Morning Prayer | Midday Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer
O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Blessèd are you, Sovereign God of all,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
[In your tender compassion,
the dawn from on high is breaking upon us
to dispel the lingering shadows of night.]
As we look for your coming among us this day,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
The following is said:
God fills the earth with goodness:
O come, let us worship.
Or, in Advent:
Our Sovereign and Saviour draws near:
O come, let us worship.
Or, on feasts of Religious:
(Alleluia!) Christ, the pure and lowly in heart:
O come, let us worship. (Alleluia!)
Morning Prayer continues with the opening canticle.
OR:
O Lord, open our lips;
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Reveal among us the light of your presence,
That we may behold your power and glory.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
| 1 |
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,* the world and all who dwell therein. | ||
| 2 |
For it is he who founded it upon the seas* and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. | ||
| 3 |
‘Who can ascend the hill of the Lord?* and who can stand in his holy place?’ | ||
| 4 |
‘Those who have clean hands and a pure heart,* who have not pledged themselves to falsehood, nor sworn by what is a fraud. | ||
| 5 |
‘They shall receive a blessing from the Lord* and a just reward from the God of their salvation.’ | ||
| 6 |
Such is the generation of those who seek him,* of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob. | ||
| 7 |
Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors;* and the King of glory shall come in. | ||
| 8 |
‘Who is this King of glory?’* ‘The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.’ | ||
| 9 |
Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors;* and the King of glory shall come in. | ||
| 10 |
‘Who is he, this King of glory?’* ‘The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.’ | ||
|
A HYMN may be sung.
THE OPENING PRAYER may be said.
The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind:
(Silence may be kept)
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
THE PSALMODY
| On Tuesdays | In Advent (until 17 December, then see ‘The Christian Year’) | ||
| Week 1: | 25, 146 | Sun: 25, 117 | |
| 2: | 70, 75, 146 | Mon: 70, 75, 150 | |
| 3: | 50, 146 | Tue: 50, 146 | |
| 4: | 28, 76, 146 | Wed: 28, 76, 147. 13-end | |
| 5: | 62, 82, 146 | Thu: 62, 82, 148 | |
| 6: | 40, 146 | Fri: 40, 147. 1-12 | |
| 7: | 9, 146 | Sat: 9, 149 | |
Each psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory . . .
If there are two SCRIPTURE READINGS, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. [lectionary]
Either: A SONG OF THE WILDERNESS (10)
| Refrain: | The ransomed of the Lord shall return,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. | ||
| 1 |
The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,* the desert shall blossom and burst into song. | ||
| 2 |
They shall see the glory of the Lord,* the majesty of our God. | ||
| 3 |
Strengthen the weary hands,* and make firm the feeble knees. | ||
| 4 |
Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not,
your God is coming with judgement,* coming with judgement to save you.’ | ||
| 5 |
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,* and the ears of the deaf unstopped; | ||
| 6 |
Then shall the lame leap like a hart,* and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. | ||
| 7 |
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,* and streams in the desert; | ||
| 8 |
The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,* with everlasting joy upon their heads. | ||
| 9 |
Joy and gladness shall be theirs,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. | ||
| |||
|
The ransomed of the Lord shall return,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. |
Or: A SONG OF GOD’S HERALD (11)
| Refrain: | Lift up your voice with strength,* O herald of good tidings. | ||
| 1 |
Go up to a high mountain, herald of good tidings to Zion;* lift up your voice with strength, herald of good tidings to Jerusalem. | ||
| 2 |
Lift up your voice, fear not;* say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’ | ||
| 3 |
See the Lord God, coming with power,* coming to rule with his mighty arm. | ||
| 4 |
He brings his reward for the people of God,* the recompense for those who are saved. | ||
| 5 |
God will feed his flock like a shepherd,* and gather the lambs in his arms; | ||
| 6 |
He will hold them to his breast,* and gently lead those that are with young. | ||
| |||
|
Lift up your voice with strength,* O herald of good tidings. |
Also in Advent, number 32 is an alternative canticle.
On feasts of Religious, number 31 is an alternative canticle.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
Now it is time to awake out of sleep,
For the night is far spent and the day is at hand.
Now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed,
For the night is far spent.
Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light,
For the day is at hand.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ
and make no provision for the flesh,
For the night is far spent and the day is at hand.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | The dawn from on high shall break upon us,* to shine on those who dwell in darkness. |
| Or, from Advent Sunday until 16 December: | |
|
Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,* and see the glory that is coming from God. | |
| Or, from 17 December until Christmas Eve: | |
|
Like the sun in the morning sky, the Saviour of the world will dawn;* like rain upon the meadows, the Christ will come down upon us. | |
| Or, on feasts of Religious: | |
|
They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;* they shall mount up with wings as an eagle. | |
The refrain is repeated after the canticle.
