.po110The Office – Simple Celebration
This simple celebration of daily prayer is intended as something for the whole community to do. It provides a form that can be used at home and in the family, or in groups, while it is celebrated at the same time in church. It depends on care being taken to make it true community worship, even when it is used alone. The following pages provide a simple guide; the rest depends on the persons involved. Here are some suggestions about its use: they are not obligatory but show the kind of approach which is needed. The Place Care should be taken that the place where the office is celebrated publicly is appropriate to the numbers involved, with adequate heating when necessary. Seating and lighting should enable those present to be at ease as a group, and some kind of visual focus is desirable. Style The pace should be slow and without rushing, with times of silence after each psalm, reading or canticle. Attention should not be on the words to be got through but on the presence of God in the community (even when we are praying alone). We look to God in word, prayer, music, actions and silence. Worship Card Unless they have a particular task, participants should not need a book, except for hymns or special canticles. In order to introduce people to this form of worship, it would be useful to provide them with a card, guiding them through it. The examples on pages 284 to 287 may be copied for this purpose. The pages after that give the material necessary for people with particular r“ les. The Opening Section Anyone present may officiate. Care should be taken not to attract attention from God to themselves through too many announcements. These should be unnecessary.At the beginning of Evening Prayer, a lighted candle may be brought in, or the candle may simply be lit. This ancient practice goes back to very early times and symbolises the light of Christ at the passing of the day. Its traditional place is in the home and some families or individuals also may like to include it in their evening prayers. A few scattered night-lights may form a focus of attention. The Psalms Everyone sits to listen as one person reads out the psalm, not proclaiming it like a lesson but reading it slowly and sensitively, with a short pause at the asterisk (*).
After the Glory be . . . and a silence, the same person says the psalm prayer (with or without through Jesus Christ our Lord) to which all respond: Amen.
The table gives a four-week cycle of psalms. The Canticle If one of the two alternative canticles is used, this may be sung or said by all or by one person, with a sung refrain after each verse. Here the scriptures are prayed, which is as important as hearing and studying them. The Scripture Reading One of those present finds the reading before the Office and prepares it so that it can be read with care and without haste. As heavenly food, scripture is to be taken in slowly and savoured, almost ‘chewed over’.
A four-week cycle of short readings is offered here. Alternatively, the full lectionary may be used, or a familiar bible-reading scheme. Even when alone, it helps greatly to read the scriptures aloud.
Some silence ought to be kept after the reading, to let it move through the participants, like the ripples of a pool. The Hymn – or something similar People are very shy of singing without a musical instrument or choir, but it is the most natural thing in the world. Singing helps people of all ages to worship with the whole of their being.
There is a very ancient tradition of singing the gospel canticle here (Benedictus and Magnificat), but any hymn or song may be sung instead of this or before it. Best here are songs which celebrate the deeds of our redemption in Christ (especially the incarnation, the passion and the resurrection).
Where singing is absolutely impossible, one of the canticles may be used here, rather than after the psalm. The Prayers A basic framework is provided here, to which may be added other forms of prayer, free or structured, at the point that seems most appropriate. It can be very helpful to use a sung refrain. The Conclusion The Lord’s Prayer may be introduced with an appropriate bidding. For the ending and for any other such material, people should feel free to draw on material in the Full Form. One possible use of the gospel canticle is to sing it at this point on feast days (between the Lord’s Prayer and the conclusion). Penitence In Christian daily prayer, the themes of praise, penitence, thanksgiving and so on weave amongst each other all the time, and there is no need to highlight any one in a section of its own. Penitence in particular appears in the psalms, canticles, readings, hymns and prayers and over-emphasis of it will direct the attention too much to self and away from God. For those who wish, the following form may be used privately before Evening Prayer begins:
Reflect on the day past with both thanksgiving and praise before saying: Father, I confess that I have sinned, against you and against my brothers and sisters. I pray you, Lord, to have mercy on me and on us all, and to lead us into the life of your kingdom, where you call us to praise you for ever. Amen. Family Prayers Families and households often find it difficult to pray and worship together. The simple form and pattern in the following pages, used sensitively and adapted appropriately, can be of great help. Just one of these services provides a small core of words which can soon be learnt by heart, even by very young children, and gives plenty of scope for involvement and things to do. The various tasks, such as preparing the place used for prayer, choosing a reading or lighting a candle can be shared out amongst members of the family. Children could write their own prayers or choose favourites from use at school.
