THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING JUNIOR DAUGHTERS HANDBOOK POLICIES

Transcription

1 THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING JUNIOR DAUGHTERS HANDBOOK and POLICIES Publication 301EN 7.11

2 This handbook belongs to: Study began on: Admitted to the Order on:

3 All material contained in the Junior Handbook is the property of The Order of the Daughters of the King, Inc. It may be reproduced for use by members of The Order of the Daughters of the King. To use for any other purpose, contact the National Office for permission. THE MARGARET J. FRANKLIN CENTER NATIONAL OFFICE FOR THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING, INC. 101 Weatherstone Drive, Suite 870 Woodstock, GA Phone (770) Fax (770) For additional copies of the Junior Handbook or other Daughters of the King materials or information, please contact the National Office.

4 Table of Contents Introduction to the Order... 1 Vision Statement... 1 The Mission of the Order... 1 Who We Are... 1 The Junior Daughter s Rule of Life... 2 The Rule of Prayer... 2 The Rule of Service... 2 Evangelism... 3 Essentials... 4 History... 4 The Girl in the Apron... 5 The Junior Daughter s Prayer... 7 The Prayer of the Order... 7 Motto... 8 Colors... 8 The Cross and Emblem of the Order... 9 The Junior Daughters Hymn The Hymn of the Order The Funds of the Order Publications and Communications Dues Chapter Life Preparation Period and Study Chapter Meetings Special Days Transitioning to Senior Daughters A Junior Daughter Graduating High School Services Candlelight Admission Institution i

5 Transition Admission and Rededication Admission and Installation of Officers Policies Prayers and Devotional Resources Prayers to Help With your Promise of Daily Prayer Prayers for Personal and Chapter Use A Form of Self-Examination The Junior Litany Other Resources for Spiritual Growth Resources for Service Resources for Study Resources for Evangelism ii

6 INTRODUCTION TO THE ORDER VISION STATEMENT Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God s love throughout the world. THE MISSION OF THE ORDER The mission of this Order is the extension of Christ s Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism. WHO WE ARE The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women and girls dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We make a commitment to pray and serve Jesus every day, and we follow Him as Lord of our lives. We are an Order for women and girls who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. Today our membership includes women and girls in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches. Junior Daughters of the King are baptized girls ages As part of the Order, Junior Daughters make a promise of daily Prayer and Service which provides a special opportunity to grow in our Christian faith and commitment. Junior Chapters, a group of three or more Junior Daughters, provide opportunities to experience the joy of belonging to Christian fellowship with peers and mentors and discuss their faith, support each other, study the Bible and pray for the community and the world. The Order hopes to help all Daughters grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and one another by the power of the Holy Spirit. 1

7 THE JUNIOR DAUGHTER S RULE OF LIFE THE RULE OF PRAYER Prayer is essentially talking with God. It is the foundation of our life with Jesus. It is also a Daughter s source of strength. We must always work towards growing and deepening our relationship with God, our Father; Jesus, His Son; and His Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Comforter. We do this by praying, whether out loud or in silence, with music or dance, and through other ways which lead us to communicate with God. As St. Paul says, Pray without ceasing. (1 Thess. 5:17). As Daughters of the King we have a Rule of Prayer. As part of this Rule, each Daughter promises to pray every day for the spread of Christ s Kingdom, God s blessing on the work and members of the Order, and for the spiritual growth of her parish. We also pray for children in our community and around the world. Each Daughter is encouraged to fulfill her own Rule of Prayer in her own way and review it every year. Prayer is the foundation from which our service grows. THE RULE OF SERVICE Every Daughter must have a Rule of Service through which she seeks to do God s will every day, remembering Jesus words whatever you did for one of the least of these you did it for Me (Matthew 25:40 NIV). As part of this Rule, each Daughter makes a promise to take part regularly in the worship, study and ministry of her church; to make a constant effort to bring others to Christ; and to serve in her church and community. By developing a habit of giving at least one act of personal service for another person each day, we learn the meaning of Christian ministry. By reaching out with love, we help others to know Jesus and come into the fellowship of His church. Service is both an individual and chapter responsibility. It is how we live out the Rule of Prayer. 2

8 The fruit of faith is love, The fruit of love is service, The fruit of service is peace. Mother Teresa EVANGELISM As Daughters of the King our mission is evangelism which is helping other people know the love of God through Jesus Christ. Introducing someone to Jesus for the first time or even helping someone strengthen their faith in Him is evangelism. But we can only do this by praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help lead other people into a relationship with Jesus. Evangelism is SOMETIMES talking, sometimes listening sometimes sharing, sometimes showing, ALWAYS being the child of God He created you to be. Evangelism is part of our job as Christians. We are to: Go and tell the Good News, to share with one another our relationship with Jesus, to bring others into relationship with Him, and, to encourage one another to follow Christ s example. Preach the Gospel always; if necessary use words. St. Francis of Assisi 3

9 ESSENTIALS HISTORY The Order of the Daughters of the King was founded by Margaret J. Franklin and her young women s Bible study class at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in New York City (now the Church of the Resurrection). On Easter Eve in 1885, at their first meeting the women dedicated themselves to work for Jesus Christ and His Church. Each Daughter felt that to do God s work she must ask God for the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Each resolved that she would pray every day of her life for God to empower her to do His work. By January 1896, just ten and a half years later, the Order had grown to more than 10,000 women in 271 chapters. That year Mary Davenport, the wife of the rector of Emmanuel Church in Washington, DC, formed the first Junior chapter. She chose several girls from her children s guild and started a chapter patterned after the Senior Daughters. She called them her Junior Daughters and gave them small silver crosses (designed by her husband) to wear. They elected officers and learned the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. They checked on absentees of the Sunday School and looked after girls their own age. They also visited the sick and elderly and read to them. After a few years, they applied for and received a charter as Alpha Chapter of the Junior Daughters of the King. By then the example of Emmanuel s Junior Daughters had inspired other Senior chapters in the Diocese of Washington to organize more Junior Daughters chapters. In the summer of 1905, the Alpha Chapter invited representatives of the other chapters to the first Diocesan Assembly of Junior Daughters at Emmanuel Church in Congressional Heights. The first National Conference of the work of the Junior Daughters was held at the Fourteenth Convention of the Order in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 17, 1916, and was led by the president of the Junior Daughters of the District of Columbia. 4

10 THE GIRL IN THE APRON For many years the girl in the apron has been on the cover of the Junior Daughter s Handbook. Here is her story. She was first drawn by Ms. Jane Kenimer of St. Patrick s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia in When Ms. Kenimer sat down to draw a figure to represent all Daughters of the King, a thousand faces, types and ages came to her mind. After much contemplation she found herself one morning staring blankly out of the window at the mourning doves feeding in the yard. This was the very spot where I received the wonderful gift of God, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is where I always go when I need to pray, so it came as no surprise to find myself once again seeking the Lord s help. Her prayer was a simple one: Lord, help me to draw this child of yours not as the people see her, but as you see her in Spirit. You know her as you know all things. Please help me in Jesus name. Thank you, Lord. I m trusting that you will direct my hands and heart by your Holy Spirit. This is what the Lord showed Jane. 5

