Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book

General Prayers

The Litany, Suffrages, and general prayers, together with the contemporary English revisions linked from the source page.

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General Prayers

The Litany

The Litany may be used at Evening Service on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, on Days of Humiliation and Prayer, and at Morning Service on Sundays when there is no Communion. The Responses may be repeated after each phrase, or only at the end of each group, as here followeth:

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

O Christ, hear us.

O God, the Father in heaven;

Have mercy upon us.

O God the Son, Redeemer of the world;

Have mercy upon us.

O God, the Holy Ghost;

Have mercy upon us.

Be gracious unto us.

Spare us, good Lord.

Be gracious unto us.

Help us, good Lord.

From all sin;

From all error;

From all evil:

Good Lord, deliver us.

From the crafts and assaults of the devil;

From sudden and evil death;

From pestilence and famine;

From war and bloodshed;

From sedition and rebellion;

From lightning and tempest;

From all calamity by fire and water;

And from everlasting death:

Good Lord, deliver us.

By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation;

By Thy holy Nativity;

By Thy baptism, fasting, and temptation;

By Thine agony and bloody sweat;

By Thy cross and Passion;

By Thy precious death and burial;

By Thy glorious resurrection and ascension;

And by the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter:

Help us, good Lord.

In all time of our tribulation;

In all time of our prosperity;

In the hour of death;

And in the day of judgment:

Help us, good Lord.

We poor sinners do beseech Thee;

To hear us, O Lord God.

And to rule and govern Thy holy Christian Church;

To preserve all pastors and ministers of Thy Church in the true knowledge and

understanding of Thy Word, and in holiness of life;

To put an end to all schisms and causes of offence;

To bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived;

To beat down Satan under our feet;

To send faithful laborers into Thy harvest;

To accompany Thy Word with Thy Spirit and grace;

To raise up them that fall, and to strengthen such as do stand;

And to comfort and help the weak-hearted and the distressed:

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

To give to all nations peace and concord;

To preserve our country from discord and contention;

To give to our nation perpetual victory over all its enemies;

To direct and defend our President, and all in authority;

And to bless and keep our magistrates, and all our people:

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

To behold and succor all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation;

To protect all who travel by land or water;

To preserve all women in the perils of childbirth;

To strengthen and keep all sick persons and young children;

To set free all who are innocently imprisoned;

To defend and provide for all fatherless children and widows;

And to have mercy upon all men:

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;

To give and preserve to our use the fruits of the earth;

And graciously to hear our prayers:

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God;

We beseech Thee to hear us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world;

Have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world;

Have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world;

Grant us Thy peace.

O Christ, hear us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen.

Then shall the Minister, and the Congregation with him, say the Lord's Prayer, after which may be said one or more of the Litany Collects here following:

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY COLLECTS.

M. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins.

C. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live: We beseech Thee graciously to turn from us those punishments which we by our sins have deserved, and to grant us grace ever hereafter to serve Thee in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

M. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name.

C. Deliver us, and purge away our sins, for Thy Name's sake.

Almighty and Everlasting God, who by Thy Holy Spirit dost govern and sanctify the whole Christian Church, hear our prayers for all members of the same, and mercifully grant, that by Thy grace they may serve Thee in true faith; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

M. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins.

C. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.

O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful: Mercifully assist our prayers which we make before Thee in all our troubles and adversities whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us that those evils which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by Thy good providence, be brought to naught; that we

Thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

M. O Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant.

C. For in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.

Almighty God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

M. Call upon Me in the day of trouble.

C. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

Spare us, O Lord, and mercifully forgive us our sins, and though by our continual transgressions we have merited Thy punishments, be gracious unto us, and grant that all those evils which we have deserved, may be turned from us, and overruled to our everlasting good; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

FOR PEACE

M. The Lord will give strength unto His people.

C. The Lord will bless His people with peace.

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed: Give unto Thy servants that peace, which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that by Thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

II.

The Suffrages.

The Suffrages may be used at Early or Evening Service in the same manner as the Litany.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

But deliver us from evil.

I said; O Lord, be merciful unto me;

Heal my soul; for I have sinned against Thee.

Return, O Lord, how long?

And let it repent Thee concerning Thy servants.

