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Prayers and Praises

for Various Occasions

A  THE GENERAL THANKSGIVING



Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants
give you most humble and hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
   and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world
by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray,
such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignèdly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you,
in holiness and righteousness, all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
   be all honour and glory,
for ever and ever.  Amen.                     Edward Reynolds 3/5

B  THE APOSTLES’ CREED
This affirmation of faith entered the full text of the Office at
the time of the Reformation; its origins are in the Rite of
Baptism and this book incorporates it in a service of
‘Thanksgiving for Baptism’ on page 238.



I believe in God, the Father almighty,
  creator of heaven and earth.



I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
  born of the Virgin Mary,
  suffered under Pontius Pilate,
  was crucified, died, and was buried;
  He descended to the dead.
  on the third day he rose again,
  he ascended into heaven,
  he is seated at the right hand of the Father,


  and he will come to judge the living and the dead.



I believe in the Holy Spirit,
  the holy catholic Church,
  the communion of saints,
  the forgiveness of sins,
  the resurrection of the body,
  and the life everlasting.  Amen.

C  STATE PRAYERS



For the Sovereign
Almighty God,
the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things
in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,
to the honour of your name
and the good of your Church and people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.                  3




For the State
God of righteousness and truth,
grant to our Queen and her government,
to members of Parliament
and to all in positions of responsibility,
the guidance of your Spirit.
May they never lead the nation wrongly
   through love of power, the desire to please,
   or unworthy ideals,
but always love righteousness and truth.
So may your kingdom come
and your name be hallowed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.




For the Royal Family
Almighty God,
bless, we pray, Elizabeth the Queen Mother,
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,
the Prince and Princess of Wales
and all the Royal Family.
Endue them with your Holy Spirit,
enrich them with your heavenly grace,
prosper them with all happiness
and bring them to your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.                  3






For the Church
Most gracious Father,
we pray for your holy catholic Church:
fill it with all truth
and in all truth with all peace;
where it is corrupt, purge it;
where it is in error, direct it;
where anything is amiss, reform it;
where it is right, strengthen and confirm it;
where it is in want, furnish it;
where it is divided, heal it
   and unite it in your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.             William Laud*


D  LITANIES



Only a limited number of litanies can be included in this book
but, as only the Officiant normally requires a full copy, it is
suggested that the many other sources available be used, such as
Patterns for Worship and The Promise of His Glory.

1   THE GREAT LITANY



Sections I and VI are always used, but a selection of appropriate
suffrages may be made from Sections II, III, IÖ and V.

I
Let us pray.



God the Father,
have mercy on us.



God the Son,
have mercy on us.



God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on us.

II



From all evil and mischief;
from pride, vanity and hypocrisy;
from envy, hatred and malice;
and from all evil intent,
Good Lord, deliver us.





From sloth, worldliness and love of money;
from hardness of heart
   and contempt for your word and your laws,
Good Lord, deliver us.



From sins of body and mind;
from deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.



From famine and disaster;
from violence, murder and dying unprepared,
Good Lord, deliver us.



In all times of sorrow;
in all times of joy;
in the hour of our death and at the day of judgement,
Good Lord, deliver us.



By the mystery of your holy incarnation;
by your birth, childhood and obedience;
by your baptism, fasting and temptation,
Good Lord, deliver us.



By your ministry in word and work;
by your mighty acts of power;
and by your preaching of the kingdom,
Good Lord, deliver us.



By your agony and trial;
by your cross and passion;
and by your precious death and burial,
Good Lord, deliver us.



By your mighty resurrection;
by your glorious ascension;
and by your sending of the Holy Spirit,
Good Lord, deliver us.

III



Hear our prayers, O Lord our God.
Hear us, good Lord.



Govern and direct your holy Church;
fill it with love and truth;
and grant it that unity which is your will.
Hear us, good Lord.



Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world,
and to make disciples of all the nations.
Hear us, good Lord.





Enlighten your ministers with knowledge and understanding,
that by their teaching and their lives
they may proclaim your word.
Hear us, good Lord.



Give your people grace to hear and receive your word,
and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Hear us, good Lord.



Bring into the way of truth
all who have erred and are deceived.
Hear us, good Lord.



