The First Sunday after the Epiphany, Book Review, and Pastoral Letter - 2026

 

The First Sunday after the Epiphany.

Psalm 47. Omnes gentes, plaudite.

O CLAP your hands together, all ye peoples: * O sing unto God with the voice of melody.

2 For the Lord is high, and to be feared; * he is the great King upon all the earth.

3 He shall subdue the peoples under us, * and the nations under our feet.

4 He shall choose out an heritage for us, * even the excellency of Jacob, whom he loved.

5 God is gone up with a merry noise, * and the Lord with the sound of the trump.

6 O sing praises, sing praises unto our God; * O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.

7 For God is the King of all the earth: * sing ye praises with understanding.

8 God reigneth over the nations; * God sitteth upon his holy seat.

9 The princes of the peoples are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham; * for God, which is very high exalted, doth defend the earth, as it were with a shield.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, &c. 

The Collect.

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60.1-9

Psalter: Psalm 47, 48 | 66, 67

Epistle Reading: Romans 12.1-5

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 2.41-52 

Homily

 I read and reviewed a very important book on AI, and evaluating it from a soberminded, biblical, Christian perspective. My book review is here: Made in Our Image.

 I also am encouraging my congregation to pray for the church in America, for revival and reformation. Here was the first installment: Prayer for Revival and Reformation Pt 1

Circumcision of Christ (1 Jan.), Renewal of Vows (3 Jan.), Second Sunday after Christmas (4 Jan.) - 2026

 

The Circumcision of Christ (1 January).

Psalm 6. Domine, ne in furore.

O  LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation, * neither chasten me in thy displeasure.

2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; * O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul also is sore troubled: * but, Lord, how long wilt thou punish me?

4 Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul; * O save me, for thy mercy’s sake.

5 For in death no man remembereth thee; * and who will give thee thanks in the pit?

6 I am weary of my groaning; * every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my tears.

7 My beauty is gone for very trouble, * and worn away because of all mine enemies.

8 Away from me, all ye that work iniquity; * for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

9 The Lord hath heard my petition; * the Lord will receive my prayer.

10 All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed; * they shall be turned back, and put to shame suddenly.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true Circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For the New Year: Almighty and Everlasting God, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift; we give thee thanks for all thy benefits, temporal and spiritual, bestowed upon us in the year past, and we beseech thee of thy goodness, grant us a favorable and joyful year, defend us from all dangers and adversities, and send upon us the fullness of thy blessing; through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen (“The Book of Worship: Approved by the General Synod of the Evangelical Reformed Church,” 1947, p. 120).  

Epistle Reading: Philippians 2.9-13

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 2.15-21 

Homily

Feast of the Order of Centurions (3 January)

Renewal of our Vows

Office of the Renewal of Vows 

On this day centurions may reaffirm the Vow of the Order in remembrance of the tradition of the centurions of the first centuries "Sacramentum". Another suggested day is January 1, or its eve, which was another day when the Roman Army soldiers would affirm their vows. 

New members may be received into the order. 

Where two or more are gathered, a leader will state the Sacramentum. For those without a Cohort, the Primus Pilus will state the Sacramentum at the Chapel of the Centurions.

I acknowledge Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior. I will endeavor to obey the Ten Commandments and the Summary of the Law, and follow the Rule of the Order of Centurions; and through faith and the aid of the Holy Spirit - fear God and do what is right. So help me God. 

Centurions and candidates, in turn, affirm their acceptance with the words, "The same in my case"

When a man was enlisted in the army, he received a special mark. All early Christians received an invisible mark at baptism, when he was sealed with the cross on the forehead.

The observance then may continue with Devotion or Eucharist using the following collect, readings, and sermon and Communion and/or an Agape banquet. If this office is performed on January 1, or its eve, then the appointed collects and the readings for the Circumcision may be used. 

For the Scripture readings and homily

 

The Second Sunday after Christmas Day

Psalm 37 (v.1-6)

Noli aemulari

FRET not thyself because of the ungodly : neither be thou envious against the evil-doers.

2. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass : and be withered even as the green herb.

3. Put thou thy trust in the Lord, and be doing good : dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4. Delight thou in the Lord : and he shall give thee thy heart’s desire.

5. Commit thy way unto the Lord, and put thy trust in him : and he shall bring it to pass.

6. He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light ; and thy just dealing as the noon-day. 

The Collect

ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61.1-3

Psalter: Psalm 85, 87 | 90, 91

{Epistle Reading: Philippians 2.12-18}

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 2.19-23 

Homily

The Innocents' Day (28 December) and Sunday after Christmas - 2025/26

 

The Innocents’ Day (28 December).