11 She is young, because a woman who truly loves the Lord is always young in spirit. Secondly, she has an apron on, symbolic of service. Remember that Jesus made for Himself an apron before He washed the disciples feet. It was an act of true humility. She is of simple dress (I Peter 3:5). Her head is always covered in humility and awe as she remains aware that Jesus Christ is her King and that she is to serve Him in word and deed. When you see her without shoes, it is because she is on Holy ground. Her prayer is for other people. Jane was directed specifically to give her open eyes so that she may see the beauty of Holiness and to quietly go about her service with joy. Her mouth signifies that as a Daughter of the King she speaks softly, kindly and lovingly, giving glory to God. From Jane s story we are reminded to always pray to the Lord for guidance before undertaking any project. As Daughters of the King, the girl in the apron reminds us to always stay young in sprit, pray for others and serve the Lord with joy, and bringing glory to Him in all we do. 6

12 THE JUNIOR DAUGHTER S PRAYER God of love, God of life, God of holy strength, guide us, That by our daily practice of Prayer and Service, We may draw others to Christ. Help us to reach up in hope, receive in spirit, respond in faith, and reach out in love for all. We pray that Your Kingdom will come for all creation, all people living together in love and peace, For His Sake. Amen. THE PRAYER OF THE ORDER O eternal Father, You have sent us Your Son to teach us things pertaining to Your heavenly Kingdom, give Your blessing to our Order wherever it may be throughout the world. Grant that we, your Daughters, ever may discern Your truth and bear the cross through the battles of our earthly life. Give us strength to overcome temptation and the grace to work to spread Your Kingdom and to gather Your scattered sheep within Your fold. Pour out upon us the sevenfold gift of the Holy Spirit that we may always remember it is Your work we are called upon to do, that all we think, do, or say may be pleasing in Your sight. We ask it all For His Sake, our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Judges 3:10 Isaiah 11 Numbers 11:26 7

13 MOTTO For His Sake I am but one, But I am one. I cannot do everything, But I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, By the grace of God, I will do. Lord, what will You have me do? COLORS The colors of the Order are blue and white. In the church, white is the color of rejoicing and is used for festivals of Christ. It stands for purity and the bright light of Truth. Blue is the color for Mary, the mother of Jesus, who described herself as the handmaiden, or servant, of the Lord (Luke 1:38, 48). Like Mary, we want to be willing servants of our Lord, and with joyful hearts, to do what we can to help others to know Him. 8

14 THE CROSS AND EMBLEM OF THE ORDER Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine With heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross FHS The emblem of the Order is in the form of a modified Greek fleury cross inscribed in Latin, Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine, the watchword of the Order, meaning with heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross. At the base of the cross are the letters FHS, initials that stand for the Motto of the Order: For His Sake. The Junior Daughter s Cross was designed by Father Davenport, the rector of Emmanuel Church in Washington DC in He was the husband of Mary Davenport, founder of the Junior Daughters. It is given to each new member when she is admitted to the Order. It is to remind us every day of the great love Jesus has for us and all people. It also reminds us that we must dedicate ourselves to helping others know that love. The FHS inscribed on the cross tells us that we serve For His Sake. Crosses are the property of the Order and are to be worn by members only. It was copy-written in

15 THE JUNIOR DAUGHTERS HYMN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH HYMNAL 1982 NO. 655 O JESUS I HAVE PROMISED SUNG TO NO. 525 THE CHURCH S ONE FOUNDATION O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end, be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend; I shall not fear the battle, if Thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway, if Thou wilt be my guide. O let me hear Thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion the murmurs of self-will; O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; O speak and make me listen, Thou guardian of my soul. O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee, that where Thou art in glory there shall thy servant be; and Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend. 10

16 THE JUNIOR DAUGHTERS HYMN 11

17 THE HYMN OF THE ORDER THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH HYMNAL 1982, NO. 473 LIFT HIGH THE CROSS Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim Til all the world adore his sacred Name. Led on their way by this triumphant sign, The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. Each newborn servant of the Crucified Bears on the brow the seal of Him who died. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree, As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee. So shall our song of triumph ever be Praise to the Crucified for victory. 12

18 THE FUNDS OF THE ORDER Daughters of the King are not allowed to raise money in the name of the Order. However, the fruits of our individual giving have spread Christ s Kingdom in many ways. Gifts to the four funds of the Order are collected by the Chapter Treasurer and forwarded directly to the National Office. Gifts from those who are not Daughters are welcomed. The National Council provides oversight for the four funds: the Alpha Fund, Self-Denial Fund, Master s Fund, and Endowment Fund. The Alpha Fund Established at the 2009 Triennial Convention, the Alpha Fund is used to develop and support the Junior Daughter ministry. Named in honor of the first Junior Chapter, it is used to begin new chapters, support existing chapters and provide material for programs, retreats and activities. The ingathering day is September 5 th in honor of the day Mother Teresa passed away. Junior Daughters are encouraged to study her life and work. Self-Denial Fund Established at the fifth annual Daughters of the King Convention in Washington, DC in Ms. Lily Ward, a Daughter of the King and a missionary in China, asked that a day be set aside for the celebration of Holy Communion with special intention for the church in China. However, it was resolved that a whole week of self-denial be observed. Monetary donations by friends of Ms. Ward were used to create a fund for missionaries from the Order to go to China. But when missionaries were excluded from China, the funds were used for the Order s missionaries wherever needed. In 1922, members of the Order voted to make February 2 nd the Feast of the Presentation, as the ingathering day for the Self-Denial Fund. Master s Fund Established at the Daughters of the King Convention in Portland, Oregon in It is a thank-offering for the coming of the Holy Spirit and collected on Pentecost. The money is used to provide grants to women preparing for careers in the church, such as priests, deacons and missionaries. It is also used for continuing education. Applicants must be 21 years old. 13

19 Endowment Fund Established at a Daughters of the King Convention in Washington, DC in It is used to further the work of the Order for the extension of Christ s kingdom. Contributions may be made to the glory of God in the following ways: memorials and thanksgivings for a Daughter of the King, bequests and lifetime memberships. All Saints Day, November 1 st is set aside for the in-gathering day. PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS The official website for The Order of the Daughters of the King is A great deal of information can be found on the website including information for Junior Daughters and Junior Directresses. The official publication of the Order is The Royal Cross, which is published four times a year. Two times a year there is a special section in The Royal Cross called The Junior Messenger designed just for Juniors. If you are not receiving The Royal Cross, contact the National Office to be sure your dues and home address are up-to-date. Junior Daughters or Directresses needing assistance are encouraged to contact the National Junior Daughter Directress whose contact information is on the inside cover of The Royal Cross and on the website. It is requested that each chapter send an annual report of activities and service projects to the National Junior Daughter Directress, as well as any comments on resources in the Handbook, Study Guide and ideas for additional resources. A Chapter Activity Form is available on the website. Change of Junior Chapter Directress, Chapter status or Junior Daughter s address must be reported to National Office and National Junior Daughter Directress as soon as any change occurs. A Directress Update Form is available on the website. Order forms for Junior Daughters materials, including new member registration, replacement crosses, and the Study Guide are in each copy of The Royal Cross and on the website. 14

