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The Devizes Bidding Prayer

As used at the Civic and Assize Services in the Church of St John the Baptist, Devizes


This bidding prayer has been in use in Devizes from time immemorial. It is believed that it has certainly been used, with very minor variations, since the year 1662. This copy is in fact the Bidding Prayer as used at the Mayoral Service held in St John's Church, Devizes on Sunday, 13th June 2004 on the occasion of the Mayor and Corporation attending that Church following the election of Mayor. The Mayor was Councillor MARGARET TAYLOR. The same prayer with very minor alterations was used on those occasions when the Judge of Assize held his Court in Devizes until the new Crown Courts came into being on the 1st January,1972.

"Ye shall pray for Christ's Holy Catholic Church, that is for the whole congregation of Christian people dispersed throughout the world; and especially for the Established Church of England. For our Sovereign Lady ELIZABETH, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and Territories beyond the seas, Queen, Defender of the Faith. Over all persons supreme; also for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Charles, Prince of Wales; and all the royal family.

Pray also for the ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments, as well as Bishops, particularly DAVID, Bishop of Salisbury, and Archbishops, especially ROWAN, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England and Metropolitan; also for the Queen's most honourable council; for the High Court of Parliament, and for all the Magistrates of this realm; that all and every one of them, in their several callings, may serve truly to the glory of God, and the edifying and well governing of his people.

And, as in special duty bound, let us pray for the MAYOR, Councillor N and all the Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough, that they may live in the true faith and fear of God,in dutiful obedience to the Queen, and in brotherly charity for one to another. And that there may never be wanting a succession of persons,duly qualified for the service of God in Church and State, let us implore His blessing on all places of religious and useful learning, particularly on the Heads of Schools and Colleges, and the Chancellors of Universities,that there in all places set apart for God's honour and service, true religion and learning may ever flourish and abound.

To these prayers, let us add unfeigned praise for mercies already received in this place; for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life; and particularly for the advantages afforded by the munificence of benefactors, such as Roger, Bishop of Salisbury; Matilda, Empress; Edward the Third, King; Thomas Thurman; Thomas Bancroft; Sir John and Dame Mary Eyles; Sidmouth, Viscount; Charles Henry Lowe, and others who have enriched this ancient Church and Borough.

Let us too praise God for all those who are departed this life in the faith of Christ, and pray unto Him that we may have grace to direct our lives after their good example; that, this life ended, we may be made partakers with them of the glorious resurrection in the life everlasting; All these prayers and praises we humbly offer to our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN."


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Copyright Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Devizes, 2006.