As part of my ‘readathon’, my lovely Dad’s suggestion was ‘The Book of Common Prayer’.
I was not impressed….
However he brought me a copy over and so I delved into it and I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised. I came across this prayer last night which I thought was simply beautiful:
Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire,
Thou the annointing spirit art,
Who dost they seven-fold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above,
Is comfort, life and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light,
The dulness of our blinded sight.
Annoint and cheer our soild face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home:
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee, of both, to be but One.
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song;
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
It’s from the Section ‘Ordering of Priests’ (just doing some background..;) )
4 Comments
margaretkiaora
October 13, 2010 at 12:15 pmI was confirmed in 1959 and this hymn is all I can remember of the service. When my faith came alive for me in my 30s I could not read or sing it without realising that God always keeps his covenant relationship thro Baptism( and confirmation) even if it doesnt dawn on us for years afterwards.
Thats why I never agonize over all those going thro anglican rites of passage who seem not to be touched by the ritual. I thank God for all those who must have prayed for my dull and blinded sight to be awakened to the light of Christ.
Alan Crawley
October 13, 2010 at 4:26 pmIf I remember rightly it has been sung at every ordination that I have attended.
Alastair
October 14, 2010 at 6:38 pmStill used at Ordinations! Sometimes the Bishop even gets to start the singing, depending on how confident they are at leading the singing, and some Bishops shouldn't be trying to!
And I love the BCP, parts of it are beautifully constructed, much of it is taken straight from scripture. Prefer 1549 to 1662 myself, mainly cos Cramner was such a good liturgist and writer and his stuff was messed about with by later reformers. Some of the theology (eg 'Divine right of Kings') a bit ropey, a bit negative about the purposes of marriage and very harsh in the Funeral service, but Morning/Evening Prayer & Eucharist are lovely services!
Judy
October 20, 2010 at 12:01 pmHi Red,
Beautiful prayer! Sometimes we find wonderful things when we least expect it.
Blessings,
Judy