Topics, Rites, etc.
Didache
Ceremony of Marriage
Rite of Baptism
Anointing a Home or Place
Anointing for Healing
Didache
Ceremony of Marriage
Rite of Baptism
Anointing a Home or Place
Anointing for Healing
| DIDACHE (dih-dah-kay) literally translates as "teaching" The Lord’s Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations. Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but there is a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And in regard to these sayings, the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? In fact, you are to love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn the other to him as well, and you will be perfect (Christ-like). Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone requires that you accompany him for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, also give him your coat. If someone takes from you what you have acquired, do not ask for it back, for indeed you cannot. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for it back; for the Father wills that all should benefit from our blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment for he is guilt-free. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who is truly needy, he is guiltless; but he who receives and is deceptive (not truly in need—taking from those who are) he will be penalized in kind. And being confined, he shall be examined concerning the things he has done, and shall not be freed from there until he pays back every last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, “Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you shall give.” Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden. And the second commandment of the Teaching: You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not have sexual relations with children (commit pederasty), you shall not have sexual relations outside the institution of marriage (commit fornication), you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft (pagan worship), you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is newly born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness (lie), you shall not speak evil (gossip), and you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued (deceptive), for to be double-tongued is the snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covet, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil council against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life. Chapter 3. Other Sins forbidden. My child, flee from everything evil, and from everything that appears to be evil. Do not be prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Do not be jealous or quarrelsome or hot- tempered for out of all of these murder is also born. My child, be not a lustful one, for lust leads to fornication (promiscuous sex). No not have a filthy tongue or a wandering eye, for out of these are born adulteries. My child, do not be a believer in omens, since it leads to idolatry (worship of idols, false gods). Be neither a sorcerer, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to look at these things, for out of these idolatry is fostered. Be neither a lover of money, nor conceited, for out of these theft is the only outcome; you will not be able to resist the temptation. My child, do not curse under your breath, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of these blasphemies are aroused. Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering and pitiable and unaffected, and gentle and good, and always trembling at the words that you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor be over- confident in your soul. Your soul shall not be assembled with authorities or power brokers, but with the just and lowly ones shall it take refuge. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that nothing happens apart from God. Chapter 4. Various Precepts. My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the rule of the Lord is spoken, there He is. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, that you may rest upon their words. Do not support division, but rather bring those in contention to a peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons who criticize for transgressions. Do not be undecided about these things. Do not take for your personal needs; rather give to atone for sins. Be generous. Do not hesitate to give or complain when you do, for you know who repays your giving. Do not turn away from those in need; rather share all things with your brother, and do not keep them to yourself. If you are taking part in things that are immortal, then how much more things that are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter (reprimand); rather teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not take out your anger upon your servants, or those closest to you, who hope in the same God, or they may neither fear you nor God. As you know our Lord comes to call not according to appearances, but to them whose heart has been prepared by the Spirit. You servants shall be subject to your masters as to a semblance of God, in modesty and in respect. You shall hate hypocrisy and everything that is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not forsake the commandments of our Lord in any way; but keep what you have received, neither adding not taking away from it. In the church you shall confess your sins, and you shall not kneel in sacramental prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. Chapter 5. The Way of Death. And the way of death is this: First of all these are evil and a curse: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, deceit, haughtiness, depravity (perversion), self-will, greediness, filthy talk, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness (elitism), boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving lies, not knowing any reward for righteousness, not embracing good nor using righteous judgment, rejecting goodness and drawn to evil, distant from meekness and endurance, loving self, pursuing revenge, having no pity on the poor, doing nothing for the afflicted, not knowing their Creator, murderer of children, destroyers of God’s handiwork, rejecting the needy, causing pain to those in agony, advocates of the rich, critical of the poor, sinners in every possible way. My children, avoid all of these. Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. See that no one causes you to stray from this portion of the Teaching, since, aside from God, this is your guide and direction. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, refuse what you can, for that which is sacrificed to idols is for the service of dead gods. Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism. And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all of these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before. Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord’s Prayer). But let not your fasts be with hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the power and glory forever." Chapter 9. The Eucharist. Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup: We thank Thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which you made known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory forever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory forever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let the church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever. But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into he name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, “Give not that which is holy to the dogs.” (But Lord, even dogs need to eat). Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion. But after you are filled, give thanks this way: We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name you cause to reside in our hearts, and the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Christ Your servant; to Thee be the glory forever. Thou, Master almighty, did create all things for Your name’s sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You did freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy servant. Before all creation we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory forever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to perfect it in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the Son of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let Him repent. Maranatha (or Come! Lord!). Amen. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire. Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him, but if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain for more than one day; or two days, if there is a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he does himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, give me money, or something similar, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others’ sake who are in need, let no one judge him. Chapter 12. Reception of Christians. But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and know him by his actions; for you shall have complete understanding. If he who comes in a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you for more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, from what you can determine, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to apply himself, he is a blasphemer. Watch out that you keep away from these types. Chapter 13. Support of Prophets. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worth supporting. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, if actively leading, of support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing floor, of oxen and sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first loaf of bread and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a container of wine or oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it seems appropriate, and give according to the commandment. Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord’s Day. But every Lord’s day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving (Communion) after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice (heart) may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his brother or sister come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your remembrance of His sacrifice may be pure; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is Wonderful among the nations. Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. Appoint, therefore, for yourselves bishops worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proven worthy; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger but in peace, as it has been shown to you in the Gospel. But to anyone who acts unkindly to another, he should refrain from further interaction until he repents. All of your prayers, gifts, and deeds should be done as in the Gospel of our Lord. Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord. Watch for your life’s sake. Let not your lamps go out nor let your guard down; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are blessings to your souls; for all of the time spent in good faith will not be of any benefit if you lose it at the end of days. For in those last days false prophets and corruptors shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall lift up Satan as the Son of God. The deceiver will do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands; and he shall do evil the likes of which has never been seen since the beginning. Then the faithful, and those who would believe, will come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be delivered from the curse. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead … yet not all, but as it as said, “The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him.” Then the world shall see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven. This is an amended version of the Electric Version copyright 1996 by New Advent, Inc., from website www. newadvent.org. I have kept the tone and language, but amended occasionally to make the content accessible to the layperson. This has been done through the guidance and discernment of the Holy Spirit. |
CEREMONY of MARRIAGE
(All stand)
1. The Bride, Groom and wedding party stand in front of the minister. (The Parents may stand behind
the couple).
Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you
all. (the sign of the Cross +)
Pastor: Let us pray …
Loving and eternal God, our Creator and Redeemer, as You created Adam and Eve for one another, for better or
worse, so you have created __________ and __________ for one another for all of the blessings and challenges
that will confront them. Lord, strengthen them in their bond of marriage, that they may keep Your Son, Jesus
Christ, at the center of their relationship to, indeed, secure a lifetime together. We know that a strong marriage is
no accident … it is hard loving work. Amen
2. A lesson will be read.
Pastor: This ceremony is about connecting separate lives and making them one. For all that the world may
offer, the only real glue for such a bond is God through His Son, Christ Jesus. Please believe me when I tell you
this. I have personally known this to be true, and warn you of the consequence of disbelief.
As the following Scripture is witness, the Old Testament sets a precedent for bringing parties together to create a
holy union: Adam and Eve, God and His covenant with the nation of Israel, and in time … Christ and His Bride,
the Church of true believers.
Isaiah 54:5 “For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of Hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy
One of Israel …”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall,
one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be
overpowered by another, two can withstand him”
Genesis 2:18&24 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make a helper
comparable to him. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall
become one flesh.”
Because we call the Lord to witness and participate [in] this holy sacrament, we also are aware that He is a third
partner. This is also a holy trinity. In Hosea it is clear …
Hosea 3:13 "I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in
lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord."
Rather than simply leaving family and cleaving to one another, today we are binding these two not only to one
another but to Christ who, if kept at the center, will provide for a lifetime of marital strength and blessing.
Note that in this translation of Genesis God reminds us that we are not to be alone; that we are given partners
who are “comparable,” not subject to being degraded, and that you shall be starting a new family that is to be
respected, but is not fully separate from the families they have been nurtured by. This is the basis our community.
Because of sin, our age-old rebellion, the gladness of marriage can be overcast and the gift of the family can
become a burden.
But because God, who established marriage, continues still to bless with his abundant and ever-present support,
we can be sustained in our weariness and have our joy restored.
_____________ and ____________, if it is your intention to share with each other your joys and your sorrows,
repeat the following vows after me.
4. The bride and groom face each other and join hands. Each, in turn, promises faithfulness to the
other in these or similar words.
I take you, _____________________ to be my (wife/husband) from this day forward, to join with you and share
all that is to come. And I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us in this world and reunites us in the
presence of God.
5. The bride and groom exchange rings with these words.
I give you this ring as a sign of my true love and faithfulness.
6. The bride and groom join hands, and the pastor announces their marriage by saying:
Pastor: ________________ and ___________________, by their promises before God and in the presence of
this gathering, have bound themselves to one another as husband and wife.
Blessed be the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (+). Those whom God has joined together let no one put
asunder.
(bride and groom may kiss to signify their commitment and love)
Amen.
7. The bride and groom kneel.
Pastor: The Lord God, who first created those who preceded us, and established them in marriage, establish
and lead you, that you may find delight in each other as told in the Song of Solomon, and that you will grow in
holy love until your life’s end.
May you dwell in God’s presence forever; may true and forgiving love preserve you.
Amen.
Let us pray for ______________and _________________ in their life together.
Glorious Lord, source of love, pour your grace upon ______________ and
________________, that they might fulfill the life-long vows they have made in the presence of this gathering and
in Your most Holy presence … that they may reflect your steadfast love in their faithfulness. As members with
them in the body of Christ we pray for their promise to be faithfully executed: that they might find peace, the
peace that passes all understanding, even in the face of the inevitable challenges that life offers. Paul said to
best in his epistle to the Romans … “but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.” It is for this hope that we pray in the name of
the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (+).