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us;

According as we hope in Thee.

Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness;

And let Thy saints shout for joy.

O Lord, save our rulers;

Let the King hear us when we call.

Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance;

Feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

Remember Thy congregation;

Which Thou hast purchased of old.

Peace be within thy walls;

And prosperity within thy palaces.

Let us pray for our absent brethren;

O Thou, our God, save Thy servants that trust in Thee.

Let us pray for the broken-hearted and the captives;

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Send them help from the Sanctuary.

And strengthen them out of Zion.

Hear my prayer, O LORD;

And let my cry come unto Thee.

Then may be said responsively, by the Minister and Congregation, the Psalm De Profundis (130) at Early Morning Service, and at Evening Service, Psalm Miserere Mei (51).

Ps. CXXX. De Profundis.

Out of the depths have I cried:

Unto Thee O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice:

Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities:

Lord, who shall stand?

But there is forgiveness with Thee:

That Thou mayest be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait:

And in His Word do I hope.

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning:

I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Let Israel hope in the Lord:

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.

And He shall redeem Israel:

From all his iniquities.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

Or at Evening Service.

Ps. LI. Miserere mei.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness:

According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity:

And cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions:

And my sin is ever before me.

Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight;

That Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest and be clear when Thou judgest.

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity:

And in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts:

And in the hidden part shalt Thou make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness:

That the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.

Hide Thy face from my sins:

And blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God:

And renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence:

And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation:

And uphold me with Thy free Spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways:

And sinners shall be converted unto Thee.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Tliy righteousness.

O Lord, open Thou my lips

And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

For Thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it:

Thou delightest not in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:

A broken and a contrite heart, God, Thou wilt not despise.

Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion:

Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt-offering and whole burnt

Offering:

Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Then shall be said:

Turn us again, O God of hosts;

Cause Thy face to shine and we shall be saved.

Arise, O Christ, for our help;

And redeem us, for Thy mercy’s sake.

Hear my prayer, O LORD;

And let my cry come unto Thee.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Then shall the Minister say a Collect for the Season and any other suitable Collects, and after that he may say this Collect for peace.

Give peace in our days, O Lord:

Because there is none other that fighteth for us, except Thou, our God.

O Lord, let there be peace in Thy strength:

And abundance in Thy towers.

Let us pray.

Then may be sung or said the Benedicamus

Bless we the Lord:

Thanks be to God.

III.

The Morning Suffrages.

To be said at Early Morning Service, or in the Morning Prayer of the Household.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then shall all say the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed:

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.

Unto Thee have I cried, O LORD:

And in the morning shall my prayer prevent Thee.

Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise:

And with Thy honor all the day.

O Lord, hide Thy face from my sins:

And blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean hear, O God:

And renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence:

And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation:

And uphold me with Thy free Spirit.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day:

To keep us without sin.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord:

Have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us:

As our trust is in Thee.

Hear my prayer, O LORD:

And let my cry come unto Thee.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Then shall be said the prayer here following, or No 46 or No. 60, of the Collects and Prayers, or any suitable prayer.

We give thanks unto Thee, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast protected us through the night from all danger and harm; and we beseech Thee to pereserve and keep us this day also from all sin and evil, that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds we may serve and please Thee. Into Thy hands we commend our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning us that the Wicked One have no power over us. Amen.

Benedicamus

Bless we the Lord:

Thanks be to God.

__________

IV.

The Evening Suffrages.

To be said at Evening Service, or in the Evening Prayer of the Household.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then shall all say the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers:

And greatly to be praised and glorified, forever.

Bless we the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost:

We praise and magnify Him forever.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven:

And greatly to be praised, and glorified, and highly exalted forever.

The Almighty and Merciful Lord, bless and preserve us.

Amen.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night:

To keep us without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us:

As our trust is in Thee.

Hear my prayer, O LORD:

And let my cry come unto Thee.

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Then shall lie said the prayer here following, or No. 47 of the Collects and Prayers, or any suitable prayer.

We give thanks unto Thee, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast this day so graciously protected us, and we beseech Thee to forgive us all our sins, and the wrong which we have done, and by Thy great mercy defend us from all the perils and dangers of this night. Into Thy hands we commend our bodies and souls, and all that is ours. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning us, that the wicked one have no power over us. Amen.

