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In the Daily Office, the term "Officiant" is used to denote the person, clerical or lay, who leads the Office.
It is appropriate that other persons be assigned to read the Lessons, and to lead other parts of the service not assigned to the officiant. The bishop, when present, appropriately concludes the Office with a blessing.
At celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, the Order for Morning or Evening Prayer may be used in place of all that precedes the Offertory.
Additional Directions are on page 141.
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The Officiant begins the service with one or more of these sentences of Scripture, or with the versicle "O Lord, open thou our lips" on page 42.
Advent
Watch ye , for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. Mark 13:35, 36
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5
Christmas
Behold, I bring you good tidings of a great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10, 11
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:3
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Epiphany
The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isaiah 60:3
I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6b
From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my Name, and a pure offering: for my Name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.Malachi 1:11
Lent
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8, 9
Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repenteth him of evil. Joel 2:13
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee; and am no more worthy to be called thy son." Luke 15:18, 19
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. Daniel 9:9, 10
Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Mark 8:34
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Holy Week
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me. Lamentations 1:12
Easter Season, including Ascension Day and the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
Christ is not entered into a the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 9:24
Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witness unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
Trinity Sunday
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8
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All Saints and other Major Saints' Days
We give thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12
Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words into the ends of the world. Psalm 19:4
Occasions of Thanksgiving
O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his Name; tell the people what things he hath done. Psalm 105:1
At any Time
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Phillipians 1:2
I was glad when they said unto me, "We will go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me, and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling. Psalm 43:3
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Habakkuk 2:20
The hour is cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:23
Thus saith the high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity,
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whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15
The following Confession of Sin may then be said; or the Office may continue at once with "O Lord, open thou our lips."
The Officiant says to the people
Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear this holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
or this
Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
Silence may be kept.
Officiant and People together, all kneeling
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep,
we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,
we have offended against thy holy laws,
we have left undone those things which we ought to have done,
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and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
spare thou those who confess their faults,
restore thou those who are penitent,
according to thy promises declared unto mankind
in Christ Jesus our Lord;
and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
The Priest alone stands and says
The Almighty and merciful Lord grant you absolution and remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form remains kneeling, and substitutes "us" for "you" and "our" for "your."
All stand
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, Alleluia. may be added.
Then follows one of the Invitatory Psalms, Venite or Jubilate.
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One of the following Antiphons may be sung or said with the Invitatory Psalm
In Advent
Our King and Savior now draweth nigh: O come, let us adore him.
On the Twelve Days of Christmas
Alleluia. Unto us a child is born: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.
From the Epiphany through the Baptism of Christ, and on the Feasts of the Transfiguration and Holy Cross
The Lord hath manifested forth his glory: O come, let us adore him.
In Lent
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: O come, let us adore him.
From Easter Day until the Ascension
Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.
From Ascension Day until the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia. Christ the Lord ascendedeth into heaven: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.
On the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.
On Trinity Sunday
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God: O come, let us adore him.
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On other Sundays and weekdays
The earth is the Lord's for he made it: O come, let us adore him.
or this
Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness: O come, let us adore him.
or this
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: O come, let us adore him.
The Alleluias in the following Antiphons are used only in Easter Season.
On Feasts of the Incarnation [Alleluia.] The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us: O come, let us adore him. [Alleluia.]
On all Saints and other Major Saints' Days [Alleluia.] The Lord is glorious in his saints: O come, let us adore him. [Alleluia.]
Venite Psalm 95:1-7
O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *
let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the corners of the earth, *
and the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it, *
and his hands prepared the dry land.
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O come, let us worship and fall down, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is the Lord our God, *
and we are the people of his pasture
and the sheep of his hand.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth stand in awe of him.
For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the world
and with righteousness to judge the world
and the peoples with his truth.
Jubilate Psalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; *
it is he that hath made us and we ourselves;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving
and into his courts with praise; *
be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name.
For the Lord is gracious;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
In Easter Week, in place of an Invitatory Psalm, the following is sung or said. It may also be used daily until the Day of Pentecost.
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1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; *
therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with old leaven,
neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; *
death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once; *
but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, *
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ is risen from the dead, *
and become the first fruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, *
by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
Then follows
At the end of the Psalms is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
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One or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader first saying A Reading (Lesson) from
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.
After each Lesson the Reader may say
Or the Reader may say Here endeth the Lesson (Reading).
Silence may be kept after each Reading. One of the following Canticles, or one of those on pages 85-95 (Canticles 8-21), is sung or said after each Reading. If three Lessons are used, the Lesson from the Gospel is read after the second Canticle.
1 A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65
I Invocation
O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
II The Cosmic Order
O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the Lord;
O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
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O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord;
O ye showers and dew, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord;
O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye dews and frosts, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye frost and cold, bless ye the Lord;
O ye ice and snow, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord;
O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
III The Earth and its Creatures
O let the earth bless the Lord; *
O ye mountains and hills, bless ye the Lord;
O all ye green things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord; *
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord;
O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
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IV The People of God
O ye people of God, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord;
O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord; *
O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; *
praise him and magnify him for ever.
2 A Song of Praise Benedictus es, Domine
Song of the Three Young Men, 29-34
Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed are thou for the name of thy Majesty; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed are thou in the temple of thy holiness; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed are thou that beholdest the depths,
and dwellest between the Cherubim; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed are thou in the firmament of heaven; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed are thou, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praised and exalted above all for ever.