Strengthen those who stand;
comfort and help the fainthearted;
raise up the fallen;
and finally beat down Satan under our feet.
Hear us, good Lord.

IV



Guide the leaders of the nations
into the ways of peace and justice.
Hear us, good Lord.



Guard and strengthen your servant Elizabeth our Queen,
that she may put her trust in you
and seek your honour and glory.
Hear us, good Lord.



Endue the High Court of Parliament
and all the Ministers of the Crown
with wisdom and understanding.
Hear us, good Lord.



Bless those who administer the law,
that they may uphold justice, honesty and truth.
Hear us, good Lord.



Give us the will to use the resources of the earth
   to your glory,
and for the good of all.
Hear us, good Lord.



Bless and keep all your people.
Hear us, good Lord.


V



Help and comfort the lonely, the bereaved,
   and the oppressed.
Lord, have mercy.



Keep in safety those who travel,
and all who are in danger.
Lord, have mercy.



Heal the sick in body and mind,
and provide for the homeless, the hungry
   and the destitute.
Lord, have mercy.



Show your pity on prisoners and refugees,
and all who are in trouble.
Lord, have mercy.



Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers,
and turn their hearts.
Lord, have mercy.



Hear us as we remember those who have died
   in the peace of Christ,
both those who have confessed the faith
and those whose faith is known to you alone,
and grant us with them
a share in your eternal kingdom.
Lord, have mercy.

VI



Give us true repentance;
forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance
   and our deliberate sins;
and grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit
to amend our lives according to your holy word.



Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.                                      3/5*

When this litany is said instead of ‘The Prayers’ section in the
Office, the collect of the day is added here and the Lord’s
Prayer follows the collect.


THE LITANIES following may form a part of ‘The Prayers’ section of
any Office and may be adapted to suit the occasion.  They are
particularly suitable for combining with the Kyries, but the
Officiant indicates what the response shall be; the following are
some suggestions for use, but any appropriate phrase may be used:

Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.



Kyrie eleison.  Kyrie eleison.



Domine, Exaudi nos.



Christ, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.



Christe eleison.  Christe eleison.



Lord, hear us; Lord, graciously hear us.



Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.



God of love, Hear our prayer.

The Litanies are particularly suitable for being sung and are
open to a wide variety of musical interpretations.  It is
appropriate to indicate when to come in with the response and if
a simple tone, or even a monotone, is used, going up on the last
note is a natural way of doing this.

2  GENERAL



In the love of God,
let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.



For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God
throughout the world: R.



For the peace and stability of all peoples
and for those in authority: R.



For our own country and its national life
and for all who dwell among us: R.



For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends
and all whom we love: R.



For the sick and the suffering
and for all who minister to their needs: R.



For all who sleep in Christ,
that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: R.



Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary,
(Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves
into the mighty hands of God: Collect


3  SUNDAY & EASTERTIDE



On this day that the Lord has made, let us give God the glory
and pray for the people he has redeemed.



That we may live as those who believe
in the triumph of the cross: R.



That all people may receive the good news of his victory: R.



That those born to new life in the waters of baptism
may know the power of his resurrection: R.



That those who suffer pain and anguish may find healing and peace
in the wounds of Christ: R.



That in the undying love of Christ,
we may have union with all who have died: R.



Let us join our voices with the saints in proclaiming
that Christ has given us the victory: Collect

4  MONDAY & PENTECOST



Through Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us,
let us pray to the Lord.



Lift up our hearts to the heavenly places
and inspire us to serve you as a royal priesthood: R.



Let all peoples acknowledge your kingdom
and grant on earth the blessing of peace: R.



Send down upon us the gift of the Spirit
and renew your Church with power from on high: R.



May peace abound and righteousness flourish,
that we may tread underfoot injustice and wrong: R.



Help us to proclaim the good news of salvation,
and grant us the needful gifts of your grace: R.



Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Church on earth,
let us join our prayers with the saints in glory: Collect


5  TUESDAY, ADVENT & KINGDOM SEASON



Watchful at all times,
let us pray for strength to stand with confidence
before our Maker and Redeemer.



That God may bring in his kingdom with judgement and mercy,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That God may establish among the nations
his sceptre of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord: R.



