A Spiritual Communion Blessed by the God of our salvation Who bears our burden and forgives our sins. The Confession [Book of Common Prayer, BCP, p. 320, using singular/plural pronouns as appropriate.] May Almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen me in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep me in eternal life. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. The Collect of the Day is said, followed by the Readings appointed for Sunday or the day of the week. [Sunday’s Collect and Readings are online in the weekly worship bulletin at stdavidscapecod.org] The Apostles’ Creed [BCP p. 66] or Nicene Creed [BCP p. 326] may be recited. A time of intercession is kept. In your own words pray for your own needs, those on your heart, the peace of the world, the welfare of the Church, the living and the departed, and especially any who are sick. One of the forms of the Prayers of the People may be used [BCP p. 328 and pp. 383-393.] Then is said: In union, Blessed Jesus, with the faithful gathered at every altar of your Church where your Blessed Body and Blood are offered this day, and remembering particularly my own church community, and the Brothers of Society of St. John the Evangelist, I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving, for creation and all the blessings of this life, for the redemption won for us by your life, death and resurrection, for the means of grace and the hope of glory. And I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving for the particular blessings given me … I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen. The Lord’s Prayer [BCP p. 121] Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; and in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power that threatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting, Amen. And may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep my heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ my Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with me now and always. Amen.

[This form of service has been adapted by Brother James Koester SSJE from the Saint Augustine’s Prayer Book, revised editions 1967 and 2014, with additional material from the Book of Common Prayer 1979. This adaptation is published in Cowley, volume 46, number 3, Summer 2020, pp. 22-23.]