On the morning of the ordination of Deacon Rita T. Jefferson to the priesthood, we share the following prayer from the prayer for the Ministry on page 256 of The Book of Common Prayer. We thank God for Rita’s ministry!
I. For those to be ordained
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are now called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.