At the places indicated, the pastor may make the sign of the cross + upon his lips with his thumb.
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest!
Heavenly Father, You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Now, as a pastor in Your Son’s Holy Church, O Lord, open + my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise and surround Your people with the shouts and good news of their deliverance.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy upon me, Your under shepherd, as I care for the lambs of Your dear flock, whom You purchased with Your own blood. As You have sent me to speak the words of forgiveness, so now guard + the door of my lips, that I may never divulge what is confessed to me, thus performing my vows to You.
O Holy Spirit, You are the Fountain and Source of all wisdom and knowledge. Let the lips of this priest + guard the knowledge of Your Word, that I may deliver its instruction rightly to Your saints, thus building them up in faith and love.
O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken; and do so for Your own name’s sake, for if you left me to myself, I’d surely ruin it all. Amen.
Sources and Inspiration
Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9
Psalm 139:13; Psalm 51:15, Psalm 32:7
Matthew 16:16; Acts 20:38; John 20:23; Psalm 141:3; Ordination Vows
Isaiah 11:2; 1 Corinthians 12:8; Malachi 2:7
1 Kings 8:30-36; Daniel 9:19; Luther’s Sacristy Prayer
Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash
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