THE KYRIES may be used as responses to intercession (and see pages 249 to 263).
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
THE COLLECT of the day, or one of the following.
O God,
who set before us the great hope
that your Kingdom shall come on earth
and taught us to pray for its coming:
give us grace to discern the signs of its dawning
and to work for the perfect day
when the whole world shall reflect your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . Percy Dearmer/28
Or:
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ
came to us in great humility:
so that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen. 3
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we look for the coming of the Kingdom,
Lord, teach us to pray:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Or, in Advent:
May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory . . .
Alleluia! (Omitted in Lent)
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
O God of truth, O Lord of might,
You order time and change aright,
And send the early morning ray
And light the glow of perfect day.
Extinguish every sinful fire
And banish all our ill desire;
And, while you keep the body whole,
Shed forth your peace upon the soul.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son,
Who, with the Spirit, reigns above,
Three Persons in one God of love. Amen.
THE PSALMODY
Either:
PSALM 119. 57-80
| 57 |
You only are my portion, O Lord;* I have promised to keep your words. |
| 58 |
I entreat you with all my heart,* be merciful to me according to your promise. |
| 59 |
I have considered my ways* and turned my feet towards your decrees. |
| 60 |
I hasten and do not tarry* to keep your commandments. |
| 61 |
Though the cords of the wicked entangle me,* I do not forget your law. |
| 62 |
At midnight I will rise to give you thanks,* because of your righteous judgements. |
| 63 |
I am a companion of all who fear you* and of those who keep your commandments. |
| 64 |
The earth, O Lord, is full of your love;* instruct me in your statutes. |
| * * * | |
| 65 |
O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant,* according to your word. |
| 66 |
Teach me discernment and knowledge,* for I have believed in your commandments. |
| 67 |
Before I was afflicted I went astray,* but now I keep your word. |
| 68 |
You are good and you bring forth good;* instruct me in your statutes. |
| 69 |
The proud have smeared me with lies,* but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart. |
| 70 |
Their heart is gross and fat,* but my delight is in your law. |
| 71 |
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,* that I might learn your statutes. |
| 72 |
The law of your mouth is dearer to me* than thousands in gold and silver. |
| * * * | |
| 73 |
Your hands have made me and fashioned me;* give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. |
| 74 |
Those who fear you will be glad when they see me,* because I trust in your word. |
| 75 |
I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right* and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. |
| 76 |
Let your loving-kindness be my comfort* as you have promised to your servant. |
| 77 |
Let your compassion come to me, that I may live,* for your law is my delight. |
| 78 |
Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies;* but I will meditate on your commandments. |
| 79 |
Let those who fear you turn to me,* and also those who know your decrees. |
| 80 |
Let my heart be sound in your statutes,* that I may not be put to shame. |
Or:
PSALM 125
| 1 |
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,* which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever. |
| 2 |
The hills stand about Jerusalem;* so does the Lord stand round about his people, from this time forth for evermore. |
| 3 |
The sceptre of the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to the just,* so that the just shall not put their hands to evil. |
| 4 |
Show your goodness, O Lord, to those who are good* and to those who are true of heart. |
| 5 |
As for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord will lead them away with the evildoers;* but peace be upon Israel. |
PSALM 126
| 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. |
The psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING (Wealth and Work)
| Week 1: | Ps 65. 9-13 or Luke 13. 6-9; productivity |
| 2: | Deut 15. 7-11 or Luke 12. 42-48; the global economy |
| 3: | Deut 24. 17-end or Luke 4. 16-21; unemployment |
| 4. | Amos 4. 9-10 or Gen 8. 20-22; pollution |
| 5: | Judges 9. 8-15 or Mark 10. 42-45; use & abuse of power |
| 6: | Col 3. 23-24 or 2 Thess 3. 11-13; workers |
| 7: | Gen 3. 17b-19 or Matt 11. 27-30; overwork & stress |
|
Or, the short reading: God saw everything that he had made and, indeed, it was very good. |
| Genesis 1. 31a |
THE RESPONSE Either:
Unless the Lord builds the house,
Those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the Lord defends the city,
The guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
And go so late to rest.
Vain, also, to eat the bread of toil,
For God gives to his belovèd sleep.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
Your Maker will guard your life.
