Holy Communion From The 1662 Book Of Common Prayer

A Prayer On Entering A Church1

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people render thee true and laudable service, grant that I may join the prayers and praises of thy holy church with reverence and devotion, hear thy word with attention, and obediently follow the same; that I may be now and ever acceptable in thy sight, through my Redeemer and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

On The Morning You Intend To Communicate

O MOST gracious and eternal Lord God, thou hast called all who are weary and heavy laden to come unto thee, by faith and repentance, and thou wilt refresh them. Encouraged by thy gracious invitation, may I approach thy heavenly table, not trusting in my own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies; and although I am not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs that fall from thy table, yet since it is thy property always to have mercy: Forgive my want of a due preparation, and accept of my sincere desire to perform, an acceptable service unto thee. Clothe me with the wedding garment, even the graces of the gospel. Possess my soul with a lively faith, with humility, obedience, devout affections, and with charity, that I may be a worthy partaker of those holy mysteries, to my great and endless comfort: Grant this, O heavenly Father, if it be thy blessed will, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

—Thomas Bisse (1675-1731), "Guide To The Altar".

Holy Communion From The 1662 Book Of Common Prayer