Resurrection Season ~ Day 31
For the Year of Our LORD, 4.22.2008
The Death Prayer Vigil
from the Book of Common Prayer
PLEASE NOTE THIS:
No, we at the Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+ are not card-carrying Anglicans nor Episcopalians; we are simply plain Christians. We pattern ourselves after the earliest of the Early Christian Church, believing they followed The LORD JESUS with simplicity and great power. Most every church has ways that reflect the common faith “once delivered to all the saints.” But, not every church follows ALL the ways of this common faith, we’ve discovered.
It just so happens that the Book of Common Prayer used by the Anglicans and Episcopalians contain many good services which truly reflect some of the early ways and teachings. We have found this to be true ESPECIALLY in the issue of death and funerals.
We would differ from that organization, not in services, but in the administration of them. Simply belonging to a church organization does NOT assure one of a berth in Heaven; one must live for The LORD JESUS CHRIST. Inasmuch as one is living solely for The LORD in a holy manner, having been regenerated, is what counts. Nominal Christianity …of any sort or with any group… simply won’t purchase the ticket. Neither will promoting and serving in the “church” …but being cold towards The LORD. One must BE a new creature in CHRIST and produce His+ fruits.
Having said this, I think there is much merit in the various prayers in the Book of Common Prayer. To the Christian who is alive in The LORD, these prayers and litanies bring much comfort.
The Prayer Vigil
adapted from the Book of Common Prayer
Dear Friends: It was Our LORD JESUS Himself+ Who+ said, “Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Let us pray, then for our loved one, __________, that he (she) may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of GOD’S eternal Sabbath rest.
Receive O LORD, your servant for he returns to you.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
Wash him in the holy font of Everlasting Life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
May he hear Thy words of invitation, “Come, Thou blessed of My+ FATHER.”
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
May he gaze upon Thee, O LORD, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
May the angels surround him and the saints welcome him in peace.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
Almighty GOD, Our FATHER in Heaven, before whom all live who die in the LORD: Receive our brother _________ into the courts of Thy Heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to Thee, O LORD, the Living GOD, and the GOD of those who live.
This we ask through CHRIST, our Risen SAVIOR and KING, in the joy of His+ glorious Resurrection, the same which is promised to those who love Him+, both now and forever. Amen.
+ + +The Resurrection of JESUS CHRIST… the most life-changing event in human history!+ + +
For the Year of Our LORD, 4.22.2008
The Death Prayer Vigil
from the Book of Common Prayer
PLEASE NOTE THIS:
No, we at the Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+ are not card-carrying Anglicans nor Episcopalians; we are simply plain Christians. We pattern ourselves after the earliest of the Early Christian Church, believing they followed The LORD JESUS with simplicity and great power. Most every church has ways that reflect the common faith “once delivered to all the saints.” But, not every church follows ALL the ways of this common faith, we’ve discovered.
It just so happens that the Book of Common Prayer used by the Anglicans and Episcopalians contain many good services which truly reflect some of the early ways and teachings. We have found this to be true ESPECIALLY in the issue of death and funerals.
We would differ from that organization, not in services, but in the administration of them. Simply belonging to a church organization does NOT assure one of a berth in Heaven; one must live for The LORD JESUS CHRIST. Inasmuch as one is living solely for The LORD in a holy manner, having been regenerated, is what counts. Nominal Christianity …of any sort or with any group… simply won’t purchase the ticket. Neither will promoting and serving in the “church” …but being cold towards The LORD. One must BE a new creature in CHRIST and produce His+ fruits.
Having said this, I think there is much merit in the various prayers in the Book of Common Prayer. To the Christian who is alive in The LORD, these prayers and litanies bring much comfort.
The Prayer Vigil
adapted from the Book of Common Prayer
Dear Friends: It was Our LORD JESUS Himself+ Who+ said, “Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Let us pray, then for our loved one, __________, that he (she) may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of GOD’S eternal Sabbath rest.
Receive O LORD, your servant for he returns to you.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
Wash him in the holy font of Everlasting Life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
May he hear Thy words of invitation, “Come, Thou blessed of My+ FATHER.”
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
May he gaze upon Thee, O LORD, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
May the angels surround him and the saints welcome him in peace.
Into Thy hands, O LORD, we commend our brother (sister)_________.
Almighty GOD, Our FATHER in Heaven, before whom all live who die in the LORD: Receive our brother _________ into the courts of Thy Heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to Thee, O LORD, the Living GOD, and the GOD of those who live.
This we ask through CHRIST, our Risen SAVIOR and KING, in the joy of His+ glorious Resurrection, the same which is promised to those who love Him+, both now and forever. Amen.
+ + +The Resurrection of JESUS CHRIST… the most life-changing event in human history!+ + +
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