20 DUES The primary way the financial needs of the Order are met is through annual dues paid by each Daughter. This money is used to support the work of the Order and includes a subscription to The Royal Cross. Financial aid is available for those who need help. Chapter Dues packets are sent to the Junior Chapter Directress in late spring. These packets include a list of chapter members and dues sheet for collection. Dues are to be paid directly to the National Office by September 1 st. The lists are to be updated and returned to the National Office with the dues as promptly as possible. 15

21 CHAPTER LIFE PREPARATION PERIOD AND STUDY All women and girls who are prayerfully considering becoming a Daughter of the King are required to participate in a three-month period of study or preparation. The purpose of the preparation period is to provide an opportunity to learn about the Rule of Prayer and Rule of Service, and to begin practicing them. It is a time to study, to learn about the Order and to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a time to grow in love for and commitment to God and His Church. During this preparation period we prayerfully decide if we are ready to make the commitment to daily prayer and service For His Sake. Things to do: Pick a time of day to have Quiet Time with the Lord. Spend this time praying, reading the Bible, and quietly thinking. Write a prayer list, or thoughts and questions in a special notebook or journal. Remember always that God loves us and longs to spend time with us. Trust Him with everything. Be joyful and know that He is near. Discuss ways to carry out the two Rules. Attend chapter meetings and be prepared for the study program. Read the Service of Admission and be prepared to take part in it. A Junior Daughter Study Guide is available on the DOK website and from the National Office. See also Resources for Study 16

22 CHAPTER MEETINGS The experience of Chapter Meetings should help Junior Daughters maintain and grow in their prayer life while also providing opportunities to serve the church and community. Bible study is an important part of each Chapter Meeting. It helps us become more familiar with scripture and apply it to our life. Bible sharing helps us learn how to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed and strengthens us in our own Christian walk. Bible exploration, whether reading or remembering from storytelling, enhances daily prayer time. Use of a variety of translations deepens our understanding of the Bible. A devotional period is also important at each meeting. It can be a time of reflection, sharing prayers, or praying as a group or individually. Structure helps to maintain balance in chapter meetings. Here is a suggested meeting format: 1. Opening: May include the Junior Hymn and Litany and other prayers chosen from the Devotional Resources Section, individual prayers of the members, a short Bible reading, and the Junior Daughters Prayer. This may be led by the president or other assigned Junior Daughter. Time may be given to reflect on the reading. (10-20 minutes) 2. Check in: Everyone takes turns sharing briefly something happening in their life. (10-20 minutes) 3. Business: as needed. (5-10 minutes) 4. Study or training period. (20 minutes) 5. Service project: Time may be given to plan or to do the service project for the church or community. (30 minutes) 6. Closing: May include praying in a circle, and ending with the Junior Daughter Prayer or Motto or the Our Father prayer. Remember that meetings are a special time to get together to fellowship, study the Bible and have fun. Be flexible and always pray for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. 17

23 SPECIAL DAYS There are many Feast days, or festival days, in the church liturgical calendar. These special days commemorate a saint or holy event. Two of these feast days are important to Junior Daughters and provide an opportunity to focus on children and children s ministries. Talk to the clergy in advance about what the Chapter can do to take part and make it a special day for the church. February 2 nd Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22 40) As many parents present their children for Baptism, the Feast of the Presentation commemorates the day when Jesus was presented by His parents as an offering to God. Jesus and His family were met by Simeon, a righteous man who, upon the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah. There are many things Junior Chapters can do on or about the actual Feast Day of February 2 nd to make this a special day for the church. Juniors can: 1. Have a special worship service remembering the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah while an infant. 2. Have a special service in which the Junior Daughters are presented as a Holy offering to God. 3. Take as active a part as possible in the worship service, including planning the service and the sermon (with clergy approval), and serving as lectors, acolytes, greeters, ushers, chalice bearers and any activities after the service. 4. Use this time as an opportunity to bring awareness to their ministry as well as other ways children and young people serve the Lord and focus on how God has a plan for all His children no matter how old they are. 18

24 December 28 th Feast of the Holy Innocents (Matthew 2:1-12) King Herod, because of his fear of baby Jesus becoming king, commanded his soldiers to kill all children two years old and younger. This was an attempt to eliminate the baby Jesus. Those children who died became known as the first martyrs. (Matthew 2: 1-12) Junior Daughters can use Holy Innocents Day as a special time to honor all children in the church. Juniors can: 1. Commemorate the day with an anointing and blessing of all the children in the parish. 2. Commemorate the day by remembering and honoring all children past and present by having children pray for each other. 3. Hold a candlelight vigil for children who have died during the past year. 4. Use this time as an opportunity to bring awareness to the needs of children in their community and the world and to offer special prayers for children who are suffering. 19

25 TRANSITIONING FROM JUNIOR TO SENIOR DAUGHTERS A Junior Daughter who is 16 years old may prayerfully consider joining the Order as an adult, or Senior, member. It is important to discuss this with the Directress and Senior Chapter President as they will assist in making this exciting transition. To become an adult member, a Junior Daughter must first meet the Daughters membership requirements, and second, participate in a period of study or discernment. The required transition study period could include one of the study options below: The Transition Study Guide The Senior Daughters of the King Study Guide The Spiritual Formation Guide A Review of the Senior Handbook A mentor will be assigned who will guide the Junior through the transition process. Materials the mentor could provide include: A Senior Handbook A list of Senior chapter activities A list of officers/members with contact info Information on the format and dates of Senior meetings The expectations of each chapter member Be sure to fill out the Application for Senior Membership Form and Transitioning Junior Daughter Update Form available on the Forms page of the website or from the Directress. The National Office Order Form is used to select and pay for a new senior cross. Lastly, be sure to have the Service of Transition. The Service is for those Junior Daughters who are to be admitted into the Order as Senior members. It is a beautiful Service that honors their time as Juniors while making their vows as a Senior Daughter. 20

26 A JUNIOR DAUGHTER GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL The Order wishes to congratulate all graduating Junior Daughters on their achievements and encourages Juniors to prayerfully consider joining the Order as an adult, or Senior, member. Be sure to discuss this with the Directress and Senior Chapter President as they can assist in this exciting transition. Be sure to fill out a Transitioning Junior Daughter Update Form available on the DOK website and from the Directress. This form will allow her to keep in touch after graduation. The form can also be forwarded to the National Junior Daughters Chair who will connect her to local churches and DOK chapters wherever she relocates. 21

27 SERVICES CANDLELIGHT SERVICE FOR GIRLS PREPARING TO BECOME JUNIOR DAUGHTERS OF THE KING Junior Daughter Directress or Presenter: It is my privilege to present these candidates for Junior Membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King. Clergy: You have expressed interest in becoming a Junior Member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. You have been asked to serve a three-month preparation period in which you will learn about and follow the two Rules of the Order: the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. You are asked to learn the Junior Daughters Prayer and take part in a study program that will help you grow in your knowledge and love of God as you pray daily and serve him. Do you promise to commit yourself to this time of preparation? Candidates: I do. Clergy: May Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, grant you also the strength and power to perform them, so that He may accomplish the work He has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen The Clergy then blesses the candles Bless, O Lord, these candles and the ones who receive them, that they may be your faithful and willing servants, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen A candle is to be lighted and handed to each candidate. 22