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3 The Song of Mary Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55
My soul doth magnify the Lord, *
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded *
the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold from henceforth *
all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me, *
and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him *
throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm; *
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, *
and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, *
as he promised to our forefathers,
Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
4 The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus
Luke 1:68-79
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *
for he hath visited and redeemed his people;
And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us *
in the house of his servant David,
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, *
which have been since the world began:
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That we should be saved from our enemies, *
and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, *
and to remember his holy covenant;
To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, *
that he would give us,
That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies *
might serve him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before him, *
all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest, *
for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord
to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people *
for the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God, *
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us;
To give light to them that sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
5 The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, *
according to thy word;
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, *
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
6 Glory be to God Gloria in Excelsis
Glory be to God on high,
and on earth peace, good will towards mean.
We praise thee, we bless thee,
we worship thee,
we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy,
thou only art the Lord,
thou only, O Christ,
with the Holy Ghost,
art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
7 We Praise Thee Te Deum laudamus
We praise thee, O God; we acknoledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud,
the Heavens and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry:
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Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee.
The noble army of martyrs praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee,
the Father, of an infinite majesty,
thine adorable, true, and only Son,
also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.
Thou art the King of glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man,
thou didst humble thyself to be born of a Virgin.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death,
thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come to be our judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants,
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy saints,
in glory everlasting.
The Apostles' Creed
Officiant and People together, all standing
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
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The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The text of the Creed on page 96 may be used instead.
The People stand or kneel
Officiant and People
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be they Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
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Then follows one of these sets of Suffrages
| A | |
| V. | O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; |
| R. | And grant us thy salvation. |
| V. | Endue thy ministers with righteousness; |
| R. | And make thy chosen people joyful. |
| V. | Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; |
| R. | For only in thee can we live in safety. |
| V. | Lord, keep this nation under thy care; |
| R. | And guide us in the way of justice and truth. |
| V. | Let thy way be known upon earth; |
| R. | Thy saving health among all nations. |
| V. | Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; |
| R. | Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. |
| V. | Create in us clean hearts, O God; |
| R. | And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. |
| B | |
| V. | O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage; |
| R. | Govern them and lift them up for ever. |
| V. | Day by day we magnify thee; |
| R. | And we worship thy name for ever, world without end. |
| V. | Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin; |
| R. | O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us. |
| V. | O Lord, let thy mercy be upon us; |
| R. | As our trust is in thee. |
| V. | O Lord, in thee have I trusted; |
| R. | Let me never be confounded. |
The Officiant then says one or more of the following Collects
The Collect of the Day
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A Collect for Sundays
O God, who makest us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of thy Son our Lord: Grant us this day such blessing through our worship of thee, that the days to come may be spent in thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Fridays
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Saturdays
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world didst rest from all thy works and sanctify a day of rest for all thy creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of thy sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to thy people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, who dividest the day from the night and turnest the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep thy law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done thy will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night cometh, rejoice to give thee thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Collect for Peace
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us, thy humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Grace
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day: Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that we, being ordered by thy governance, may do always what is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Guidance
O heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray thee so to guide and govern us by thy Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget thee, but may remember that we are ever walking in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayers for mission is added
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified:
Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
or the following
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O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after thee and find thee; bring the nations into thy fold; pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or this
Lord Jesus Christ, who didst stretch out thine arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of thy saving embrace: So clothe us in thy Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know thee to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of thy Name. Amen.
Here may be sung a hymn or anthem.
Authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.
Before the close of the Office one or both of the following may be used
The General Thanksgiving
Officiant and People
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all men.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
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And, we beseech thee,
give us that due sense of all thy mercies,
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;
and that we show forth thy praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service,
and by walking before thee
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee; and hast promised through thy well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions of thy servants as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Then may be said
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, alleluia" may be added to the preceding versicle and response.
The Officiant may then conclude with one of the following
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
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May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 3:20,21
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The Officiant begins the service with one or more of the following sentences of Scripture, or of those on pages 37-40;
or with the Service of Light on pages 109-112, and continuing with the appointed Psalmody;
or with the versicle "O God, make speed to save us" on page 63.
Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth stand in awe of him. Psalm 96:9
Thine is the day, O God, thine also the night; thou hast established the moon and the sun. Thou hast fixed all the boundries of the earth; thou hast made summer and winter. Psalm 74:15,16
I will bless the Lord, who giveth me counsel; my heart teacheth me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. Psalm 16:7,8
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Seek him that made the Pleides and Orion, that turneth deep darkness into the morning, and darkeneth the day into night; that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The Lord is his Name. Amos 5:8
If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to thee, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to thee are both alike. Psalm 139:10,11
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
The following Confession of Sin may then be said; or the Office may continue at once with "O God make speed to save us."
The Officiant says to the people
Dear friends in Christ, here in the presence of Almighty God, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, so that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
or this
Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
Silence may be kept.
Officiant and People together, all kneeling
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep,
we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,
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we have offended against thy holy laws,
we have left undone those things which we ought to have done,
and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
spare thou those who confess their faults,
restore thou those who are penitent,
according to thy promises declared unto mankind
in Christ Jesus our Lord;
and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
The Priest alone stands and says
The Almighty and merciful Lord grant you absolution and remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form remains kneeling, and substitutes "us" for "you" and "our" for "your."
All stand
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, Alleluia may be added.
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The following, or some other suitable hymn, or an Invitatory Psalm, may be sung or said
O Gracious Light Phos hilaron
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing thy praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thou art worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
then follows
At the end of the Psalms is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
One or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader first saying
A Reading (Lesson) from
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.
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After each Lesson the Reader may say
Or the Reader may say Here endeth the Lesson (Reading).
