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, King of the nations,
to you be praise and glory for ever!
[From the rising of the sun to its setting
your name is proclaimed in all the world.]
As the Sun of Righteousness dawns in our hearts,
anoint our lips with the seal of your Spirit
that we may witness to your gospel
and sing your praise in all the world,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
The following is said:
God calls us to love one another:
O come, let us worship.
Or, in Epiphanytide:
God in Christ has revealed his glory:
O come, let us worship.
Or, on feasts of Teachers & Confessors:
(Alleluia!) Christ speaks the truth in every age:
O come, let us worship. (Alleluia!)
Or, on feasts of Bishops:
(Alleluia) Christ feeds his flock in every age:
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.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
Your glory is proclaimed in all the world.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
THE OPENING CANTICLE: A SONG OF GOD’S BLESSING
| 1 |
May God be merciful to us and bless us,* show us the light of his countenance and come to us. | ||
| 2 |
Let your ways be known upon earth,* your saving health among all nations. | ||
| 3 |
Let the peoples praise you, O God;* let all the peoples praise you. | ||
| 4 |
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,* for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth. | ||
| 5 |
Let the peoples praise you, O God;* let all the peoples praise you. | ||
| 6 |
The earth has brought forth her increase;* may God, our own God, give us his blessing. | ||
| 7 |
May God give us his blessing,* and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him. | ||
|
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 Thursdays | In Epiphanytide | ||
| Week 1: | 93, 148 | Sun: | 93, 117 |
| 2: | 99, 148 | Mon: | 99, 150 |
| 3: | 97, 148 | Tue: | 97, 146 |
| 4: | 66, 148 | Wed: | 66, 147. 13-end |
| 5: | 24, 148 | Thu: | 24, 148 |
| 6: | 57, 148 | Fri: | 57, 147. 1-12 |
| 7: | 21, 148 | Sat: | 21, 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 COVENANT (12)
| Refrain: | I have given you as a light to the nations,* and I have called you in righteousness. | ||
| 1 |
Thus says God, who created the heavens,* who fashioned the earth and all that dwells in it; | ||
| 2 |
Who gives breath to the people upon it* and spirit to those who walk in it, | ||
| 3 |
‘I am the Lord and I have called you in righteousness,* I have taken you by the hand and kept you; | ||
| 4 |
‘I have given you as a covenant to the people,* a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, | ||
| 5 |
‘To bring out the captives from the dungeon,* from the prison, those who sit in darkness. | ||
| 6 |
‘I am the Lord, that is my name;* my glory I give to no other.’ | ||
| |||
|
I have given you as a light to the nations,* and I have called you in righteousness. |
Or: A SONG OF THE NEW JERUSALEM (15)
| Refrain: | Nations will come to your light,* and kings to your dawning brightness. | ||
| 1 |
Arise, shine out, for your light has come,* the glory of the Lord is rising upon you. | ||
| 2 |
Though night still covers the earth,* and darkness the peoples; | ||
| 3 |
Above you the Holy One arises,* and above you God’s glory appears. | ||
| 4 |
The nations will come to your light,* and kings to your dawning brightness. | ||
| 5 |
Your gates will lie open continually;* shut neither by day nor by night. | ||
| 6 |
The sound of violence shall be heard no longer in your land,* or ruin and devastation within your borders. | ||
| 7 |
You will call your walls, Salvation,* and your gates, Praise. | ||
| 8 |
No more will the sun give you daylight,* nor moonlight shine upon you; | ||
| 9 |
But the Lord will be your everlasting light,* your God will be your splendour. | ||
| 10 |
For you shall be called the city of God,* the dwelling of the Holy One of Israel. | ||
|
On feasts of Teachers & Confessors, numbers 26, 27 & 28 are alternative canticles.
On feasts of Bishops, number 28 is an alternative canticle.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
Let the whole earth stand in awe of him.
Tell it out among the nations that the Lord is King,
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
God’s salvation has been openly shown to all people.
Let the whole earth stand in awe of him.
