A General Confession of Sins and Prayer before the Sermon and on Days of Fasting and Prayer

O eternal and merciful God and Father, we humble ourselves before Thy great majesty, for we have frequently and grievously sinned against Thee. We acknowledge that if Thou shouldst enter into judgment with us, we would deserve nothing but temporal and eternal death. We are deeply conscious of the fact that we are conceived and born in sin, and that all manner of evil desires against Thee and our neighbour fill our hearts. We continually transgress Thy commandments, failing to do what Thou hast commanded us, and doing that which Thou hast expressly forbidden. We all like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way. We acknowledge our waywardness, and are heartily sorry for all our sins. We confess that our transgressions are innumerable, and that we have nothing with which to repay our debt. Therefore we are not worthy to be called Thy children, nor to lift up our eyes to Thee in heaven.
Nevertheless, O Lord God and gracious Father, we know that Thou dost not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he should turn to Thee and live. We know that Thy mercy toward those who turn to Thee is infinite; and so we take courage to call upon Thee from the depths of our hearts, trusting in our Mediator Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have compassion on us and forgive us all our sins for Christ’s sake. Wash us in the pure fountain of His blood, so that we may become clean and white as snow. Cover our nakedness with His righteousness, for the glory of Thy Name. Free our understanding from all blindness, and our hearts from all wilfulness and rebellion.
Open now the mouth of Thy servant, and fill it with Thy wisdom and knowledge, that he may boldly proclaim Thy Word in all its purity. Prepare our hearts to receive it, to understand it, and to preserve it. Inscribe Thy law, as Thou hast promised, upon the tablet of our hearts, and give us the desire and the strength to walk in the ways of Thy precepts, to the praise and glory of Thy Name, and to the edification of the church.
All this, gracious Father, we implore in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Prayer for all the Needs of Christendom

Almighty and merciful God, we confess that we are unworthy to come before Thee in prayer. Our consciences accuse us and our sins testify against us. We also know that Thou art a righteous judge who punishes the sins of those who transgress Thy commandments.
But Thou, LORD, hast commanded us to call upon Thee in all our needs and hast in mercy promised to listen to our petitions. We realize that this is not because of our merits, for we have none, but because of the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast appointed as our Mediator and Advocate. Therefore we forsake all other help and refuse to take our refuge in anything but Thy mercy alone.
Heavenly Father, Thou hast showered upon us so many blessings that we are not able to comprehend them, much less to count them. We especially thank Thee that Thou hast led us to the light of Thy truth and to the knowledge of Thy holy gospel. Time and again, however, we have ungratefully forgotten Thy benefits, departed from Thee, and followed the desires of our own heart. We have not honoured Thee as we should have done. We have grievously sinned against Thee. If Thou shouldst bring us into judgment, we could expect nothing but condemnation and eternal death. But, LORD, look upon the face of Thy Anointed; hide Thy eyes from our sins and remove Thy wrath through His intercession. Work in us mightily by Thy Spirit, that He may daily put to death our sinful nature and work the daily renewal of our life.
As it pleases Thee that we should pray for all mankind, we beseech Thee, bless the propagation of Thy holy gospel, that it may be proclaimed and received universally. May the whole world be filled with knowledge of Thee. Enlighten the ignorant, strengthen the weak. May everyone by word and deed magnify Thy holy Name. To this end send faithful servants into Thy harvest and equip them to discharge diligently the duties of their office. Destroy, we pray Thee, all false teachers, fierce wolves and hirelings who seek their own honour and profit rather than the honour of Thy holy Name and the salvation of men.
Graciously preserve and govern Thy Christian churches throughout the world in the unity of the true faith and in godliness of life, that Thy kingdom may come day by day. Destroy the kingdom of Satan, until the perfection of Thy kingdom arrive, when Thou shalt be all in all.
We pray for the mission among Jews, Moslems, and heathen, who live without hope and without Thee in the world. Grant Thy blessing upon the propagation of the gospel among those who still call themselves Christians but have deviated from Thy truth in doctrine and life.
Remember all Christian instruction and all who are engaged in it. Bless all societies which, in accordance with Thy holy Word, seek to hallow Thy Name, to further Thy kingdom, and to fulfil Thy will. Be with all Christian institutions of mercy and grant those who work there the full measure of love.
We also pray for the civil government, for our Queen and her house, and for all national, provincial, and local authorities, whom Thou hast set over us. Grant that they may perform their task in such a manner that the King of kings may rule over them and their subjects. May they as Thy servants more and more oppose the kingdom of Satan, which is a kingdom of lawlessness. Grant that under the shield of their government we may lead a quiet and peaceful life, godly and respectful in every way.
We pray Thee for all Thy children who suffer persecution for the sake of Thy Name and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Comfort them with Thy Holy Spirit and deliver them from the hands of their enemies. Permit not the memory of Thy Name to be removed from the earth. Let not the enemies of Thy truth have occasion to dishonour and blaspheme Thy Name. But if it is Thy will that persecuted Christians by their death bear witness to the truth and glorify Thy Name, comfort them in their sufferings. May they accept their trials as from Thy fatherly hand and remain firm in life and death to the honour of Thy Name, to the edification of the church, and to their salvation.
We remember before Thee all those whom Thou art chastening with poverty, imprisonment, physical illness, or spiritual distress. May it please Thee to heal the sick and to restore soundness of mind to the mentally ill. Surround those who are handicapped in body or mind with Thy care and bless all that is done to help them. Lift up those who are cast down. Be a Comforter to the widowers, a Protector to the widows, a Father to the orphans. Show Thy love to the lonely, Thy strength to the weak, Thy grace to the dying, Thy sustaining power to the bereaved. Grant that all trials may yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Glorify Thyself in the faith, love, and endurance of all those whom Thou hast called to Thy eternal glory in Christ.
O LORD, take us and our dear ones into Thy care and keeping. Watch over our families. Strengthen the expectant mothers and grant them a good delivery. Bless the bond between husbands and wives, and parents and children. Be with those married couples whom Thou, in Thy wisdom, dost not give children. Bless them and cause them to be a blessing in the midst of Thy household.
Help us in our daily work, and protect us when we travel. Bless also our endeavours for the promotion of Thy kingdom, for the benefit of our country, or for the advancement of honourable personal interests. Bless also the products of the soil. Grant favourable weather and fruitful increase.
Enable us in our respective callings to live according to Thy will. May we so use the talents which we have received from Thy hand that they may not hinder but rather promote our life in Thy kingdom. In all temptations strengthen us so that we fight the good fight of the faith, obtain the victory, and hereafter with Christ inherit eternal life.
We pray all this in the Name of our faithful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Public Confession of Sins and Prayer Before the Sermon