Benedicamus

Bless we the Lord:

Thanks be to God.

__________

The Bidding Prayer.

By ancient usage this prayer was specially appointed for Good Friday.

Brethren, let us pray for the whole Christian Church, that our Lord God would vouchsafe to defend it against all the assaults and temptations of the adversary, and to keep it perpetually upon the true foundation, Jesus Christ.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast revealed Thy glory to all nations in Jesus Christ and the word of His truth; keep, we beseech Thee, in safety the works of Thy mercy, that so Thy Church spread throughout all nations may serve Thee in true faith and persevere in the confession of Thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray for the Ministers of the Word, for all estates of men in the Church, and for all the people of God.

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified, receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before Thee for all estates of men in Thy holy Church, that every member of the same in his vocation and ministry may truly and godly serve Thee; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray for our Catechumens, that our Lord God would open their hearts and the door of His mercy, that having received the remission of all their sins by the washing of regeneration, they may be mindful of their baptismal covenant, and evermore be found in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Almighty and everlasting God, who dost always multiply Thy Church and with Thy light and grace dost strengthen the hearts of those whom Thou hast regenerated, confirming unto them Thy covenant and faithfulness, grant unto our Catechumens increase both of faith and knowledge, that they may rejoice in their Baptism and really and heartily renew their covenant with Thee.

Amen.

Let us pray for all in authority, and especially for the Government of the United States, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

O merciful Father in heaven, who holdest in Thy hand all of the might of man, and who hast ordained the powers that be for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of them that do well, and of whom is all rule and authority in the kingdoms of the world, we humbly beseech Thee, graciously regard Thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, our judges and magistrates, and all the rulers of the earth, that all who receive the sword as Thy ministers may bear it according to Thy commandment; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray our Lord God Almighty that He would deliver the world from all error, take away disease, ward off famine, open the prisons, set free those in bondage, grant a safe return to the wayfarers, health to the sick, and to our mariners a harbor of security.

Almighty and everlasting God, the Consolation of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak, may the prayers of them that in any tribulation or distress cry unto Thee graciously come before Thee, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Thy manifold help and comfort; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Here may be offered prayers for Schismatics, Jews, and Heathen. See Collects and Prayers 19-24.

Let us pray for peace, that we may come to the knowledge of God's holy Word, and walk before Him as becometh Christians.

Almighty and everlasting God, King of glory and Lord of heaven and earth, by whose Spirit all things are governed, by whose providence all things are ordered, who art the God of peace and the Author of all concord, grant us ,we beseech Thee, Thy heavenly peace and concord, that we may serve Thee in true fear, to the praise and glory of Thy name; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray for our enemies, that God would remember them in mercy, and graciously vouchsafe unto them such things as are both needful for them and profitable unto their salvation.

O almighty everlasting God, who through Thine only Son, our blessed Lord, hast commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for them that persecute us, we earnestly beseech Thee, that by Thy gracious visitation, all our enemies may be led to true repentance, and may have the same love, and be of one accord and of one mind and heart with us and with Thy Whole Christian Church; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray for the fruits of the earth, that God would send down His blessing upon them, and graciously dispose our hearts to enjoy them in submission to His holy will.

O Lord, Father Almighty, who by Thy Word hast created and dost bless and uphold all things, we pray Thee so to reveal unto us Thy Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, that, He dwelling in our hearts, we may by Thy grace be made meet to receive Thy blessing on all the fruits of the earth, and whatsoever pertains to our bodily need; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Finally let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask, saying:

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

VI.

Almighty and Everlasting God, who art worthy to be had in reverence by all the children of men, we give Thee most humble and hearty thanks fort be innumerable blessings, both temporal and spiritual, which, without any merit or worthiness on our part, Thou hast bestowed upon us.

We praise Thee, especially, that Thou hast preserved unto us, in their purity, Thy saving Word, and the sacred ordinances of Thy house. And we beseech Thee, O Lord, to grant and preserve unto Thy holy Church, throughout the world, purity of doctrine, and faithful pastors who shall preach Thy Word with power; and help all who hear, rightly to understand, and truly to believe the same. Be Thou the Protector and Defender of Thy people in all time of tribulation and danger and may we, in communion with Thy Church, and in brotherly unity with all our fellow-Christians, fight the good fight of faith, and in the end receive the salvation of our souls.

Bestow Thy grace upon all the nations of the earth. Especially do we entreat Thee to bless our land, and all its inhabitants, and all who are in authority. Cause Thy glory to dwell among us, and let mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, everywhere prevail. To this end, we commend to Thy care all our schools, and pray Thee to make them nurseries of useful knowledge and of christian virtues, that they may bring forth the wholesome fruits of life.

Graciously defend us from all calamities by fire and water, from war and pestilence, from scarcity and famine. Protect and prosper every one in his appropriate calling, and cause all useful arts to flourish among us. Be Thou the God and Father of the widow and the fatherless children, the Helper of the sick and the needy and the Comforter of the forsaken and distressed.

Here special Supplications, Intercessions and Prayers may be made.

And as we are strangers and pilgrims on earth, help us by true faith and a godly life to prepare for the world to come ; doing the work which Thou hast given us to do while it is day ; before the night cometh when no man can work. And when our last hour shall come, support us by Thy power, and receive us into Thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen.

VII.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We praise Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all Thy mercies that our hearts may be un-feignedly thankful and that we may show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; that, walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days, we may enjoy the testimony of a good conscience and the hope of Thy favor, be sustained and comforted under the troubles of this life, and finally be received into Thine everlasting kingdom; through Thine infinite mercy in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

We offer unto Thee our common supplications for the good estate of Thy Church throughout the world, that it may be so guided and governed by Thy good Spirit that all who profess them-selves Christians may be led into the way of truth and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Send down upon all ministers of the Gospel and upon all congregations committed to their charge the healthful spirit of Thy grace, and that they may truly please Thee, pour upon them the continual dew of Thy blessing.

Most heartily we beseech Thee with Thy favor to behold the President [and Congress] of the United States and all others in authority; and so to replenish them with Thy grace that they may always incline to Thy will and walk in Thy way. Prosper all good counsels and all just works that peace and happiness, truth and righteousness, religion and piety, may be established among us throughout all generations.

We humbly entreat Thee also for all sorts and conditions of men, that Thou wouldst be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations.

May it please Thee to preserve all that travel by land or water, to succor all that are in peril or need, and to satisfy the wants of all Thy creatures.

We also commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate, that it may please Thee to com-fort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings and a happy issue out of all their afflictions.

Here special Supplications, Intercessions, and Prayers may be made.

Hear us, most merciful God, in these our humble requests, which we offer up unto Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.

Updated Text

Updated Litany in contemporary English

The Litany

When said at The Service, it shall be used instead of the Form of General Prayer there appointed, and be followed by a Hymn and the Benediction.

When said at Matins or Vespers, it shall immediately follow the Canticle, and after it shall be said the Benedicamus and the Benediction.

When used as a special Office, the Order shall be: The Minister shall say: In the Name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Then shall be said one or more of the Psalms with the Gloria Patri. A brief Lesson with the Response, and a Hymn may follow. Then shall the Litany be said, and after the last Collect shall follow this Benediction: The Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. The Responses shall be sung or said by the Congregation.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

O Christ, hear us.

O God, the Father in heaven:

Have mercy on us.

O God the Son, Redeemer of the world:

Have mercy on us.

O God, the Holy Spirit:

Have mercy on us.

Be gracious to us.

Spare us, good Lord.

Be gracious to us.

Help us, good Lord.

From all sin;

from all error;

from all evil:

Good Lord, deliver us.

From the crafts and assaults of the devil;

from sudden and evil death;

from pestilence and famine;

from war and bloodshed;

from sedition and rebellion;

from lightning and tempest;

from all calamity by fire and water;

and from everlasting death:

Good Lord, deliver us.

By the mystery of your holy incarnation;

by your holy nativity;

by your baptism, fasting, and temptation;

by your agony and bloody sweat;

by your cross and passion;

by your precious death and burial;

by your glorious resurrection and ascension;

and by the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter:

Help us, good Lord.

In all time of our tribulation;

in all time of our prosperity;

in the hour of death;

and in the day of judgment:

Help us, good Lord.