Declare his glory among the nations
and his wonders among all peoples.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
let the whole earth stand in awe of him.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | We are free to worship God without fear;* holy and righteous all the days of our life. |
| Or, in Epiphanytide: | |
|
This is the Christ, the Chosen of God,* the one who will bring healing to the nations. | |
| Or, on feasts of Teachers & Confessors: | |
|
Those who are wise will shine as brightly as the heavens;* and those who have instructed many in virtue will shine like stars for all eternity. | |
| Or, on feasts of Bishops: | |
|
I will give you shepherds after my own heart* who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. | |
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, the author of peace
and lover of concord,
whom to know is eternal life,
whose service is perfect freedom:
defend us your servants
from all assaults of our enemies,
that we, surely trusting in your defence,
may not fear the power of any adversaries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 2*
Or:
Lord our God,
who anointed your only Son
with the Spirit at the river Jordan,
and so hallowed the waters of new birth
to bring us forth to salvation:
keep us strong in the life of grace,
direct the ways of your people,
and open the door of your Kingdom
to all who stand upon the threshold of faith;
through Jesus our Messiah and Saviour . . . 28
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[Let us pray for the unity of all peoples on earth,
in the words our Saviour has taught us:]
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 Epiphanytide:
May Christ, the Son of God, gladden our hearts
with the good news of his Kingdom. 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, creation’s secret force,
Yourself unmoved, all motion’s source,
Who from the morn till evening’s ray
Through all its changes guide the day.
Grant us, when this short life is past
The glorious evening that shall last,
That, by a holy death attained,
Eternal glory may be gained.
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. 105-128
| 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 judgements. |
| 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 judgements. |
| 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 fulfil your statutes* for ever and to the end. |
| * * * | |
| 113 |
I hate those who have a divided heart,* but your law do I love. |
| 114 |
You are my refuge and shield;* my hope is in your word. |
| 115 |
Away from me, you wicked!* I will keep the commandments of my God. |
| 116 |
Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live,* and let me not be disappointed in my hope. |
| 117 |
Hold me up and I shall be safe,* and my delight shall be ever in your statutes. |
| 118 |
You spurn all who stray from your statutes;* their deceitfulness is in vain. |
| 119 |
In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross;* therefore I love your decrees. |
| 120 |
My flesh trembles with dread of you;* I am afraid of your judgements. |
| * * * | |
| 121 |
I have done what is just and right;* do not deliver me to my oppressors. |
| 122 |
Be surety for your servant’s good;* let not the proud oppress me. |
| 123 |
My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation* and for your righteous promise. |
| 124 |
Deal with your servant according to your loving-kindness* and teach me your statutes. |
| 125 |
I am your servant; grant me understanding,* that I may know your decrees. |
| 126 |
It is time for you to act, O Lord,* for they have broken your law. |
| 127 |
Truly, I love your commandments* more than gold and precious stones. |
| 128 |
I hold all your commandments to be right for me;* all paths of falsehood I abhor. |
Or:
PSALM 132
| 1 |
Lord, remember David* and all the hardships he endured; |
| 2 |
How he swore an oath to the Lord* and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: |
| 3 |
‘I will not come under the roof of my house,* nor climb up into my bed; |
| 4 |
‘I will not allow my eyes to sleep,* nor let my eyelids slumber; |
| 5 |
‘Until I find a place for the Lord,* a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.’ |
| 6 |
‘The Ark! We heard it was in Ephratha;* we found it in the fields of Jearim. |
| 7 |
‘Let us go to God’s dwelling place;* let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.’ |
| 8 |
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place,* you and the ark of your strength. |
| 9 |
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness;* let your faithful people sing with joy. |
| 10 |
For your servant David’s sake,* do not turn away the face of your anointed. |
| 11 |
The Lord has sworn an oath to David;* in truth, he will not break it: |
| 12 |
‘A son, the fruit of your body* will I set upon your throne. |
| 13 |
‘If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them,* their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.’ |
| 14 |
For the Lord has chosen Zion,* he has desired her for his habitation: |
| 15 |
‘This shall be my resting-place for ever;* here will I dwell, for I delight in her. |
| 16 |
‘I will surely bless her provisions,* and satisfy her poor with bread. |
| 17 |
‘I will clothe her priests with salvation,* and her faithful people will rejoice and sing. |
| 18 |
‘There will I make the horn of David flourish;* I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. |
| 19 |
‘As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame;* but as for him, his crown will shine.’ |
Glory . . .