That we may seek him in the scriptures
and recognise him in the breaking of the bread,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That God may bind up the broken-hearted,
restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That the light of God’s coming may dawn
on all who live in darkness and in the shadow of death,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That with all the saints in light,
we may shine forth as lights of the world,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



So we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray
to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father: Collect

6  WEDNESDAY & CHRISTMASTIDE



Let us give glory to God on high,
who from his fullness have received grace upon grace.



For the holy Church of God throughout the world,
that with one heart we may rejoice in the Word made flesh,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



For good will in the hearts of all; and on earth, peace,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



For the poor, the outcast and the homeless; for the helpless,
the lonely and the unloved, let us pray to the Lord: R.



For all who have gone before us,
whose hope was in the Word made flesh,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



With the blessèd Virgin Mary,
Saint N. and all the host of heaven,
let our voices rise to praise God’s glory: Collect


7  THURSDAY & EPIPHANY



From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord.



That the people of God in all the world
may worship in spirit and in truth,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That the Church may discover again that unity which is your gift,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That the nations of the earth
may seek after the ways that make for peace,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That the whole creation, groaning in travail,
may be set free to enjoy the glorious liberty
of the children of God,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



That all who with Christ have entered the shadow of death
may find the fulfilment of life and peace,
let us pray to the Lord: R.



With all the saints in light,
let us offer eternal praise to the Lord made manifest: Collect

8  FRIDAY, LENT & PASSIONTIDE



With faith and love and in union with Christ,
let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.



Have mercy on your people,
for whom your Son laid down his life. R.



Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations,
and have pity on those torn apart by division. R.



Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake,
and deliver them from evil. R.



Look in mercy upon all who suffer,
and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. R.



Bring comfort to the dying,
and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. R.



Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints,
to glory everlasting. R.



As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross,
we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfilment
in the eternal kingdom of God: Collect


9  SATURDAY & PENTECOST



In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.



You guide your Church in the way of truth:
stir up among us the gifts of your grace. R.



Holy Wisdom fills the whole of creation:
by your Spirit, renew the face of the earth. R.



We are temples of the Spirit:
confirm our lives in the service of the gospel. R.



Your anointing restores wholeness to a broken world:
give healing to the sick, freedom to captives
and hope to the dying. R.



Nothing in all creation can separate us from your love:
receive into your keeping
those who have departed this life. R.



As we rejoice in the power of his Spirit,
may God grant us today the faith of the apostles,
the boldness of the prophets
and the strength of the martyrs: Collect



PSALM LITANIES



The following may be used either as versicles and responses or as
petitions for a litany, with a response after each one.

10  Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance,
    Govern and uphold them now and always.



    Day by day, we bless you;
    We praise your name for ever.



    Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
    Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.



    We long for your salvation, O Lord:
    grant us understanding, that we may live.



    Lord, show us your love and mercy,
    For we put our trust in you.




    In you, Lord, is our hope:
    Let us not be confounded at the last.              3*



11  Show us your mercy, O Lord;
    And grant us your salvation.




    O Lord, save the Queen;

    And teach her counsellors wisdom.




    Let your priests be clothed with righteousness;
    Let your faithful people sing with joy.




    Let your ways be known upon earth;
    Your saving health among all nations.




    Give your people the blessing of peace

    And may all the earth be filled with your glory.




    Create in us clean hearts, O God,
    And renew a right spirit within us.


12  Teach us, O Lord, the way of your statutes:
    And lead us in the path of your commandments.



    Keep our nation under your care:
    And guide us in justice and truth.



    O Lord, deal graciously with your servants;
    teach us discernment and knowledge.



    Let not the needy be forgotten:
    Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.



    Guide the meek in judgement:
    And teach your ways to the gentle.



    Lord, remember your people:
    Whom you have purchased and redeemed of old.

13  Lord, open a path for your Word
    To declare the mystery of Christ.



    Turn now, O God of hosts;
    Behold and tend the vine you have planted.




    May your people rejoice and sing,
    And your ministers be clothed with salvation.



    May they stand and feed your flock
    In the strength of your name.



    Keep from trouble all those who trust in you
    And forget not the poor for ever.



    Have mercy, O Lord, upon us,
    As we have put our hope in you.



