Burgett Arthur Edward
The Door of Heaven: A Manual for Holy Communion
PREFACE
This little Manual is intended for the use of young people, and is therefore short and very simple. The object of the compiler is to place in the hands of candidates for Confirmation a little book that may be a help to them in their daily life, as well as at the Service of Holy Communion.
Grateful thanks are tendered to the holders of copyright for permission to make use of the hymns printed at the end of the book. Also, the author begs to acknowledge ideas derived from examining similar Manuals, especially "The Narrow Way," "Prayers for Boys," "Help to Worship," and "Holy Communion" by Bishop How.
It is earnestly hoped that this little book may, with the blessing of God, prove of service to those for whom it has been written, both in helping their devotions, and in deepening their spiritual life.
A. E. B.
FOREWORD
BY THE RIGHT REVEREND MacADAM HARDING,
BISHOP OF QU'APPELLE
A little book that will help the young and busy people in North-West Canada to pray earnestly, day by day, and regularly make a good Communion, must receive a warm welcome from the Bishop of a Diocese where the great majority of the people are both young and busy.
I know the earnest desire of the compiler to help our young men and women to draw near to God in Prayer and Sacrament, and I hope many of them will find herein the very assistance they need.
M. M. QU'APPELLE.
REGINA
DAILY PRAYERS
MORNING
Kneel down and say: —
In the presence of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Try to realize that you are in the presence of God, and then say: —
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
I thank Thee, O heavenly Father, for keeping me safe through the past night, and giving me rest and sleep. Bless me, I beseech Thee, during this day, and guard me from all dangers, both to body and soul, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Bless, O Lord, my father and mother, my brothers and sisters (and others whom you wish to pray for). Keep them safe and well, and help them, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and ever-lasting God, who hast safely brought me to the beginning of this day; defend me in the same with Thy mighty power; and grant that this day I may fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings may be ordered by Thy governance to do always that is righteous in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost bless, preserve, and keep me now and for evermore. Amen.
MID-DAY
Always try to think of God for a minute at mid-day; say,,
O Father Almighty, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ did at this hour bear our sins in His own body upon the Cross, have mercy upon me, help me, bless me, and be with me now and at the hour of my death, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
EVENING
Kneel down and say: —
In the presence of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Try to realize that you are in the very presence of God, and then say: —
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
O Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for having kept me safe through this day, and for all Thy other mercies to me. Show me how I have sinned against Thee this day, and make me sorry for my sins.
Then try to remember your sins of the day, and ask yourself such questions at these: —
What wrong thing have I done to-day?
What evil words have I spoken?
What bad thoughts have I given way to?
Then ask God's forgiveness, and say: —
Forgive me, O God, for what I have done wrong to-day, and help me to do better for the future, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Bless, O Lord, my father and mother, my brothers and sisters (and others whom you wish to pray for). Keep them safe and well, and help them, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Take care of me this night, and defend me from evil both in body and soul, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep me now and for evermore. Amen.
(If you need further devotions, you can use some of the prayers on pp. 12 and 13, or read some of the hymns on pp. 53 and 54.
It is good to read a few verses of the Bible every night.)
RULES FOR DAILY LIFE
Think nothing that you would be ashamed to tell to God.
Say nothing you would not like God to hear.
Do nothing you would not like God to see.
If tempted, get away from the danger at once, and keep away.
If an evil thought comes to you, throw it out. Pray for help. Say: "Lord, help me." "God, help me." "O Holy Spirit, strengthen me."
GRACE BEFORE MEALS
Bless, O Lord, the food we are about to receive, and make us mindful of the wants of others, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEALS
For these and all His mercies God's Holy Name be praised.
VARIOUS PRAYERS
BEFORE SERVICE
Keep me, O Lord, from wandering thoughts in this Thy Service, and may my prayers and my praise be pleasing to Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
AFTER SERVICE
Accept, O Lord, this my service of praise and thanksgiving, and pardon all that Thou hast seen amiss, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.