[I’ve updated the language, and added a couple of explanatory comments on the way through]

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church militant here in earth.

[Historically, Christians have held the idea that Christians who die become part of the ‘Church Triumphant’. They have finished their race, and have arrived at their destination. They are now waiting with Christ for the Day of Resurrection. Those of us who are still living in this fallen world are part of the Church militant. We are still in the midst of the fight against sin, the world and the devil]

ALMIGHTY and everliving God,

by your holy Apostles, you have taught us to make prayers and supplications [earnest or humble request], and to give thanks for everyone:

We humbly beseech You to most mercifully to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto Your Divine Majesty;

[This really captures much we were thinking about in our term’s study on the Lord’s Prayer. Our approach to God is characterised by reverence and awe. We apprapoch God as our Father, yes, but our Father, in heaven. That is not something to be taken lightly, and this introduction sets the tone. Now - onto what we actually pray for:]

We plead with you to inspire continually the universal Church with the Spirit of truth, unity, and concord [peace & agreement]:

And grant, that all who sincerely confess Your holy Name may agree in the truth of Your holy Word, and live in unity, and godly love.

We also earnestly request that you would save and defend all Christian Rulers and Governments; and especially that you would save our own King, Your servant CHARLES so that under him we may be goverened in a way that is informed by your vision for human society:

And grant unto his whole Council and Government and to all that are put in authority under him, that they may truly and impartially administer justice: that they would punish wickedness and vice, and maintain justice and virtue. And that they would govern in a way that would maintain the freedom of the Church to worship and evangelise in accordance with your Word.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and Clergy, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth Your true and living Word, and rightly and duly administer Your holy Sacraments

And to all Your people give Your heavenly grace. We pray that especially for this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive Your holy Word; and that by your Spirit, we would learn how to truly serve You in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

And we most humbly beg taht in Your goodness, O Lord, You would comfort and help / support all them, who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

We also bless Your holy Name for all Your servants who have lived faithfully through this life, and who have now died in the fear [reverence] of Christ; Lord, in your mercy, would you give us grace to follow their good examples in life and in death, so that with them we may be partakers of Your heavenly kingdom:

Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake,

for He is our only Mediator and Advocate.

Amen.