Silence may be kept after each Reading. One of the following Canticles, or one of those on pages 47-52, or 85-95, is sung or said after each Reading. If three Lessons are used, the Lesson from the Gospel is read after the second Canticle.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55
My soul doth magnify the Lord, *
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded *
the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold from henceforth *
all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me, *
and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him *
throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm; *
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, *
and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, *
as he promised to our forefathers,
Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
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The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, *
according to thy word;
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, *
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Officiant and People together, all standing
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The text of the Creed on page 96 may be used instead.
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The People stand or kneel
Officiant and People
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our tresspasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Then follows one of these sets of Suffrages
| A | |
| V. | O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; |
| R. | And grant us thy salvation. |
| V. | Endue thy ministers with righteousness; |
| R. | And make thy chosen people joyful. |
| V. | Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; |
| R. | For only in thee can we live in safety. |
| V. | Lord, keep this nation under thy care; |
| R. | And guide us in the way of justice and truth. |
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| V. | Let thy way be known upon earth; |
| R. | Thy saving health among all nations. |
| V. | Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; |
| R. | Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. |
| V. | Create in us clean hearts, O God; |
| R. | And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. |
B
That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,
We entreat thee, O Lord.
That thy holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,
We entreat thee, O Lord
That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,
We entreat thee, O Lord.
That there may be peace to thy Church and to the whole world,
We entreat thee, O Lord
That we may depart this life in thy faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,
We entreat thee, O Lord.
That we may be bound together by thy Holy Spirit in the communion of [ and] all thy saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,
We entreat thee, O Lord.
The Officiant then says one or more of the following Collects
The Collect of the Day
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A Collect for Sundays
Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise thee in that City of which he is the light; and where he liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.
A Collect for Fridays
O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy death didst take away the sting of death: Grant unto us thy servants so to follow in faith where thou hast led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in thee, and awake up after thy likeness; for thy tender mercies' sake. Amen.
A Collect for Saturdays
O God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth thine unending day upon us who watch for thee, that our lips may praise thee, our lives may bless thee, and our worship on the morrow may give thee glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Peace
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed: Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we, being defended from the fear of all enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
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A Collect for Aid against Perils
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of they only Son, out Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
A Collect for Protection
O God, who art the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank thee for the timely blessings of the day, and humbly beseech thy merciful protection all the night. Bring us, we pray thee, in safety to the morning hours; through him who died for us and rose again, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for the evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know thee as thou art revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of they love. Amen
Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayers for mission is added
O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship thee, all the nations obey thee, all tongues love thee and serve thee in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen
or the following
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Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for thy love's sake Amen
or this
O God, who dost manifest in thy servants the signs of they presence: Send forth upon us the Spirit of love, that in companionship with one another thine abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Here may be sung a hymn or anthem.
Authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.
Before the close of the Office one or both of the following may be used
The General Thanksgiving
Officiant and People
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all men.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we beseech thee,
give us that due sense of all thy mercies,
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;
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and that we show forth thy praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service,
and by walking before thee
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee; and hast promised through thy well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions of thy servants as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Then may be said
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, alleluia" may be added to the preceding versicle and response.
The Officiant may then conclude with one of the following
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
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May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
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Concerning the Service
In the Daily Office, the term "Officiant" is used to denote the person, clerical or lay, who leads the Office.
It is appropriate that other persons be assigned to read the Lessons, and to lead other parts of the service not assigned to the officiant. The bishop, when present, appropriately concludes the Office with a blessing.
At celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, the Order for Morning or Evening Prayer may be used in place of all that precedes the Offeratory.
Additional Directions are on page 141.
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The Officiant begins the service with one or more of these sentences of Scripture, or with the versicle "Lord, open our lips" on page 80.
Advent
Watch, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning, lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. Mark 13:35, 36
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5
Christmas
Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10, 11
Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:3
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Epiphany
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3
I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6b
From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and a pure offering; for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1:11
Lent
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8, 9
Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil. Joel 2:13
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son." Luke 15:18, 19
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, because we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by following his laws which he set before us. Daniel 9:9, 10
Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mark 8:34
Holy Week
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one
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to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was brought upon me, whom the Lord has afflicted. Lamentations 1:12
Easter Season, including Ascension Day and the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:57
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Trinity Sunday
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come! Revelation 4:8
All Saints and other Major Saints' Days
We give thanks to the Father, who has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12
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You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:4
Occasions of Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the Lord, and call upon his Name; make known his deeds among the peoples. Psalm 105:1
At any Time
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in you sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43:3
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.Habakkuk 2:20
The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. John 4:23
Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15
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The following Confession of Sin may then be said; or the Office may continue at once with "Lord, open our lips."
Confession of Sin
The Officiant says to the people
Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
or this
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Officiant and People together, all kneeling
Most merciful God,
we confess that 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 neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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The Priest stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form remains kneeling, and substitutes "us" for "you" and "our" for "your."
All stand
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, Alleluia. may be added.
Then follows one of the Invitatory Psalms, Venite or Jubilate.
One of the following Antiphons may be sung or said with the Invitatory Psalm
In Advent
Our King and Savior now draws near: Come let us adore him.
On the Twelve Days of Christmas
Alleluia. To us a child is born: Come let us adore him. Alleluia.
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From the Epiphany through the Baptism of Christ, and on the Feasts of the Transfiguration and Holy Cross
The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.
In Lent
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Come let us adore him.
From Easter Day until the Ascension Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him. Alleluia.
From Ascension Day until the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia. Christ has ascended into heaven: Come let us adore him. Alleluia.
On the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth: Come let us adore him. Alleluia.
On Trinity Sunday
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God: Come let us adore him.