________________ and ________________, may God’s face shine upon you all the days of your life.
Amen.
(All stand)
1. The Bride, Groom and wedding party stand in front of the minister. (The Parents may stand behind
the couple).
Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you
all. (the sign of the Cross +)
Pastor: Let us pray …
Loving and eternal God, our Creator and Redeemer, as You created Adam and Eve for one another, for better or
worse, so you have created __________ and __________ for one another for all of the blessings and challenges
that will confront them. Lord, strengthen them in their bond of marriage, that they may keep Your Son, Jesus
Christ, at the center of their relationship to, indeed, secure a lifetime together. We know that a strong marriage is
no accident … it is hard loving work. Amen
2. A lesson will be read.
Pastor: This ceremony is about connecting separate lives and making them one. For all that the world may
offer, the only real glue for such a bond is God through His Son, Christ Jesus. Please believe me when I tell you
this. I have personally known this to be true, and warn you of the consequence of disbelief.
As the following Scripture is witness, the Old Testament sets a precedent for bringing parties together to create a
holy union: Adam and Eve, God and His covenant with the nation of Israel, and in time … Christ and His Bride,
the Church of true believers.
Isaiah 54:5 “For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of Hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy
One of Israel …”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall,
one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be
overpowered by another, two can withstand him”
Genesis 2:18&24 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make a helper
comparable to him. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall
become one flesh.”
Because we call the Lord to witness and participate [in] this holy sacrament, we also are aware that He is a third
partner. This is also a holy trinity. In Hosea it is clear …
Hosea 3:13 "I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in
lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord."
Rather than simply leaving family and cleaving to one another, today we are binding these two not only to one
another but to Christ who, if kept at the center, will provide for a lifetime of marital strength and blessing.
Note that in this translation of Genesis God reminds us that we are not to be alone; that we are given partners
who are “comparable,” not subject to being degraded, and that you shall be starting a new family that is to be
respected, but is not fully separate from the families they have been nurtured by. This is the basis our community.
Because of sin, our age-old rebellion, the gladness of marriage can be overcast and the gift of the family can
become a burden.
But because God, who established marriage, continues still to bless with his abundant and ever-present support,
we can be sustained in our weariness and have our joy restored.
_____________ and ____________, if it is your intention to share with each other your joys and your sorrows,
repeat the following vows after me.
4. The bride and groom face each other and join hands. Each, in turn, promises faithfulness to the
other in these or similar words.
I take you, _____________________ to be my (wife/husband) from this day forward, to join with you and share
all that is to come. And I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us in this world and reunites us in the
presence of God.
5. The bride and groom exchange rings with these words.
I give you this ring as a sign of my true love and faithfulness.
6. The bride and groom join hands, and the pastor announces their marriage by saying:
Pastor: ________________ and ___________________, by their promises before God and in the presence of
this gathering, have bound themselves to one another as husband and wife.
Blessed be the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (+). Those whom God has joined together let no one put
asunder.
(bride and groom may kiss to signify their commitment and love)
Amen.
7. The bride and groom kneel.
Pastor: The Lord God, who first created those who preceded us, and established them in marriage, establish
and lead you, that you may find delight in each other as told in the Song of Solomon, and that you will grow in
holy love until your life’s end.
May you dwell in God’s presence forever; may true and forgiving love preserve you.
Amen.
Let us pray for ______________and _________________ in their life together.
Glorious Lord, source of love, pour your grace upon ______________ and
________________, that they might fulfill the life-long vows they have made in the presence of this gathering and
in Your most Holy presence … that they may reflect your steadfast love in their faithfulness. As members with
them in the body of Christ we pray for their promise to be faithfully executed: that they might find peace, the
peace that passes all understanding, even in the face of the inevitable challenges that life offers. Paul said to
best in his epistle to the Romans … “but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.” It is for this hope that we pray in the name of
the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (+).
________________ and ________________, may God’s face shine upon you all the days of your life.
Amen.
the gathering
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RITE of HOLY BAPTISM
Pastor: In Holy Baptism our gracious heavenly Father liberates us from sin and death by joining us to the death
and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His living water flows into and through us by the work of the Holy Spirit.
ALL: We are born children of a fallen humanity; in the waters of baptism we are reborn children of God whole and
complete in His Mystery.
Pastor: As Christ spoke to Nicodemus, He speaks to us in John 3:5, “I assure you that unless a man is born of
water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” But understand, this is only the beginning ... this rite
is evidence of a changed heart. Be it known that one can enter the kingdom of God only through belief in Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior. He is the Living Water.
ALL: These are unalterable truths; truths we can live by.
By the water and the Holy Spirit we are made members of the Church which is the body of Christ. As we live with
Him, and in the community of His people, we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.