Heavenly Father, eternal and merciful God, we acknowledge and confess before Thy divine majesty that we are poor wretched sinners. We were conceived and born in sin and corruption, and are inclined to all manner of evil and incapable by nature of doing any good. We also transgress Thy holy commandments continually. We grieve Thee by our sins and bring judgment on ourselves because of them. But, LORD, we are truly sorry for our sins, by which we have provoked Thee to anger. We accuse ourselves and acknowledge that we are to blame for our sinfulness and transgressions. Yet we plead for Thy mercy on the ground of the suffering of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Have compassion on us, gracious God and Father, and forgive us our sins for the sake of His death. Grant us also the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that He may teach us to confess our sins sincerely and to know our wretchedness. May He so lead us that we die to sin, rise up to a new life, and bring forth fruits of holiness and righteousness acceptable to Thee through Jesus Christ.
May it please Thee to make us understand Thy holy Word in accordance with Thy divine will, so that we may learn to put our trust in Thee alone and not in any creature. May our old nature with all its evil desires be put to death day by day and may we present ourselves a living sacrifice to Thee, to the honour of Thy Name and the benefit of our neighbour.
We also beseech Thee, gracious God, to bring back to Thyself in true repentance all who depart from Thy truth, that we all with one accord may serve Thee through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Prayer After the Sermon

We thank Thee, merciful God and Father, that Thou hast brought us to the knowledge of Thee and of Thy Son by Thy Spirit and Word and hast caused Thy Word to be proclaimed to us. Grant that we, having received Christ Jesus the Lord, may live in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as we were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. We beseech Thee, O Lord, since we do not obey Thy holy Word as we should, through ignorance, unthankfulness, and discontent, remember Thy great mercy and have compassion on us. Teach us truly to know our sins, sincerely to repent, and to amend our life. Strengthen the ministers of Thy church in order that they may faithfully and steadfastly preach Thy holy Word. Likewise, Lord, give strength to all who rule over us, that they may use the sword entrusted to them in justice and equity.
We pray Thee particularly for __________.
Keep us, we beseech Thee, from all hypocrisy and unfaithfulness, and frustrate all evil and subtle designs against Thy Word and Thy church. O Lord, do not withdraw from us Thy Word and Spirit, but grant us a strong faith, patience, and steadfastness in all suffering and adversity. Help and sustain Thy church, and deliver Thy people from opposition, ridicule, and tyranny. Impart strength from on high to those that are weak and sorely burdened with sorrow. Grant us Thy peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who gave us this sure promise: Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, He will give it to you in My Name. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Prayer Before the Explanation of the Catechism

