From the Rector: School of Prayer Part II

After making the sign of the cross, we hold the cross or crucifix in our hand and recite The Apostles’ Creed.

The word “Creed” is derived from the word “Credo” which, in Latin means I believe. This prayer is a very ancient summary of Christian beliefs that faithfully hands on what the Apostles taught in a simple form that is able to be memorized. It is known to exist in this same formula in early Christian writings from within about a hundred years of the lifetimes of the Apostles. Several of the points, or articles of the Creed will be meditated on as mysteries of the rosary.

Where is The Apostles Creed Found in the Bible?

The Apostles Creed is divided into twelve statements which are founded entirely in scripture:

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, (Mt 5 :45)
Creator of heaven and earth, (Gen 1: 1ff;  Rom 1: 20)
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, (Mt 3: 17;  Phil 2: 12)
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, (Lk 1: 35)
born of the Virgin Mary, (Lk 2: 7)
suffered under Pontius Pilate, (Jn 19: 16)
was crucified, died, and was buried.(Jn 19: 29 – 42)
He descended into hell; (1 Pet 3: 19 – 20)
on the third day He rose again from the dead, (Mt 28:1-10; Jn 20:11-18)
He ascended in heaven, (Lk 24: 51)
and sits at the right hand of God, (Heb 1: 3)
the Father almighty; (Mk 14: 36)
from thence He shall come again (Mt 16: 27;  Acts 10: 39ff;)
to judge the living and the dead. (1 Cor 15: 51ff)
I believe in the Holy Spirit, (Jn 14: 15 – 20;  Acts 1: 7 – 8)
the Holy Catholic Church, (Mt 16: 18 – 19;  Eph 5: 26-27;  Col 1: 24)
communion of Saints, (Mt 28: 19 – 20; 2 Cor 11: 13; 1 Cor 15: 33)
the forgiveness of sins, (Jn 20: 22 – 23)
the resurrection of the body, (1Cor 15: 51 – 54;  1 Thes 4: 13 – 18)
and life everlasting. (1 Jn 5: 20)
Amen.

After reciting the Creed the first bead after the cross is held while the Lord’s Prayer, or the “Our Father” prayer is recited. It would be impossible to overstate the value of this prayer taught to us by the Lord himself when his Apostles asked Him to teach them how to pray. (Matthew 6:9-13).  This prayer contains the essentials of the Christian life: Honoring God the Father; petitioning God for our needs; asking pardon for sin; and acknowledging our need to practice forgiveness in regard to our neighbors. We also pray for the help to avoid temptation, and to be delivered from evil. Every disciple of Jesus Christ should treasure these words and speak them from their heart with love, and trust that they are very pleasing to God.

The “Pater” bead (Our Father = Pater Noster in Latin) is usually separated by a little space before and after it to distinguish it from the other beads. Sometimes it is of a different size or material, often a more precious material than the other beads.

“Our Father, Who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.”