On other Sundays and weekdays
The earth is the Lord's for he made it: Come let us adore him.
or this
Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness: Come let us adore him.
or this
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him.
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The Alleluias in the following Antiphons are used only in Easter Season.
On Feasts of the Incarnation
[Alleluia] The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us: Come let us adore him. [Alleluia]
On all Saints and other Major Saints' Days
[Alleluia.] The Lord is glorious in his saints: Come let us adore him. [Alleluia.]
Venite Psalm 95:1-7
Come let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
or Psalm 95, page 724.
Jubilate Psalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with song.
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Know this: The Lord himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
In Easter Week, in place of an Invitatory Psalm, the following is sung or said. It may also be used daily until the Day of Pentecost.
Christ our Passover Pascha nostrum
1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ has been raised from the dead, *
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
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Then follows
The Psalm or Psalms Appointed
At the end of the Psalms is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
One or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader first saying
A Reading (Lesson) from .
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.
After each Lesson the Reader may say
Or the Reader may say Here ends the Lesson (Reading).
Silence may be kept after each Reading. One of the following Canticles, or one of those on pages 47-52 (Canticles 1-7), is sung or said after each Reading. If three lessons are used, the Lesson from the Gospel is read after the second Canticle.
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8 The Song of Moses Cantemus Domino
Exodus 15:1-6, 11-13, 17-18
Especially suitable for use in Easter Season
I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted; *
the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my refuge; *
the Lord has become my Savior.
This is my God and I will praise him, *
the God of my people and I will exalt him.
The Lord is a mighty warrior; *
Yahweh is his Name.
The chariots of Pharoah and his army has he hurled into the sea; *
the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.
The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them; *
they sank into the depths like a stone.
Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might; *
your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy.
Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods? *
who is like you, glorious in holiness,
awesome in renown, and worker of wonders?
You stretched forth your right hand; *
the earth swallowed them up.
With your constant love you led the people you redeemed; *
with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling.
You will bring them in and plant them *
on the mount of your possession,
The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord, *
the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established.
The Lord shall reign *
for ever and for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
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9 The First Song of Isaiah Ecce, Deus
Isaiah 12:2-6
Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *
and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say, *
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples; *
see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *
and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
10 The Second Song of Isaiah Quaerite Dominum
Isaiah 55:6-11
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; *
call upon him when he draws near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways *
and the evil ones their thoughts;
And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, *
and to our God, for he will richly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, *
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nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, *
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens *
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth, *
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; *
it will not return to me empty;
But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, *
and prosper in that for which I sent it.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
11 The Third Song of Isaiah Surge, illuminare
Isaiah 60:1-3, 11a, 14c, 18-19
Arise, shine, for your light has come, *
and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
For behold, darkness covers the land; *
deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.
But over you the Lord will rise, *
and his glory will appear upon you.
Nations will stream to your light, *
and kings to the brightness of your dawning.
Your gates will always be open; *
by day or night they will never be shut.
They will call you, The City of the Lord, *
The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Violence will no more be heard in your land, *
ruin or destruction within your borders.
You will call your walls, Salvation, *
and all your portals, Praise.
The sun will no more be your light by day; *
by night you will not need the brightness of the moon.
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The Lord will be your everlasting light, *
and your God will be your glory.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
12 A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65
One or more sections of this Canticle may be used. Whatever the selection, it begins with the Invocation and concludes with the Doxology
Invocation
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
I The Cosmic Order
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
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Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
II The Earth and its Creatures
Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
III The People of God
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
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Doxology
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
13 Song of Praise Benedictus es, Domine
Song of the Three Young Men, 29-34
Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
Glory to you for the radiance of you holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you in the splendor of you temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
14 A Song of Penitence Kyrie Pantokrator
Prayer of Manasseh 1-2, 4, 6-7, 11-15
Especially suitable in Lent, and on other penitential occasions
O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, *
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
and of all their righteous offspring:
You made the heavens and the earth, *
with all their vast array.
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All things quake with fear at your presence; *
they tremble because of your power.
But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; *
it surpasses all that our minds can fathom.
O Lord, you are full of compassion, *
long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.
You hold back your hand; *
you do not punish as we deserve.
In your great goodness, Lord,
you have promised forgiveness to sinners, *
that they may repent of their sin and be saved.
And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, *
and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness.
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, *
and I know my wickedness only too well.
Therefore I make this prayer to you: *
Forgive me, Lord, forgive me.
Do not let me perish in my sin, *
nor condemn me to the depths of the earth.
For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, *
and in me you will show forth your goodness.
Unworthy as I am, you will save me,
in accordance with your great mercy, *
and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life.
For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, *
and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.
15 The Song of Mary Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
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From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
16 The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus
Luke 1: 68-79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
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You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
17 The Song of Simeon Nunc Dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
18 A Song to the Lamb Dignus es
Revelation 4:11, 5:9-10, 13
Splendor and honor and kingly power *
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is, *
and by your will they were created and have their being;
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And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation, *
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, *
for ever and for evermore.