28 Addressing each girl individually, the Clergy continues: I present to you this candle, to remind you of the promise you have made, and to help you remember that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. May He enlighten your heart and mind as you prepare to become a Junior Daughter of the King. After the candidates have received their candles, they then pray: Candidates: Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, we here dedicate ourselves to You and Your service in faith and joy and love. In this preparation time we pray that You will confirm and strengthen us that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our King, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. All: Amen Clergy: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Clergy: Let us pray, Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and give us Your help, that all our work begun, continued and ended in You may glorify Your holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. All: Amen 23

29 Service for Admission of New Members Junior Daughter Directress: It is my privilege to present these candidates for Junior Membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King. Clergy: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, we ask You to bless this Junior Chapter, that all Your servants who will take the vow of Prayer and Service may have strength and courage to faithfully fulfill their promises for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing the candidates Do you desire to become Junior Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King? Candidates: I do. Clergy: Do you promise to wear the cross faithfully, to observe a daily Rule of Prayer and Service, always praying for and working towards the spread of Christ s Kingdom and making an earnest effort to lead others nearer to Christ through His Church? Candidates: I will with God s help. Clergy: May Almighty God, Who has given you the will to do these things, grant you also the strength and power to perform them, so that He may accomplish the work He has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: The Clergy then blesses the crosses Bless, O Lord, these crosses, that they who wear them may always be Your faithful and willing servants, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 24

30 All: Amen Clergy: Addressing each girl individually the Clergy continues In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I receive you as a Junior Member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. Accept and wear faithfully this mark of your membership, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus: Take up your cross and follow me. Clergy: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Clergy: Let us pray, May Your love, O Lord, help these girls live lives of love, and may Your holiness lead them to be examples of virtue, that they, strengthened by Your Holy Spirit, may pray and serve You all their days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Junior Daughter Prayer: Said by Members and Directress God of Love, God of Life, God of Holy Strength, guide us, that by our daily practice of Prayer and Service, we may draw others to Christ. Help us to reach up in hope, receive in spirit, respond in faith, and reach out in love for all. We pray that Your Kingdom will come for all creation, all people living together in love and peace. For His Sake. All: Amen Clergy: The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. All: Amen 25

31 INSTITUTION OF A CHAPTER, INSTALLATION OF DIRECTRESS, AND ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS Clergy: The charter and candidates for the Junior Chapter of The Order of the Daughters of the King will now be presented. Presenter: It is my privilege to present to you the charter of the Chapter of the Junior Daughters of the King so that you may formally proclaim the institution of this Chapter. Clergy: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, we ask you to bless this charter and the Junior Chapter that all Your servants who will take the vow of Prayer and Service may have strength and courage to faithfully fulfill their promises for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing the congregation As priest of, I hereby declare the Junior Chapter duly installed and ready to receive the Directress and girls into membership. Clergy: Addressing the Directress(es) Do you, in the presence of this congregation, commit yourself to the new trust and responsibility of Directress of this Junior Chapter? New Directress(es): I do with God s help. Clergy: Addressing the congregation Will you who witness this new beginning, support and uphold her/them in this ministry? Congregation: We will. 26

32 Directress: It is my privilege to present to you these candidates to become Junior Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King. Clergy: Addressing the candidates Do you desire to become Junior Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King? Candidates: I do. Clergy: Do you promise to wear the cross faithfully, to observe a daily Rule of Prayer and Service, always praying for and working towards the spread of Christ s Kingdom and making an earnest effort to lead others nearer to Christ through His Church? Candidates: I will with God s help. Clergy: May Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, grant you also strength and power to perform them that He may accomplish the work He has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: The Clergy then blesses the crosses Bless, O Lord, these crosses that they who wear them may always be your faithful and willing servants, through Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing each girl individually, the Clergy continues In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I receive and admit you as a Junior Member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. Accept and wear faithfully this mark of your membership, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus who said Take up your cross and follow me. 27

33 Clergy: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Clergy: Let us pray, O Lord, help these girls live lives of love, and may Your holiness lead them to be examples of virtue, that they, strengthened by Your Holy Spirit, may pray and serve You all their days, through Christ our Lord. All: Amen Junior Daughter Prayer: Said by Members and Directress God of Love, God of Life, God of Holy Strength, guide us, that by our daily practice of Prayer and Service, we may draw others to Christ. Help us to reach up in hope, receive in spirit, respond in faith, and reach out in love for all. We pray that Your Kingdom will come for all creation, all people living together in love and peace. For His Sake. All: Amen Clergy: The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. All: Amen 28

34 Service of Transition from Junior Daughter to Senior Daughter Presenter: It is my privilege to present Junior Daughter N. as a candidate for Senior membership into The Order of the Daughters of the King. Clergy: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. All: Amen Clergy: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and before this congregation to renew this His servant(s)'s vows of Prayer, Service and Evangelism as she makes her transition from Junior Daughter to Senior Daughter. We commend her to your earnest prayers that she may have the grace to continue to fulfill the obligations of the Order and that her labors may be to the glory of God and to the welfare of all. The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Clergy: Let us pray. O eternal Father, continue to grant to this Your servant(s) such a measure of Your heavenly grace that she may be mindful always whose child she is and daily increase in Your Holy Spirit, that by Your wisdom and strength she may, with those whom she brings to You, come to the everlasting Kingdom of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing the candidate(s) The Daughters of the King is an Order for women whose mission is the extension of Christ s Kingdom, especially among women and girls, through prayer, service and evangelism. Do you wish to continue your membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King? 29

35 Candidate(s): I do with God s help. Clergy: Are you ready, so long as you remain a member of the Order, to observe a rule of daily prayer, always praying for the spread of Christ s Kingdom and making an earnest effort to lead others nearer to Christ through His Church? Candidate(s): I am with God s help. Clergy: May Almighty God grant to you the strength and power to perform these things, that He might accomplish the work He has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing the congregation Will you support this woman as she continues in her ministry of prayer and service? Congregation: We will. Clergy: The Clergy shall bless the cross(es) Bless, O Lord, this cross and grant to Your servant(s) now to be admitted as a Senior Daughter of The Order of the Daughters of the King, such abundance of Your grace that she may wear this sacred symbol in the spirit of humility and with devotion to the service of the King of kings. All: Amen 30

36 (Taking each candidate by the right hand, the Clergy receives her into the Order. The cross of the Order is given to each candidate by the Clergy or Diocesan President or her representative.) Clergy: I receive and admit you as a Senior Daughter of The Order of the Daughters of the King, in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Accept and wear faithfully this mark of your membership remembering the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Take up your cross and follow me. The Prayer of the Order: Said by all Members O eternal Father, You have sent us Your Son to teach us things pertaining to Your heavenly Kingdom. Give Your blessing to our Order wherever it may be throughout the world. Grant that we, Your Daughters, ever may discern Your truth and bear the cross through the battles of our earthly life. Give us strength to overcome temptation and the grace to work to spread Your Kingdom and to gather Your scattered sheep within Your fold. Pour out upon us the sevenfold gift of the Holy Spirit that we may always remember it is Your work we are called upon to do; that all we think, do or say may be pleasing in Your sight. We ask it all For His Sake, our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. All: Amen Clergy: Almighty and merciful God, since it is only by Your gift of grace that Your faithful people do true and laudable service, bless this your servant(s) who has signified her purpose to continue in Your holy service as a member(s) of the Order. Guide her to lead a godly life in Your Church and grant that she labors faithfully for the extension of Your Kingdom, and that she may at life's end inherit eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen 31

