The Door of Heaven: A Manual for Holy Communion

The Door of Heaven: A Manual for Holy Communion

PREFACE

This little Manual is intended for the use of young people, and is therefore short and very simple. The object of the compiler is to place in the hands of candidates for Confirmation a little book that may be a help to them in their daily life, as well as at the Service of Holy Communion.

Grateful thanks are tendered to the holders of copyright for permission to make use of the hymns printed at the end of the book. Also, the author begs to acknowledge ideas derived from examining similar Manuals, especially "The Narrow Way," "Prayers for Boys," "Help to Worship," and "Holy Communion" by Bishop How.

It is earnestly hoped that this little book may, with the blessing of God, prove of service to those for whom it has been written, both in helping their devotions, and in deepening their spiritual life.

A. E. B.

FOREWORD

BY THE RIGHT REVEREND MacADAM HARDING,

BISHOP OF QU'APPELLE

A little book that will help the young and busy people in North-West Canada to pray earnestly, day by day, and regularly make a good Communion, must receive a warm welcome from the Bishop of a Diocese where the great majority of the people are both young and busy.

I know the earnest desire of the compiler to help our young men and women to draw near to God in Prayer and Sacrament, and I hope many of them will find herein the very assistance they need.

M. M. QU'APPELLE.

REGINA

DAILY PRAYERS

MORNING

Kneel down and say: —

In the presence of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Try to realize that you are in the presence of God, and then say: —

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

I thank Thee, O heavenly Father, for keeping me safe through the past night, and giving me rest and sleep. Bless me, I beseech Thee, during this day, and guard me from all dangers, both to body and soul, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Bless, O Lord, my father and mother, my brothers and sisters (and others whom you wish to pray for). Keep them safe and well, and help them, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and ever-lasting God, who hast safely brought me to the beginning of this day; defend me in the same with Thy mighty power; and grant that this day I may fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings may be ordered by Thy governance to do always that is righteous in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost bless, preserve, and keep me now and for evermore. Amen.

MID-DAY

Always try to think of God for a minute at mid-day; say,,

O Father Almighty, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ did at this hour bear our sins in His own body upon the Cross, have mercy upon me, help me, bless me, and be with me now and at the hour of my death, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

EVENING

Kneel down and say: —

In the presence of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Try to realize that you are in the very presence of God, and then say: —

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

O Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for having kept me safe through this day, and for all Thy other mercies to me. Show me how I have sinned against Thee this day, and make me sorry for my sins.

Then try to remember your sins of the day, and ask yourself such questions at these: —

What wrong thing have I done to-day?

What evil words have I spoken?

What bad thoughts have I given way to?

Then ask God's forgiveness, and say: —

Forgive me, O God, for what I have done wrong to-day, and help me to do better for the future, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Bless, O Lord, my father and mother, my brothers and sisters (and others whom you wish to pray for). Keep them safe and well, and help them, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Take care of me this night, and defend me from evil both in body and soul, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep me now and for evermore. Amen.

(If you need further devotions, you can use some of the prayers on pp. 12 and 13, or read some of the hymns on pp. 53 and 54.

It is good to read a few verses of the Bible every night.)

RULES FOR DAILY LIFE

Think nothing that you would be ashamed to tell to God.

Say nothing you would not like God to hear.

Do nothing you would not like God to see.

If tempted, get away from the danger at once, and keep away.

If an evil thought comes to you, throw it out. Pray for help. Say: "Lord, help me." "God, help me." "O Holy Spirit, strengthen me."

GRACE BEFORE MEALS

Bless, O Lord, the food we are about to receive, and make us mindful of the wants of others, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEALS

For these and all His mercies God's Holy Name be praised.