Pastor: I present _____________________ to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
______________________, do you wish to be baptized?
(For those too young to answer for themselves, an adult will respond in their place.)
Candidate or representative: I do.
[FOR CHILDREN: In Christ’s love you have presented ___________ for Holy Baptism. You should, therefore,
faithfully nurture (him/her) and guide (him/her) in the gathering with other believers, recitation of the Apostle’s
Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Commandments, and the stories that recount the glory of our Savior and of God’s
work among His people. As (he/she) grows in years you should place the Holy Scripture in (his/her) hands and
provide for (his/her) instruction. You should keep the person of Jesus Christ as real as any friend, reminding
(him/her) that the relationship with Jesus is more important than any law or rule. You will prepare (him/her) for the
time of moral awareness when (he/she) will be Baptized by (his/her) own decision. That (he/she) will be taught by
example to lead a Godly life until the day of His coming.
Do you promise to fulfill these obligations?
Parent or sponsor: I do.]
[FOR ADULTS & OLDER CHILDREN: Because you have chosen to follow in Christ’s footsteps you
________________are being presented for Holy Baptism. You should, therefore, faithfully adhere to your calling
as a Christian and nurture your faith. You further commit to support the Holy catholic Church in the body of
Christ, to attend gatherings with other believers, recite the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, study Holy
Scripture and cultivate your relationship with God through His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Out of a changed
heart your works will bear fruit, for as the Gospel of Matthew recounts Christ’s words, “Therefore by their fruits
you will know them.” As you grow in your walk you will, given the opportunity, bear witness to the faith you
profess. You will lead godly lives, keeping the person of Jesus Christ as real as any friend, reminding others that
a relationship with Him is more important than any law or rule. Your baptism is your confession until the day of His
coming.
Do you promise to fulfill these obligations?
Candidate: I do.]
Pastor: Holy God, Mighty Lord, Gracious Father … bless this believer (this child) ... for in the beginning your
Spirit moved over the waters, creating heaven and the earth, calling them by name. By the gift of water (he/she)
is saved, nourished and sustained.
Pour out Your Holy Spirit, dear Lord, so that the individual to be baptized may be given new life. Wash away
(his/her) sin and cleanse (him/her) in this water bringing (him/her) forth as an inheritor of your endless kingdom.
Do you renounce all forces of evil, the devil and his empty promises?
Candidate: I do.
Pastor: I baptize each of you with the authority conferred on me by God the Father through the Holy Spirit … the
same Spirit that descended on Jesus the Son at the River Jordan. In the name of the blessed Trinity I bless you
all (+). Amen.
At this time the Pastor dips his hands in the bowl of holy water, cupping it in both hands, and pouring it over the
candidate’s head. Afterword the candidate is handed a towel for absorbing excess water.
This can also be accomplished by full immersion or by anointing with oil.
Pastor: Do all of you in attendance promise to support, and never to deter, these candidates in their faith walk?
ALL: Yes we do.
Pastor: We will close with the prayer given to us by our Lord. In His name we pray …
ALL:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those
Who sin against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever.
Amen.
Pastor:
The Lord bless us and keep us.
The Lord make His face shine upon us
And be gracious to us.
The Lord look upon us with favor
And give us peace (+)
Amen.
Pastor: In Holy Baptism our gracious heavenly Father liberates us from sin and death by joining us to the death
and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His living water flows into and through us by the work of the Holy Spirit.
ALL: We are born children of a fallen humanity; in the waters of baptism we are reborn children of God whole and
complete in His Mystery.
Pastor: As Christ spoke to Nicodemus, He speaks to us in John 3:5, “I assure you that unless a man is born of
water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” But understand, this is only the beginning ... this rite
is evidence of a changed heart. Be it known that one can enter the kingdom of God only through belief in Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior. He is the Living Water.
ALL: These are unalterable truths; truths we can live by.
By the water and the Holy Spirit we are made members of the Church which is the body of Christ. As we live with
Him, and in the community of His people, we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.
Pastor: I present _____________________ to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
______________________, do you wish to be baptized?
(For those too young to answer for themselves, an adult will respond in their place.)
Candidate or representative: I do.
[FOR CHILDREN: In Christ’s love you have presented ___________ for Holy Baptism. You should, therefore,
faithfully nurture (him/her) and guide (him/her) in the gathering with other believers, recitation of the Apostle’s
Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Commandments, and the stories that recount the glory of our Savior and of God’s
work among His people. As (he/she) grows in years you should place the Holy Scripture in (his/her) hands and
provide for (his/her) instruction. You should keep the person of Jesus Christ as real as any friend, reminding
(him/her) that the relationship with Jesus is more important than any law or rule. You will prepare (him/her) for the
time of moral awareness when (he/she) will be Baptized by (his/her) own decision. That (he/she) will be taught by
example to lead a Godly life until the day of His coming.
Do you promise to fulfill these obligations?
Parent or sponsor: I do.]