37 SERVICES FOR ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS AND REDEDICATION OF CURRENT MEMBERS Junior Daughter Directress: It is my privilege to present these candidates for Junior Membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King. Clergy: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, we ask You to bless this Junior Chapter that all Your servants who will take the vow of Prayer and Service may have strength and courage to faithfully fulfill their promises for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing the candidates Do you desire to become Junior Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King? Candidates: I do. Clergy: Do you promise to wear the cross faithfully, to observe a daily Rule of Prayer and Service, always praying for and working towards the spread of Christ s Kingdom and making an earnest effort to lead others nearer to Christ through His Church? Candidates: I will with God s help. Clergy: May Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, grant you also the strength and power to perform them, so that He may accomplish the work He has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen 32

38 Clergy: The Clergy then blesses the crosses Bless, O Lord, these crosses, that they who wear them may always be your faithful and willing servants, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing each girl individually the clergy continues In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I receive you as a Junior Member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. Accept and wear faithfully this mark of your membership, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus: Take up your cross and follow me. After receiving all the candidates, the Clergy turns to the current members and says: Do you renew your promise to obey faithfully the Rules of Prayer and Service? All: I do. Clergy: Do you promise to wear the Cross habitually and to work and pray for the spread of Christ s Kingdom? All: I do. Clergy: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Clergy: Let us pray, May Your love, O Lord, help these girls live lives of love, and may Your holiness lead them to be examples of virtue, that they, strengthened by Your Holy Spirit, may pray and serve You all their days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen 33

39 Junior Daughter Prayer: Said by Members and Directress God of Love, God of Life, God of Holy Strength, guide us, that by our daily practice of Prayer and Service, we may draw others to Christ. Help us to reach up in hope, receive in spirit, respond in faith, and reach out in love for all. We pray that Your Kingdom will come for all creation, all people living together in love and peace. For His Sake. All: Amen Clergy: The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. All: Amen 34

40 SERVICE FOR ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Junior Daughter Directress: It is my privilege to present these candidates for Junior Membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King. Clergy: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, we ask You to bless this Junior Chapter, that all Your servants who will take the vow of Prayer and Service may have strength and courage to faithfully fulfill their promises for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing the candidates Do you desire to become Junior Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King? Candidates: I do. Clergy: Do you promise to wear the cross faithfully, to observe a daily Rule of Prayer and Service, always praying for and working towards the spread of Christ s Kingdom and making an earnest effort to lead others nearer to Christ through His Church? Candidates: I will with God s help. Clergy: May Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, grant you also the strength and power to perform them, so that He may accomplish the work He has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen 35

41 Clergy: The Clergy then blesses the crosses Bless, O Lord, these crosses, that they who wear them may always be Your faithful and willing servants, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen Clergy: Addressing each girl individually the Clergy continues In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I receive you as a Junior Member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. Accept and wear faithfully this mark of your membership, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus: Take up your cross and follow me. After receiving all the candidates, the Clergy turns to the new Officers and says: You have been chosen by these, your friends, to serve in positions of responsible leadership. You are called to serve the family of Christ. In accepting the responsibility now placed upon you, will you devote the best of your thoughts and energies to the duties of your office, resolving to be pure, humble and unselfish? New Officers: We will with God s help. Clergy: addressing the Juniors Do you promise your cooperation to these chosen leaders, and agree to assist as best you can in promoting the welfare of your chapter and its work of prayer and service, so that others may come to know the love of Christ? Juniors: I do with God s help. Clergy: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Clergy: Let us pray, May Your love, O Lord, help these girls live lives of love, and may Your holiness lead them to be examples of virtue, that they, strengthened by Your Holy Spirit, may pray and serve You all their days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 36

42 All: Amen Junior Daughter Prayer: Said by Members and Directress God of Love, God of Life, God of Holy Strength, guide us, that by our daily practice of Prayer and Service, we may draw others to Christ. Help us to reach up in hope, receive in spirit, respond in faith, and reach out in love for all. We pray that Your Kingdom will come for all creation, all people living together in love and peace. For His Sake. All: Amen Clergy: The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. All: Amen 37

43 JUNIOR DAUGHTER POLICIES Table of Contents Policy I Policy II Policy III Policy IV Policy V Policy VI Policy VII Policy VIII Policy IX Policy X Policy XI Purpose Qualifications Organization Forming a Chapter Cross and Colors Official Communication Money Making Transitioning to Adult Members Ending Membership National Council and National Gatherings Making Policy Changes Policy I. Purpose Junior Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King have the following purposes: a. To grow in their commitment to Christ and His church through prayer and service b. To spread Christ s Kingdom, especially among girls c. To abide in the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Policy II. Qualifications Section 1. All members must be baptized girls between the ages of seven and twenty-one, who are willing to accept the Rules of the Order Prayer and Service, For His Sake, for as long as they remain members. Section 2. The Directress must be a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. She may serve her three-month preparation for membership during the formation of the Junior Chapter and be admitted in accordance with the Daughters Handbook when the chapter is instituted. 38

44 Policy III. Organization A chapter may be organized in any parish, mission, or institution in which a Daughters chapter is eligible to be formed and with the approval of the clergy. Policy IV. Forming a Chapter Section 1. Prospective members desiring to form a Junior chapter shall: a. Obtain approval from the clergy of the parish b. Find a Daughter of the King to serve as Directress (See Policy II, Sec. 2) c. Bring together three or more baptized girls. Section 2. Prospective candidates must serve a preparation period, receiving thorough instruction in the Junior Handbook and practicing the Rules of Prayer and Service. The recommended preparation period is three months. A Junior Daughters of the King Study Guide is available to assist in this preparation. Section 3. The prospective Directress, or Daughters Chapter President, shall request from the National Office a Junior Charter Kit which contains the Charter Application. This should be properly completed and returned with the registration fee for each girl (and registration fee for the directress if she is to be admitted to the Order). The amount of these fees may be found in the most recent copy of The Royal Cross or on the National DOK website ( Scholarships are available, if needed. Please contact: a. Daughters Chapter President b. Her Clergy c. Diocesan President d. Provincial President e. The National Office When planning the date of institution, allow six weeks for delivery of the Charter and Junior crosses. Each Junior Member will receive a subscription to The Royal Cross for the remainder of the year. 39

45 Section 4. Annual dues for each Junior Member must be sent to the National Office by September 1st of each year (by the Daughters Chapter Treasurer or Junior Directress) along with a list of Members, their addresses and a report of chapter activities. Copies of the information should be sent to the National Junior Daughters Chair. The Royal Cross and the National DOK website ( provide the contact information of the National Junior Daughters Directress. Policy V. Cross and Colors Section 1. Junior Daughters should wear the cross daily. The Junior Daughter cross comes in small or large, a Greek Fleury Cross with the initials FHS (For His Sake) on the horizontal bar. Section 2. Crosses, obtained from the National Office, are the property of the Order and are to be worn by members only. Section 3. The colors of the Junior Daughters are white and blue: a. White for purity and the bright light of truth. b. Blue for the joyful days of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Policy VI. Official Communication The Junior Messenger and the National DOK website ( are the official means of communication for Junior Daughters. The Junior Messenger may be published separately or as part of The Royal Cross. Policy VII. Money Making Junior Chapters may not raise money in the name of the Daughters of the King. They may, however, cooperate with other groups raising funds in the church. Junior Daughters may contribute to the funds of the Order. 40

