O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die; and whosoever liveth and believeth in him, shall not die eternally: we meekly beseech thee, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness; that when we shall depart this life we may rest in him and at the general resurrection on the last day may be found acceptable in thy sight, and receive that blessing which thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer.
Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.
Amen.
CHAPTER LV.
FORM OF LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A CHURCH
At the time and place of laying the corner stone, let the minister cause a suitable hymn to be sung (e. g. 780, 781, or 782). Then shall the minister say:
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, thou art infinite in all thy perfections, and marvelous in all thy works. Thou hast made the world and all things therein; and seeing that thou art Lord of heaven and earth, thou dwellest not in temples made with hands; thou art a Spirit, and art worshiped in spirit and in truth, in all places of thy dominion; yet we thank thee that thou dost allow us to build houses for thy services, wherein thy people may attend upon thee without distraction. We bless thy holy name for putting it into the hearts of thy people to build a house, at this place, for thy worship. We beseech thee to inspire us with zeal, that we may both have a mind to the work, and may successfully accomplish the same. May neither adversary nor evil occurent hinder this work; but may the good hand of our God be upon us, that in due time we may bring forth the headstone with joy and praise. May this sanctuary, when completed, long remain a house of prayer for all people, where incense shall be offered unto thy name, and a pure offering, and thy word and ordinances by the influences of the Holy Ghost. Here may multitudes be born again, and be nurtured in knowledge and piety; so that they may be prepared, in the kingdom of thy glory. We are unworthy, O Lord, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord: by whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, Father Almighty, world without end.
Amen.