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, ruler and judge of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever!
[In the darkness of this age that is passing away,
may the glory of your kingdom which the saints enjoy
surround our steps as we journey on.]
May we reflect the light of your glory this day
and so be made ready to come into your presence,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
The following is said:
Our life is hid with Christ in God.
O come, let us worship.
Or, in the Kingdom season:
God ever reigns on high.
O come, let us worship.
Or, on feasts of any Saint:
(Alleluia!) Our God is the God of Peace,
whom to serve is perfect freedom.
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.
Your faithful servants bless you.
They make known the glory of your kingdom.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
| 1 |
O God, you are my God; early I seek you;* my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a barren and dry land where there is no water; | ||
| 2 |
Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place,* that I might behold your power and your glory. | ||
| 3 |
For your loving-kindness is better than life itself;* my lips shall give you praise. | ||
| 4 |
I will bless you as long as I live* and lift up my hands in your name. | ||
| 5 |
My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness,* and my mouth praises you with joyful lips. | ||
| 6 |
When I remember you upon my bed,* and meditate on you in the night watches. | ||
| 7 |
For you have been my helper,* and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. | ||
| 8 |
My soul clings to you;* your right hand holds me fast. | ||
|
Or, when commemorating the departed:
THE EASTER ANTHEMS
| 1 |
Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us,* so let us celebrate the feast, | ||
| 2 |
Not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness* but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. | ||
| 3 |
Christ once raised from the dead dies no more;* death has no more dominion over him. | ||
| 4 |
In dying, he died to sin once for all;* in living, he lives to God. | ||
| 5 |
See yourselves, therefore, as dead to sin* and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. | ||
| 6 |
Christ has been raised from the dead;* the first fruits of those who sleep. | ||
| 7 |
For since by one man came death,* by another has come also the resurrection of the dead, | ||
| 8 |
For as in Adam all die,* even so in Christ shall all be made alive. | ||
|
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 Saturdays | In the Kingdom season | ||
| Week 1: | 33, 149 | Sun: | 33, 117 |
| 2: | 139, 149 | Mon: | 139, 150 |
| 3: | 116, 149 | Tue: | 116, 146 |
| 4: | 65, 149 | Wed: | 65, 147. 13-end |
| 5: | 145, 149 | Thu: | 145, 148 |
| 6: | 23, 125, 149 | Fri: | 23, 125, 147. 1-12 |
| 7: | 92, 97, 149 | Sat: | 92, 97, 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 BRIDE (16)
| Glory . . . | From Isaiah 61 & 62 |
Or (and especially for the Saints and when commemorating the departed):
A SONG OF THE RIGHTEOUS (25)
| |||
|
God has found the righteous worthy* and their hope is of immortality. |
In the Kingdom season, number 13 is also an alternative canticle.
On feasts of any Saint, numbers 18 & 28 are alternative canticles.
When commemorating the departed, numbers 22 & 23 are alternative canticles.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;
my lips shall proclaim your faithfulness.
I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;
my lips shall proclaim your faithfulness.
The heavens bear witness to your wonders;
My lips shall proclaim your faithfulness.
The assembly of your saints proclaims your truth.
I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;
my lips shall proclaim your faithfulness.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | Shine on us, O God, who dwell in darkness,* and guide us into the way of peace. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
|
You will guide us with your counsel, O God,* and after, receive us with glory. | |
| Or, on feasts of any Saint: | |
|
They were faithful until death* and God has given them the crown of 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.
Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as pass our understanding:
pour into our hearts such love towards you
that we, loving you above all things,
may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3/5
Or:
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect
into one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
give us grace so to follow your blessèd saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
which you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 2*
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we await the fulfilment of the promise of glory,
let us pray for the coming of the Kingdom:]
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 the Kingdom season:
May Christ the King give us his blessing of peace. 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.
Christ yesterday and Christ today,
For all eternity the same,
The image of our hidden God:
Eternal Wisdom is his name.
Christ keeps his word from age to age,
Is with us to the end of days;
A cloud by day, a flame by night,
To go before us on our ways.