46 Policy VIII. Transitioning to Adult Members Section 1. A Junior Member over the age of 16 who has met the Daughters membership requirements may become a senior Daughter of the King. Section 2. A period of study is required. Policy IX. Disbanding a Chapter Section 1. A Directress wishing to disband a Junior Chapter should first consult with: a. Her Clergy b. Her Daughters Chapter President c. Diocesan Jr Directress or President d. Provincial Jr Directress or President e. National Junior Daughters Chair Section 2. The Charter should be returned to the National Office. Notification should then be sent to: a. DOK Diocesan President (where assembled) or DOK Provincial President b. Diocesan, Provincial, and National Junior Daughters Chair. Section 3. Junior Daughters wishing to remain members may become Junior Daughters-At-Large. Notification of change in status and address should be sent to the National Office. Policy X. National Council and Triennial Section 1. The Junior Directress shall help Members understand the function of the National Council of The Order of the Daughters of the King and National Triennial Retreat. Section 2. Junior members should be encouraged to attend the National Triennial Retreat. 41

47 Policy XI. Making Policy Changes Section 1. The National Junior Daughters Chair and her committee may propose changes to the Junior Daughters Policies. The proposed changes will be sent to current Junior Directresses for a three month comment period. Section 2. The National Junior DOK committee may revise and submit the proposed changes to the National Council. The policies may then be amended or revised by a two thirds majority vote of the National Council. Section 3. The revised polices will be communicated to all Junior Directresses. 42

48 PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES PRAYERS TO HELP WITH YOUR PROMISE OF DAILY PRAYER Prayers for the Spread of Christ s Kingdom (1) O Lord God, we are called to be Your witnesses, help us to make our Savior Jesus known to others through our words and lives, through our prayers and our gifts, For His sake. Amen. (2) Lord, we pray for the spread of the Gospel. Bless those who preach, teach, heal, build, reconcile, and bring hope that their message may be the means of salvation to those who hear; grant that Your people may grow and increase in the knowledge of Your divine love, through Christ our Lord. Amen. For Missionaries Almighty and everlasting God who governs all things in heaven and earth, we commend to Your fatherly care all whom You have called to take part in the missionary work of Your Church. We pray that You will watch over all missionaries. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body, give Your angels charge concerning them and let Your Holy Spirit rule in their hearts and prosper their work to the glory of Your Holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR GOD S BLESSING ON THE ORDER For Members of the Order O Lord Jesus, who in Your tender and great humility came down from heaven to be born of a woman, help the Daughters of the King to follow the example of Your blessed Mother. Help us to be strong in spirit, modest and gentle in conduct, truthful, unselfish and obedient to Your Holy will, that, radiant with Your love, we may win many to You and be blessed by You; to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be praise and glory forever. Amen. 43

49 For Daughters-At-Large O Eternal Father, through Your Spirit, unite us as Daughters wherever we may be. We ask You to comfort, console, strengthen and guide us, especially remembering Daughters-At-Large. Help us to know our oneness with all Daughters. Keep us fervent in our prayers, service and fellowship with others. We ask it all For His Sake, our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. For Junior Daughters Most merciful Father, You have entrusted us with the well-being, guidance and leadership of these Your Junior Daughters. Grant us, we pray You, the vision to guide them by our example in the way You will have them go. Help their lives to be a reflection of Your Holy Spirit, give them the strength to resist temptation, and to meet with grace and dignity the challenges they will face in their daily lives. Equip them with the necessary tools to go out into the world and spread Your love. Let Your Church be for them a safe harbor, a place of refuge and renewal. Bless them with the gift of a willing and compassionate heart for all Your people. We ask this all For His Sake and in the blessed name of our King and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. For a Junior Directress Almighty God we thank You for, Junior Directress, whose devotion to You leads her in this call to follow You. May You fill her with grace and love to do the work You have given her to do. Enfold and enrich her in her relationship with You, O Lord, that she be filled with Your wisdom, compassion, love, hope, understanding and patience so that she can be a daily reflection of You to those You have entrusted to her. This we pray in the blessed name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. For a Junior Directress by Junior Daughters Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for our Junior Directress,. Thank You for giving her the wisdom and the patience she needs to teach us more about Your love for us. Continue to guide and bless her, we pray. Amen. 44

50 For the Alpha Fund O Lord Jesus, You said that when we welcome Your children we welcome You. Assist us in our work of guiding Your children. Touch the hearts of Your people so they will equip us with the gifts that we need to further Your love with our Juniors. Enable us to work in Your service and for Your sake. Amen PRAYERS FOR THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE PARISH (1) Almighty and everlasting God, Ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayer for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Impart a passion for the accomplishment of Your will and purpose. Grant to our parish all things necessary for our common life, and inspire us to pray for and labor diligently for the extension of Your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (2) I am grateful to You, Lord Jesus Christ, that You have established Your Church on earth, where You bless me with love and mercy in the Word and the Sacraments. I am grateful that Your Word is proclaimed in our congregation in truth and purity. May the Holy Spirit fill the members of our congregation that it may be said of us they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Help me to do my part to keep it so for my own spiritual good. Use our congregation for the building of Your Kingdom on earth. Make our congregation a power for good in our community, and bless our efforts to bring Your saving Gospel to the unchurched, to the glory of Your name. Hear my prayer, O Jesus. Amen. For our Clergy Almighty God, we lift up Your servant, N., Clergy in Your Church; give him/her grace to nurture Your people that we may grow in the knowledge and love of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that he might be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that his life be an example of righteousness and wholeness. May his family know the fullness of joy from his faithful loving heart and may he know the nearness of God always. Amen. 45

51 For our Leaders and Congregation Holy Jesus, You prayed that all your Church may be one. May the power of Your Holy Spirit work through all who minister in Your Name. We pray especially for and all who minister to the needs of our congregation(s). Bless and guide all our members; help us to know what we ought to do; and grant us the grace and strength to do it. Make our spirits alive to Your presence and our bodies fit for Your service. Inspire us to pray and work for the extension of Your Kingdom. In Your glorious Name, we pray. Amen. PRAYERS FOR EVANGELISM For the Ability to Witness Almighty God, You sent Your Son to teach us of Your love, help us to follow Christ s way, that by our lives the message of His life and truth may be brought to others. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so that all we think, do, or say may witness to our love for You and all people. We ask this For His Sake, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. For Evangelism O Lord, lead us, teach us and help us to make a constant effort in our own lives to present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit in such ways that other persons may be led to believe in Him as Savior and follow Him as Lord within the fellowship of the Church. Amen. PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (1) O God, Father of all, we commend to Your ceaseless compassion all homeless children and orphans, and those whose lives are overshadowed by violence or thwarted by disease or cruelty. Awaken in us Your living charity that we may not rest while children cry for bread or go uncomforted for lack of love. Amen. 46

