Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.
Post-Communion Prayer
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee…
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us…
What is it?
After all have received Communion, the celebrant and people say a prayer, thanking God for the blessing they have received and asking for the inspiration to serve faithfully as God’s people in the world.
Why do we do it?
At the level of etiquette, saying thank you for what we have received is the least we can do; but these prayers have more than just the basic message of gratitude. They also put in our mouths the intention to do “all such good works” as God has given us to do. They are a promise that we will live gratefully.
What it says about God
God gives more than we could ask for, or give thanks for.
Messages for how we live
Faithful action is the sincerest form of thanks to God.
An “attitude of gratitude” is the path to Godly service.
For more – If you were to write a thank you note to God for what you have received in your life, what would you say? Would it cover only the past, or also what you plan/dream of for the future?