14  Send forth your strength, O God,
    Establish what you have wrought in us.



    Uphold all those who fall
    And raise up those who are bowed down.



    Open the eyes of the blind
    And set the prisoners free.



    Sustain the orphan and widow
    And give food to those who hunger.



    Grant them the joy of your help again
    And sustain them with your Spirit.



    O Lord, judge the peoples
    And take all nations for your own.

15  O Lord, answer us in the day of trouble,
    Send us help from your holy place.



    Show us the path of life,
    For in your presence is joy.



    Give justice to the orphan and oppressed
    And break the power of wickedness and evil.



    Look upon the hungry and sorrowful
    And grant them the help for which they long.



    Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad;
    May your glory endure for ever.



    Your kingship has dominion over all
    And with you is our redemption.


AMBROSIAN ACCLAMATIONS



After the opening call to prayer, each acclamation is followed
by: Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy in English or in Greek.

16  THE ADVENT OF CHRIST



    Let us turn our eyes to the Lord of glory
    and enthrone him on our praises, saying: Lord, have mercy.



    Jesus, servant of God,
    you bring justice to the peoples: R.



    You love your people
    with a faithful love: R.



    You were lifted up on the cross
    that you might draw all people to yourself: R.



    You bring hope and joy
    to those who walk in the valley and shadow of death: R.



    You have liberated us
    so that we might be free for ever: R.



    You, O Christ, are our justice,
    our peace and our redemption: R.

17  THE INCARNATION



    Let us praise the eternal Word of God,
    who is seated at God’s right hand,
    and yet was born for us in the midst of time,
    saying: Lord, have mercy.



    O saving Lord, God with us,
    born of the Virgin by the power of the Spirit: R.



    Son of David,
    foretold by the prophets: R.



    Glorious offspring of Abraham,
    awaited by the patriarchs: R.



    Saviour of your people,
    proclaimed by angels: R.



    O Light eternal,
    who gives sight to the eyes of the blind: R.



    O King of justice and peace,
    ruler of all the ages: R.


18  THE EPIPHANY OF CHRIST



    To Jesus, redeemer of the peoples,
    let us lift our praises, saying: Lord, have mercy.



    Lord, you are the faithful guide
    of those who seek you with a pure heart: R.



    You came among us
    to usher in your kingdom of peace: R.



    O Lord, encompassed in light as with a cloak,
    you conquer the darkness of our night: R.



    You change our vessels of water
    into the gladdening wine of new life: R.



    O bread eternal,
    you feed the hunger of your people
    in desert places: R.



    You are the true Host of the marriage feast,
    welcoming sinners to your banquet table: R.

19  THE CROSS



    Let us bring our prayers
    to him who died that we might live
    and who intercedes for ever before the Father,
    saying: Lord, have mercy.



    Lord Jesus, you embraced the cross
    that we might learn to give our lives
    for the sake of love: R.



    In the hour of death
    you heard the penitent thief
    and opened to him the door of paradise: R.



    Innocent Captive,
    you submitted to the judgement of sinners: R.



    Most merciful Saviour,
    you have known the pain of abandonment: R.



    Lord, you loved the Church
    and gave your own self up for her: R.



    Through your blood
    you have brought to all people the crown of life: R.


20  THE RESURRECTION



    To Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
    and who now lives in the glory of the Father,
    let us raise the voice of praise, saying: Lord, have mercy.



    Lord Jesus, you are the Amen, the faithful witness,
    the first of God’s creation: R.



    You are Alpha and Omega,
    the one who is, and was, and who is to come: R.



    You search into the thoughts and affections
    of all people: R.



    You reprove and chasten
    those whom you love: R.



    You open the eyes of the blind
    and set the prisoners free: R.



    In your paschal victory,
    you have proclaimed the coming of the kingdom: R.

21  THE HOLY SPIRIT



    Let us praise the crucified and risen Lord
    who sends upon us the Spirit
    which makes all things new, saying: Lord, have mercy.



    O Word of life,
    one God with the Father and the Spirit: R.



    O eternal Light,
    who through the working of the Holy Spirit
    received from the Virgin our human nature: R.



    O crucified Redeemer,
    through your desire to make us anew,
    the life-giving Comforter moves among us: R.