VARIOUS PRAYERS

BEFORE SERVICE

Keep me, O Lord, from wandering thoughts in this Thy Service, and may my prayers and my praise be pleasing to Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

AFTER SERVICE

Accept, O Lord, this my service of praise and thanksgiving, and pardon all that Thou hast seen amiss, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

FOR HONESTY

O Almighty God, Who out of Thine abundance givest to all men that which seemeth best in Thy sight; give me strength to be in all things honest before Thee in my daily work and life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR FORGIVENESS

May the Almighty God have mercy upon me, pardon all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR FAITH

Give me, O Lord my God, a firm and living faith in Thee, that I may believe all Thy Holy Church teaches, and Thy Holy Word reveals, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

FOR PURITY

O Almighty God, of Thy mercy help me in temptation and keep me from all Impure thoughts, impure words, and impure deeds. Preserve me clean and spotless, that my body may be a holy temple fit for Thee to dwell in, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

FOR LENT

[Lent is the period of forty days before Easter; by keeping it we follow the example of our blessed Lord and Saviour. Examine your whole life, ask for pardon and strength to do better, and deny yourself something every day in food, comfort, sleep, or enjoyment.]

O blessed Saviour, Who didst fast in the desert for forty days for our sakes, and to set us a holy example of self-denial, grant that I may faithfully use this time of Lent which Thy Holy Church has set apart, that I may follow Thee in prayer and self-denial, and confessing my sins to God, may be pardoned, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION

St. Paul says, "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup."

You must guard against the danger of coming carelessly and without preparation to Holy Communion; so make a rule to always examine yourself carefully before you come.

First kneel down and say: —

O God, Thou knowest everything that I have said, and thought, and done. Help me now to examine myself, that I may see my sins and be sorry for them. Send Thy Holy Spirit into my heart to help me, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Then ask yourself: —

1. Am I trying to love and serve God with all my heart?

2. Have I fallen into any special sin, which is troubling my mind, and keeping me back from God?

3. Have I said my prayers reverently and carefully every night and morning?

4. Have I been to Church every Sunday, and kept the rest of the day as I ought?

5. Have I tried to forgive any who may have done me a wrong?

6. Have I done anything impure, or said anything impure, or encouraged any impure thought?

7. Have I been honest in everything?

8. Have I always told the truth?

9. Have I thought or spoken evil of another?

10. Have I quarrelled with any one, or lost my temper?

11. Is there any sin I am not willing to give up?

12. Have I been regular in my times of receiving the Holy Communion?

Whenever you find you have been wrong, confess your fault to God, and ask for his pardon; say: —

O Father Almighty, forgive me for this sin that I have committed, and send down Thy Holy Spirit into my heart that I may do better in the future, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

[If you have any trouble in your mind, or cannot quiet your own conscience, either from some sin that you have committed, or from doubt as to whether you ought to come to Holy Communion, do not be afraid to go to your Clergyman, and ask him to help you.]

Also on Saturday night or Sunday morning use the following Office of Preparation: —

Kneel down and say: —

LORD, have mercy upon me.

CHRIST, have mercy upon me.

LORD, have mercy upon me.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

I am truly sorry, O Lord, that I have grieved Thee by my sins, and I wish that my sorrow was far greater. I am not worthy to be called Thy child, but Thou art still my most merciful Father. Make me to hate sin and to long for holiness: for Jesus' sake. Amen.

I love Thee, O my God, for all Thy mercy to me, and I desire to love Thee more and more. Let no earthly love possess my heart, so as to let me forget Thee. Give me Thy Holy Spirit that I may love Thee more truly, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

O Heavenly Father, I am about to draw near to the most Holy Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Thy dear Son. Have mercy upon me; have mercy upon me, for I am most unworthy. But, O my God, look not upon my sin, but look upon the Face of Thy Son. Thy dear Son hath died that we may come with boldness unto Thee. Therefore I come. Oh, may I so eat and drink that I may be partaker of the Body and Blood of Christ to the strengthening and refreshing of my soul, and may be one with Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Hear me, and accept me, O most merciful Father, for the sake of the same my crucified Saviour. Amen.

May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, be with me now and at the hour of death. Amen.

THE DAY OF COMMUNION

Be careful to be at Church in good time, and while waiting for the Service to begin, say one or more of these Prayers: —

Cleanse Thou me, O Lord, from my secret faults, and mercifully pardon my sins, that I may receive Thy holy gifts with a pure mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, I come to the holy Sacrament of Thy dear Son. I draw near weak, to the Giver of Strength; unclean, to the Fountain of Mercy; blind, to the Eternal Light; poor and needy, to the Lord of heaven and earth. I pray Thee, therefore, of Thy great goodness, to have mercy upon me, that so I may receive the King of kings, and Lord of lords, with such reverence and purity and faith, as shall be for the health of my soul. Let me now receive the Body and Blood of Jesus my Lord, that I may be one Body and one Spirit with Him, and ever remain among His members. Grant this for the same Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

I do not presume to come to Thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in my own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great mercies. I am not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Thy table. But Thou art the same Lord, Whose property is always to have mercy: Grant me therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His Blood, that my sinful body may be made clean by His Body, and my soul washed through His most precious Blood, and that I may evermore dwell in Him and He in me. Amen.

