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, creator of all;
To you be glory and praise for ever!
[You founded the earth in the beginning
and the heavens are the work of your hands.]
As we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us,
let the light of your love always shine in our hearts
and your praises ever be on our lips,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
The following is said:
God comes to set us free:
O come, let us worship.
Or, in Christmastide:
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us:
O come, let us worship.
Or, on feasts of the BVM:
Alleluia! Christ is the Son of Mary:
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.
You laid the foundation of the earth
And the heavens are the work of your hands.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
A SONG OF GOD’S GLORIOUS NAME
| 1 |
O Lord our governor,* how exalted is your name in all the world! | ||
| 2 |
Out of the mouths of infants and children* your majesty is praised above the heavens. | ||
| 3 |
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries,* to quell the enemy and the avenger. | ||
| 4 |
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,* the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, | ||
| 5 |
What are mortals, that you should be mindful of them?* mere human beings, that you should seek them out? | ||
| 6 |
You have made them little lower than the angels;* you adorn them with glory and honour. | ||
| 7 |
You give them mastery over the works of your hands;* and put all things under their feet, | ||
| 8 |
All sheep and oxen,* even the wild beasts of the field, | ||
| 9 |
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea,* and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea. | ||
| 10 |
O Lord our governor,* how exalted is your name in all the world! | ||
|
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 Wednesdays | |||
| Week 1: | 89. 5-18; 147. 13-end | ||
| 2: | 85, 147. 13-end | ||
| 3: | 112, 147. 13-end | ||
| 4: | 19, 147. 13-end | ||
| 5: | 113, 147. 13-end | ||
| 6: | 20, 147. 13-end | ||
| 7: | 96, 147. 13-end | ||
| In Christmastide | |||
| 25 Dec: | 19, 97, 117 | 31 Dec: | 132, 117 |
| 26 Dec: | 13, 147. 1-12 | 1 Jan: | 148, 150 |
| 27 Dec: | 92, 147. 13-end | 2 Jan: | 89. 5-18; 146 |
| 28 Dec: | 36, 146 | 3 Jan: | 111, 147. 1-12 |
| 29 Dec: | 20, 149 | 4 Jan: | 112, 148 |
| 30 Dec: | 96, 148 | 5 Jan: | 113, 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 MESSIAH (7)
| Refrain: | To us a child is born, to us a son is given;* who is called Mighty God and Prince of Peace. | ||
| 1 |
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;* those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, upon them the light has dawned. | ||
| 2 |
You have increased their joy and given them great gladness;* they rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest. | ||
| 3 |
For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them;* the collar that lay heavy on their shoulders. | ||
| 4 |
For to us a child is born and to us a son is given,* and the government will be upon his shoulder. | ||
| 5 |
And his name will be called: Wonderful Counsellor; the Mighty God;* the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace. | ||
| 6 |
Of the increase of his government and of peace* there will be no end, | ||
| 7 |
Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom,* to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness. | ||
| 8 |
From this time forth and for evermore;* the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. | ||
| |||
|
To us a child is born, to us a son is given;* who is called Mighty God and Prince of Peace. |
Or: A SONG OF GOD’S CHOSEN ONE (8)
| Refrain: | The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding. | ||
| 1 |
There shall come forth a shoot from the stock of Jesse,* and a branch shall grow out of his roots. | ||
| 2 |
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding, | ||
| 3 |
The spirit of counsel and might,* the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. | ||
| 4 |
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,* or decide by what his ears hear, | ||
| 5 |
But with righteousness he shall judge the poor,* and decide with equity for the meek of the earth. | ||
| 6 |
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,* and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. | ||
| 7 |
The calf and the lion cub together,* with a little child to lead them. | ||
| 8 |
They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,* for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. | ||
| |||
|
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding. |
On feasts of the BVM, numbers 2, 18, 24 & 27 are alternative canticles.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
The Word of Life which was from the beginning,
We proclaim to you.
The darkness is passing away
and the true light is already shining:
The Word of Life which was from the beginning.
That which we heard, which we saw with our eyes
and touched with our hands,
We proclaim to you.