52 (2) Father, we pray for all children who have been abused and treated cruelly. Give them Your healing and a sense of worth that comes from knowing that each one of them is loved and valued in Your eyes. Amen. (3) O God our Father, we pray for young people growing up in an unstable and confusing world. Show them that Your ways give more meaning to life than the ways of the world and that following You is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure not as a measure of their worth but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in You and to keep alive their joy in Your creation; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (4) Dear God, I pray that You watch over and protect all families. I especially pray for troubled families. Where there is abuse, bring change. Where there is infidelity, restore faithful love. Where there is yelling, inspire calm. Where there is alienation, reunite people. Make us all more sensitive to one another s needs so that we may reach out in love to create strong families and wise people. Amen. PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL DAYS Feast of the Presentation Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for allowing us the privilege to serve You. With humble hearts we present to You this day these our children for Your use. We pray that You will consecrate them to Your service and cover them with Your grace that they may be a blessing to all they meet each day. Let their lives be a mirror of the life of Your dear Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Feast of the Holy Innocents Almighty Father, we come before You to pray for all children who are physically and emotionally abused, neglected, lonely, unloved, hungry, afraid, kidnapped, missing, and victimized by natural disasters and war. You know each one by name and You see their suffering and pain. Protect us all 47

53 Father, from harmful and dangerous situations. Fill our lives with the joy of Your presence and grant us hope for a better life believing in Your Son and in our infinite value to You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. PRAYERS FOR PERSONAL AND CHAPTER USE For Help in Prayer and Service Almighty God, help us to pray so faithfully that we may draw near to You and learn Your will. Help us to serve so joyfully that others may be drawn to You. May Your Holy Spirit guide us each day, so that all we think or do or say may be pleasing to You. We ask all for the sake of Him whose cross we wear, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. For Dedication Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, we here dedicate our whole being to You and Your service in faith and joy and love. In this dedication we pray that You will confirm and strengthen us, O merciful God, that as we grow in age we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our King, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. For Holy Living O most Holy God, give me clean hands, clean words, clean thoughts. Help me to stand for the hard right against the easy wrong. Save me from harmful habits. Teach me to work as hard, to play as fair, in Your sight alone, as though all the world sees me. Keep me ready always to help others, even at cost to myself. Help me each day to grow more like Jesus. Amen. For Personal Confession I confess to You, O heavenly Father, that I have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. I am very sorry for wrongs I have done (especially ) Have mercy on me. Help me to love You more and serve You better day by day, for Jesus Christ s sake. Amen. 48

54 Look up and read one of the following Bible versus that speaks of God s forgiveness: I John 1:7-9 Ephesians 1:7, 4:32 Acts 10:43 Proverbs 28:13 Colossians 1:13-14 Before Meals (Grace) Give us joyful and grateful hearts, our Father, for these and all Your blessings, and make us ever mindful of, and responsive to, the needs of others, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Thanksgiving Heavenly Father, from Whose hand comes every good and perfect gift, we give thanks for Your kindness to us and to all people. With grateful hearts we praise You for the gift of life, health and strength, for our vocation to prayer and service and for the opportunity each day of ministering in Christ s name and for making His way known throughout the world. Enable us to express our thanksgiving by a rededication of ourselves to the advancement of Your glory, the up-building of Your Church and the extension of Your Kingdom. We ask in Christ s name. Amen. In the morning Since it is by Your mercy, O gracious Father, that another day is added to my life, I dedicate both my soul and body to Your service. Strengthen me with the presence of Your Holy Spirit, that I may live a holy and righteous life this day. And, as I grow in age, may I grow in grace and the knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. In the evening Oh creator God, I come to You at the close of this day, grateful for the experiences I have had and the relationships I have shared. Thank You for letting me be me. If my actions have helped another to see You, I praise You; if my actions have caused another to stumble, I ask Your forgiveness. Help me to realize that Your plan for my life is more than one day, and that disappointments are part of living and growing. Thank You, Father, for 49

55 keeping me in Your loving care. Let me sleep tonight in loving peach and wake tomorrow in the joy of a new day with all its wonders. Amen. PRAYERS OF MOTHER TERESA Mother Teresa s Daily Prayer Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as You shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. Amen. For Friendship with God Let the sound of Your voice echo always in my ears, good Jesus, so that I may learn how my heart, my mind, and my soul can love You. Let the innermost recesses of my heart embrace You, my one and only God, my sweet joy, my true friend. Amen. For Prayer Jesus come into my heart, pray with me, pray in me --- that I may learn from Thee how to pray. Amen. For Safe Travel We entreat you, Oh Lord, to turn Your face toward us and protect us on our journey. Guide us in bringing Your Good News to all whom we meet; and let us greet the poor and the afflicted with kindness and compassion. Mary, Our Mother, keep us safe and send us joy as we travel in the paths of the Lord. Amen. 50

56 A FORM OF SELF-EXAMINATION My duty is: To believe, trust in, and love God. a) Do I really believe in God? Am I fully trusting Jesus as my Lord and Savior? b) Do I try to put Him first? c) Do I turn to Him in times of trouble, and in times of praise and thanksgiving? To worship, thank and respect God. a) Do I worship God in prayer every day? b) Do I put other things before the worship of God in His church? c) Am I sincere and reverent in my worship? d) Am I willing to obey God s will in my life? To honor God s holy name and word. a) Have I used any part of God s name in a careless and irreverent way? b) Do I give God s name to my own ideas or wishes so others will agree with me? c) Do I read my Bible regularly and try to obey what I learn from it? To love, honor and obey parents and others in authority. a) Am I always loving and respectful to my parents? b) Am I truly grateful for what God, my parents, and others do for me? c) Have my words or actions caused my parents, or others in authority, to worry? d) Have I asked God s help in obeying His laws, my parents rules, and my country s laws? To hurt no one by thought or deed. a) Do I harm my body and spirit by misusing drugs, by smoking, or having poor eating or sleeping habits, or by lack of exercise? b) Have I lost my temper or caused quarrels? c) Do I stand up for those being mistreated? 51

57 d) Do I truly forgive those who hurt me? e) Have I gossiped or said bad things about another person? To live a pure life. a) Do I give myself to impure thoughts and acts? b) Have I exposed my mind and spirit to unclean thoughts through vulgar jokes, music, books, movies or television shows? (See Philippians 4:8) To be honest and truthful. a) Have I taken anything that did not belong to me? b) Have I cheated in games or school work, or lied to get out of something? c) Do I lie or make up excuses? d) Do I add to, or subtract from, the truth? To be content. a) Do I waste money or my time? b) Do I worry that God doesn t love me? c) Do I worry that my family or friends don t like me? d) Do I worry about anything rather than praying and trusting God? To lift up my heart. a) Do I pass love on to others? b) Do I rejoice in simple things? c) Do I praise God for his glory? 52

58 THE JUNIOR LITANY Leader: Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love for us; be with us as we pray. All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. For Your constant care through day and night, We thank You, Lord. For our homes, our teachers and our friends, We thank You, Lord. For time to serve, to pray, and to play, We thank You, Lord. That we can talk to You as our dear Friend, and know You are listening, We thank You, Lord. That we may love, obey, and serve You every day, May the Holy Spirit teach and lead us. That the members of our church family may grow more and more like Jesus, May the Holy Spirit teach and lead us. That we may be faithful to our vows as daughters of Christ, our King, May the Holy Spirit empower us. That we may support our priest(s), and our bishop(s), in the work of spreading your Kingdom, May the Holy Spirit empower us. That the President of the United States, the governor of this state, and the judges and officers of our community may be just and wise, Please bless and guide them, Lord. That people in our community and all over the world may know Jesus Christ, Help us to reach out to them in love, and show that we care. 53