    You breathed on the apostles the Spirit of your love,
    that sinners might come to know the mercy of God: R.



    You are seated at the right hand of the Father,
    from whom we receive the gifts of the Spirit: R.



    Through the power of the Holy Paraclete
    you wipe away our sins in the waters of baptism
    and open our hearts to the guiding hand of God: R.


22  THE KINGDOM



    Let us praise Christ our King,
    by whose cross we have citizenship in heaven,
    saying: Lord, have mercy.



    Lord, you built your Church
    on the foundation of the apostles: R.



    You witness to your truth
    in the lives of your saints: R.



    You made us to be a kingdom and priests
    serving our God: R.



    You have shared our burdens
    revealing the holiness of our life and work: R.



    You stir us to seek
    the mysteries of the kingdom: R.



    You lead us
    to the eternal assembly of the saints: R.

23  AN ORTHODOØ LITANY FOR THE EVENING



    That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:
    We pray to you, O Lord.



    That your holy angels may lead us
      in the paths of peace and goodwill:
    We pray to you, O Lord.



    That we may be pardoned and forgiven
      for our sins and offences:
    We pray to you, O Lord.



    That there may be peace in your Church
      and for the whole world:
    We pray to you, O Lord.



    That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit,
      in communion with (N. and with) all your saints,
      entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:
    We pray to you, O Lord.



E  TRADITIONAL ANTHEMS & PRAYERS
          FROM THE CHURCHES

Anthems and prayers that are from both Anglican and other
traditions may be used as appropriate. They may be used either
corporately (aloud or in silence) or as a private devotion.



Those wishing to use the following Memorials on a daily basis are
recommended to use them as follows:
Memorial of the Resurrection in the morning;
Memorial of the Crucifixion at midday;
Memorial of the Incarnation in the evening.



Alternatively, the traditional times of use are noted below.


1 Either: MEMORIAL OF THE RESURRECTION – PRIMA LUCE



The Memorial of the Resurrection (Prima Luce) may be observed at
all times of the day through Eastertide and Pentecost.

At dawn on the first day of the week,
The women came to the tomb.



The angel asked them, whom do you seek?
We seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified.



Why seek the living among the dead?
If you have taken my Lord away,
   tell me where you have laid him.



He is not here, he is risen as he promised;
We are witnesses of these things.



Risen Lord Jesus,
as Mary Magdalen met you in the garden
   on the morning of your resurrection,
so may we meet you today and every day.
Speak to us as you spoke to her;
reveal yourself as the living Lord;
renew our hope and kindle our joy;
and send us to share the good news with others;
for with the Father and the Holy Spirit
you live and reign, now and for ever.  Amen.           4




Behold, I am with you always, to the end of time,
And will come to reign among you in glory.  Alleluia!


Or: MEMORIAL OF THE RESURRECTION – REGINA CŒLI



The Memorial of the Resurrection (Regina Cœli) is traditionally
observed at dawn, midday and sunset from Easter Day until
Pentecost.  It may be used as an anthem at the end of Night
Prayer in Eastertide and Pentecost.

Regina cœli, lætare. Alleluia!
Queen of heaven, rejoice this day.  Alleluia!



Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia!
He whom you were called to bear,  Alleluia!



Resurrexit sicut dixit. Alleluia!
As he promised has arisen.  Alleluia!



Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia!
Pour for us, to God, your prayer.  Alleluia!
..lh6

..lh10
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary.  Alleluia!

For the Lord has risen indeed.  Alleluia!


Let us pray.



O God,

who by the resurrection of your Son,

our Lord Jesus Christ,

brought joy to the whole world:

grant that,

aided by the prayers of his Mother, the Virgin Mary,

we may know the joys of eternal life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.


3  MEMORIAL OF THE CRUCIFIXION – AD CRUCEM



The Memorial of the Crucifixion (Ad Crucem) may be observed
through Lent and Passiontide.

I, when I am lifted up, will draw everyone to myself.
Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.



This day you will be with me in paradise.
You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.



Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,
   it remains alone;
But if it dies, it bears much fruit.



Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Truly, this was the Son of God.