For our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of Life which was from the beginning,
we proclaim to you.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | God promised to remember his holy covenant* and raised up for us a mighty Saviour. |
| Or, in Christmastide: | |
|
To us is born a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,* and all the heavenly hosts now sing, Glory to God in the highest! | |
| Or, on feasts of the BVM: | |
|
In the womb of Mary, you found a dwelling place on earth, O Christ;* remain for ever in our hearts. | |
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.
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3*
Or:
Almighty God,
who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us
in your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share our human nature,
so we may be partakers in his divine glory;
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen. 3*/7
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
let us pray in faith and trust:]
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.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Or, in Christmastide:
May the grace of Christ our Saviour be with us all. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Glory . . .
Alleluia! (Omitted in Lent)
A HYMN may be sung, the following or some other.
Lord Christ, you came on us to shine
True light from the eternal Light!
And now the Father’s brightness rests
On those who long have dwelt in night.
O see how all that lives and breathes
True homage gives in deed and word:
The glory of almighty God,
The Father’s image, Christ our Lord.
We bless the Father, Fount of light,
And you, O Christ, belovèd Son,
Who, with the Spirit, dwell in us;
The only God; the Three in One. Amen.
THE PSALMODY
Either:
PSALM 119. 81-104
| 81 |
My soul has longed for your salvation;* I have put my hope in your word. |
| 82 |
My eyes have failed from watching for your promise,* and I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’ |
| 83 |
I have become like a leather flask in the smoke,* but I have not forgotten your statutes. |
| 84 |
How much longer must I wait?* when will you give judgement against those who persecute me? |
| 85 |
The proud have dug pits for me;* they do not keep your law. |
| 86 |
All your commandments are true;* help me, for they persecute me with lies. |
| 87 |
They had almost made an end of me on earth,* but I have not forsaken your commandments. |
| 88 |
In your loving-kindness, revive me,* that I may keep the decrees of your mouth. |
| * * * | |
| 89 |
O Lord, your word is everlasting;* it stands firm in the heavens. |
| 90 |
Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another;* you established the earth and it abides. |
| 91 |
By your decree these continue to this day,* for all things are your servants. |
| 92 |
If my delight had not been in your law,* I should have perished in my affliction. |
| 93 |
I will never forget your commandments,* because by them you give me life. |
| 94 |
I am yours; O that you would save me!* for I study your commandments. |
| 95 |
Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me,* I will apply my mind to your decrees. |
| 96 |
I see that all things come to an end,* but your commandment has no bounds. |
| * * * | |
| 97 |
O how I love your law!* all the day long it is in my mind. |
| 98 |
Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies,* and it is always with me. |
| 99 |
I have more understanding than all my teachers,* for your decrees are my study. |
| 100 |
I am wiser than the elders,* because I observe your commandments. |
| 101 |
I restrain my feet from every evil way,* that I may keep your word. |
| 102 |
I do not shrink from your judgements,* because you yourself have taught me. |
| 103 |
How sweet are your words to my taste!* they are sweeter than honey to my mouth. |
| 104 |
Through your commandments I gain understanding;* therefore I hate every lying way. |
Or:
PSALM 127
| 1 |
Unless the Lord builds the house,* their labour is in vain who build it. |
| 2 |
Unless the Lord watches over the city,* in vain the guard keeps vigil. |
| 3 |
It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late;* vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his belovèd sleep. |
| 4 |
Children are a heritage from the Lord,* and the fruit of the womb is a gift. |
| 5 |
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior* are the children of one’s youth. |
| 6 |
Happy are they who have their quiver full of them!* they shall not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. |
PSALM 128
| 1 |
Happy are they all who fear the Lord,* and who follow in his ways! |
| 2 |
You shall eat the fruit of your labour;* happiness and prosperity shall be yours. |
| 3 |
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house,* your children like olive shoots round about your table. |
| 4 |
Whoever fears the Lord* shall thus indeed be blessed. |
| 5 |
The Lord bless you from Zion,* and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. |
| 6 |
May you live to see your children’s children;* may peace be upon Israel. |
The psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING (Family and Community)
| Week 1: | Gen 1. 27-28a or Song of Songs 7. 10-13; marriage |
| 2: | Ruth 1. 16-18 or 1 Sam 18. 1-5; alternative life commitments |
| 3: | Luke 2. 36-38 or Matt 19. 10-12; being single |
| 4: | Mark 10. 13-16 or 1 Sam 2. 18-21; infancy, childhood, youth |
| 5: | Luke 2. 41-45 or 2 Tim 1. 2-5; parenthood |
| 6: | Eccles 12. 1-8 or Gen 49. 29-33; old age, bereavement |
| 7: | Gen 21. 9-14 or Gen 44. 25-31; broken families |
|
Or, the short reading: Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. |
| Mark 3. 35 |
I bow my knees before the Father
From whom every family takes its name.