59 For those among our families and friends who are sick or in trouble, We ask for Your healing and peace. (Time may be given here for the specific prayers of those present.) And now, Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with praise for Who You are, and thanksgiving for all You do for us, We offer You ourselves, all that we are, and all that we will be. Amen. (Silence may follow to listen to a short Bible reading, and then close with the Junior Daughters Prayer.) 54

60 OTHER RESOURCES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH STILLNESS AND SACRED SPACE Learn to be still. Develop a quiet time during the day, even if for only five minutes, where we are simply still in the presence of the Lord. He may speak in the silence or in our own thoughts. It is often helpful to have a sentence or word that helps us to move into sacred silence. Try a phrase like Here I am Lord, guide my thoughts ;; or maybe just simply saying His name, Jesus. Our minds can wander, so use the word or phrase to come back to the sacred silence. At first it may seem as if He s not saying anything, but in the stillness, we can learn to listen with our heart. Find or create a sacred space. Maybe a corner of your bedroom, or a quiet place in the house that you can claim as your sacred place to spend time with the Lord. It could be as simple as just a chair or a couple pillows on the floor. Anywhere that we can sit to pray or read or be still is a special place to be with God. Create a living altar. Just like the altar at church is a sacred place where we draw close to God through Holy Communion, we can make a living altar at home where we draw close to God in a spiritual communion. Use a small table or a little space on top of a chest of drawers or bookshelf. A living altar is a very personal thing so put things on it that remind you of God and His love for us. Maybe place a small cloth, or a small basket to add prayers, maybe some flowers or other natural items like leaves, pine cones, a seashell or a rock. Perhaps keep the Bible there or prayer books. The living altar can change, nothing has to stay there, and nothing has to leave. In creating a living altar there is no right or wrong way to do it; it is simply an expression of our desire to be close to Jesus. It is for His enjoyment and ours! QUIET DAYS Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed. Mark 1:35 (NIV) We can learn from Jesus example how important it is to get away to spend quiet time with the Lord. 55

61 A Quiet Day is generally a set length of time in which people share a time to be quiet together and space for everyone to be quiet on their own. There is usually a theme to the Quiet Day that may be linked with the seasons of the church year. Quiet days are directed towards meditation and reflection. Holy Scripture often forms the basis for the Quiet Day. Plan the day at a meeting, with ideas and participation from all members and even clergy. Decide on a theme and leader. The day could last from three to six hours, with at least some time spent in silence. Plan for some exercise, such as walking in the woods or liturgical dance. Other activities could include singing, prayer, meditation or teachings, sharing and lunch or refreshments. It is best to be flexible and do what s best for the group. A sacred space can be created anywhere to have a quiet day. However, it may be better to go to a retreat house or a church, someplace away from the distractions of daily life. Participants are encouraged to bring their Bible and Handbook with extra pages for journaling, or a small notebook, perhaps some music to share. Quiet days are a great opportunity to spend time with Jesus and strengthen our relationship with Him. For other scripture references about quiet time see Luke 4:42, 5:16 and Matthew 14:23. RETREATS A retreat is also a time to get away from the real world for a while and spend quality time with the Lord. It is a time to retreat from the normal business and spend time meditating or praying. On several occasions we read in the Gospels where Jesus took his disciples away from the crowds to get some rest. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says to his disciples Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6:30-32 NIV). Also in John s Gospel 6:3 we read where Jesus took his disciples up on a mountainside to get away. Again we can learn from Jesus example of how important it is for us, his disciples, to get away and get some rest. Retreats give us the opportunity to re-create ourselves by refreshing and renewing ourselves. Taking this time away also helps to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. 56

62 Retreats often include recreation and other camp activities as well as time for worship and study. The spiritual growth in fellowship and love from our sisters in Christ is perhaps the best thing about retreats. We can make new friends and see old ones. Retreats are a lot of fun. Junior Daughters may be included in a Senior Daughter Retreat or have their own, perhaps with other Junior Chapters. OTHER WAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD Keep a journal Study the Bible Collect prayers that speak to or for you or write your own Keep a list of the people you are praying for Share your dreams with the Lord Draw pictures while you quietly listen for the Lord Listen to Christian music Pray using prayer beads Read Christian books Have a prayer partner PRAISE GOD! 57

63 RESOURCES FOR SERVICE Lord, what will You have me do? All Chapters should pray about what the Lord would have them do. Whether for the church or community, the Lord will open our hearts and minds to what He would have us do. Also pray about what the gifts of individual members are, as well as the chapter as a whole, and choose service projects that develop these gifts. Talk to the clergy about ways to help the parish. Also, contact local volunteer organizations to see where the Chapter can help in the community. Here are a few ideas for service projects: For Christian Education: Give pageants and plays for Sunday School and others. Mail Sunday School handouts or cards to children who miss class. Bring friends and newcomers to Sunday School and worship services; sponsor a bring a friend Sunday. Prepare art projects for preschoolers. Make posters to encourage participation in Bible studies and church activities. Be available to show newcomers to their classrooms. Promote and assist in your church library. Tape sermons and begin a tape library. Take tapes to shut-ins. Help prepare classrooms or art projects. Help with Vacation Bible School Help advertise and recruit participants Assist in teaching a younger class Lead or assist with music, art, recreation, or refreshment Provide nursery care for teachers children Bake cookies for refreshments 58

64 For Fellowship: Provide and guide activities for young children during coffee hour. Decorate the church for special events. Visit shut-ins and nursing homes. Send birthday, Christmas and Easter cards to children or shut-ins. Have a party for girls following the Feast of the Presentation worship service. Have a mother-daughter social (invite older women for a grandmother social). Assist in the church office. For Worship: Assist the Altar Guild, take care of the Sunday School altar. Take altar flowers to the sick or shut-ins. Make and distribute Palm Sunday crosses. Sew altar hangings for the children s altar;; make altar linens. Make banners for the chapel and sanctuary. Mend choir music, maintain tract racks. Lead singing or prayers, or tell stories for children s worship service. Form a prayer chain or prayer group. For Outreach: For those in need Collect food and take to food bank. Make layettes for new babies, blankets for the homeless. Collect and distribute clothes. Adopt a family for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Give a party for disadvantaged or disabled children. Invite friends to church and chapter activities. Share the message of God s love in word and deed. 59

65 Remember to pray before taking on a service project. It is a good idea to plan projects several months, or even a year, ahead. It may be helpful to create a service plan that contains activities throughout the year. Get them on the church calendar as soon as possible. Review the plan periodically and adapt it to include new opportunities as they come up. In all your activities, keep in mind your commitment to spreading Christ s Kingdom and encouraging the spiritual growth of our church. We can spread the kingdom of God in two ways: by bringing others into it through a relationship with Jesus Christ, and by bringing the joy and peace of that kingdom into the lives of others. 60