O Lord Jesus Christ,
who promised to refresh
   all who come to you in travail:
as we offer you our prayer
   at the hour of your most bitter passion,
mercifully grant that all we have begun in your strength
may be finished for the glory of your Name.  Amen.
..lh6

..lh10
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.


4  MEMORIAL OF THE INCARNATION – ANGELUS
The Memorial of the Incarnation (Angelus) is traditionally
observed at dawn, midday and sunset from after Pentecost to
Maundy Thursday.

The Angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary
And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.



Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessèd are you among women,
and blessèd is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now, and at the hour of our death.



‘Behold, the handmaid of the Lord;
Let it be to me according to your word.’



Hail Mary . . .



The Word was made flesh
And dwelt among us.



Hail Mary . . .



Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.



We beseech you, O Lord,
to pour your grace into our hearts;
that as we have known the incarnation
of your Son Jesus Christ
by the message of an angel,
so by his cross and passion
we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.                  3


5  ANTHEM TO THE THEOTOKOS



Into his joy, the Lord has received you,
Virgin God-bearer, Mother of Christ.



You have beheld the King in his beauty,
Mary, daughter of Israel.



You have made answer for the creation
To the redeeming will of God.



Light, fire and life, divine and immortal,
Joined to our nature you have brought forth,



That to the glory of God the Father,
Heaven and earth might be restored.
                       Greek Orthodox Hymn/Trans: West Malling


6  LATIN HYMN BEFORE SLEEÐ – SALVE REGINA
Traditionally, this anthem is sung at the end of Night Prayer
from after Pentecost to Advent, or it may be the unchanging final
anthem at Night Prayer.  Alternatively, the Regina Cœli may be
used.

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ;
Hail, O Queen, mother of mercy;



vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
our life, our sweetness and our hope, hail.



Ad te clamamus, exsules, filii Evæ,
To you do we cry, the banished, children of Eve;



ad te suspiramus,
to you do we sigh,



gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle;
lamenting and weeping in this vale of tears;



eia, ergo, advocata nostra,
therefore, our advocate,



illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte,
your eyes of mercy turn towards us,



Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
And Jesus, the blessèd fruit of your womb,



nobis post hoc exsilium ostende,
to us, after this exile, reveal,



O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
O clement, O devoted, O sweet Virgin Mary.


7  INDIAN PRAYER BEFORE SLEEP – CHRISTARAKSHA



May the cross of the Son of God,
which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan
and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven,
abide with you in your going out and your coming in.
By day and night, at morning and at evening,
at all times and in all places
   may it protect and defend you.
From the wrath of evildoers,
from the assaults of evil spirits,
from foes visible and invisible,
from the snares of the devil,
from all passions that beguile the soul and body:
may it guard, protect and deliver you.  Amen.          19

8  JEWISH PRAYER ON THE EVE OF SABBATH



Father of mercy,
continue, we pray, your loving-kindness to us all.
Make us worthy to walk in the way of the righteous before you,
loyal to your Law and clinging to good deeds.
Keep far from us all manner of shame, grief and care;
and grant that peace, light and joy
ever abide in our home;
for with you is the fountain of life,
and in your light do we see light.  Amen.

9  ARMENIAN ORTHODOØ DISMISSAL



Keep us in peace, O Christ our God,
under the protection of your holy and venerable cross;
save us from our enemies, visible and invisible,
and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever, world without end.  Amen.

10  PRAYER AT THE TIME OF DEATH



May Christ give you rest in the land of the living
and open for you the gates of paradise;
may he receive you as a citizen of the Kingdom,
and grant you forgiveness of your sins:
for you were his friend.
                         Orthodox Funeral Rite



11  PRAYER OF A JEWISH MOURNER – KADDISH
The Kaddish is an affirmation of faith in the face of death, said
by the chief mourner, surrounded by the congregation.



Magnified and sanctified be the great name of God
in the world which he created according to his will.
May he establish his Kingdom in your life and in your days,
and in the lifetime of all his people:
quickly and speedily may it come; and let us say Amen!



Blessèd be God for ever!



Blessed, praised and glorified,
exalted, extolled and honoured,
magnified and lauded be the name of the Holy One;
blessèd be God!
Though he be high above all the blessings and hymns,
praises and consolations,
which are uttered in the world; and let us say Amen!