From Psalm 90

Domine, refugium

LORD, thou hast been our refuge * from one generation to another.

So teach us to number our days * that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Turn thee again, O Lord, at the last * and be gracious unto thy servants.

O satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon * so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued us * and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity.

Shew thy servants thy work * and their children thy glory.

And the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us * prosper thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handywork.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, &c. 

 

The Collect.

O ALMIGHTY God, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify thee by their deaths; Mortify and kill all vices in us, and so strengthen us by thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall follow the Collect of the Nativity, which shall be said continually unto New-year’s Eve. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: Revelation 14.1-5

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew2.13-18 

Homily 

The Sunday after Christmas-Day.

Psalm 8. Domine, Dominus noster.

O  LORD our Governor, how excellent is thy Name in all the world; * thou that hast set thy glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies, * that  thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider thy heavens, even the work of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;

4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 Thou madest him lower than the angels, * to crown him with glory and worship.

6 Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands; * and thou hast put all things in subjection un- der his feet:

7 All sheep and oxen; * yea, and the beasts of the field;

8 The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord our Governor, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, &c. 

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 9.2-7

Psalter: Morning-2, 8; Evening-89

Epistle Reading: Galatians 4.1-7

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 1.18-25 

Homily

Christmas Eve (24 December), Christmas Day (25 December), St. Stephen's (26 December) and St. John's (27 December)

 

The Eve of the Nativity of our Lord 
December 24

Psalm 2. Quare fremuerunt gentes?

WHY do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together * against the Lord, and against his Anointed:

3 Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: * the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them in his sore displeasure:

6 Yet have I set my King * upon my holy hill of Sion.

7 I will rehearse the decree; * the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

8 Desire of me, and I shall give thee the nations for thine inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9 Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron, * and break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be instructed, ye that are judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the right way, if his wrath be kindled, yea but a little. *  Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thine only Son Jesus Christ; Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our Judge, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: Titus 2.11-15

Gospel Reading: Luke 2.1-14

 

The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birth-day of Christ,

Commonly called Christmas-Day.

Magnificat.

St. Luke I.

MY soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations.

He hath showed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek.

He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, &c. 

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: St. John 1.1-14 

Homily

 

Saint Stephen’s Day (26 December).

From Psalm 34

Benedicam Domino

I WILL alway give thanks unto the Lord * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous * and his ears are open unto their prayers.

The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them * and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart * and will save such as be of an humble spirit.

Great are the troubles of the righteous * but the Lord delivereth him out of all.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, &c. 

The Collect.

Grant, O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of thy truth, we may stedfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

 

Then shall follow the Collect of the Nativity, which shall be said continually unto New-year’s Eve. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: Acts (6.8-7.53) 7.54-60

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 23.34-39 

 

Saint John the Evangelist’s Day (27 December).

From Psalm 37

Noli aemulari

FRET not thyself because of the ungodly * neither be thou envious against the evil-doers.

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass * and be withered even as the green herb.

Put thou thy trust in the Lord, and be doing good * dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thou in the Lord * and he shall give thee thy heart’s desire.

Commit thy way unto the Lord, and put thy trust in him * and he shall bring it to pass.

He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light * and thy just dealing as the noon-day.

Hold thee still in the Lord, and abide patiently upon him * but grieve not thyself at him whose way doth prosper, against the man that doeth after evil counsels.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, &c. 

The Collect.

MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church, that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Then shall follow the Collect of the Nativity, which shall be said continually unto New-year’s Eve. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Epistle Reading:1 John 1.1-10

Gospel Reading: St. John 21.19-25

Fourth Sunday in Advent, St. Thomas (21 December) and Pastoral Letter - 2025/26

 

The Fourth Sunday in Advent.

Psalm 97. Dominus regnavit.

THE Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.

3 There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.

4 His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and was afraid.

5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the  Lord; * at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.

7 Confounded be all they that worship carved images, and that delight in vain gods: * worship him, all ye gods.

8 Sion heard of it, and rejoiced; and the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.

9 For thou, Lord, art higher than all that are in the  earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.

10 O ye that love the Lord, see that ye hate the thing which is evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints;  he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.

11 There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joyful gladness for such as are true-hearted.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.

The Collect from the First Sunday in Advent is to be repeated every day, with the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas-Eve: 

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

O LORD, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour† us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let* and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the satisfaction of thy Son our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 

†”Succour” – give assistance or aid

*“Let” – impede or obstruct.

