The Lay Litany

Leader: With grateful hearts, the members of the Baltimore Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church give thanks to Almighty God for His divine inspiration and revelation to our ancestors.

People: We thank God for our ancestors.

Leader: For the privilege of hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the desire to live daily according to His holy Word.

People: We thank God for the privilege.

Leader: For His Commandments to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, and to be a bold witness for Him.

People: We thank God for the Commandments.

Leader: For the teachings of Richard Allen, to minister unconditionally to the Spiritual, Emotional, Intellectual, and Financial needs of our brothers and sisters.

People: We thank God for the teachings of Richard Allen.

Leader: For forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation for all of us when our faith has been displaced by pain, despair, hatred and fear.

People: We thank God for the ability to forgive.

Leader: For continued appreciation and teaching of the History, Doctrine, and Philosophy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

People: We thank God for the leadership of our Bishops, Presiding Elders, Pastors, and Laity.

Leader: For Spiritual guidance and Biblical teaching to our youth and young adults that are actively seeking answers to morals, political and religious issues influencing the growth and development of the church.

People: We thank God for the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Leader: With grateful hearts, the Baltimore Conference Lay Organization of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is thankful for the preaching of the gospel; the teaching of the Bible, Discipline and Doctrine; the privilege to minister, to sow and serve; the forgiveness of sin and the promise of an eternal home in Heaven.

People: We thank God for the opportunity to Worship and Serve Him.

Written by Evelyn Welch Graham (11th Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities, 2003)

THE LAY HYMN

PLEASE SELECT THIS LINK for a video of the singing of the Lay Hymn!

Laymen now have thus assembled, In Thy blessed name O God. Guide us in our true endeavor, Light the pathway that we trod; Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause.

We are banded one in union, To fulfill Thy just command. May we be Thy true disciples, Holding to Thy mighty hand; Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love.

As we walk this Christian journey, Let us keep our armour bright. Let our works be pure and holy, That we stand within Thy sight; Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love.

May we stand before Thine altar, Pledging Lord to work for Thee. In the vineyard, in the pastures, Let us Lord Thy pilgrims be; Let us lift the cross forever to the skies Let us lift the cross forever to the skies.

Tune: "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" Frances A. Walston

THE LAY BENEDICTION

May God bless us with the true spirit of Christianity, that we may live together, not as man over man, but as Lay persons working with God. Amen.

Here is the sheet music of the Lay Benediction