May we be strengthened in our inner being
With power through the Holy Spirit.
May Christ dwell in our hearts by faith
As we are being rooted and grounded in love.
May we know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge
And be filled with all the fullness of God.
Or:
That which we heard from the beginning,
Which we saw with our own eyes and touched with our hands,
The Word of life, which was from the beginning,
We now proclaim to you.
The darkness is passing away
And the true light is already shining.
God is our light, in whom there is no darkness at all.
If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with Christ.
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.
Loving God,
from birth to death, you hold us in your hand:
make us strong to bear each others burdens
and humble to share our own,
that as one family
we may rest in your power
and trust in your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 1
Or:
Almighty God,
you have shed upon us
the new light of your incarnate Word,
giving us gladness in our sorrow
and a presence in our isolation;
fill our lives with your light
until they overflow with gladness and with praise;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 28
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
let us pray in faith and trust:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
May Christ dwell in our hearts by faith. 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.
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
In him was life, and the life was the light of all.
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, our light and our salvation,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
In the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
To dispel the darkness of our night,
you sent forth your Son, the first-born of all creation.
He is our Christ, the light of the world,
and him we acclaim, as all creation sings to you,
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)
| 1 |
O joyful light, from the pure glory of the eternal heavenly Father,* O holy, blessèd Jesus Christ. |
| 2 |
As we come to the setting of the sun* and see the evening light, |
| 3 |
We give thanks and praise to the Father and to the Son* and to the Holy Spirit of God. |
| 4 |
Worthy are you at all times to be sung with holy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,* and to be glorified through all creation. |
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:
You laid the foundation of the earth
And the heavens are the work of your hands.
Glory . . .
| 1 |
I love you, O Lord my strength,* O Lord my stronghold, my crag and my haven. | ||
| 2 |
I called upon the Lord in my distress* and cried out to my God for help. | ||
| 3 |
He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling;* my cry of anguish came to his ears. | ||
| 4 |
He parted the heavens and came down* with a storm cloud under his feet. | ||
| 5 |
He mounted on cherubim and flew;* he swooped on the wings of the wind. | ||
| 6 |
He wrapped darkness about him;* he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion. | ||
| 7 |
From the brightness of his presence, through the clouds,* burst hailstones and coals of fire. | ||
| 8 |
The Lord thundered out of heaven;* the Most High uttered his voice. | ||
| 9 |
You will save a lowly people,* but you will humble the haughty eyes. | ||
| 10 |
You, O Lord, are my lamp;* my God, you make my darkness bright. | ||
| 11 |
As for God, his ways are perfect; the words of the Lord are tried in the fire;* he is a shield to all who trust in him. | ||
|
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 Wednesdays | |||
| Week 1: | 89. 1-4, 19-29 | ||
| 2: | 2, 110 | ||
| 3: | 84 | ||
| 4: | 45 | ||
| 5: | 127, 128 | ||
| 6: | 132 | ||
| 7: | 98 | ||
| In Christmastide: | |||
| 24 Dec: | 89. 1-4, 19-29 | 30 Dec: | 97, 98 |
| 25 Dec: | 45, 110 | 31 Dec: | 103 or 62, 90 |
| 26 Dec: | 57 | 1 Jan: | 115 |
| 27 Dec: | 21 | 2 Jan: | 66 |
| 28 Dec: | 33 | 3 Jan: | 46, 48 |
| 29 Dec: | 61, 99 | 4 Jan: | 89. 1-4, 19-29 |
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 REDEMPTION (45)
| Refrain: | Christ is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation. | ||
| 1 |
The Father has delivered us from the dominion of darkness,* and transferred us to the kingdom of his belovèd Son; | ||
| 2 |
In whom we have redemption,* the forgiveness of our sins. | ||
| 3 |
He is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation. | ||
| 4 |
For in him all things were created,* in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. | ||
| 5 |
All things were created through him and for him,* he is before all things and in him all things hold together. | ||
| 6 |
He is the head of the body, the Church,* he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead. | ||
| 7 |
For it pleased God that in him all fullness should dwell,* and through him all things be reconciled to himself. | ||
| |||
|
Christ is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation. |
Or: A SONG OF LOVE (51)
