Form of Ecclesiastical Prayers

(1545, 1542, 1566)

John Calvin

(1509–1564)

French Reformer of Geneva
Service of the Word

  • Votum (Ps. 124:8)
  • Confession
  • Prayer for Forgiveness
  • Psalm
  • Prayer for Illumination
  • Scripture
  • Sermon
  • Intercessions
  • Lord’s Prayer Paraphrase
  • Benediction

Service of the Lord’s Supper

  • Votum (Ps. 124:8)
  • Confession
  • Prayer for Forgiveness
  • Psalm
  • Prayer for Illumination
  • Scripture
  • Sermon
  • Intercessions
  • Lord’s Prayer Paraphrase
  • Prayer of Preparation
  • Apostles’ Creed*
  • Words of Institution
  • Long Exhortation
  • Distribution
  • Psalm(s) or Scripture
  • Prayer of Thanksgiving
  • Benediction

…because of the inestimable grace of God, that so far as the weakness of our flesh will permit, we are lifted up to God by the exercises of religion. To what end is the preaching of the Word, the Sacraments, the holy congregations themselves, and indeed the whole external government of the church, except that we may be united to God?

Commentary on the Psalms