We poor sinners pray;

Hear us, O Lord God.

And to rule and govern your holy Christian Church;

to preserve all pastors and ministers of your church in the true knowledge and understanding of your Word, and in holiness of life;

to put an end to all schisms and causes of offence;

to bring into the way of truth all who have gone astray and are deceived;

to beat down Satan under our feet;

to send faithful laborers into your harvest;

to accompany your Word with your Spirit and grace;

to raise up those who fall, and to strengthen those who stand;

and to comfort and help the weak-hearted and the distressed:

We pray, hear us good Lord.

To give to all nations peace and concord;

to preserve our country from discord and contention;

to give to our nation victory over all its enemies;

to direct and defend our President, and all in authority;

and to bless and keep our judges, leaders, and all our people:

We pray, hear us good Lord.

To see and help all who are in danger, necessity, and trouble;

to protect all who travel by land or water;

to preserve all women in the perils of childbirth;

to strengthen and keep all sick persons and young children;

to set free all who are innocently imprisoned;

to defend and provide for all fatherless children and widows;

and to have mercy on all people:

We pray, hear us good Lord.

To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;

to give and preserve to our use the fruits of the earth;

and graciously to hear our prayers:

We pray, hear us good Lord.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God;

We pray, hear us.

O Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world;

Have mercy on us.

O Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world;

Have mercy on us.

O Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world;

Grant us your peace.

O Christ, hear us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evi

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Then may the Minister say the Collect for the Day, except when The Litany is used at The Service. Then may be said one or more of the Litany Collects here following.

O Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:10)

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn from their evil ways and live. Graciously keep those punishments from us which we deserve for our sins, and grant us grace to serve you with pure and holy lives; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;

deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name's sake! (Psalm 79:9)

Almighty and eternal God, by your Holy Spirit you govern and sanctify the whole Christian Church. Hear our prayers for all members of your Church, and mercifully grant that by your grace they may serve you in true faith; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

O Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:10)

O God, merciful Father, you do not despise the sighing of a contrite heart or the desire of those who are sorrowful. Mercifully help us in all our troubles and adversities whenever they oppress us. Graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or humanity work against us, may be brought to nothing by your will and purpose, that we your servants, may be hurt by no persecutions, and may evermore give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

Enter not into judgment with your servant,

for no one living is righteous before you. (Psalm 143:2)

Almighty God, you know that we are surrounded by so many great dangers, and because of our weakness, we cannot always stand upright. Give us strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

Call upon me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)

Spare us, O Lord, and mercifully forgive us our sins. Though by our continual transgressions we have earned your punishments, be gracious to us, and grant that all those evils which we have deserved may be turned from us and overruled to our everlasting good; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.

May the Lord give strength to his people!

May the Lord bless his people with peace! (Psalm 29:11)

O God, all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works come from you. Give your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments. Defend us from the fear of our enemies, that we may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.

Amen.

This version of the Litany is modified from the Litany in Common Service Book (1918, 1919)

This modification © Paul C. Stratman and www.acollectionofprayers.wordpress.com.

This modification of the Litany from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please contact for permission for any commercial use.

Scriptures are from the English Standard Version.

Updated Text

Updated Suffrages in contemporary English

THE SUFFRAGES

The Suffrages may be used at Matins or Vespers in the same manner as the Litany. L denotes a leader, g denotes the group. c denotes leader and group together.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

LLord, have mercy.

g Christ, have mercy.

LLord, have mercy.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

PRECES (Responsive Verses)

L I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me;g heal me, for I have sinned against you!” (Psalm 41:4)

L Return, O Lord! How long?g Have pity on your servants! (Psalm 90:13)

L Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,g even as we hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)

L Let your servants be clothed with righteousness,g and let your saints shout for joy. (Psalm 132:9)

L O Lord, save our rulers!g May they answer us when we call. (Psalm 20:9)

L Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!g Be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:9)

L Remember your congregation,g which you have purchased of old. (Psalm 74:2)

L Peace be within your wallsg and security within your towers! (Psalm 122:7)

L Let us pray for our absent brothers and sisters:g Save your servants, who trust in you—you are their God. (Psalm 86:2)

L Let us pray for the brokenhearted and the captives:g Redeem Israel, O God, out of all their troubles. (Psalm 25:22)

L Send them help from the sanctuaryg and give them support from Zion! (Psalm 20:2)

L Hear my prayer, O Lord,g let my cry come to you! (Psalm 102:1)

PSALM

Here Psalm 130, De Profundis (Morning Prayer) or Psalm 51, Miserere Mei (Evening Prayer) may be read responsively.

