A Sojourner's Quest

PA RT I I : WA L K I NG T H E D A I LY J O U R N E Y / 9 5

O Lord Jesus Christ, most true Pastor and Shepherd of our souls, we most humbly beseech Thee mercifully to behold Thy poor and scattered flock, whom Thou has purchased with Thy most precious blood, and to send them such shepherds as may diligently seek the lost sheep, lovingly lay them on their shoulders, and faithfully bring them home again to the fold. Vouchsafe ever to continue in Thy Church good Bishops, learned preachers, faithful teachers, godly ministers, and diligent shepherds; even such as have a powerful and unfeigned zeal towards the setting forth of Thy glory and the health of Thy people. Endue them with Thy holy Spirit, that they may be faithful, wise, and discreet servants, giving Thy household meat in due season. Give them that wisdom which no man is able to resist, wherewith also they may be able to exhort with wholesome doctrine, and to convince and overcome them that speak against it. Finally grant, we pray Thee, most merciful Savior, that in all things they may so behave themselves according to Thy blessed Will and Commandment, that when Thou, the Chief Shepherd, shall appear, they may receive the incorruptible crown of glory. Amen. We pray for our Patriarch and all our Bishops and Priests. May they exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people, offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation; and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make them faithful pastors, patient teachers, and wise counselors. Grant that in all things they may serve without reproach, so that your people may be strengthened and your Name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Rev. Terry Cornett. Daily Devotions for Individuals and Family: Living God’s Presence in Our Lives . 2010. O most merciful God, incline Thy loving ears to our prayers, and illuminate the hearts of those called by Thee, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, that they may be enabled worthily to minister to Thy mysteries, and to love Thee with an everlasting love, and to attain everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ King Edward VI’s Primer, A.D. 1553. S. E. Fox. A Chain of Prayer across the Ages . p. 203.

~ Gallican Collect of Charlemagne’s time, A.D. 742. S. E. Fox. A Chain of Prayer across the Ages . p. 232.