If they are to enjoy worshipping God, then experiments with singing, symbolism and pictures, and actions such as bowing, kneeling, raising the hands, making the sign of the cross, sharing the peace, and so on, will enable children (and adults) to do the kind of thing with God which they are used to doing with others.
In this way, a form of prayer can develop which is truly rooted in the life and needs of the particular family or household, but which is also related to the life of the whole Church.
Sunday Morning
O Lord, open our lips;
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Blessèd are you, Lord our God, redeemer and king of all; to you be glory and praise for ever! From the waters of chaos you drew forth the world, and in your great love, fashioned us in your image. May we, the first-fruits of your new creation, rejoice in this new day you have made; may Christ your light ever dawn in our hearts as we offer you our sacrifice of thanks and praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 100 148 149 150 ..tn Then either:
1 Blessèd be God, who lives for ever,* whose reign endures throughout all ages.
2 Declare God’s praise before the nations,* you who are the children of Israel.
3 For if our God has scattered you among them,* there too has he shown you his greatness.
4 Exalt him in the sight of the living,* because he is our God and our Father for ever.
5 Though God punishes you for your wickedness,* mercy will be shown to you all.
6 God will gather you from every nation,* from wherever you have been scattered.
7 When you turn to the Lord with all your heart and soul,* God will hide his face from you no more.
8 See what the Lord has done for you* and give thanks with a loud voice.
9 Praise the Lord of righteousness* and exalt the King of the ages.
Glory . . . Tobit 13. 1-6 Or:
1 I will sing to the Lord, who has triumphed gloriously;* the horse and his rider have been thrown into the sea.
2 The Lord is my strength and my song* and has become my salvation.
3 This is my God whom I will praise* the God of my forebears whom I will exalt.
4 The Lord fights for his people,* the Lord is his name.
5 Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power:* your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
6 At the blast of your nostrils, the sea covered them;* they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
7 In your unfailing love, O Lord,* you lead the people whom you have redeemed,
8 And by your invincible strength* you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
9 You will bring them in and plant them, O Lord,* in the sanctuary which your hands have established.
Glory . . . From Exodus 15
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Heavenly Father, who brought new life to the world in the resurrection of Christ our Lord: grant our days to be filled with his life and our world to be changed for ever. READER ..tc! ..ta
A Deuteronomy 6. 20-25 B 1 John 1. 5-7 C Colossians 1. 18-20 D Romans 11. 33-36 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
One thing we ask of you, O Lord, one thing we seek: that we may dwell in your house all the days of our life. Lord, have mercy.
Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, as we have put our trust in you. Christ, have mercy.
Rise up and help us, O God our Saviour, and save us for the sake of your steadfast love. Lord, have mercy.
Ride on and conquer in the cause of truth, and for the sake of justice. Christ, have mercy.
Let the heavens declare the rightness of your cause, and may your praises reach to the world’s end. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity. Amen. 3 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Sunday Evening
You, O Lord, are my lamp; you turn my darkness into 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, our light and our salvation; to you be glory and praise for ever! [You led your people to freedom by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.] May we who walk in the light of your presence acclaim your Christ, rising victorious, as he banishes all darkness from our hearts and minds, and praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 4 104 116 118 ..tn Then either:
1 I saw no temple in the city,* for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
2 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it,* for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
3 By its light the nations shall walk,* and the rulers of the earth shall bring their glory.
4 Its gates shall never be shut by day, nor shall there be any night;* they shall bring into it the glory and honour of the nations.
5 I saw the river of the water of life, bright as crystal,* flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
6 And either side of the river stood the tree of life, yielding its fruit each month,* and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
7 The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be there, and his servants shall worship him;* and they shall see God’s face and his name shall be on their foreheads.
Glory . . . From Revelation 21 & 22
Or:
1 Blessèd be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,* who in his great mercy gave us a new birth as his children. ..lh2 ..lh10 2 He has raised Jesus Christ from the dead,* so that we have a sure hope in him. ..lh2 ..lh10 3 We have the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt,* because it is kept for us in heaven. ..lh2 ..lh10 4 The ransom that was paid to free us* was not paid in silver or gold, ..lh2 ..lh10 5 But in the precious blood of Christ,* the Lamb without spot or stain. ..lh2 ..lh10 6 God raised him from the dead and gave him glory* so that we might have faith and hope in God.
