bidding prayer

noun

1. the formal petitionary prayer, said especially in the Anglican Church immediately before the sermon.
2. an intercessory prayer for persons living and dead, said in English churches up to about the middle of the 16th century.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bidding prayer¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

I am afraid, if I were to refer to all my benefactors, it would be like the bidding prayer—and you would all lose your trains.

From Project Gutenberg

The Bidding Prayer, being in English, was a popular part of the service.

From Project Gutenberg

While he was away he was mentioned every Sunday, as we have seen, in the Bidding Prayer, in his parish church.

From Project Gutenberg