This is an experimental, draft version. Feedback is invited on whether this is an appropriate concept, and as to specifics of language/content. Word (.doc) version available on request, by email or in the comments.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
If on any Sunday or other Principal Feast or Holy Day you are prevented from attending Divine Service, make an act of Spiritual Communion, as follows:
The sign of the cross (+) may be made by you in remembrance of your baptism.
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then say the Confession:
Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We justly deserve your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Then say:
The Almighty and merciful Lord, grant me + pardon and absolution of all my sins. Amen.
Then read the Collect for the day, the Old Testament reading, the Epistle, and the Holy Gospel.
Say the Nicene Creed:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered, and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And he will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life + of the world to come. Amen.
Then say:
Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Then say:
In union, O Lord with the faithful at every altar of your church, where the Sacrament of the Altar is now being celebrated, I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. I present to you my soul and body with the earnest wish that I may always be united to you. And since I can not now receive your body and blood in the Sacrament, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, and embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Let nothing ever separate you from me. May I live and die in your love. Amen.
Spend a few moments in meditation upon the fact that God so loved you that he sent his only Son into the world for you. Recite the Lord’s Prayer and afterward say:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit + be with us all. Amen.
