be
said by the people in the _Kyrie_ preceding the LORD'S PRAYER (page
300).

(4) Note the permission given in the rubric following the ADDITIONAL
PRAYERS at the close of the Office.

[1] The page references are to the Prayer-Book, to editions larger than
the small duodecimo; which larger editions are all paged alike.

{103}

_Devout Customs and Usages_

Some of the customs here referred to are matters of rubrical direction
in the Prayer-Book; others stand merely upon the ground of usage and
the devout practice of the Church from ancient times. The object here
in view is not to discuss their obligation, but simply to tell what
they are and why they are observed, whether that observance is in
obedience to an express direction of the Church or is a voluntary act
of reverence. Since, as a matter of fact, such customs are used by
some Churchmen, every well-instructed person should know their meaning
and the reason for their use. His personal observance of them, where
they have been left by the Church as voluntary acts, must depend upon
his own feeling and their {104} helpfulness or otherwise to his own
worship and right living.

_Kneeling._--The changes of posture in the course of a service have
value in relieving weariness and in sustaining attention, but their
chief significance is, of course, in the expression of different states
of devotion. Thus kneeling is the fit posture in prayer for humble
penitents--the only state in which we may presume to come before God.
It is a mark of reverence, and testifies outwardly of our inward
humility; and "a devout manner helps to create devout feelings."

_Standing._--To show readiness to engage in worship and to receive
instruction, the people stand when addressed at the opening of Morning
and Evening Prayer, or at the Exhortations in the Communion Office. As
expressive of earnestness and determination to defend the Faith, they
stand for the recitation of the Creeds. They stand at the reading of
the Gospel in the Communion Service to "show reverent regard for the
Son of God above all other messengers, although speaking as from God
also." They rise at the presentation of the alms and oblations,
because the offering is their gift to God and to show their
participation in the act. They stand as the clergy enter or leave
{105} the church in token of respect for their sacred office.

_Bowing._--The head is bowed at the name of Jesus in the Creeds to
"testify