[FOR ADULTS & OLDER CHILDREN: Because you have chosen to follow in Christ’s footsteps you
________________are being presented for Holy Baptism. You should, therefore, faithfully adhere to your calling
as a Christian and nurture your faith. You further commit to support the Holy catholic Church in the body of
Christ, to attend gatherings with other believers, recite the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, study Holy
Scripture and cultivate your relationship with God through His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Out of a changed
heart your works will bear fruit, for as the Gospel of Matthew recounts Christ’s words, “Therefore by their fruits
you will know them.” As you grow in your walk you will, given the opportunity, bear witness to the faith you
profess. You will lead godly lives, keeping the person of Jesus Christ as real as any friend, reminding others that
a relationship with Him is more important than any law or rule. Your baptism is your confession until the day of His
coming.
Do you promise to fulfill these obligations?
Candidate: I do.]
Pastor: Holy God, Mighty Lord, Gracious Father … bless this believer (this child) ... for in the beginning your
Spirit moved over the waters, creating heaven and the earth, calling them by name. By the gift of water (he/she)
is saved, nourished and sustained.
Pour out Your Holy Spirit, dear Lord, so that the individual to be baptized may be given new life. Wash away
(his/her) sin and cleanse (him/her) in this water bringing (him/her) forth as an inheritor of your endless kingdom.
Do you renounce all forces of evil, the devil and his empty promises?
Candidate: I do.
Pastor: I baptize each of you with the authority conferred on me by God the Father through the Holy Spirit … the
same Spirit that descended on Jesus the Son at the River Jordan. In the name of the blessed Trinity I bless you
all (+). Amen.
At this time the Pastor dips his hands in the bowl of holy water, cupping it in both hands, and pouring it over the
candidate’s head. Afterword the candidate is handed a towel for absorbing excess water.
This can also be accomplished by full immersion or by anointing with oil.
Pastor: Do all of you in attendance promise to support, and never to deter, these candidates in their faith walk?
ALL: Yes we do.
Pastor: We will close with the prayer given to us by our Lord. In His name we pray …
ALL:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those
Who sin against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever.
Amen.
Pastor:
The Lord bless us and keep us.
The Lord make His face shine upon us
And be gracious to us.
The Lord look upon us with favor
And give us peace (+)
Amen.
contact me at ... revsean@gatheringspirit.org
ΔΙΔΑΧΗ
ANOINTING RITE for a Home, Business, Institution or other Habitation
Reading of Scripture. “Behold I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and to tread
upon serpents and scorpions, and nothing shall injure you.” (Luke 10:19)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against
the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
(Ephesians 6:12)
Step 1. Lord God, in the most Holy name of Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, I anoint this place and all who dwell
within. I declare by Your authority that this home (business or institution) be cleansed of every unclean human
presence, demonic spirit or unclean thing that does not belong here.
(As this is being said anoint with the sign of the Cross (+), repeating as often as needed, at entrances, doorways,
pets, objects and specific locations with holy oil … oil that has been blessed by a priest or has had the Holy Spirit
invoked to bless it).
Step 2. In the name of Christ Jesus, I bind you Satan, and I bind all hindering spirits, all unclean presences, and
all evil influences. I command that you remove your unclean and evil influences from our home (business or
institution), from our spirits, our souls, our hearts, our bodies, our minds and from all who enter here. I command
you and your legion to absolutely remove yourselves from all pets and objects, that your influence would be
bound, removed and erased, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
I pray for the anointing, and cleansing power of your blood, Dear Jesus, the surrounding and protection of Your
mighty warrior angels, and the overarching power and protection of Your Holy Spirit upon me, and all who dwell or
visit here. (You may list specific individuals, etc., such as a spouse, children or pets.) Shield this home (business
or institution) from the attack of the unholy one and of his legion or his agents by preventing their entry through
objects, windows, doors, ventilation, other structural devices, individuals or spirits.
Step 3. (As a called and ordained minister of the One True Way) I bind and remove all evil and unclean things in
Jesus’ glorious name. May His will be done … and so it is In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit
(+) ...Amen.
Note of thanks to Dale P. Kruse for the core of this rite found on www.layevangelism.com
Reading of Scripture. “Behold I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and to tread
upon serpents and scorpions, and nothing shall injure you.” (Luke 10:19)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against
the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
(Ephesians 6:12)
Step 1. Lord God, in the most Holy name of Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, I anoint this place and all who dwell
within. I declare by Your authority that this home (business or institution) be cleansed of every unclean human
presence, demonic spirit or unclean thing that does not belong here.
(As this is being said anoint with the sign of the Cross (+), repeating as often as needed, at entrances, doorways,
pets, objects and specific locations with holy oil … oil that has been blessed by a priest or has had the Holy Spirit
invoked to bless it).
