Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
Graciously hear us, Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.
Priest. O Lord, let thy mercy be shewed upon us;
Answer. As we do put our trust in thee.
Let us pray.
We humbly beseech thee, O Father, merci fully to look upon our infirmities; and for the glory of thy Name turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall be sung or said the Service for the Communion, with the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, as followeth.
THE COLLECT.
Almighty God, who by thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thine Apostles to choose into the Order of Deacons the first Martyr Saint Stephen, with others: Mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the like office and administration; replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that, both by word and good example, they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy Name, and the edification of thy Church; through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and for ever. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 1 Tim. iii. 8.