Compiled by The AFP Executive
Here is the link to the pdf version of the prayers
Silence (AFP Beginning to Pray – P2)
Choose a way of entering your quiet time. One way could be to pray the Collect at the beginning of the Eucharist, “… God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration, ( i.e. breathing in) of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you…” (BAS, page 185) You may find it enough to say to God “Here I am.” After this, be silent, aware of your breathing and of the presence of God the Holy Spirit in your desire to pray. Silence can be prayer without words. You need not be afraid that God will force you to do anything against your will when you open yourself in this way. Offer God all your thoughts and feelings.
Prayers for General Synod Deliberations
O Holy One, guide all our synod delegates, that those called to serve in these responsibilities may be men and women living a holy life, seeking to be in your will, able to overcome prejudices, examining issues with care, and that the decisions of General Synod may be to the building up of your church and to your glory. May we be truly unified as one under Christ. Amen.
Gracious God, we pray, for your holy, catholic church and this General Synod. Fill it with all truth; in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Saviour. Amen.
Almighty and ever-living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in General Synod for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BAS Pg.. 676)
Guide, we beseech thee, Almighty God, by the light of thy Holy Spirit, the counsels of the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity assembled in General Synod; that your church may dwell in peace, and fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP Pg. 43)
Prayers for Selection of our Next Primate
Gracious God, source of all wisdom and goodness: As we search for our next Primate, we give thanks for the ministry of The Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, our chief pastor. Together, as one national church, we recommit ourselves to our ministry, our future, and the vision of what we might become. We ask you to summon our dreams and our courage. We pray for realism in our discernment and the willingness to meet this challenge. We pray for the ability to listen to one another and to your voice in our midst. Ground us in common love and Spirit. Ignite us with a passion for the ministry you have called us to do and set our hearts on fire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, look on your Church with grace, and guide the minds of those who shall choose a Primate for our beloved Church, that we may receive a faithful servant who will care for your people and support us in our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Send forth your Holy Spirit, O Lord, and raise up for us a shepherd of your own choosing: a Primate to lead and guide us, a shepherd of wisdom and strength, compassion and grace, holiness and learning, with vision and the commitment to build up your Church and unite your faithful people around the love of him who offered himself for us and for all the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and earth; with Your loving kindness, provide to us a Primate who shall by holiness of life, wisdom in ruling and faithfulness in teaching, be a true witness of your love, and by watchfulness and zeal promote Your glory and the salvation of souls; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Those discerning a call (Lutheran Church)
Almighty God, by the power of the Spirit you have knit your servants into the one body of your Son, Jesus Christ. Look with favour upon them as they discern a new call in Christ’s name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Thanksgiving (adapted BAS page 687)
Our Lord God, we thank you for all your blessings, for life and health, for your guidance and wisdom, for all our powers of mind and body, for our beloved Church, for everything that is beautiful, good and true and for this time together in Synod. But above all we thank you for giving your Son to be our Saviour and Friend. May we always find our true happiness in pleasing you and helping others to know and love you, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
“Prayer is the doorway through which God’s greatest gifts
enter our soul.” Teresa of Avila