Step 2. In the name of Christ Jesus, I bind you Satan, and I bind all hindering spirits, all unclean presences, and
all evil influences. I command that you remove your unclean and evil influences from our home (business or
institution), from our spirits, our souls, our hearts, our bodies, our minds and from all who enter here. I command
you and your legion to absolutely remove yourselves from all pets and objects, that your influence would be
bound, removed and erased, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
I pray for the anointing, and cleansing power of your blood, Dear Jesus, the surrounding and protection of Your
mighty warrior angels, and the overarching power and protection of Your Holy Spirit upon me, and all who dwell or
visit here. (You may list specific individuals, etc., such as a spouse, children or pets.) Shield this home (business
or institution) from the attack of the unholy one and of his legion or his agents by preventing their entry through
objects, windows, doors, ventilation, other structural devices, individuals or spirits.
Step 3. (As a called and ordained minister of the One True Way) I bind and remove all evil and unclean things in
Jesus’ glorious name. May His will be done … and so it is In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit
(+) ...Amen.
Note of thanks to Dale P. Kruse for the core of this rite found on www.layevangelism.com
Funeral & burial rite
This is a time of mixed blessing: it is in fact bittersweet: it is a time of hope and of mourning. Yet, it is also a
time of renewal of our faith in the belief of a Heaven that awaits us. Our hearts tell us that Heaven rejoices at the
return of each prodigal, and yet we mourn the loss of __________, someone special to each of us who are
gathered here.
In that spirit, we are assembled to rejoice with heaven at the return of ______________ to (his/her) heavenly
Father.
John tells us in chapter 14, verses 1-4 & 6
“In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away
to prepare a place for you. And when I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and take you to
Myself, that where I am going you may be also. And where I am going, you know the way.”
Jesus said to him (that is … to Thomas and to us all), “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to
the Father except by Me.”
Open with Amazing Grace or song(s) of choice.
Bless this gathering in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit (+).
Use Numbers chapter 6, verses 24-26. And to you all …
The Lord bless you and watch over you,
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
And give you peace. Amen
Pray
Dear heavenly Father, be with us all and help us to mourn. And then in due time help us to accept and forgive.
Allow us to remember, but not dwell in this place, because we have many Godly things to do. ___________
memory will be with us; and the tools he/she left will be added to our strengths as we continue our lives. Amen.
Speak about the individual (Use any personal experience with the individual and/or take information from a
variety of sources to reconstruct a realistic picture of the individual’s life … both the humorous and the sublime.
Find a balance).
Allow others to speak if moved to do so (allow any attending person to speak briefly about the deceased
and/or their experience with the individual, etc.)
Provide a short message on appropriate verses, especially John’s Gospel of hope.
Even in death … NO … especially in death, there is hope. Hope that all we believe is true. We can see that in the
eyes of the believer as he or she begins to see dimly in this world and more clearly in the next. There is an
acceptance and even a willingness to go there. Do not mistake my account of this experience for a journey that
has no fear or trepidation. All things unknown are fraught with these concerns because we are human, but our
belief, and God’s consoling Spirit lift us up and away from that place of darkness. We enter a place of light where
the Creator of light dwells. It is radiant and everlasting. It is where our hearts yearn to be when they desire
communion with God through His Son. That is the way God intended.
Christ tells us in the Gospel of John Chapter 12, verses 24-26 that in Him the Father is glorified, and
that the Son is glorified by those who serve Him …
"I assure you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and
yields a rich harvest.
Anyone who loves his life loses it, but anyone who hates [or has no special
attachment to] his life on this earth will keep it to life eternal.
If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me and wherever I am,
there will be My servant also.
If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
Pray
And so we are honoring a life of service, and that service is made sweeter in Christ. In John, though He was also
speaking to His own passion & death, He sought to carry us forward into eternity with Him. That is what we focus
on today … not death, but life eternal.
Christ is also telling us that our priorities need to be straight, and that He must be more important than life itself.
God be with us and direct us. Amen.
Graveside
(Go to graveside if the individual is being buried and provide a brief message to close. If not, work with family to
coordinate a suitable closing for the service, etc., and use this ending.)
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1-8, 11&14
To everything there is a season,
And a time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build up,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
A time to get and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to cast away,
A time to rend and a time to sew,
A time to keep silence and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds,
Yet it is not for man to understand what God has done
From beginning to end.
I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever:
Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it:
And God does this, that men should bow before Him.
Pray
We close this time together to meditate on the person of _____________, whose season has passed. As
Solomon, the Preacher, tells us, “There is a time for every season under heaven.” I believe that there are many
more seasons in heaven that await us. Take hope in the knowledge that God is with us, and that with His council
in the person of the Holy Spirit, we will heal but not forget. ____________ has brought to us all that one life can
bring, and now it is we who must move on.
_______________, dear friend, we will catch up with you in due time. Save a place for us at God’s table. We all
miss you.
God bless you, and keep you, each one, in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit (+). Amen.
End
This is a time of mixed blessing: it is in fact bittersweet: it is a time of hope and of mourning. Yet, it is also a
time of renewal of our faith in the belief of a Heaven that awaits us. Our hearts tell us that Heaven rejoices at the
return of each prodigal, and yet we mourn the loss of __________, someone special to each of us who are
gathered here.