Or this.

O Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, not trusting in my own goodness, but in Thy great merits, I desire to receive the holy Sacrament of Thy Body and Blood. I am stained with many sins; do Thou wash me in Thy precious Blood. I am faint and weary in my strife against sin; do Thou refresh and strengthen me. Give me perfect purity of soul and body; drive from me all unholy thoughts, and keep me from every evil word and deed. Give me grace to draw near to this holy Sacrament with such reverence and fear, such holy joy and fervent love, such sorrow for sin and desires for holiness, that I may enjoy all the blessings and receive all the benefits which Thou hast obtained for us through Thy precious death. Amen.

If you have any more time before the Service begins, you can use the Hymns at the end of the book.

THE ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER, OR HOLY COMMUNION

[The parts of the Service which you are to repeat are printed in italic letters.]

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Collect.

Almighty God, unto Whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

[As each commandment is read, ask yourself,

"Have I kept this commandment?"

Then join with all your heart in the words,

"Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law."]

Minister.

God spake these words, and said; I am the Lord thy God: Thou shalt have none other gods but me.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me, and show mercy unto thousands in them that love Me, and keep My commandments.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt do no murder.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt not steal.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Minister. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is his.

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these Thy laws in our hearts, we beseech Thee.

Then shall follow one of these two Collects for the King.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, whose kingdom is ever-lasting, and power infinite; Have mercy upon the whole Church; and so rule the heart of Thy chosen servant GEORGE, our King and Governor, that he (knowing whose minister he is) may above all things seek Thy honour and glory: and that we, and all his subjects (duly considering Whose authority he hath) may faithfully serve, honour, and humbly obey him, in Thee, and for Thee, according to Thy blessed Word and ordinance, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Or,

Almighty and Everlasting God, we are taught by Thy holy Word that the hearts of kings are in Thy rule and governance, and that Thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to Thy godly wisdom: we humbly beseech Thee so to dispose and govern the heart of GEORGE Thy servant, our King and Governor, that, in all his thoughts, words, and works, he may ever seek Thy honour and glory, and study to preserve Thy people committed to his charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness. Grant this, O merciful Father, for Thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here follow

THE COLLECT, EPISTLE, AND GOSPEL

[If you have your Prayer Book with you, find out the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the day. Before the Gospel say, "Glory be to Thee, O Lord", and after the Gospel, "Thanks be to Thee, O Lord."]

THE CREED

I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father; By Whom all things were made, Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

[Then the alms are collected while one or more of the Offertory Sentences are read. Always try to give something at the Offertory, no matter how small the amount is, but never stay away from the service because you have nothing to give. When you have made your offering, kneel down, and say: —

All that is in heaven and in the earth is Thine. All things come of Thee, and of Thine Own have I given Thee.]

THE OFFERTORY SENTENCES

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v.

Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth; where the rust and moth doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither rust nor moth doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. St. Matt. vi.

Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. St. Matt. vii.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. vii.

Zacchæus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have done any wrong to any man, I restore fourfold. St. Luke xix.

Who goeth a warfare at any time of his own cost? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 Cor. ix.

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your worldly things? 1 Cor. ix.

Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy things live of the sacrifice; and they who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord also ordained, that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. ix.

He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix.

Let him that is taught in the Word minister unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. Gal. vi.

While we have time, let us do good unto all men; and specially unto them that are of the household of faith. Gal. vi.

Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath: for we brought nothing into the world, neither may we carry anything out. 1 Tim. vi.

Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. 1 Tim. vi.

God is not unrighteous, that He will forget your works, and labour that proceedeth of love; which love ye have showed for His Name's sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. Heb. vi.

To do good and to distribute forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii.

Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 St. John iii.

Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man; and then the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee. Tobit iv.