All deacons serving in the sanctuary of QSMPT church are expected to follow this manual. Please take notes and you may submit questions or comments at the end of the course.
As deacons enter the church they must pray Psalm 83
As deacons walk in they must prostrate before the altar and pray psalm 5:7 and psalm 122
Deacons should light all candles on the altar
As deacons vest they must pray Psalms 29 and 92
Leading deacon should light the censor using a circular charcoal which is lit on the candle on the altar
When presenting the censor to the priest, hold the bowl of the censor using a mitt with your right hand and the top with your left hand, freeing the hook so the priest can easily take it from the deacon
Conversations in the altar must be limited as much as possible and only relate to the service of the altar. If possible no talking at all
Walk and move in reverence, understanding that you are in heaven. “Whenever we stand in your holy sanctuary we are considered standing in heaven”
Only enter and exit altar using the side doors, never the royal door,
Enter the altar from the right side and exit from the left. Our God is a God of order
Do not touch the altar or any altar vessels
Do not place anything on the altar
If you are not chosen to be a servant of the altar that day, please stand outside as part of the chorus
All responses should be prayed in the language, speed, and tone in which the priest prayed in