In that spirit, we are assembled to rejoice with heaven at the return of ______________ to (his/her) heavenly
Father.
John tells us in chapter 14, verses 1-4 & 6
“In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away
to prepare a place for you. And when I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and take you to
Myself, that where I am going you may be also. And where I am going, you know the way.”
Jesus said to him (that is … to Thomas and to us all), “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to
the Father except by Me.”
Open with Amazing Grace or song(s) of choice.
Bless this gathering in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit (+).
Use Numbers chapter 6, verses 24-26. And to you all …
The Lord bless you and watch over you,
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you
And give you peace. Amen
Pray
Dear heavenly Father, be with us all and help us to mourn. And then in due time help us to accept and forgive.
Allow us to remember, but not dwell in this place, because we have many Godly things to do. ___________
memory will be with us; and the tools he/she left will be added to our strengths as we continue our lives. Amen.
Speak about the individual (Use any personal experience with the individual and/or take information from a
variety of sources to reconstruct a realistic picture of the individual’s life … both the humorous and the sublime.
Find a balance).
Allow others to speak if moved to do so (allow any attending person to speak briefly about the deceased
and/or their experience with the individual, etc.)
Provide a short message on appropriate verses, especially John’s Gospel of hope.
Even in death … NO … especially in death, there is hope. Hope that all we believe is true. We can see that in the
eyes of the believer as he or she begins to see dimly in this world and more clearly in the next. There is an
acceptance and even a willingness to go there. Do not mistake my account of this experience for a journey that
has no fear or trepidation. All things unknown are fraught with these concerns because we are human, but our
belief, and God’s consoling Spirit lift us up and away from that place of darkness. We enter a place of light where
the Creator of light dwells. It is radiant and everlasting. It is where our hearts yearn to be when they desire
communion with God through His Son. That is the way God intended.
Christ tells us in the Gospel of John Chapter 12, verses 24-26 that in Him the Father is glorified, and
that the Son is glorified by those who serve Him …
"I assure you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and
yields a rich harvest.
Anyone who loves his life loses it, but anyone who hates [or has no special
attachment to] his life on this earth will keep it to life eternal.
If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me and wherever I am,
there will be My servant also.
If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
Pray
And so we are honoring a life of service, and that service is made sweeter in Christ. In John, though He was also
speaking to His own passion & death, He sought to carry us forward into eternity with Him. That is what we focus
on today … not death, but life eternal.
Christ is also telling us that our priorities need to be straight, and that He must be more important than life itself.
God be with us and direct us. Amen.
Graveside
(Go to graveside if the individual is being buried and provide a brief message to close. If not, work with family to
coordinate a suitable closing for the service, etc., and use this ending.)
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1-8, 11&14
To everything there is a season,
And a time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build up,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
A time to get and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to cast away,
A time to rend and a time to sew,
A time to keep silence and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds,
Yet it is not for man to understand what God has done
From beginning to end.
I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever:
Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it:
And God does this, that men should bow before Him.
Pray
We close this time together to meditate on the person of _____________, whose season has passed. As
Solomon, the Preacher, tells us, “There is a time for every season under heaven.” I believe that there are many
more seasons in heaven that await us. Take hope in the knowledge that God is with us, and that with His council
in the person of the Holy Spirit, we will heal but not forget. ____________ has brought to us all that one life can
bring, and now it is we who must move on.
_______________, dear friend, we will catch up with you in due time. Save a place for us at God’s table. We all
miss you.
God bless you, and keep you, each one, in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit (+). Amen.
End
Anointing for Healing
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
(Assurance)
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
(Mark 6:13)
Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing
him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise
him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
(James 5.14-16)
(Sanctification of the element Oil)
God of all consolation
You chose and sent Your Son to heal the world.
Graciously listen to our prayer of faith.
Send the power of Your Holy Spirit, the Consoler,
into this precious oil, this soothing ointment,
this rich gift, this fruit of the earth.
Bless this oil (+) and sanctify it for our use.
Make this oil a remedy
for all who are anointed with it;
heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit,
and deliver them from every affliction.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
(Blessing of Oil for Healing)
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
The One Who made heaven and earth.
With God's creation, this blessed oil,
I cast out the illness from you by God the Father
Almighty, who made heaven and earth and sea
and all that they contain.
Let the weakness of this body, Satan’s power, his legions,
and all his attacks and machinations
be dispelled and driven afar
from this creation of blessed oil.
Let this petition bring health in body and mind
To you, ___________, in the name of God (+) the Father Almighty,
and our Lord Jesus Christ (+) his Son, and the Holy Spirit (+) the Advocate,
and in the power of the same Jesus Christ
our Lord, Who is coming to judge both the living
and the dead, and the whole world.
Amen.
Lord, heed my prayer,
And let my cry be heard by you.
The Lord be with you,__________.
Let us pray.
Lord God Almighty, before Whom the hosts of angels stand in awe,
and Whose heavenly service we acknowledge,
may it please You to regard favorably
and bless and hallow this creation of blessed oil,
which by Your power has been pressed
from the juice of olives, and contained in it.