THE READING (Health and Healing)
| Week 1: | Phil 1. 20-22 or Ps 139. 13-15; our bodies |
| 2: | Job 3. 20-26 or Mark 5. 2-9; the sick: mental illness & depression |
| 3: | Isa 49. 14-16 or Luke 1. 39-45; birth: pregnancy, miscarriage, childlessness |
| 4: | Num 21. 5-9 or Ecclus 38. 1-8; medicine: the medical profession |
| 5: | Acts 16. 27-29 or Luke 23. 42-43; dying: suicide, terminal illness |
| 6: | Isa 35. 3-6a or Matt 11. 2-6; the disabled: physically, emotionally |
| 7: | Matt 8. 1-3 or 2 Cor 4. 16-18; the sick: chronic & short term |
|
Or, the short reading: Great crowds came to Jesus, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind the mute and many others. They laid them at his feet and he healed them. |
| Matthew 15. 30 |
THE RESPONSE Either:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you pass through rivers,
they shall not overwhelm you.
When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned:
And the flame shall not consume you.
Do not fear, for I am with you,
I am the Holy One, your Saviour.
Or:
Let us keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,
For there is one body and one Spirit,
one hope of our calling.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of us all.
Grace was given to each of us
According to the measure of the gift of Christ.
He gave some to be apostles, some prophets,
evangelists, pastors and teachers,
For building up the body of Christ.
Until we all attain to the unity of the faith,
To the knowledge of the Son of God.
No longer shall we be children, but fully mature,
Measured by the stature of the fullness of 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.
Heal us, O God, from all our afflictions
and keep us steadfast in your love;
bind up our wounds,
raise us from death
and lead us to fullness of life;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 1
Or:
God of glory,
you nourish us with your Word
which is the bread of life:
fill us with your Holy Spirit,
that through us the light of your glory
may shine in all the world;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 7
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[Let us pray for the unity of all peoples on earth,
in the words our Saviour has taught us:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
May Christ our redeemer give us healing and wholeness. 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.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world,
a light no darkness can quench.
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 of all,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your glory is proclaimed in all the world.
You gave the Christ as a light to the nations,
and through the anointing of his Spirit
you established us as a royal priesthood.
As you call us into his marvellous light,
may our lives bear witness to your truth
and our lips never cease to proclaim 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)
| 1 |
O gladsome light, of the holy glory of the immortal Father,* heavenly, holy, blessèd Jesus Christ. |
| 2 |
Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening,* we praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. |
| 3 |
For it is right at all times to worship you with voices of praise,* O Son of God and giver of life: therefore all the world glorifies you. |
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.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
Your glory is proclaimed in all the world.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
| 1 |
Sing to the Lord a new song;* sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. | ||
| 2 |
Sing to the Lord and bless his name;* proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. | ||
| 3 |
Declare his glory among the nations* and his wonders among all peoples. | ||
| 4 |
O the majesty and magnificence of his presence!* O the power and the splendour of his sanctuary! | ||
| 5 |
Ascribe to the Lord the honour due to his name;* bring offerings and come into his courts. | ||
| 6 |
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;* let the whole earth tremble before him. | ||
| 7 |
Tell it out among the nations: ‘The Lord is king!’* he will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth. | ||
|
A HYMN may be sung.
THE OPENING PRAYER may be said.
As you call us into your marvellous light, O God,
may our lives bear witness to your truth
and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise,
now and for ever. Amen.
| On Thursdays | In Epiphanytide | ||
| Week 1: | 72 | Sun: 72 | |
| 2: | 47, 48 | Mon: 47, 48 | |
| 3: | 145 | Tue: 145 | |
| 4: | 81 | Wed: 81 | |
| 5: | 98 | Thu: 98 | |
| 6: | 36, 46 | Fri: 36, 46 | |
| 7: | 8, 20 | Sat: 8, 20 | |
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 PRAISE (52)
| Refrain: | You created all things, O God,* and are worthy of our praise for ever. |
| 1 |
You are worthy, our Lord and God,* to receive glory and honour and power. |
| 2 |
For you have created all things,* and by your will they have their being. |
| 3 |
You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain,* and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and nation. |
| 4 |
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God,* and they will reign with you on earth. |
|
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 4 & 5 | |
|
You created all things, O God,* and are worthy of our praise for ever. |
Or: A SONG OF CHRIST’S APPEARING (46)
| Refrain: | Christ was believed in throughout the world* and taken up in glory. |
| 1 |
Christ Jesus was revealed in the flesh* and vindicated in the spirit. |
| 2 |
He was seen by angels* and proclaimed among the nations. |
| 3 |
Believed in throughout the world,* he was taken up in glory. |
| 4 |
This will be made manifest at the proper time* by the blessèd and only Sovereign, |
| 5 |
Who alone has immortality,* and dwells in unapproachable light. |
|
To the King of kings and Lord of lords* be honour and eternal dominion. Amen. | |
| From 1 Timothy 3 & 6 | |
|
Christ was believed in throughout the world* and taken up in glory. |
On feasts of Teachers & Confessors, number 50 is an alternative canticle.
