Meaningful Rites

(journaled May 9, 2016)

From "The Order of Confirmation" in the Anglican prayer book:

"Almighty and everlasting God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these thy servants by Water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto them forgiveness of all their sins: Strengthen them, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of grace; the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength; the spirit of knowledge and true godliness; and fill them, O Lord, with the spirit of thy holy fear, now and forever. Amen.

... that in the end they may obtain everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ....

... we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen."

Maybe if the church (non-liturgical churches) had at least a few meaningful rites to bring new believers into the body, and prayers that explained and assured the new believers, there wouldn't be so many that end up going out the back door soon after they arrive?