Heavenly Father, Thy Word is perfect, reviving the soul; Thy testimony is sure, making wise the simple. Thy gospel is the power unto salvation to everyone who believes. We, however, are by nature blind and incapable of doing any good. We beseech Thee, therefore, that Thou wilt illumine our darkened minds by Thy Holy Spirit. Give us a humble heart, free from all conceit and worldly wisdom, which is enmity against Thee, so that, hearing Thy Word, we may rightly understand it and let ourselves be governed by it. Confirm us in our catholic and undoubted Christian faith. Graciously bring back those who depart from Thy truth, that we all in unity may serve Thee in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. We ask these things of Thee only for the sake of Christ. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Prayer After the Explanation of the Catechism

Gracious God and merciful Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast established Thy covenant with the believers and their seed. Thou hast not only sealed this by holy baptism, but also showest it daily by preparing unto Thyself praise out of the mouths of babes and infants, whereby the wise and prudent of this world are put to shame. Thou revealest it too by teaching us Thy ways and will in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thou gavest pastors and teachers to equip the saints for their service to Thee, so that the body of Christ may be built up. We beseech Thee that Thou wilt continue to work in the hearts of all the children of the covenant, both old and young, in order that we may grow in the knowledge of Thy grace in Christ until we all reach complete maturity in Him. May we, by Thy power, not be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine. Bless our families and endow the parents by Thy Spirit with the wisdom which is from above, that they may bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. We pray Thee for all teaching which is based upon Thy holy Word, as we have summarized it in the confessions of the church. Be with all who labour in it and provide them with that knowledge and wisdom which is rooted in the fear of Thy Name. Put Thou to shame those who are high and mighty in their own eyes and in the estimation of the world, and may, by the godliness of Thy people, the kingdom of Satan be destroyed and the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in this and in all Thy churches be strengthened, to the glory of Thy holy Name and unto our salvation.
All this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ Thy Son. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Prayer before Meals

Almighty God, faithful Father, Thou has made the world and dost uphold it by Thy powerful Word. Thou didst provide Israel in the desert with food from on high. Wilt Thou also bless us, Thy humble servants, and renew our strength by these gifts, which, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we have received from Thy bountiful fatherly hand. Give that we may use them with moderation. Help us to put them to use in a life devoted to Thee and Thy service. May we thus acknowledge that Thou art our Father and the Source of all good things. Grant also that at all times we may long for the lasting food of Thy Word. May we thus be nourished to everlasting life, which Thou hast prepared for us by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Thanksgiving after Meals

Lord God, our heavenly Father, we thank Thee for this food and drink which we have enjoyed in this meal, and for all Thy gracious gifts, which we continually receive out of Thy hand. We thank Thee especially for Thy divine Word which we were allowed to read together. Thereby Thou hast caused us to be born anew to a living hope, which Thou hast revealed in the holy gospel. We pray Thee, merciful God and Father, let our hearts not be weighed down by the cares of this life nor become too deeply attached to earthly and perishable things. Grant us Thy grace, that in our daily tasks we may seek the things which are above, expecting our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is coming with the clouds for our deliverance.
We render our thanks and submit our prayer in His Name. Amen.

