, Missionaries)

O God, the Pastor and Rule of Thy faithful people, look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, upon Thy servants, the Bishops and Pastors of Thy Church in this land. Uphold and guide them in their labours; defend, comfort, and sanctify them; and grant them so to go before Thy people in word and good example that, with the flocks committed to their charge, they may attain to everlasting life. Vouchsafe also, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the help of Thy grace to all Thy ministering servants who are in all the world, and give them strength to perform their work. Stir up the hearts of more of Thy people to desire a share in this office and work, and remove whatever deters them from seeking it, that the ranks of the ministry, being filled with holy, prudent, and zealous labourers, Thy glory may be promoted in the saving of the lost and the building up of the faithful, and Thy Kingdom hastened in the joyous submission of all wills to Thine; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Dean Goulburn, A.D. 1818 S. E. Fox. A Chain of Prayer across the Ages . p. 232. Most merciful Father, send down, we beseech thee, upon Thy ser- vants, the missionary clergy and teachers of Thy Church; thy heavenly blessing; and so endue them with thy Holy Spirit that they, preaching thy Word, may not only be earnest to reprove, beseech, and rebuke, with all patience and doctrine; but also may be, to such as believe, wholesome examples in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity; that, faithfully fulfilling their course, at the latter day, may receive the crown of righteousness laid up by the Lord Jesus, the righteous judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.

~ Prayer Books of the Anglican Communion . Suter. The Book of English Collects . p. 197.