God will keep your going out and your coming in,
Now and for evermore.
Or:
Behold, I send my messenger
to prepare my way before me
And the One whom you seek
will suddenly come to God’s temple.
Who can endure the day of God’s coming?
And who can stand when the Most High appears?
For God is like a refiner’s fire
and like fuller’s soap
And shall sit as a refiner of silver
and purify the offspring of Levi.
Who can endure the day of God’s coming
and who can stand when the Most High appears?
As for me, I will look to the Most High,
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
THE KYRIES may be used as responses to intercession (and see pages 249 to 263).
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
God of grace and goodness,
who made us body and spirit
that our work and faith may be one:
may we, by our life and worship,
join in your labour to bring forth a new creation
in justice, love and truth;
through Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen. 1
Or:
Stir up your power, O God,
and with great dominion come among us;
and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy
speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 28
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we look for the coming of the Kingdom,
Lord, teach us to pray:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
May God bless the work of our hands. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A light, which may be the Paschal Candle, is brought in, or a candle may simply be lit.
Your word, O God, is a lantern to our feet
and a light upon our path.
The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you all
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
Who is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise.
Blessèd are you, Sovereign God, creator of light and darkness!
As evening falls, you renew your promise
to reveal among us the light of your presence.
May your word be a lantern to our feet
and a light upon our path,
that we may behold your glory coming among us.
Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness
and free our tongues to sing your praise,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
While the other candles are lit the following or another suitable hymn may be sung.
A SONG OF THE LIGHT (59)
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
Verses from PSALM 141 may be said:
Let my prayer rise before you as incense,
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly;
hear my voice when I cry to you.
Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord,
and guard the door of my lips.
Let my prayer rise before you as incense,
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Let not my heart incline to any evil thing;
let me not be occupied in wickedness.
But my eyes are turned to you, Lord God,
in you I take refuge;
do not leave me defenceless.
Let my prayer rise before you as incense,
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
THE OPENING PRAYER may be said:
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise,
now and for ever. Amen.
Evening Prayer continues with the psalmody.
OR:
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Reveal among us the light of your presence,
That we may behold your power and glory.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
A SONG OF MERCY AND TRUTH
| 1 |
O God, will you not give us life again,* that your people may rejoice in you? | ||
| 2 |
Show us your mercy, O Lord,* and grant us your salvation. | ||
| 3 |
Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,* that your glory may dwell in our land. | ||
| 4 |
Mercy and truth have met together;* righteousness and peace have kissed each other. | ||
| 5 |
Truth shall spring up from the earth,* and righteousness shall look down from heaven. | ||
| 6 |
Righteousness shall go before you,* and peace shall be a pathway for your feet. | ||
|
A HYMN may be sung.
THE OPENING PRAYER may be said.
As your word, O Lord,
gives light to our path,
may we behold the glory of your presence
and so rejoice to sing your praise,
now and for ever. Amen.
| On Tuesdays | In Advent (until 17 December, then see ‘The Christian Year’) | ||
| Week 1: | 80 | Sun: | 80 |
| 2: | 94 | Mon: | 94 |
| 3: | 144 | Tue: | 144 |
| 4: | 44 | Wed: | 44 |
| 5: | 11, 12 | Thu: | 11, 12 |
| 6: | 42, 43 | Fri: | 42, 43 |
| 7: | 123, 130 | Sat: | 123, 130 |
Each psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory . . .
If there are two SCRIPTURE READINGS, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. [lectionary]
Either: A SONG OF THE LAMB (55)
| Refrain: | Let us rejoice and exult* and give glory and homage to our God. |
| 1 |
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,* whose judgements are true and just. |
| 2 |
Praise our God, all you servants of God,* you who fear him, both small and great. |
| 3 |
The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns:* let us rejoice and exult and give glory and homage. |
| 4 |
The marriage of the Lamb has come* and his bride has made herself ready. |
| 5 |
Happy are those who are invited* to the wedding banquet of the Lamb. |
|
To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb* be blessing and honour and glory and might, for ever and ever. Amen. | |
| From Revelation 19 | |
|
Let us rejoice and exult* and give glory and homage to our God. |
Or: A SONG OF THE SPIRIT (58)
| Refrain: | Surely I am coming soon!* Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! |
| 1 |
‘Behold, I am coming soon’, says the Lord, ‘and bringing my reward with me,* to give to everyone according to their deeds. |
| 2 |
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last,* the beginning and the end.’ |
| 3 |
Blessèd are those who do God’s commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life,* and may enter into the city through the gates. |
| 4 |
‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you,* with this testimony for all the churches. |
| 5 |
‘I am the root and the offspring of David,* I am the bright morning star.’ |
| 6 |
‘Come!’ say the Spirit and the Bride;* ‘Come!’ let each hearer reply! |
| 7 |
Come forward, you who are thirsty,* let those who desire take the water of life as a gift. |
|
Surely I am coming soon!* Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! | |
| From Revelation 22 |
On feasts of Religious, number 36 is an alternative canticle.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
My soul is waiting for you, O Lord:
in your word is my hope.
