Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/545



O God, most merciful Father, we praise you for sending your Son Jesus Christ, who took on himself the form of a servant,  and humbled himself, becoming obedient even to death on  the cross. We praise you that you have highly exalted him, and made him Lord of all; and that, through him, we know  that whoever would be great must be servant of all. We praise you for the many ministries in your Church, and for calling  this your servant to the order of deacons.

Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to N.; fill him with grace and power, and make  him a deacon in your Church.

Make him, O Lord, modest and humble, strong and constant, to observe the discipline of Christ. Let his life and teaching so reflect your commandments, that through him many may  come to know you and love you. As your Son came not to be served but to serve, may this deacon share in Christ’s service,  and come to the unending glory of him who, with you and  the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Receive this Bible as the sign of your authority to proclaim God’s Word and to assist in the ministration of his holy  Sacraments.