You have ordained it for anointing the sick,
so that, when they are made well,
they may give thanks to You,
the Living and True God.
Grant we pray,
that those who use this oil,
which we are blessing (+) in Your name,
may be delivered from all suffering,
all infirmity, and all wiles of the enemy.
Let this prayer be a means of dispelling any kind of adversity
from this _________, made in your image and redeemed
by the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus,
so that he may never again suffer the sting
of the ancient serpent, through the redeeming power
of Christ our Lord.
Amen.
___________, in the name of Jesus the Christ
take up your bedding and walk as a healed _____.
(The oil is applied in the form of a cross on the forehead)
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
(Assurance)
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
(Mark 6:13)
Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing
him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise
him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
(James 5.14-16)
(Sanctification of the element Oil)
God of all consolation
You chose and sent Your Son to heal the world.
Graciously listen to our prayer of faith.
Send the power of Your Holy Spirit, the Consoler,
into this precious oil, this soothing ointment,
this rich gift, this fruit of the earth.
Bless this oil (+) and sanctify it for our use.
Make this oil a remedy
for all who are anointed with it;
heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit,
and deliver them from every affliction.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
(Blessing of Oil for Healing)
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
The One Who made heaven and earth.
With God's creation, this blessed oil,
I cast out the illness from you by God the Father
Almighty, who made heaven and earth and sea
and all that they contain.
Let the weakness of this body, Satan’s power, his legions,
and all his attacks and machinations
be dispelled and driven afar
from this creation of blessed oil.
Let this petition bring health in body and mind
To you, ___________, in the name of God (+) the Father Almighty,
and our Lord Jesus Christ (+) his Son, and the Holy Spirit (+) the Advocate,
and in the power of the same Jesus Christ
our Lord, Who is coming to judge both the living
and the dead, and the whole world.
Amen.
Lord, heed my prayer,
And let my cry be heard by you.
The Lord be with you,__________.
Let us pray.
Lord God Almighty, before Whom the hosts of angels stand in awe,
and Whose heavenly service we acknowledge,
may it please You to regard favorably
and bless and hallow this creation of blessed oil,
which by Your power has been pressed
from the juice of olives, and contained in it.
You have ordained it for anointing the sick,
so that, when they are made well,
they may give thanks to You,
the Living and True God.
Grant we pray,
that those who use this oil,
which we are blessing (+) in Your name,
may be delivered from all suffering,
all infirmity, and all wiles of the enemy.
Let this prayer be a means of dispelling any kind of adversity
from this _________, made in your image and redeemed
by the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus,
so that he may never again suffer the sting
of the ancient serpent, through the redeeming power
of Christ our Lord.
Amen.
___________, in the name of Jesus the Christ
take up your bedding and walk as a healed _____.
(The oil is applied in the form of a cross on the forehead)
Bulter Co. Referral 1-513-896-6671
| More thoughts, sayings, and whatever praises Christ from Rev. Sean Collection II Today, I am blessed to know that my God saved me from my greatest threat: me. I would be remiss if I did not say that we, as believers in Christ as savior, offer the only real choice on the menu. We are, as human beings, a parable in the flesh, which demonstrates God’s essence … His best qualities … His thoughts on accountability and consequence. A pinch of Islam, a dash of Buddhism, a level spoonful of Christianity (without the messy Jesus stuff), and a healthy slathering of New Age philosophy, and poof!, you have the buffet version of mainstream belief in American culture. We continue the hellish practice of making God in our own image. Sin takes over a life and becomes a lifestyle. There are no words that are adequate to describe what God has in store for us; that goes for both heaven and hell. Evil masquerades as the cultural norm. If you are not afraid of dying, then you are not afraid of living. All of the euphemisms in the world cannot shield us from this truth. In fact … we are never alone unless by choice. We are comforted by the very One who bore our sin. Admission of our sinful nature does not bind us; it frees us from the chains of the flesh.. Do you remember when you had a God-shaped hole in your life? What did you fill it with? God wants all of us, not just a donation. 10% is just the beginning. God does not work by trial & error. There is an expectation that folks should somehow be transformed the moment they darken the doorway of a church. The miracle of God is embedded in each of us. It is the elusive quality we call life. I think we would all be amazed at the small miracles we have grown to accept and expect from God. Most of what has been written in the Bible is a no-nonsense guide to a longer, more fulfilling, life. In truth, arbitrarily holding Christian celebrations at times of solstice and equinox have not been particularly helpful in furthering the cause for Christ. What is the real value of our money and our material wealth? The answer: the value we place on it. Take Him [Jesus] with you from the table and into your life … and into the lives of others. The author [Dan Brown], I must admit, is a compelling storyteller. But, there needs to be a solid countermeasure of good, strong, faith-based information that is Biblical and accurate. The kingdom IS IN YOUR FACE! It’s right here, right now! The hand of God leaves fingerprints. |