Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/830

 ''49. For the Aged''

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding  helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their  strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance  of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

50.  For a Birthday

O God, our times are in your hand:  Look with favor, we pray, on your servant N. as he begins another year. Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his  trust in your goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus  Christ our Lord. Amen.

51.  For a Birthday

Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise  him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which  passeth understanding abide all the days of his life;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

52.  For the Absent

O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold  and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both  they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together  by thy love in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the  fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.