For Ministers of Religion

ALMIGHTY God our Heavenly Father, we bless Thee for those Thou hast set apart to minister in spiritual things. Give them an unction from the Holy One that they may speak the truth in love. Put within them the spirit of prophet and seer that, in the presence of evil or wrong, in the society or the individual, they may cry aloud and spare not. Grant that they may so proclaim Thy Word that the careless may be arrested; the sorrowing, comforted; the tempted, made strong; the weary and heavy-laden, refreshed. Bless Thy servants as they break the bread of life among Thy people, whether in the ministrations of Thy House, or in private intercourse with those who seek their help. Be with them in hours of despondency. When heart and flesh fail, be Thou the strength of their hearts and their portion forever. Keep alive within them the fires of faith and courage that they may never despair of the world or of themselves. May they be willing to bear the reproach of Christ and even to be counted fools for His sake, if only they may win some souls for truth and goodness. Consecrate them to a divine simplicity of purpose that, renouncing all earthly prizes and ambitions, they may answer with glad hearts Thy call to work with Thee for the redemption of the world. And in this work let them find their all-sufficient reward. These graces and gifts we beseech Thee to give through Him whom Thou hast made Lord and Head of Thy Kingdom. Amen.