19 The Song of the Redeemed Magna et mirabilia
Revelation 15:3-4
O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, *
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
20 Glory to God Gloria in excelsis
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
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we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
21 You are God Te Deum laudamus
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
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You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Officiant and People together, all standing
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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The People stand or kneel
Officiant and People
Then follows one of these sets of Suffrages
| A | |
| V. | Show us your mercy, O Lord; |
| V. | And grant us your salvation. |
| V. | Clothe your ministers with righteousness; |
| V. | Let your people sing with joy. |
| V. | Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; |
| V. | For only in you can we live in safety. |
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| V. | Lord, keep this nation under your care; |
| V. | And guide us in the way of justice and truth. |
| V. | Let your way be known upon earth; |
| V. | Your saving health among all nations. |
| V. | Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; |
| V. | Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. |
| V. | Create in us clean hearts, O God; |
| V. | And sustain us by your Holy Spirit. |
| B | |
| V. | Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; |
| V. | Govern and uphold them, now and always. |
| V. | Day by day we bless you; |
| V. | We praise your name for ever. |
| V. | Lord, keep us from all sin today; |
| V. | Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. |
| V. | Lord, show us your love and mercy; |
| V. | For we put our trust in you. |
| V. | In you, Lord, is our hope; |
| V. | And we shall never hope in vain. |
The Officiant then says one or more of the following Collects
The Collect of the Day
A Collect for Sundays
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of you Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Collect for Fridays
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Saturdays
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all you works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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A Collect for Grace
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Guidance
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayer for mission is added
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before your for all members of you holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
or this
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or the following
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Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
Here may be sung a hymn or anthem.
Authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.
Before the close of the Office one or both of the following may be used
The General Thanksgiving
Officiant and People
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
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A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Then may be said
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, alleluia" may be added to the preceding versicle and response.
The Officiant may then conclude with one of the following
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.2 Corinthians 13:14
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
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Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, add Alleluia.
A suitable hymn may be sung.
One or more of the following Psalms is sung or said. Other suitable selections include Psalms 19,67, one or more sections of Psalm 119, or a selection from Psalms 120 through 133.
Psalm 119 Lucerna pedibus meis
| 105 | Your word is a lantern to my feet * and a light upon my path. |
| 106 | I have sworn and am determined * to keep your righteous judgments. |
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| 107 | I am deeply troubled; * preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. |
| 108 | Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute of my lips, * and teach me your judgments. |
| 109 | My life is always in my hand, * yet I do not forget your law. |
| 110 | The wicked have set a trap for me, * but I have not strayed from your commandments. |
| 111 | Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; * truly, they are the joy of my heart. |
| 112 | I have applied my heart to fulfill your statues * for ever and to the end. |
Psalm 121 Levavi oculos
| 1 | I lift up my eyes to the hills; * from where is my help to come? |
| 2 | My help comes from the LORD, * the maker of heaven and earth. |
| 3 | He will not let your foot be moved * and he who watches over you will not fall asleep. |
| 4 | Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep; |
| 5 | The LORD himself watches over you; * the LORD is your shade at your right hand, |
| 6 | So that the sun shall not strike you by day, * nor the moon by night. |
| 7 | The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; * it is he who shall keep you safe. |
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| 8 | The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, * from this time forth for evermore. |
Psalm 126 In convertendo
| 1 | When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream. |
| 2 | Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy. |
| 3 | Then they said among the nations, * "The LORD has done great things for them." |
| 4 | The LORD has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed. |
| 5 | Restore our fortunes, O LORD, * like the watercourses of the Negev. |
| 6 | Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy. |
| 7 | Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. |
At the end of the Psalms is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
One of the following, or some other suitable passage of Scripture, is read
The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:5
PeopleThanks be to God.
or the following
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If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
People Thanks be to God.
or this
From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and a pure offering; for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of Hosts. Malachi 1:11
People Thanks be to God.
A meditation, silent or spoken, may follow.
The Officiant then begins the Prayers
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Officiant and People
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The Officiant then says one of the following Collect. If desired, the Collect of the Day may be used.
Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Savior, at this hour you hung upon the cross, stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be saved; for your tender mercies' sake.Amen.
Almighty Savior, who at noonday called your servant Saint Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles: We pray you to illumine the world with the radiance of your glory, that all nations may come and worship you; for you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, "Peace I give to you; my peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly city, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
Free intercessions may be offered.
The service concludes as follows
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This Order provides a form of evening service or vespers for use on suitable occasions in the late afternoon or evening. It may be used as a complete rite in place of Evening Prayer, or as the introduction to Evening Prayer or some other service, or as the prelude to an evening meal or other activity. It is appropriate also for use in private houses.
Any part or parts of this service may be lead by lay persons. A priest or deacon, when presiding, should read the Prayer for Light, and the Blessing or Dismissal at the end. The bishop, when present, should give the Blessing.
This order is not appropriate for use on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday in Holy Week, or on Good Friday. Easter Eve has its own form for the Lighting of the Paschal Candle.
For the Short Lesson at the beginning of the service, any one of the following is also appropriate, especially for the seasons suggested:
Any of the prayers in contemporary language may be adapted to traditional language by changing the pronouns and the corresponding verbs.
Additional Directions are on page 141.
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The church is dark, or partially so, when the service is to begin.
All stand, and the Officiant greets the people with these words.
In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
In Lent and on other penitential occasions
One of the following, or some other Short Lesson of Scripture appropriate to the occasion or to the season, may then be read
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellow men, so that they may see the deed you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
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It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake. For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation--the revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. Psalm 139:10-11
The Officiant then says the Prayer for Light, using any one of the following for some other suitable prayer, first saying
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant us, Lord, the lamp of charity which never fails, that it may burn in us and shed its light on those around us, and that by its brightness we may have a vision of that holy City, where dwells the true and never-failing Light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.
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Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Advent
Collect for the First Sunday of Advent
Christmas, Epiphany, and other Feasts of the Incarnation
Collect for the First Sunday after Christmas
Lent and other times of penitence
Almighty and most merciful God, kindle within us the fire of love, that by its cleansing flame we may be purged of all our sins and made worthy to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Easter Season
Eternal God, who led your ancient people into freedom by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night: Grant that we who walk in the light of your presence may rejoice in the liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Festivals of Saints
Lord Christ, your saints have been the lights of the world in every generation: Grant that we who follow in their footsteps may be made worthy to enter with them into that heavenly country where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
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The candles at the Altar are now lighted, as are other candles and lamps as may be convenient.
