New Patterns for Worship (paperback) (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England)

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These are the ‘deep structures’ of the prayer. They need to be ‘signposted’ clearly as the prayer progresses, not least by the tone of voice(s) used as the prayer is proclaimed. However, some saints are missionaries, others teachers, others bishops, others martyrs and so on. The content, style and ethos of each service should reflect the saint who is being celebrated. For example, if the saint is a martyr, the service might focus on commitment and use elements from the Thanksgiving for Baptism.

First, making the response unvarying, short and memorable, introduced each time with the same ‘cue line’. In general the congregational ‘Amen’, which concludes a prayer said by the leader, has not been printed here. It may need to be added if a full congregational text is being produced. take care over words that people may not be sure how to pronounce in the congregation’s text (even something like ‘blessed’ can cause uncertainty). Songs

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Permission to reproduce this item is required from GIA Publications or Decani Music (see here for details). Is the structure and direction of the service clear enough for people to know where it is going? Does the service have an overall coherence, or is it just one item after another? The ‘Lord in your mercy hear our prayer’ response, and the concluding ‘Merciful Father, accept these prayers …’ have been included as options to facilitate connections being made between this service and celebrations of Holy Communion. If these forms are not used in communion services, other choices could be made.

Watch the rhythm. The language should be rhythmic and flow easily, but take care not to have a repetitive ‘dum-de-dum’. DO find out about particular needs, who is ill or what church meetings or organizations need prayer this week. Watch the news, and vary the way in which international topics are prayed for; DON’T be out of date! But remember also the need for balance and breadth. As Note 15 to Common Worship Holy Communion says, ‘the prayers of intercession are normally broadly based, expressing a concern for the whole of God’s world and the ministry of the whole Church’. This public ministry of prayer may be accompanied by laying on of hands, and may also be accompanied by anointing with oil. It may be helpful to make clear in advance the form of ministry that is intended. There are a number of possibilities, such as prayer for individuals who do not explain their particular need; prayer following a brief explanation to those who will pray with them of a person’s need or concern; or prayer following an explanation to the whole congregation of a person’s need or concern. (The Laying on of Hands may be received on behalf of a third person who is not present.)

Customs vary on the solemnity with which this is done. In some places, variable prayers may be used. These should be preparatory, as the title for this part implies, and not dramatically overshadow the Eucharistic Prayer. The Eucharistic Prayer This may include a sermon or talk, discussion, and activities for different age groups. It continues with the Affirmation of Faith and the Prayers. Affirmation of Faith time to get straight with other people before coming to communion (so you may need to go and make your peace, or ask forgiveness from someone at the other end of the church). This is what the Prayer Book calls being ‘in love and charity with your neighbours’; The forms of intercession in this section may replace the intercessions in the Holy Communion, or be used in the prayer section of A Service of the Word, or after the third collect in Morning or Evening Prayer ( The Book of Common Prayer) or after the Creed in Morning or Evening Prayer on Sundays. They may also be used at eucharistic or non-eucharistic services on weekdays. Responses for prayers of intercession Praise may be said or sung. Select hymns, songs or items from the Praise section of New Patterns or elsewhere. See here for further ideas. A set of versicles and responses (see here for examples) may be used in the Preparation or elsewhere. 6 Action