THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

This act of intercession reminds us of the words of St Paul (1 Timothy 2:1) teaching us to pray and offer thanksgiving on behalf of all men. It is in accordance with this teaching that we now bring before God the needs of the Church and the world. We therefore pray for Christian rulers, and especially for our own leaders; for all Bishops and other Priests and also Deacons; for the congregation present before the altar; and for those in any trouble or need. We add our prayers for the dead, and our thanksgiving for the example of those who have died in the Christian Faith.


THE PEACE

After the Prayers and before the Offertory, the priest greets the congregation with "The peace of the Lord be always with you." In the old High Mass this took place just before Communion, after the priest had prayed for peace. A greeting of peace was then exchanged in the sanctuary only. Modern Anglican liturgies place the Peace at this point as a reminder of Our Lord's words in Matthew 5:23-24 "If you are offering your gift at the altar...be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

In many Episcopal churches the Greeting of Peace is a chaotic "free-for-all." Because of this, many people at All Saints' do not exchange a greeting of peace. Those who wish to do this are asked to exchange it in a reverent manner. It is more important that there is a genuine and friendly welcome after Mass, and at the coffee hour.