During the candle-lighting, an appropriate anthem or psalm may be sung, or silence kept.
The following hymn, or a metrical version of it, or some other hymn, is then sung
O Gracious Light Phos hilaron
O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
The service may then continue in any of the following ways:
With Evening Prayer, beginning with the Psalms; or with some other Office or Devotion;
With the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, beginning with the Salutation and Collect of the Day;
Or, it may be followed by a meal or other activity, in which case Phos hilaron may be followed by the Lord's Prayer and a grace or blessing;
Or, it may continue as a complete evening Office with the following elements:
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Selection from the Psalter. Silence, or a suitable Collect, or both, may follow the Psalmody.
Bible Reading.A sermon or homily, a passage from Christian literature, or a brief silence, may follow the Reading.
Canticle. The Magnificat or other canticle, or some other hymn of praise.
Prayers. A litany, or other suitable devotions, including the Lord's Prayer.
Blessing or Dismissal, or both. The Peace may then be exchanged.
On feasts or other days of special significance, the Collect of the Day, or one proper to the season, may precede the Blessing or Dismissal. On other days, either of the following, or one of the Collects from Evening Prayer or from Compline, may be so used.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes of day and night, giving rest to the weary, renewing the strength of those who are spent, bestowing upon us occasions of song in the evening. As you have protected us in the day that is past, so be with us in the coming night; keep us from every sin, every evil, and every fear; for you are our light and salvation, and the strength of our life. To you be glory for endless ages. Amen.
Almighty, everlasting God, let our prayer in your sight be as incense, the lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice. Give us grace to behold you, present in your Word and Sacraments, and to recognize you in the lives of those around us. Stir up in us the flame of that love which burned in the heart of your Son as he bore his passion, and let it burn in us to eternal life and to the ages of ages. Amen.
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A bishop or priest may use the following or some other blessing or grace
The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding blessing substitutes "us" for "you."
A dismissal may be used (adding "Alleluia, alleluia" in Easter Season)
The People respond
Thanks be to God.
In Easter Season the People respond
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
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The Officiant begins the service with one or more of the following sentences of Scripture, or of those on pages 75-78;
or with the Service of Light on pages 109-112, and continuing with the appointed Psalmody;
or with the versicle "O God, make speed to save us" on page 117
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. Psalm 96:9
Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:15,16
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. Psalm 16:7,8
Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name. Amos 5:8
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If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. Psalm 139:10,11
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."John 8:12
The following Confession of Sin may then be said; or the Office may continue at once with "O God make speed to save us."
Confession of Sin
The Officiant says to the people
Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty god our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
or this
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Officiant and People together, all kneeling
Most merciful God,
we confess that 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 neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
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For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Priest alone stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form remains kneeling, and substitutes "us" for "you" and "our" for "your."
All stand
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, add Alleluia.
The following, or some other suitable hymn, or an Invitatory Psalm, may be sung or said.
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O Gracious Light Phos hilaron
O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Then follows
The Psalm or Psalms Appointed
At the end of the Psalms is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
One or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader first saying
A Reading (Lesson) from .
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.
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After each Lesson the Reader may say
Or the Reader may say Here ends the Lesson (Reading).
Silence may be kept after each Reading. One of the following Canticles, or one of those on pages 47-52, or 85-95, is sung or said after each Reading. If three lessons are used, the Lesson from the Gospel is read after the second Canticle.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
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Song of Simeon Nunc Dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed
Officiant and People together, all standing
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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The People stand or kneel
Officiant and People
Then follows one of these sets of Suffrages
| A | |
| V. | Show us your mercy, O Lord; |
| V. | And grant us your salvation. |
| V. | Clothe your ministers with righteousness; |
| V. | Let your people sing with joy. |
| V. | Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; |
| V. | For only in you can we live in safety. |
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| V. | Lord, keep this nation under your care; |
| V. | And guide us in the way of justice and truth. |
| V. | Let your way be known upon earth; |
| V. | Your saving health among all nations. |
| V. | Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; |
| V. | Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. |
| V. | Create in us clean hearts, O God; |
| V. | And sustain us by your Holy Spirit. |
B
That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,
We entreat you, O Lord.
That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,
We entreat you, O Lord.
That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,
We entreat you, O Lord.
That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world,
We entreat you, O Lord.
That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,
We entreat you, O Lord.
That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of [ and ] all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,
We entreat you, O Lord.
The Officiant then says one or more of the following Collects
The Collect of the Day
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A Collect for Sundays
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of you Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Fridays
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Saturdays
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all you works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
A Collect for Aid against Perils
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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A Collect for Protection
O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayer for mission is added
O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and mean and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or this
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
or the following
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O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.
Here may be sung a hymn or anthem.
Authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.
Before the close of the Office one or both of the following may be used*
The General Thanksgiving
Officiant and People
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
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A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Then may be said
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, alleluia" may be added to the preceding versicle and response.
The Officiant may then conclude with one of the following
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
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The Officiant begins
The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.
The Officiant may then say
Let us confess our sins to God.
Officiant and People
Almighty God, our heavenly Father:
We have sinned against you,
through our own fault,
in thought, and word, and deed,
and in what we have left undone.
For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
forgive us all our offenses;
and grant that we may serve you
in newness of life,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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Officiant
May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Officiant then says
Officiant and People
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Except in Lent, add Alleluia.
