Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/269

 By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord, Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn  from their wickedness and live, has given power and  commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to  his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of  their sins. He pardons and absolves all those who truly repent, and with sincere hearts believe his holy Gospel.

Therefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do on  this day, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure  and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Preface of Lent