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. 153-176
| 153 |
Behold my affliction and deliver me,* for I do not forget your law. |
| 154 |
Plead my cause and redeem me;* according to your promise, give me life. |
| 155 |
Deliverance is far from the wicked,* for they do not study your statutes. |
| 156 |
Great is your compassion, O Lord;* preserve my life, according to your judgements. |
| 157 |
There are many who persecute and oppress me,* yet I have not swerved from your decrees. |
| 158 |
I look with loathing at the faithless,* for they have not kept your word. |
| 159 |
See how I love your commandments!* O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me. |
| 160 |
The heart of your word is truth;* all your righteous judgements endure for evermore. |
| * * * | |
| 161 |
Rulers have persecuted me without a cause,* but my heart stands in awe of your word. |
| 162 |
I am as glad because of your promise* as one who finds great spoils. |
| 163 |
As for lies, I hate and abhor them,* but your law is my love. |
| 164 |
Seven times a day do I praise you,* because of your righteous judgements. |
| 165 |
Great peace have they who love your law;* for them there is no stumbling block. |
| 166 |
I have hoped for your salvation, O Lord,* and I have fulfilled your commandments. |
| 167 |
I have kept your decrees* and I have loved them deeply. |
| 168 |
I have kept your commandments and decrees,* for all my ways are before you. |
| * * * | |
| 169 |
Let my cry come before you, O Lord;* give me understanding, according to your word. |
| 170 |
Let my supplication come before you;* deliver me, according to your promise. |
| 171 |
My lips shall pour forth your praise,* when you teach me your statutes. |
| 172 |
My tongue shall sing of your promise,* for all your commandments are righteous. |
| 173 |
Let your hand be ready to help me,* for I have chosen your commandments. |
| 174 |
I long for your salvation, O Lord,* and your law is my delight. |
| 175 |
Let me live and I will praise you,* and let your judgements help me. |
| 176 |
I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost;* search for your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. |
Or:
PSALM 131
| 1 |
O Lord, I am not proud;* I have no haughty looks. |
| 2 |
I do not occupy myself with great matters,* or with things that are too hard for me. |
| 3 |
But I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother’s breast;* my soul is quieted within me. |
| 4 |
O Israel, wait upon the Lord,* from this time forth for evermore. |
PSALM 133
| 1 |
O how good and pleasant it is,* when a family lives together in unity! |
| 2 |
It is like fine oil upon the head* that runs down upon the beard, |
| 3 |
Upon the beard of Aaron,* and runs down upon the collar of his robe. |
| 4 |
It is like the dew of Hermon* that falls upon the hills of Zion. |
| 5 |
For there the Lord has ordained the blessing:* life for evermore. |
Each psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING (Justice and Peace)
| Week 1: | Acts 17. 24-28 or Eph 2. 14-18; racial justice |
| 2: | Micah 4. 3-4 or Luke 21. 20-24; the arms race |
| 3: | Luke 24. 5-10 or Gal 3. 27-28; affirming equality |
| 4: | Dan 13 (Susanna). 19-25 or 1 Cor 6. 18-20; sexual violence: abusers & abused |
| 5: | Deut 26. 5-11 or Mark 13. 14-20; refugees |
| 6: | Matt 10. 16-22 or James 4. 1-3; conflict |
| 7: | 1 Peter 3. 13-17 or Luke 23. 8-12; prisoners of conscience |
|
Or, the short reading: In those days shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. |
| Psalm 72. 8 |
THE RESPONSE Either:
Blessèd are you who are poor,
For yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessèd are you who hunger now,
For you will be fed.
Blessèd are you who weep now,
For you will laugh.
Blessèd are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you,
When they revile and defame you,
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy,
For surely your reward is great in heaven.
Or:
Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
And Christ shall give you light.
If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above,
Where Christ is, who is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above,
Not on things that are on the earth.
You have died,
And your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life shall appear,
Then you will appear with him in glory.
Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
And Christ shall give you light.
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.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace:
where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console,
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Or:
Almighty and everlasting God,
you have stooped to raise fallen humanity
through your Son Jesus Christ,
born of the blessèd Virgin Mary:
grant that we who have seen your glory
revealed in our human nature,
and your love made perfect in our weakness,
may daily be renewed in your image,
and conformed to the pattern of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 28
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we await the fulfilment of the promise of glory,
let us pray for the coming of the Kingdom:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
May God grant to the world justice, truth and peace. 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.
Let us give thanks to our God,
who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness
and made us partakers in the inheritance
of the saints in light.
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!
In the darkness of this passing age,
your saints proclaim the glory of your Kingdom,
revealed among us in Christ, our light.
Open our eyes to behold your presence
and join our song with those of the saints
in praise of all your marvellous deeds,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
Or:
Blessèd are you, Sovereign God,
our light and our salvation,
eternal Creator of day and night,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
[Now, as darkness is falling,
hear the prayer of your faithful people.]
As we look for your coming in glory,
wash away our transgressions,
cleanse us by your refining fire
and make us temples of your Holy Spirit.
By the light of Christ,
dispel the darkness of our hearts
and make us ready to enter your kingdom,
where songs of praise for ever sound,
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 |
Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured, Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest, Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord. |
| 2 |
Now we are come to the Sun’s hour of rest, The lights of evening round us shine, We hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit divine. |
| 3 |
Worthy are you at all times to be sung With undefilèd tongue, Son of our God, giver of life, alone: Therefore in all the world your glories, Lord, they own. |
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.
Your faithful servants bless you.
They make known the glory of your kingdom.
Glory . . .
Alleluia!
| 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. |
A HYMN may be sung.