One or more of the following Psalms are sung or said. Other suitable selections may be substituted.
Psalm 4 Cum invocarem
| 1 | Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; * you set me free when I am hard-pressed; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. |
| 2 | "You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; * how long will you worship dumb idols and run after false gods?" |
| 3 | Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; * when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me. |
| 4 | Tremble, then, and do not sin; * speak to your heart in silence upon your bed. |
| 5 | Offer the appointed sacrifices * and put your trust in the LORD. |
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| 6 | Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!" * Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD. |
| 7 | You have put gladness in my heart, * more than when grain and wine and oil increase. |
| 8 | I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; * for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety. |
Psalm 31 In te, Domine, speravi
| 1 | In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame: * deliver me in your righteousness. |
| 2 | Incline your ear to me; * make haste to deliver me. |
| 3 | Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; * for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me. |
| 4 | Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, * for you are my tower of strength. |
| 5 | Into your hands I commend my spirit, * for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth. |
Psalm 91 Qui habitat
| 1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High * abides under the shadow of the Almighty. |
| 2 | He shall say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my stronghold, * my God in whom I put my trust." |
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| 3 | He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter * and from the deadly pestilence. |
| 4 | he shall cover you with his pinions, and you shall find refuge under his wings; * his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler. |
| 5 | You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, * nor of the arrow that flies by day; |
| 6 | Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, * nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day. |
| 7 | A thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, * but it shall not come near you. |
| 8 | Your eyes only have to behold * to see the reward of the wicked. |
| 9 | Because you have made the LORD your refuge, * and the Most High your habitation, |
| 10 | There shall no evil happen to you, * neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. |
| 11 | For he shall give his angels charge over you, * to keep you in all your ways. |
| 12 | They shall bear you in their hands, * lest you dash your foot against a stone. |
| 13 | You shall tread upon the lion and the adder; * you shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet. |
| 14 | Because he is bound to me in love, therefore will I deliver him; * I will protect him, because he knows my Name. |
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| 15 | He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; * I am with him in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him to honor. |
| 16 | With long life will I satisfy him, * and show him my salvation. |
Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
| 1 | Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, * you that stand by night in the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; * the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion. |
At the end of the Psalms is sung or said
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
One of the following, or some other suitable passage of Scripture, is read
Lord, you are in the midst of us, and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9,22
People Thanks be to God.
or this
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
People Thanks be to God.
or the following
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May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, and great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21
People Thanks be to God.
or this
Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a
People Thanks be to God.
A hymn suitable for the evening may be sung.
Then follows
| V. | Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; |
| R. | For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. |
| V. | Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye; |
| R. | Hide us under the shadow of your wings. |
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Officiant and People
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The Officiant then says one of the following Collects
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and illumine this night with your celestial brightness; that by night as by day your people may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Collect for Saturdays
We give thanks, O God, for revealing your Son Jesus Christ to us by the light of his resurrection: Grant that as we sing your glory at the close of this day, our joy may abound in the morning as we celebrate the Paschal mystery; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
One of the following prayers may be added
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
or this
O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other's toil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Silence may be kept, and free intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.
The service concludes with the Song of Simeon with this Antiphon, which is sung or said by all
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
In Easter Season, add Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
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Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
All repeat the Antiphon
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
In Easter Season, add Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Officiant concludes
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
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These devotions follow the basic structure of the Daily Office of the Church.
When more than one person is present, the Reading and the Collect should be read by one person, and the other parts said in unison, or in some other convenient manner. (For suggestions about reading the Psalms, see page 582.)
For convenience, appropriate Psalms, Readings, and Collects are provided in each service. When desired, however, the Collect of the Day, or any of the Collects appointed in the Daily Offices, may be used instead.
The Psalms and Readings may be replaced by those appointed in
a) the Lectionary for Sundays, Holy Days, the Common of Saints, and Various Occasions, page 888.
b) the Daily Office Lectionary, page 934
c) some other manual of devotion which provides daily selections for the Church Year.
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In the Morning
From Psalm 51
Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
A Reading
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
A period of silence my follow.
A hymn or canticle may be used; the Apostles' Creed may be said.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
The Lord's Prayer
The Collect
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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At Noon
From Psalm 113
Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
praise the Name of the LORD.
Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
from this time forth for evermore.
From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the Name of the LORD be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.
A Reading
O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength. Isaiah 26:3; 30:15
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
The Lord's Prayer
The Collect
Blessed Savior, at this hour you hung upon the cross, stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be saved; for your mercies' sake. Amen.
or this
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, "Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
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In the Early Evening
This devotion my be used before or after the evening meal.
The Order of Worship for the Evening, page 109, may be used instead.
O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praised, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
A Reading
It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake. For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation--the revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
The Lord's Prayer
The Collect
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.
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At the Close of Day
Psalm 13
Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
A Reading
Lord, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9,22
The following may be said
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see;
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Prayers for ourselves and others may follow. It is appropriate that prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the day, and penitence for our sins, be included.
The Lord's Prayer
The Collect
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angles dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
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Morning and Evening Prayer
Any of the opening sentences of Scripture, including those listed for specific seasons or days, may be used at any time according to the discretion of the officiant.
The proper antiphons on pages 43-44 and 80-82 may be used as refrains with either of the invitatory Psalms.
Antiphons drawn from the Psalms themselves, or from the opening sentences given in the Offices, or from other passages of Scripture may be used with the Psalms and biblical Canticles.
Gloria Patri is always sung or said at the conclusion of the entire portion of the Psalter; and may be used after the Invitatory Psalm or the Canticle "Christ our Passover," after each Psalm, and after each section of Psalm 119.