A Prayer for the Sick and the Spiritually Distressed

Merciful God and Father, Thou gavest eternal hope and salvation to the living and eternal life to the dying. Thou alone hast life and death in Thy hands, and Christ alone has the keys of death and of the grave. All things are so in Thy power that neither health nor sickness, good nor evil, life nor death can befall us without Thy will. We also know that by Thy power and direction all things are subservient to our salvation. Gracious Father, we beseech Thee to grant us the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that He may teach us truly to know our misery and to bear patiently with Thy chastisements. If based on our merits, these chastisements should have been ten thousand times more severe. We believe that they are not evidence of Thy wrath but of Thy fatherly love towards us, that we might not be condemned with the world.
Strengthen, LORD, our faith by Thy Holy Spirit, so that we become more and more united with Christ our Head, since it is Thy good pleasure to conform us to Him in both suffering and glory. Enable us to bear what is brought upon us by Thy fatherly wisdom. We submit ourselves entirely to Thy will, whether Thou leavest us on earth or whether Thou takest us home unto Thyself. We trust that with body and soul, both in life and in death, we belong to Christ, whose resurrection is the guarantee of our blessed resurrection.
Grant that we may experience the comfort of the remission of sins through Jesus Christ. May His innocent blood wash away the uncleanness of our sins and may His righteousness cover our unrighteousness in Thy sight. Arm us with faith and hope, so that we may overcome the assaults of Satan and not be put to shame by any fear of death. And when our eyes grow dim, let Thy eyes be open toward us. When Thou takest away from us the power of speech, hear Thou then the sighing of our hearts. When our hands have lost all their strength, continue to support us and to carry us upon everlasting arms.
Father, we commit our spirit into Thy hands. Deal with us according to Thy promise. Never forsake us, but always be with us, even in the hour of death.
Hear and answer us for the sake of Christ, our dear Saviour. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Prayer for the Sick and the Spiritually Distressed

Righteous God and merciful Father, Thou art the Almighty, without whose will nothing occurs in heaven or on earth. Life and death are also in Thy hand. We are not worthy to call upon Thee and, if Thou shouldst mark our iniquities and sins, we could not hope that Thou wouldst hear us and answer us. We pray, therefore, that Thou wilt look upon us according to Thy mercy in Christ Jesus, who bore our griefs and was wounded for our transgressions. We acknowledge that of ourselves we are incapable of doing any good and are inclined to all evil. On account of this we are justly chastised and disciplined by Thee and we do not nearly receive what we deserve.
But, Lord, Thou hast made us Thy people and Thou art our God. Thy mercy, which Thou hast never withheld from those who turn to Thee, is our only refuge. We pray, therefore, do not hold our sins against us but impute to us the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, so that in Him we may stand before Thee. Graciously grant us recovery, take this suffering and sickness away from us, and bless the means provided by Thee. But, if it pleases Thee to prolong our trial, give us patience and strength to bear it all according to Thy will. Thou art wise and good. May, whatever Thou decidest, serve for our sanctification.
Rather chastise us here, Lord, than that we should perish with the world hereafter. Grant that we may forsake the world and crucify our old nature, and that we may more and more be renewed after the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us never be separated from Thy love, but draw us closer to Thee from day to day. Grant that thus with joy we may attain to the end of our calling, which is to die with Christ, to rise with Him triumphantly, and to live with Him eternally. We also believe that Thou wilt hear us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Or:... who taught us to pray, Our Father ...)

A Morning Prayer

Merciful Father, we thank Thee that in Thy great faithfulness Thou didst keep watch over us during this past night. Strengthen us further also, we pray Thee, and guide us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may use this new day as well as all the days of our life in holiness and righteousness. Grant us, we pray Thee, that in all our undertakings we may always have Thy glory foremost in our minds. May we always work in such a manner that we expect all results and fruits of our work from Thy generous hand alone.
In order that we may receive this grace from Thee, we beseech Thee that Thou wilt forgive all our sins according to Thy promise, for the sake of the passion and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Thy grace we are heartily sorry for all our transgressions. Illumine our hearts, we beseech Thee, that we may lay aside all works of darkness and as children of light may walk in the light and live a new life in all godliness.
Bless Thou the proclamation of Thy divine Word here and in the mission fields, and frustrate all the works of the devil. Strengthen all faithful labourers in Thy vineyard.
We pray for those whom Thou hast set over us, that they may rule according to their calling as servants of Thee, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Give endurance to all who are persecuted on account of their faith and deliver them from their enemies. Destroy all the works of the devil. Comfort the distressed and show Thy mercy and help to all who call upon Thy holy Name in sickness and other trials of life. Deal with us and with all Thy people according to Thy grace in Christ Jesus our Lord, who assured us that Thou wilt do whatever we ask in His Name. Amen.

