THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JAMES (5)

After the approach to the altar:

 

The priest says: Peace be with all.

 

People: And with Your spirit.

 

Priest: The Lord bless us all, and sanctify us for the entrance and celebration of the divine and pure mysteries, giving rest to the blessed souls among the good and just, by His grace and loving kindness, now and ever, and for all eternity. Amen.

 

The deacon then prays the bidding prayer: In peace let us beseech the Lord: For the peace that is from above, and for God's love to man, and for the salvation of our souls, let us beseech the Lord. For the peace of the whole world, and for the unity of all the holy churches of God, let us beseech the Lord. For the remission of our sins and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and distress, and from the uprising of our enemies, let us beseech the Lord.

 

Then the priest prays, bowing: O compassionate and merciful, long suffering, and gracious and true God, look from Your dwelling place, and hear us Your suppliants, and deliver us from every temptation of the devil and of man. Withhold not Your aid from us, nor bring on us chastisements too heavy for our strength: for we are unable to overcome what is opposed to us; but You are able, O Lord, to save us from all our enemies and from every obstacle and danger. Save us according to Your goodness, O God, from the difficulties of this world, in order that, having drawn nigh with a pure conscience to Your holy altar, we may send up to You the blessed and Thrice-Holy hymn, together with the heavenly powers; and having performed this service, well pleasing to You and divine, we may be counted worthy of eternal life. Because You are holy, Lord our God, You who dwell in the holy of holies, we send up the praise of the Thrice-Holy hymn to You, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and for all eternity.

 

People: Amen.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

People: And with your spirit.

 

The Trisagion is sung:

Holy God;
Holy Mighty One;
Holy Immortal One;
Have mercy on us.

 

[Then the holy oracles of the Old Testament, and of the prophets are read in order; and the incarnation of the Son of God is set forth, and His sufferings and resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and His second appearing with glory; and this takes place daily in the holy and divine service.]