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.
| On Saturdays | In the Kingdom season | ||
| Week 1: | 74 | Sun: | 74 |
| 2: | 15, 16 | Mon: | 15, 16 |
| 3: | 73 | Tue: | 73 |
| 4: | 77 | Wed: | 77 |
| 5: | 34 | Thu: | 34 |
| 6: | 142, 143 | Fri: | 142, 143 |
| 7: | 84 | Sat: | 84 |
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 BLESSED (36)
| Refrain: | Rejoice and be glad for you are the light of the world,* and great is your reward in heaven. | ||
| 1 |
Blessèd are the poor in spirit,* for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | ||
| 2 |
Blessèd are those who mourn,* for they shall be comforted. | ||
| 3 |
Blessèd are the meek,* for they shall inherit the earth. | ||
| 4 |
Blessèd are those who hunger and thirst for what is right,* for they shall be satisfied. | ||
| 5 |
Blessèd are the merciful,* for mercy shall be shown to them. | ||
| 6 |
Blessèd are the pure in heart,* for they shall see God. | ||
| 7 |
Blessèd are the peacemakers,* for they shall be called the children of God. | ||
| 8 |
Blessèd are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,* for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | ||
| |||
|
Rejoice and be glad for you are the light of the world,* and great is your reward in heaven. |
Or: A SONG OF THE REDEEMED (53)
| Refrain: | Salvation belongs to our God,* who will guide us to springs of living water. |
| 1 |
Behold, a great multitude* which no one could number, |
| 2 |
From every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues,* standing before the throne and the Lamb. |
| 3 |
They were clothed in white robes and had palms in their hands,* and they cried with a loud voice, saying, |
| 4 |
‘Salvation belongs to our God* who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’ |
| 5 |
These are they who have come out of the great tribulation,* they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; |
| 6 |
Therefore they stand before the throne of God,* whom they serve day and night within the temple. |
| 7 |
And the One who sits upon the throne* will shelter them with his presence. |
| 8 |
They shall never again feel hunger or thirst,* the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. |
| 9 |
For the Lamb at the heart of the throne* will be their Shepherd, |
| 10 |
He will guide them to springs of living water,* and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. |
|
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 7 | |
|
Salvation belongs to our God* who will guide us to springs of living water. |
On Saturdays, number 56 is also an alternative canticle.
In the Kingdom season, number 47 is also an alternative canticle.
On feasts of any Saint, numbers 47 & 49 are alternative canticles.
When commemorating the departed, number 40 is an alternative canticle.
A RESPONSORY may be said.
Lord, you will guide me by your counsel
and afterwards receive me with glory.
Lord, you will guide me by your counsel
and afterwards receive me with glory.
For I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
And afterwards receive me with glory.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Lord, you will guide me by your counsel
and afterwards receive me with glory.
See either separate card or inside front cover.
| Refrain: | God shows the strength of his arm;* he casts down the mighty and raises up the lowly. |
| Or, in the Kingdom season: | |
|
The righteous will shine like the sun* in the kingdom of their Father. | |
| Or, on feasts of any Saint: | |
|
In the heavenly kingdom, the blessèd have their dwelling place;* and their rest for ever and ever. | |
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.
Grant, Lord,
that we who are baptised into the death
of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
may continually put to death our evil desires
and be buried with him;
that through the grave and gate of death
we may pass to our joyful resurrection;
through his merits, who died and was buried
and rose again for us,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 3
Or:
O God,
who in the work of creation
commanded the light to shine out of darkness:
we pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ
may shine into the hearts of all your people,
dispelling the darkness of ignorance and unbelief
and revealing to them the knowledge of your glory
in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 28
THE LORD’S PRAYER may be said.
[As we await the fulfilment of the promise of glory,
let us pray for the coming of the Kingdom:]
Our Father in heaven, Or Our Father, who art in heaven,
On Saturdays, ‘The Gospel Proclamation’ may be used, page 245.
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 the Kingdom season:
May Christ the King give us his blessing of peace. 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.
The following, or the appropriate seasonal 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.
THE PSALMODY
One or more of the following psalms may be used.
PSALM 4
| 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 dishonour 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. |
| 6 |
Many are saying,
‘O 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 91
| 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.’ |
| 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 midday. |
| 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 have only 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 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. |
| 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 honour. |
| 16 |
With long life will I satisfy him,* and show him my salvation. |
PSALM 134
| 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. |
Each psalm, or group of psalms, may end with:
Glory . . .
THE READING: one of the following or some other.
There remains a sabbath rest for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours, as God did. Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest.
Hebrews 4. 9-11
Or:
You, Lord, are in the midst of us and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God.
Jeremiah 14. 9
Or on feasts of any Saint:
Finally, belovèd, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4. 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 the Kingdom season: | |
|
O King most blessèd,* on the day of judgement number us among your chosen. | |
| 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. When Night Prayer for Saturday is being used as standard, the appropriate seasonal refrain should be used.
Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here, or at any point in this section.
THE COLLECT: one of the following or some other.
Come to visit us, O God, this night,
so that by your strength
we may rise with the new day
to rejoice in the resurrection of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
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
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.]
The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us
and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us
and give us peace. Amen.