We humbly acknowledge before thee, O most merciful Father, that all the punishments which are threatened in thy law might justly have fallen upon us, by reason of our manifold transgressions and hardness of heart: Yet seeing it hath pleased thee of thy tender mercy, upon our weak and unworthy humiliation, to assuage the contagious sickness wherewith we lately have been sore afflicted, and to restore the voice of joy and health into our dwellings: We offer unto thy Divine Majesty the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, lauding and magnifying thy glorious Name for such thy preservation and providence over us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | THE BIDDING PRAYER | | | Let us pray for Christ's Holy Catholic Church throughout the | world, especially for the Churches of Great Britain and Ireland; | for all Christian Sovereigns, Princes and Governors, particularly | our Sovereign Lord King _GEORGE_, over all estates of men in | these his dominions supreme; for our gracious Queen _Mary_, | for _Alexandra_ the Queen Mother, for _Edward_ Prince of Wales, | and all the Royal Family; for the ministers of God's holy Word | and Sacraments, especially for _N_. Bishop of this diocese and | all he clergy of the same; for the great Council of the nation | [now in Parliament assembled], for the Nobility, Judges, and | Magistrates of the realm, * especially for the [Lord] Provost | and Magistrates of this ancient [and royal] city [or burgh]: | that all these in their several callings may serve truly and | faithfully to the glory of God and the edifying and well | governing of his people, remembering always the strict and | solemn account which they must give before the judgement seat | of Christ. And for all other subjects of this realm, let us pray | that they may live in the true faith and fear of God, in dutiful | obedience to the King and brotherly charity one to another. And | that there may never be wanting a supply of fit persons to serve | God in Church and State, let us pray for a blessing on our | universities [especially on . . . . . ], and on all colleges | and schools, especially on the Theological College of our | Church, that in these and in all places set apart for God's | honour and service true religion and sound learning may ever | flourish and abound. [+ And let us give thanks to Almighty God | for all his servants, both living and departed, who have given | of their substance or service towards the founding, building, | maintenance, and adornment of this church ++ and especially are | we bound to remember . . . . . ] | | Finally, let us praise God for those who are departed out of | this life in the faith of Christ, and let us pray unto him that | we may be made partakers with them in the glorious resurrection | unto life everlasting. All which things let us humbly ask in | the words which Christ himself hath taught us, saying: | | Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom