¶718 DEDICATION OF CHURCHES
WORDS AND PRAYERS OF DEDICATION
DEDICATORY PRAYER
O eternal God, You are mighty in power and glorious in majesty. The heavens cannot contain Your glory, much less the walls of buildings made with hands, and yet You have been pleased to promise Your special presence wherever two or three of Your faithful gather in Your name. Be present with us today, we pray, as we, with all humility and readiness of heart, consecrate this place to the honour of Your great name, separating it from all unhallowed uses and dedicating it to Your service for the reading of Your Holy Word, for proclaiming Your everlasting gospel, for teaching Your people in the ways of righteousness, for celebrating Your matchless grace, for offering Your glorious majesty the sacrifices of prayer and thanksgiving, for blessing Your people in Your name, and for all other holy offices, through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
All Standing, the Bishop shall say, the people responding:
To the glory of God the Father, who has called us by His Grace;
To the honour of His Son, who loved us and gave himself for us;
To the praise of the Holy Spirit, who illumines and sanctifies us;
we dedicate this building.
For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry;
For the nurture of our children and our teens;
For the upbuilding of our community;
we dedicate this building.
For the comfort of all who mourn;
For strength for those who are tempted;
For light to those who seek the way;
we dedicate this building.
For the hallowing of family life;
For teaching and guiding the young;
For the maturing of the saints;
we dedicate this building.
For the conversion of sinners;
For the promotion of righteousness;
For the extension of the kingdom of God;
we dedicate this building.
In the unity of the faith;
In the bond of Christian fellowship;
In charity and good will to all;
we dedicate this building.