Blessèd be God for ever!



May there be abundant peace from heaven
and life for us and for all people; let us say Amen!



Blessèd be God for ever!

12  WORLD PRAYER FOR PEACE



O God,
lead us from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe.  Amen.
                                                    Satish Kumar*

13  A FRANCISCAN ENDING TO THE OFFICE



May our blessèd Lady pray for us.
May Saints N. & N. pray for us.
May all the saints of God pray for us.
May the angels of God befriend us
   and watch around us to protect us.
May the Lord Jesus give us his blessing of peace.  Amen.


F  THE HOURS OF THE DAY
The following prayers, which began life as private devotions
after the Offices, and with a strong emphasis on the passion of
Christ, are traditionally prayed silently at a particular time
through the day.  They may be used simply on their own at the
appropriate time or linked to an Office.

EARLY MORNING – The First Hour



Eternal Jesus,
who in the early morning
offered yourself to the scorn and insults
   of your enemies:
at this same hour,
give us, we pray, your grace and your mercy,
that throughout this day we may find joy and peace
   in all that serves your praise and glory;
for you are now alive,
and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever.  Amen.                                       Prime

MORNING – The Third Hour



O Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
who at the third hour of the day
was led forth to the pain of the cross
for the salvation of the world:
we pray that by the virtue of your most sacred passion
you would blot out all our sins
and mercifully bring us
to the glory of your blessedness;
for you are now alive,
and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever.  Amen.                                       Terce


MIDDAY – The Sixth Hour



O most gracious Jesus,
our Lord and our God,
who at this hour bore our sins
   in your own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sin,
might live to righteousness:
have mercy upon us,
both now and at the hour of our death,
and grant to us, your servants,
and all who remember your passion,
a godly and peaceful life in this present world
and through your grace
eternal glory in the life to come;
where, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
you are alive and reign, now and for ever.  Amen.           Sext

AFTERNOON – The Ninth Hour



O Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
set your passion, cross and death
   between your judgement and our souls,
now and in the hour of our death.
Grant mercy and grace to the living,
rest to the departed,
to your Church peace and concord
and to us sinners forgiveness,
and everlasting life and glory;
for, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
you are alive and reign, God, now and for ever.  Amen.      None

EVENING – The ‘Completing’ Hour



Keep watch, dear Lord,
with those who wake, or watch or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick,
give rest to the weary,
sustain the dying, calm the suffering,
and pity the distressed;
all for your love’s sake, O Christ our Redeemer.  Amen.  Compline



THE DAYS OF THE WEEK
Each day of the week has traditionally been connected with a
variety of religious themes, but as this book has juxtaposed them
with the seasons of the year, further associations are considered
possibly to lead to confusion.








G  THE SEASONS OF THE YEAR

ADVENT



Stir up your power, O Lord,
and with great might 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.      Gelasian Sacramentary

CHRISTMASTIDE



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 praise;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Amen.               28

EPIPHANYTIDE



O God,
whose blessèd Son appeared among us,
shared our human condition
and was revealed in our human likeness:
renew his image in us, heart and soul,
that sharing his divine nature,
we may be acknowledged as your children,
now and at the last;
for he is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.  Amen.                      28


LENT



God,
whose glory it is always to have mercy:
be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways,
and bring them again with penitent hearts
   and steadfast faith
to embrace and hold fast
the unchangeable truth of your Word,
even Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.                     15

EASTERTIDE



God,
who by the glorious resurrection of your Son
destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light:
grant that we, who have been raised with him,
may abide in his presence
and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;
through him who is our living Redeemer,
the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.                          28

PENTECOST



God,
who, according to your promise,
gave your Holy Spirit to us your people
that we might know the freedom of your children
and taste on earth our heavenly inheritance:
may we always maintain the unity of the Spirit
and living in that power
be your witnesses to all peoples and nations;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

KINGDOM



God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
bring us to the dwelling which your Son
   is preparing for all who love you.
Give us the will each day
to live in life eternal.
Let our citizenship be in heaven with the blessèd,
with the whole company of the redeemed,
and with countless angels,
praising, worshipping and adoring your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
who sits upon the throne, for ever and ever.  Amen.    7*