OPENING SERVICE For Brotherhood Meetings

LEADER: (all standing)
As our Lord and Master Jesus Christ suffered death upon the cross that all who came after him should have light, we dedicate ourselves anew to the purpose of the Brotherhood, the spread of Christ's kingdom, especially among men and youth, not by our might but by the power of God's Spirit.

MEMBERS:
THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER is to pray daily for the spread of Christ's kingdom, especially among men and youth, and for God's blessings upon the labors of the Brotherhood.

THE DISCIPLINE OF STUDY is to study the Holy Scriptures regularly and the teachings of the Church, to attain a better understanding of how to follow Christ and bring others into his kingdom.

THE DISCIPLINE OF SERVICE is to make continuous efforts, week by week, to bring others nearer to Christ through his Church.

LEADER:
We recognize our commitment faithfully to keep our disciplines of daily prayer, regular study, and continuous service for the spread of Christ's kingdom among men and youth. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

MEMBERS:
The maker of heaven and earth.

LEADER:
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

MEMBERS:
From this time forth for evermore.

LEADER:
The Lord be with you.

MEMBERS:
And also with you.

ALL: The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

ALL: The Brotherhood Collect
Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew, that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

(The following or other prayers may also be used, said by the Leader or one appointed by him.)

LEADER: A Collect for the Spread of Christ's Kingdom
Almighty and eternal Father, without you nothing is strong, nothing is holy, inspire and sustain the prayers and efforts of the members and associates of our Brotherhood, hallow our lives, and grant that men and youth everywhere may be brought into the kingdom of your Son, and may grow from strength to strength until they come into the fullness of eternal life; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son Our Savior. Amen.

LEADER: A Collect for Guidance
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may direct and rule our hearts in this meeting and in all things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Here follow readings from Holy Scripture and the business of the Chapter. If refreshments are served during the meeting, the Chapter Director meeting leader or chapter Chaplain should say an appropriate grace or use one of the prayers in the section entitled "Thanksgiving before meals")