The quarterly Embertides are important times of prayer for the whole ministry of the Church, in all its orders (laity, bishops, deacons, and priests). In our day, more attention needs to be given to the importance of a holy, healthy, well-functioning, and humble (in the sense of “grounded in reality”) community of ministry in all parishes and other Church-based organizations. This litany, adapted from the ordination litany in the BCP, is meant to emphasize this vocation for all—lay and ordained—who bear the Royal Image of the Christ into the world.
An Embertide Litany
(Adapted from the Litany for Ordinations in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer)
On Ember Days or other occasions this Litany may be used for the Prayers of the People at the Eucharist or at the Daily Office (following the collects). It may also be used separately.
God the Father,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
We pray to you, Lord Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the Day of your Coming,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all members of your Church in their vocation and ministry, that they may serve you in a true and godly life,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all bishops, priests, deacons, and the laity, that we may be filled with your love, may hunger for truth, and may thirst after righteousness,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the ministries of this diocese and parish,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
That, mindful of our covenant with you in Holy Baptism, we may faithfully fulfill the duties of our ministries, build up your Church, and glorify your Name,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
That by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we may be sustained and encouraged to persevere to the end,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For our families and all the members of this community, that they may be adorned with all Christian virtues,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease and that all may be one as you and the Father are one,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For those in positions of public trust [especially___________], that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every person,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For a blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from poverty, famine, and disaster,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal,
we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of the ever‑blessed Virgin Mary, (blessed N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord our God.
The collect
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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