For the Church of Christ

For the Church of Christ

LORD God, we pray for the Holy Catholic (Universal) Church, Thy new work, "Thy workmanship," "Thy Building," Thou "the Chief Corner-stone," Thou "the Living Rock" whence it was hewn. We pray for the Universal Church, for all the branches and all the members thereof wheresoever scattered throughout the world. Thou hast called it Thine own "Body," Thy "Bride," Thy "Household," Thy "Fold," Thy "Vineyard." We pray, Holy Father, for this Thy Son's work, the fruit of His Blood, this new-born world living through His death. We pray for its increase, that all nations may be gathered into it, the utmost ends of this earth; that all the heathen may be brought to a knowledge of the truth; that the Church may do her work of evangelizing the world; that her borders may be enlarged, the fold widened. We pray for its unity, that all who are called by Thy Name, Lord Jesus, may be one, even as Thou and the Father and the Holy Ghost are One: even as there is but "one Faith, one Lord, one Baptism, one God and Father of all." We pray for its purity, that it may be "the salt of the earth," purifying the world, destroying the power of Satan, manifesting holiness, preparing a holy people for the Lord. We pray for its order, that it may approve itself the work of Thy hand, for Thou art not the Author of confusion, but of peace. We pray for its peace, that it may be the peacemaker of the world, and accomplish Thy work of peace, for Thou hast spoken peace to them that are afar off and to them that are near; Thy peace hast Thou left with us. We pray for its doctrine, that it may be sound, that it may keep the spirit of truth. We pray for all the branches of this Tree, all the members of this Body, all the sheep of this Fold, all the brethren of this Household of Faith; for the whole company of faithful people, friends and strangers, our own countrymen and foreigners; for all that are called by Thy Name. We pray for the healing of wounds, the mending of nets, the destruction of heresies, the reformation of manners, the salvation of all men; through the merits of Thy most precious Blood. Amen.