Glo-ry be to the Fa-ther, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. The Congregation: As it was in the beginning, is now, The Holy Communion With the Full Service The Service shall begin with an appropriate Hymn. During the singing the Minister shall proceed to the Altar and kneel in prayer. After the singing he shall rise, turn to the Congregation and say: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Communion Sermon Here shall follow a brief Communion Sermon, after which the Minister shall turn to the Altar, kneel, and with the Congregation unite in the following Confession of Sins: The Confession of Sins Holy and righteous God, merciful Father, we confess unto Thee that we are by nature sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against Thee by thought, word, and deed. We have not loved Thee above all things, nor our neighbor as ourselves, and are worthy, therefore, to be cast away from Thy presence, if Thou shouldst judge us according to our sins. But Thou hast promised, O heavenly Father, to receive with tender mercy all penitent sinners who turn unto Thee and with a living faith seek refuge in Thy Fatherly compassion and in the merits of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Their transgressions Thou wilt not regard, nor impute unto them their sins. Relying upon Thy promise, we confidently beseech Thee to be merciful and gracious unto us and to forgive us all our sins, to the praise and glory of Thy Holy Name. The Absolution The Minister shall turn to the Congregation and pronounce the Absolution: If this be your sincere confession, and if with penitent hearts you earnestly desire the forgiveness of your sins for the sake of Jesus Christ, God, according to His promise, forgiveth you all your sins; and by the authority of God's Word and by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I declare unto you that God, through His grace, hath forgiven all your sins; in the Name of God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. |