An Evening Prayer

Merciful God, in whom is no darkness at all, we draw nigh to Thee at the end of this day. We thank Thee that Thou hast given us strength for our daily work and hast guided us safely through this day. Bless what was good in our labour and conduct.
Since Thou hast ordained that man should labour during the day but rest when it is night, we pray that Thou wilt give us that rest and wilt cause it to be peaceful and undisturbed, in order that we may be able to take up our daily task again. Command Thy angels to guard us and cause Thy face to shine upon us. We cast all our anxieties upon Thee, for Thou takest care of us.
Control our sleep and rule our hearts, in order that we may not be defiled in any way but may glorify Thee even in our nightly rest. Defend and protect us against all assaults of the devil and take us into Thy divine protection.
We confess that we did not spend this day without grievously sinning against Thee. Be pleased to cover our sins in Thy mercy as Thou coverest the earth in the darkness of the night.
Bestow comfort and rest upon all that are ill, bowed down with grief, or afflicted with spiritual distress. Thy steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Thy hands.
All this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

An Opening Prayer for Ecclesiastical Assemblies

Heavenly Father, merciful God, it has pleased Thee according to Thy infinite wisdom and lovingkindness to gather a church unto Thyself out of the peoples of the earth through Thy Word and Spirit, and to govern her through the service of men. Thou hast graciously called us to be office-bearers in Thy church and hast charged us to take heed to ourselves and to all the flock which Christ has bought with His precious blood.
In Thy Name we are now together in this place to deal with matters concerning the edification and welfare of Thy churches and to do so in an ecclesiastical manner. We realize that we are unworthy and unable of ourselves to think, speak, or accomplish any good. We beseech Thee, therefore, that Thy Holy Spirit may govern us in our deliberations and decisions and may lead us into Thy truth.
Keep all misunderstanding away from us and guard us against the sinful inclinations of our hearts. May Thy Word be our only rule and standard, so that our work may be to the glory of Thy Name, serving the well-being of Thy churches and bringing peace to our consciences.
We ask this in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep. Amen.

A Closing Prayer for Ecclesiastical Assemblies

Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee that in the gathering and preservation of Thy church in our country Thou art pleased to use our services. Thou hast graciously ordered all things so that Thy gospel can be preached without hindrance and we may engage in public worship and in ecclesiastical assemblies. At the close of this present meeting we humbly ask forgiveness for the shortcomings and sins which did not remain hidden from Thy eyes, and we bring thanks for the good we received from Thy fatherly hand. Wilt Thou, O faithful God and Father, bless all decisions taken in agreement with Thy holy Word and wilt Thou fulfil Thy purpose for Thy churches. Preserve Thy church by the purity of doctrine, by the proper administration and use of the sacraments, and by the faithful exercise of church discipline.
Destroy all wicked counsels conceived against Thy Word and church, and strengthen the ministers to preach Thy gospel boldly and steadfastly.
Give perseverance to the overseers and the deacons, that they may be a blessing to Thy people through the faithful administration of their offices.
Bless our Queen and her house, that she may reign by Thy wisdom. So govern the civil authorities that they may rule in justice and with wise restraint. May their rule be directed to the supremacy of Thee, the King of rulers and ruled alike. Let in this way the shameful and wicked dominion of Satan be increasingly broken down and grant that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life, godly and respectful in every way.
Hear us, O God and Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

An Opening Prayer for the Meetings of the Deacons

Merciful God and Father, Thou hast not only declared that we shall always have the poor with us, but hast also commanded us to support them in their need. Thou hast ordained the service of deacons for Thy church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. Thou hast called us to the office of deacon in this congregation, and we are now assembled in Thy Name to deal with the matters pertaining to our office. We humbly beseech Thee to dwell among us with the Spirit of discretion. Grant us His help, that we may be able to establish who are the ones that are truly in need. May He lead us to them and help us to distribute the alms that have been collected as each one’s need may render necessary, in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality.
Kindle fervent love to the needy in the hearts of Thy people, that they may generously contribute of the possessions entrusted to them as Thy stewards. Grant us sufficient means to bring relief to the needy. May we discharge the duties of our office as Christ’s ministers of mercy.
Give us Thy grace to relieve want by means of material gifts and to instil the comfort of Thy holy Word into the hearts of the afflicted, that they may put their trust in Thee alone. Bless, we pray Thee, our ministration and multiply the bread of the poor, that both they and we may praise and thank Thee, while we await the blessed appearance of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sakes that He might enrich us with eternal treasures.
In His Name we pray. Amen.