 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 40.1-11

Psalter: Morning-98, 99; Evening-101, 103

Epistle Reading: Philippians 4.4-7

Gospel Reading: St. John 1.19-28 

Homily

Saint Thomas the Apostle

21 December

The Collect

Almighty and everliving God, who for the more confirmation of the faith didst suffer thy holy Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in thy Son’s resurrection; Grant us so perfectly, and without all doubt, to believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy sight may never be reproved. Hear us, O Lord, through the same Jesus Christ, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen. 

The Epistle: Ephesians 2.19-22

The Gospel: St. John 20.24-31 

Homily

Advent Reflection - Joy Pt 3 (adapted from my letter to my congregation this last week)

These last couple of weeks, for Advent (see Joy Pt 1, and Joy Pt 2), I have been writing about joy drawing from Psalm 43:4, “to God my exceeding joy.” We come back to the Joy Giver and gift of joy one more time, considering Romans 15:1-13. Open a Bible and follow along. 

Paul describes the way the Gospel draws together different people around Jesus (Romans 15:1-3), where the God of endurance and encouragement grants us the ability to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ; and to worship together with one voice; and to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us (Romans 15:4-7). He continues this theme, showing how Jesus makes believers from different ethnic groups (Jews and Gentiles), together, a welcome part of furthering God’s world rescue operation (Romans 5:8-12). And then he prays (Romans 5:13). It's his prayer that brings us back around to joy, along with peace and hope:

 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” 

In Romans 15:1-13, the God of hope is the Giver of joy and peace. He does this graciously through His Son, Jesus, who bore our reproaches (verse 3). Further, he does this by the Holy Spirit (verse 13; and see 14:17 again). And he does this from within our healthy, health-fostering fellowship, from within Christian camaraderie and community (verses 1-13). 

Joy, real joy, is found in communion with God the Giver. It is located in the saving work of his Son, Jesus. It is powerfully accompanied with hope and peace by the Holy Spirit. And joy is supported by, and cultivated in our fellowship with one another – not in isolation from each other, nor as rugged individualists all alone. And clearly not when we become at odds with each other. But, rather, while we walk, work and worship together, with Jesus at the center! 

Peace has a vertical (Godward) and horizontal (one another) reach, as you will hear this Sunday when we think about the child who is born, the Son who is given, who is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The One whose increasing government and peace will have no end (Isaiah 9:6-7). 

In the same way, according to Romans 15:1-13, joy also has a vertical (Godward) and horizontal (one another) reach. And so, Advent and Christmas ought to propel us toward greater times of community with God’s people. Advent and Christmas should bring us to spend more time together to enjoy the coming of our Lord, together. How suitable that have a Children’s Christmas programs, Christmas Brunch on Sunday, and a Christmas Eve services! Lots of opportunities to be filled with joy vertically and horizontally! And to foster joy with one another! 

Therefore, let this season draw you upward, closer to “God my exceeding joy.” To revel with the joy that is found in Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit, supplemented by peace and hope. And let this time of year draw you closer to one another, to find ways to be together, cultivating, fostering, developing joy together. 

Pastor Mike

Third Sunday in Advent, Ember Days and Pt 2 Advent Reflection - Joy - 2025/26

 

The Third Sunday in Advent.

Psalm 96 Cantate Domino

O SING unto the Lord a new song : sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.

2. Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name : be telling of his salvation from day to day.

3. Declare his honour unto the heathen : and his wonders unto all people.

4. For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised : he is more to be feared than all gods.

5. As for all the gods of the heathen, they are but idols : but it is the Lord that made the heavens.

6. Glory and worship are before him : power and honour are in his sanctuary.

7. Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people : ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.

8. Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto his Name : bring presents, and come into his courts.

9. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : let the whole earth stand in awe of him.

10. Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King : and that it is he who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved; and how that he shall judge the people righteously.

11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad : let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is.

12. Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it : then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.

13. For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth : and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people with his truth.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

 

The Collect.

The Collect from the First Sunday in Advent is to be repeated every day, with the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas-Eve:

 

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

O LORD Jesu Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 35

Psalter: Morning-52, 53; Evening-93, 94

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 4.1-5

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 11.2-10

Homily

Joy – Advent Reflection Pt 2

 

Advent Ember Days: 17, 19 and 20 December 2025

See here for the Ember Days.

 

In the Ember Weeks, to be said every day, for those that are about to be admitted into Holy Orders:

 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious blood of thy dear Son; Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors of thy flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons, to serve in the sacred Ministry of thy Church. And to those which shall be ordained to any holy function, give thy grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and doctrine they may show forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Or this.

 

ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church; Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.