| Refrain: | God’s love was revealed among us* so that we might live through Jesus. | ||
| 1 |
Belovèd, let us love one another, for love is of God;* everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. | ||
| 2 |
Whoever does not love does not know God,* for God is love. | ||
| 3 |
In this the love of God was revealed among us,* that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. | ||
| 4 |
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us,* and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. | ||
| 5 |
Belovèd, since God loved us so much,* we ought also to love one another. | ||
| 6 |
For if we love one another, God abides in us,* and God’s love will be perfected in us. | ||
| |||
|
God’s love was revealed among us* so that we might live through Jesus. |
On feasts of the BVM, numbers 51 & 62 are alternative canticles.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
Your salvation is near to those who fear you,
that glory may dwell in our land.
Your salvation is near to those who fear you,
that glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
That glory may dwell in our land.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
Your salvation is near to those who fear you,
that glory may dwell in our land.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | You have looked with favour on your lowly servant:* from this day, all generations will call her blessèd. |
| Or, in Christmastide: | |
|
When peaceful silence lay over all, and night was in the midst of her swift course:* from your royal throne O God, down from the heavens, leapt your almighty Word. | |
| Or, on feasts of the BVM: | |
|
Mary gave birth to the Word of God;* truly she is the ever-blessèd Mother of Christ our Lord. | |
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.
Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3
Or:
Almighty God,
who called your Church to witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help us so to proclaim the good news of your love
that all who hear it may be reconciled to you;
through him who died for us and rose again
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen. 3/5
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
let us pray in faith and trust:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
On Wednesdays, ‘A Celebration of the Word’ may be used, page 240.
Or:
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.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Or, in Christmastide:
May the grace of Christ our Saviour be with us all. 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.
Christmas Doxology
Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth:
We praise you for your virgin birth;
You are the Father’s only Son,
With God the Spirit, ever one. Amen.
THE PSALMODY
From PSALM 31
| 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; |
| 4 |
for the sake of your name,* lead me and guide me. |
| 5 |
Into your hands I commend my spirit,* for you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. |
| 6 |
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy;* for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress. |
| 7 |
I have put my trust in you, O Lord.* I have said, ‘You are my God. |
| 8 |
‘Make your face to shine upon your servant,* and in your loving-kindness save me.’ |
| 9 |
How great is your goodness, O Lord,* which you have laid up for those who fear you; |
| 10 |
Blessèd be the Lord!* for he has shown me the wonders of his love. |
| 11 |
Love the Lord, all you who worship him;* the Lord protects the faithful. |
| 12 |
Be strong and let your heart take courage,* all you who wait for the Lord. |
The psalm may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time you may be exalted. Cast all your anxieties on God, who cares about you.
1 Peter 5. 6-7
Or:
In him was life and the life was the light of all. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1. 4-5
Or on feasts of the BVM:
Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.
Luke 1. 38
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 Christmastide: | |
|
Alleluia!* The Word was made flesh, alleluia! and dwelt among us. Alleluia! Alleluia! | |
| Or, on feasts of the BVM: | |
|
Blessèd are you, Mary,* the Lord is with you, through you we received our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. | |
| Or, on other 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.
Visit this house, O Lord, we pray,
drive far from it all the snares of the enemy;
may your holy angels dwell with us
and guard us in peace
and may your blessing be always upon us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 Christmastide:
We give you thanks, O God,
for the gift to the world of our Redeemer;
as we sing your glory at the close of this day,
so may we know his presence in our hearts,
who is our Saviour and our Lord,
now and for ever. 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.]
May the love of the Word made flesh enfold us,
his joy fill our lives,
his peace be in our hearts;
and the blessing of God be with us
this night and always. Amen.