On feasts of Bishops, numbers 50 & 53 are alternative canticles.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
Arise, shine, for your light has come;
the glory of the Lord is rising upon you.
Arise, shine, for your light has come;
the glory of the Lord is rising upon you.
God’s salvation has been openly shown to all people.
The glory of the Lord is rising upon you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Arise, shine, for your light has come;
the glory of the Lord is rising upon you.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | My Spirit rejoices in you, my God,* for holy is your name. |
| Or, in Epiphanytide: | |
|
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold,* my chosen, in whom my soul delights; the anointed one on whom my Spirit rests. | |
| Or, on feasts of Teachers & Confessors: | |
|
Those who keep and teach the commandments* will be considered great in heaven. | |
| Or, on feasts of Bishops: | |
|
Well done, good and faithful servant,* you have been faithful over a little: I will make you ruler over much. | |
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,
the source of all good desires,
all right judgements and all just works:
give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give;
that our hearts may be set to obey
your commandments
and that, freed from the fear of our enemies,
we may pass our time in rest and quietness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3
Or:
Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in every heart,
the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth;
that in tranquillity your Kingdom may go forward
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3/5
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[Let us pray for the unity of all peoples on earth,
in the words our Saviour has taught us:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
On Thursdays, ‘Eucharistic Devotions’ (page 241) or ‘Unity in Christ’ (page 243) may be used.
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.
Or, in Epiphanytide:
May Christ, the Son of God, gladden our hearts
with the good news of his Kingdom. 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.
Epiphany Doxology
Your glory, Christ, is manifest:
All peoples, Lord, by you are blest;
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
THE PSALMODY
From PSALM 16
| 1 |
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;* I have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, my good above all other.’ |
| 2 |
All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,* upon those who are noble among the people. |
| 3 |
O Lord, you are my portion and my cup;* it is you who uphold my lot. |
| 4 |
My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;* indeed, I have a goodly heritage. |
| 5 |
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel;* my heart teaches me, night after night. |
| 6 |
I have set the Lord always before me;* because he is at my right hand I shall not fall. |
| 7 |
My heart, therefore, is glad and my spirit rejoices;* my body also shall rest in hope. |
| 8 |
For you will not abandon me to the grave,* nor let your holy one see the Pit. |
| 9 |
You will show me the path of life;* in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. |
The psalm may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, seeking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in the faith.
1 Peter 5. 8, 9
Or (and especially in Epiphanytide):
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.
Titus 2. 11
Or on feasts of Teachers & Confessors or Bishops:
Wisdom guides us on straight paths; she shows us the kingdom of heaven and gives us knowledge of holy things.
Wisdom 10. 10
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, on the feast of the Epiphany: | |
|
Alleluia!* All they from Sheba shall come. Alleluia! They shall bring gold and incense. Alleluia! Alleluia! | |
| Or, in Epiphanytide: | |
|
Alleluia!* Christ the light of the world, alleluia! has manifested his glory. Alleluia! Alleluia! | |
| 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 after the canticle.
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
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:
King of kings and Lord of lords,
making the true light to shine:
lighten our darkness now and evermore
that with our lips
and in our lives
we may praise you;
for you are our God, 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 God’s love surround us,
God’s joy fill our lives,
God’s peace be in our hearts,
and God’s blessing be with us
this night and always. Amen.
Or (and especially in Epiphanytide):
May the living waters of Christ cleanse us,
may the Spirit descend upon us,
and the blessing of God be with us
this night and always. Amen.
Or (and especially at the Presentation):
May Christ our light fill our darkness with his radiance,
and God’s blessing be always upon us. Amen.