L Restore us, O God of hosts;g let your face shine, that we may be saved! (Psalm 80:7)

L Rise up, O Christ, come to our help!g Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! (Psalm 44:26)

L Hear my prayer, O Lord,g let my cry come to you! (Psalm 102:1)

PRAYERS

L The Lord be with you.g And also with you.

L Let us pray.

Prayers may be prayed here, concluding with the Prayer for Peace.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

L Give peace in our days, O Lord,g for there is no one but you who fights for us, O God.

L O Lord, let there be peace in your strength,g and security within your towers! (from Psalm 122:7)

L O God, all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works come from you. Give your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments. Defend us from the fear of our enemies, that we may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.

g Amen.

L Let us praise the Lord.g Thanks be to God.

BLESSING

L The grace of our Lord + Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

g Amen.

__________

THE MORNING SUFFRAGES

INVOCATION

L In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.g Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

LLord, have mercy.

g Christ, have mercy.

LLord, have mercy.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

APOSTLES’ CREED

c I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

LESSONS AND PSALM

PRECES (Responsive Verses)

L O Lord, I cry to you;g in the morning my prayer comes before you. (Psalm 88:13)

L My mouth is filled with your praise,g and with your glory all the day. (Psalm 71:8)

L Lord, hide your face from my sins,g and blot out all my iniquities. (Psalm 51:9)

L Create in me a clean heart, O God,g and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

L Cast me not away from your presence,g and take not your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:11)

L Restore to me the joy of your salvation,g and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

L O Lord, preserve us this day,g and keep us from all sin.

L Lord, have mercy on us,g have mercy on us.

L Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,g even as we hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)

L Hear my prayer, O Lord,g let my cry come to you! (Psalm 102:1)

PRAYER FOR GRACE

LLord God, almighty Father, eternal God, you have brought us to the beginning of this day. Defend us today with your saving power so that we neither fall into sin nor run into any danger, but in everything we do, subject our words and direct our thoughts to what is right in your sight; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

g Amen.

Additional prayers may be prayed here.

MORNING PRAYER

c I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

L Let us praise the Lord.g Thanks be to God.

BLESSING

L The grace of our Lord + Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

g Amen.

__________

THE EVENING SUFFRAGES

INVOCATION

L In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.g Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

LLord, have mercy.

g Christ, have mercy.

LLord, have mercy.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

APOSTLES’ CREED

c I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

LESSONS AND PSALM

PRECES (Responsive Verses)

LBlessed are you, O Lord, God of our ancestors,g and to be praised and highly exalted forever; (Song of the Three Holy Children, 29)

LLet us praise the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,g We praise and magnify him forever.

LBlessed are you in the firmament of heaveng and greatly to be praised and sung and glorified forever. (Psalm 145:3 and Song of the Three Holy Children, 34)

LThe almighty and merciful Lord bless and preserve us.g Amen.

LO Lord, preserve us this night,g and keep us from all sin.

LLord, have mercy on us,g have mercy on us.

LLet your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,g even as we hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)

LHear my prayer, O Lord,g let my cry come to you! (Psalm 102:1)

PRAYER FOR PEACE

g Amen.

Additional prayers may be prayed here.

EVENING PRAYER

c I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day. Forgive me all my sins, and graciously keep me this night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

LLet us praise the Lord.g Thanks be to God.

BLESSING

LThe grace of our Lord + Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

g Amen.

This version of the Suffrages is modified from the Suffrages in Common Service Book (1917, 1918) with some elements from The Lutheran Hymnal (1941)

This modification of the Suffrages from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please contact for permission for any commercial use.

Scriptures are from the English Standard Version.

Quotes from The Song of the Three Holy Children are from The Apocrypha, The Lutheran Edition with Notes.

The translation of the Prayer for Grace, “Lord God, almighty Father, eternal God,…” was translated from the Latin by Paul C. Stratman.

