Forgive, O LORD, the weaknesses and imperfections of this and of all my other services, increase my faith, warm and enliven my heart with a constant and most thankful affection towards Thee, and enable me by the grace of Thy HOLY SPIRIT to fulfil the promises of obedience which I have now made unto Thee. Make me watchful over my thoughts, words, and actions, and grant that I may lead a strictly honest, sober, chaste, and godly life, following the example of my Blessed Master, JESUS CHRIST, and placing my whole trust in His precious Death and Blood for the pardon of my sins, that when He shall come to judge the world, I may be received into Thy Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.

G

For the Power of Faithful Service.

RANT, O LORD JESUS CHRIST, that I may henceforth faithfully follow and serve Thee, Who hast at this time so lovingly vouchsafed to come unto me, and because, through my infirmities, I cannot follow Thee as I would, be pleased to assist me with Thy power, and draw me after Thee. Let my soul be so strengthened by virtue of this Sacrament that it may esteem nothing pleasing or delightful in comparison of Thee; that it may lust after no transitory thing, nor be disquieted with any worldly cross; but that, by Thy assisting grace, I may overcome all

the difficulties of this life, and bless Thee for ever in the life to come. Amen.

For Perseverance.

GRANT, O LORD, that I may bring the good

purposes with which I came this day to Thy Holy Altar to good effect. I know that I am light and inconstant, turned with every blast, diverted by every allurement, and ready to yield to every temptation; but do Thou, O LORD, Who art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, graciously impart some of Thy unchangeableness to establish my understanding in truth. Fix my irresolute and wavering will, and cause it faithfully to adhere unto that which is good. Let neither the flatteries of the world, nor of my own heart, so far work upon my affections as to draw me from that obedience which I resolve from this day forward to yield unto Thy Word; but grant that I may continue steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, and by patient continuing in well-doing, seek for, and in the end obtain, everlasting life.

Let me not rest in a dead, ineffectual faith, but grant it may be such as may shew itself in good works, enabling me to overcome the world, and to conform to the image of that CHRIST on Whom I believe, that so at the last I may receive the end of my faith, even the salvation of my soul, by the same LORD JESUS CHRIST. Amen.

G

For Unswerving Rectitude.

RANT me, I beseech Thee, Almighty and Most Merciful GOD, fervently to desire, wisely to search out, wholly to acknowledge, and perfectly to fulfil all that is well pleasing unto Thee. Order Thou my worldly condition to the honour and glory of Thy Name: and of all that Thou requirest me to do, grant me the knowledge, the desire, and the ability, that I may so fulfil it as I ought, and as is expedient for the welfare of my soul.

May my path to Thee, I pray, be safe, straightforward, and perfect to the end, failing not either amid prosperity or adversity, that I may not be elated in the one nor depressed in the other. But may I in prosperity give thanks to Thee, and in adversity preserve my patience, rejoicing in nought save what advances me towards Thee, grieving for nought save what withdraws me from Thee; neither seeking to please nor fearing to displease any save only Thee.

Grant me to do all I do in charity, and to regard as dead all that belongeth not to the service of Thee.

Let all that is transitory be worthless in my eyes because of Thee, and all that is Thine dear and precious, and Thou, my GOD, more than all. Let all toil that is for Thee be delightful to me, and all rest irksome that is not in Thee.

Grant me, O Blessed LORD, frequently and

with fervency to direct my heart to Thee, and sadly with full purpose of amendment to think over my shortcomings.

Make me, O my GOD, humble without pretence, cheerful without levity, serious without d ejection, grave without moroseness, active without frivolity, truthful without duplicity, fearful of Thee without despair, trustful in Thee without presumption, able to correct my neighbour without angry feelings, and by word and example to edify him without pride, obedient without gainsaying, patient without murmuring.

I

For Fulness of Blessing.

BESEECH Thee, O LORD, that this Holy Communion may be to me a guide and provision for my way unto the Haven of Everlasting Salvation. May it be to me a comfort when I am sad at heart, sweetness and love in every good resolve, patience in trouble and anguish, medicine in sickness. And by these most Holy Mysteries which I have received, grant me right Faith, firm Hope, and perfect Charity, gladness of mind, fervent love of Thee, and a devout remembrance of the Passion of Thy Beloved SON, together with grace to keep my life full of virtues and of faith unfeigned, in the love and praise of Thee. And, in the hour of my departure, grant me to receive the grace of this great Mystery with true Faith, sure Hope, and sincere Charity, that I may see Thee evermore.

Amen.

Psalm ciii.

Praise the LORD, O my soul : and all that is within me praise His holy Name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul : and forget not all His benefits;

Who forgiveth all thy sin and healeth all thine infirmities;

Who saveth thy life from destruction: and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things: making thee young and lusty as an eagle.

The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all them that are oppressed with wrong.

He shewed His ways unto Moses: His works unto the children of Israel.

The LORD is full of compassion and mercy : long-suffering, and of great goodness.

He will not alway be chiding : neither keepeth He His anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins: nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.

For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth so great is His mercy also toward them that fear Him.

Look how wide also the east is from the west : so far hath He set our sins from us.

Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children : even so is the LORD merciful unto them that fear Him.

For He knoweth whereof we are made: He remembereth that we are but dust.