My soul is waiting for you, O Lord:
in your word is my hope.
There is forgiveness with you,
therefore you shall be feared.
In your word is my hope.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
My soul is waiting for you, O Lord:
in your word is my hope.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | You have come to the help of your servant,* remembering your promise of mercy. |
| Or, from Advent Sunday until 16 December: | |
|
Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,* the one whom we await with longing hearts. | |
| Or, from 17 to 23 December: see Proper of the Season, page 347. | |
| Or, on feasts of Religious: | |
|
You have left all things and followed me:* you will be rewarded a hundred times over and gain eternal life. | |
The refrain is repeated after the canticle.
THE KYRIES may be used as responses to intercession (and see pages 249 to 263).
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
THE COLLECT of the day, or one of the following.
O Lord our God,
make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he shall appear,
he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service
and joyful in his praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 28
Or:
O God, by whose command
the order of time runs its course:
forgive our restlessness, perfect our faith
and, while we await the fulfilment of your promise,
grant us to have a good hope
through the Word made flesh,
even Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 28
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we look for the coming of the Kingdom,
Lord, teach us to pray:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
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.
Or, in Advent:
May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
A period of silence follows, for reflection on the past day.
Words of penitence may be used; the following or some other.
Most merciful God,
we confess to you,
before the whole company of heaven
and one another,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do.
Forgive us our sins,
heal us by your Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.
Or:
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread under foot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
Ordinary Doxology
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death. Amen.
Advent Doxology
To you, O Christ, all glory be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore. Amen.
THE PSALMODY
From PSALM 143
| 1 |
Lord, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications;* answer me in your righteousness. |
| 2 |
Enter not into judgement with your servant,* for in your sight shall no one living be justified. |
| 3 |
For my enemy has sought my life and has crushed me to the ground;* making me live in dark places like those who are long dead. |
| 4 |
My spirit faints within me;* my heart within me is desolate. |
| 5 |
I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds;* I consider the works of your hands. |
| 6 |
I spread out my hands to you;* my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. |
| 7 |
O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me;* do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. |
| 8 |
Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you;* show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. |
| 9 |
Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord,* for I flee to you for refuge. |
| 10 |
Teach me to do what pleases you, show me the road that I must walk, for you are my God;* let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. |
| 11 |
Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake;* for your righteousness’ sake, show me the road that I must walk, bring me out of trouble. |
The psalm may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
Come to me, all who labour 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
Or (and especially in Advent):
Watch, therefore – 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.
And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.
Mark 13. 35-end
Or (and especially on feasts of Religious):
Blessèd are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven; blessèd are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5. 3, 8
THE RESPONSORY may be said.
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit. (Or: Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit. (Alleluia! Alleluia!)
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings.
| Refrain: | Save us,* O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in peace. |
| Or, in Advent: | |
|
Come, O Lord,* and visit us in peace; let us rejoice before you with a perfect heart. | |
| Or, on feasts: | |
|
Grant us your light, O Lord,* that the darkness of our hearts being overcome, we may receive the true light, even Christ our Saviour. | |
| 1 |
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:* your word has been fulfilled. |
| 2 |
My own eyes have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people; |
| 3 |
A light to reveal you to the nations* and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2. 29-32 |
| Glory ... | |
The refrain is repeated by all.
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Look down, O God,
from your heavenly throne,
illuminate the darkness of this night
with your celestial brightness,
and from the children of light
banish the deeds of darkness;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 6*
Or:
Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray;
and in your mercy defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 3
Or, in Advent:
Stir up your power, O God,
and come among us.
Heal our wounds,
calm our fears
and give us peace;
through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we come to the ending of the day,
let us pray as our Redeemer has taught us:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
A devotional ANTHEM may be sung here, or after the blessing.
In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.
[Come with the dawning of the day
And make yourself known
in the breaking of the bread.]
Restore us again, O God of hosts,
Show us the light of your countenance
and we shall be saved.
Bless and keep us, this night and always. Amen.