Updated Text

Updated Bidding Prayer in contemporary English

THE BIDDING PRAYER

By ancient usage this Prayer was specially appointed for Good Friday.

It may also be used on Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent.

This prayer is intended to be read by an assisting minister (denoted by A) at a lectern and by the presiding minister or pastor (denoted by M) standing at the altar. A short pause of silence should be observed between the bid and the prayer.

ABrothers and sisters, let us pray for the whole Christian Church, that our Lord God would keep and defend it against all the assaults and temptations of the adversary, and to keep it always on the true foundation, Jesus Christ.

MAlmighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations in Jesus Christ and the Word of his truth. Keep the works of your mercy in safety, that your Church, spread throughout all nations, may serve you in true faith and persevere in the confession of your name; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

ALet us pray for the ministers of the Word, for all the people of God.

MAlmighty and eternal God, by your Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified. Receive the prayers we offer you, that all members of your church in their vocations and ministries may server you in truth and godliness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

ALet us pray for our catechumens, that our Lord God would open their hearts and the door of his mercy, that having received the forgiveness of all their sins by the washing of regeneration, they may remember their baptism and remain firm in the faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

MAlmighty and eternal God, you always cause your Church to grow, and with your light and grace you strengthen the hearts of those you have given new birth through water and the Spirit. Grant that our catechumens increase both in faith and knowledge, that they may rejoice in their baptism and grow as members of the holy body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

ALet us pray for all in authority, and especially for the Government of the United States, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

MO merciful Father in heaven, you hold in your hand all the might of the nations, and you have ordained the powers that be for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those who do well. Yours is all rule and authority in the kingdoms of the world. Graciously regard your servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, our judges and officers, and all the rulers of the earth, that all who receive the sword as your servants, may bear it according to your commands; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

ALet us pray our Lord God almighty that he would deliver the world from all error, take away disease, ward off famine, open the prisons, set free those in bondage, grant a safe return to the travelers, health to the sick, and a harbor of security for those at sea.

MAlmighty and eternal God, the Consolation of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak: Graciously hear the prayers of those who cry to you in any trouble or distress so that in all their needs they may see and receive your great help and comfort; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

Here one or more of the following Collects may be said:

For the Unity in the Faith

O God, you restore to the right way those who have gone astray. You gather those who are scattered and preserve those who are gathered. In your tender mercy, pour on your Christian people the grace of unity, that, all divisions being healed, your flock, united to the true Shepherd of your Church, may worthily serve you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Heathen

Almighty and eternal God, you do not desire the death of a sinner but want all people to repent and live. Hear our prayers for the heathen. Take away sin from their hearts and turn them from their idols to the living and true God and to your only Son, and gather them into your holy Church to the glory of your name; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Jews

Almighty and eternal God, you love to show mercy. Hear the prayers which we offer for your ancient people, that, acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Light of truth they may be delivered from their darkness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALet us pray for peace, that we may come to the knowledge of God’s holy Word, and walk before him as is fitting for Christians.

MAlmighty and eternal God, King of Glory, and Lord of heaven and earth, by your Spirit all things are governed, by your providence all things are ordered. You are the God of peace, and the Author of all concord. Grant us your heavenly peace and concord, that we may serve you in true fear, to the praise and glory of your name; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

ALet us pray for our enemies, that God would remember them in mercy, and graciously give them whatever is needful for them and profitable for their salvation.

MO almighty and eternal God, through your only Son, our blessed Lord, you commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us and to pray for them that persecute us. Lead all our enemies to true repentance, that they may have the same love and be of one mind and heart with us and with your whole Christian Church; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

ALet us pray for the fruits of the earth, that God would send down his blessing on them, and graciously move our hearts to enjoy them in submission to his holy will.

MO Lord, Father almighty, by your Word you created and bless and uphold all things. Reveal to us your Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would dwell in our hearts, and that by your grace we may receive your blessing on all the fruits of the earth and whatever pertains to our bodily needs; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

CAmen.

AFinally, let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask, saying:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The bid and petition for the catechumens was reworked and newly composed in part for this version of the Bidding Prayer.

This modification of the Bidding Prayer from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please contact for permission for any commercial use.