The Gloria printed at the conclusion of certain Canticles may be omitted when desired.
The following pointing of the Gloria may be used:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
In Rite One services of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, the following form of the Gloria may be used:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, *
world without end. Amen.
Metrical versions of the Invitatory Psalms, and of the Canticles after the Readings, may be used.
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In special circumstances, in place of a Canticle, a hymn may be sung.
The Apostles' Creed is omitted from the Office when the Eucharist with its own Creed is to follow. It may also be omitted at one of the Offices on weekdays.
The Lord's Prayer may be omitted from the Office when the Litany or the Eucharist is to follow immediately.
In the Intercessions and Thanksgivings, opportunity may be given for the members of the congregation to express intentions or objects of prayer and thanksgiving, either at the bidding, or in the course of the prayer; and opportunity may be given for silent prayer.
A sermon may be preached after the Office; or, within the Office, after the Readings or at the time of the hymn or anthem after the Collects.
On occasion, at the discretion of the Minister, a reading from non-biblical Christian literature may follow the biblical Readings.
An offering may be received and presented at the Office.
When there is Communion
When Morning or Evening Prayer is used as the Liturgy of the Word at the Eucharist, the Nicene Creed may take the place of the Apostles' Creed, and the officiant may pass at once from the salutation "The Lord be with you," and its response, to the Collect of the Day. A Lesson from the Gospel is always included.
The Intercessions on such occasions are to conform to the directions on page 383.
The service then continues with the [Peace and] Offeratory.
Order of Worship for the Evening
Before this service, there should be as little artificial light as possible in the church. A musical prelude or processional is not appropriate.
When the ministers enter, one or two lighted candles may be carried
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before them, and used to provide light for reading the opening Short Lesson and Prayer for Light. From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost, the Paschal Candle, if used, should be burning in its customary place before the people assemble; the officiant then goes to a place close by it to begin the service by its light.
The Short Lessons may be read from any version of the Scriptures authorized for public worship in this Church, and should be read without announcement or conclusion. When one or more Scripture Lessons are to be read later in the service, the Short Lesson may be omitted.
For the lighting of the candles at the Altar and elsewhere, in Easter Season the flame may be taken from the Paschal Candle. At other times, the candle or candles carried in at the beginning of the service may be placed on or near the Altar, and other candles may be lighted from them. During Advent, the lighting of an Advent Wreath may take place after the Prayer for Light. On special occasions, lighted candles may be distributed to members of the congregation.
When this service is used in private houses, candles may be lighted at the dining table, or at some other convenient place.
If incense is to be used, it is appropriate after the candles have been lighted and while the hymn Phos hilaron is being sung.
When this service continues as a complete Office, Psalms and Lessons from the Office Lectionary or the Proper of the Day, or ones suitable to the season or the occasion, may be used. Psalms generally appropriate to the evening include: 8, 23, 27, 36, 84, 93, 113, 114, 117, 121, 134, 139, 141, 143. When desired, more than one Lesson may be read, with silence or singing between them.
If an additional hymn is desired, it may be sung immediately before the Blessing or Dismissal.
When a meal is to follow, a blessing over food may serve as the conclusion of this form of service.
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Suggested Canticles at Morning Prayer
| After the Old Testament Reading | After the New Testament Reading | |
| Sun. | 4. or 16. Benedictus Dominus Advent 11. Surge, illuminare Lent 14. Kyrie Pantokrator Easter 8. Cantemus Domino | 7. or 21. Te Deum laudamus Advent or lent 4. or 16. Benedictus Dominus |
| Mon. | 9. Ecce, Deus | 19. Magna et mirabilia |
| Tue. | 2. or 13. Benedictus es | 18. Dignus es |
| Wed. | 11. Surge, illuminare Lent 14. Kyrie Pantokrator | 4. or 16. Benedictus Dominus |
| Thu. | 8. Cantemus Domino | 6. or 20. Gloria in excelsis Advent and Lent 19. Magna et mirabilia |
| Fri. | 10.Quaerite Dominum Lent 14. Kyrie Pantokrator | 18. Dignus es |
| Sat. | 1. or 12. Benedicite | 19. Magna et mirabilia |
| On Feasts of our Lord and other Major Feasts | ||
| 4. or 16. Benedictus Dominus | 7. or 21. Te Deum laudamus | |
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Suggested Canticles at Evening Prayer
| After the Old Testament Reading | After the New Testament Reading | |
| Sun. | Magnificat | Nunc Dimittis * |
| Mon. | 8. Cantemus Domino Lent 14. Kyrie Pantokrator | Nunc Dimittis |
| Tue. | 10. Quaerite Dominum | Magnificat |
| Wed. | 1. or 12. Benedicite | Nunc Dimittis |
| Thu. | 11. Surge, illuminare | Magnificat |
| Fri. | 2. or 13. Benedictus es | Nunc Dimittis |
| Sat. | 9. Ecce, Deus | Magnificat |
| On Feasts of our Lord and other Major Feasts | ||
| Magnificat | Nunc Dimittis* | |
*If only one Reading is used, the suggested Canticle is the Magnificat.
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Psalm 95: Traditional Venite, exultemus
O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *
let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, *
and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the corners of the earth, *
and the strength of the hills are his also.
The sea is his and he made it, *
and his hands prepared the dry land.
O come, let us worship and fall down *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is the lord our God, *
and we are the people of his pasture
and the sheep of his hand.
Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts *
as in the provocation,
and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness;
When your fathers tempted me, *
proved me, and saw my works.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, *
It is a people that do err in their hearts,
for they have not known my ways.
Unto whom I sware in my wrath, *
that they should not enter into my rest.