Glory . . . From 1 Peter 1
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Through our redemption in the cross and resurrection of Christ, may we share, O Lord, in the inheritance of the saints. READER
..tc! ..ta A Romans 5. 1-5 B Ephesians 3. 14-19 C Isaiah 12. 3-6 D Revelation 21. 10-11, 23-26 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LEADER
To you, O Lord, we lift our eyes; to you, enthroned in the heavens. Lord, have mercy.
Let our cry come before you, O Lord; grant us understanding, according to your word. Christ, have mercy.
Let your merciful goodness come to us, O Lord; and your salvation, according to your promise. Lord, have mercy.
Satisfy those who thirst, and fill the hungry with good things. Christ, have mercy.
Your kingship has dominion over all, and with you is our redemption. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer God, through the mighty resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you have freed us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your love. Grant that, as he was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we may walk in newness of life and seek those things which are above, where with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit, he is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Monday Morning
O Lord, open our lips;
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Blessèd are you, creator God; to you be glory and praise for ever! Your Spirit moved over the face of the waters to bring light and life to your creation. Pour out your Spirit on us this day, that we may walk as children of light and by your grace reveal your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 93 103 121 145 ..tn Then either:
1 ‘Behold, God is my salvation;* I will trust and will not be afraid;
2 ‘For the Lord God is my strength and my song,* and has become my salvation.’
3 With joy you will draw water* from the wells of salvation.
4 On that day you will say,* ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name;
5 ‘Make known his deeds among the nations,* proclaim that his name is exalted.
6 ‘Sing God’s praises, who has triumphed gloriously;* let this be known in all the world.
7 ‘Shout and sing for joy, you that dwell in Zion,* for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.’
Glory . . . Isaiah 12. 2-6
Or:
1 I will sing a new song to my God,* for you are great and glorious, truly strong and invincible.
2 May your whole creation serve you,* for you spoke and all things came to be. 3 You sent forth your Spirit and they were formed,* for no one can resist your voice.
4 Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths;* at your presence rocks shall melt like wax.
5 But to those who fear you,* you continue to show mercy.
6 No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you,* but whoever fears the Lord shall stand in your sight for ever.
Glory . . . Judith 16. 13-16
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
O Lord, our strength and our song, make your deeds known in all the world, that all may draw with joy from the wells of salvation. READER ..tc! ..ta
A Isaiah 40. 12-18 B Deuteronomy 32. 9-14 C 1 John 1.8 - 2.2 D 1 Timothy 6. 13-16 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
In the morning, Lord, you hear our voice: we make our appeal and watch for you. Lord, have mercy.
Come, O Lord, and bless the righteous; defend them with your favour as with a shield. Christ, have mercy.
Let all the earth fear you, O Lord our God; let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of you. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church: open our hearts to the riches of your grace that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Monday Evening
With you, O God, is the well of life and in your light shall we see 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, our light and our life; to you be glory and praise for ever! When we turned away to darkness and chaos, like a mother you would not forsake us. You cried out like a woman in labour and rejoiced to bring forth a new people. Your living Word brings light out of darkness and daily your Spirit renews the face of the earth, inclining our wills to the gentle rule of your love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..TC ! ! ! ! ..TA PSALM READER A B C D 122 126 139 147 ..tn Then either:
1 Blessèd are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,* for you have blest us in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. 2 You chose us to be yours in Christ before the foundation of the world,* that we should be holy and blameless before you.
3 In love you destined us to be your children, through Jesus Christ,* according to the purpose of your will,
4 To the praise of your glorious grace,* which you freely bestowed on us in the Belovèd.
5 In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ,* the forgiveness of our sins,
6 According to the riches of your grace,* which you have lavished upon us.
7 You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight,* the mystery of your will,
8 According to your purpose which you set forth in Christ,* as a plan for the fullness of time,
9 To unite all things in Christ,* things in heaven and things on earth.
Glory . . . Ephesians 1. 3-10
Or:
1 In Christ Jesus, the life-giving law of the Spirit* has set us free from the law of sin and death.
2 All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God;* it is the Spirit that enables us to cry, ‘Abba!’ Father.
3 The Spirit itself bears witness that we are God’s children;* and if God’s children, then heirs of God.
4 We are heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ;* if we share his sufferings now we shall be glorified with him hereafter.
5 These sufferings that we now endure* are not worth comparing with the glory that shall be revealed.
6 For the creation waits with eager longing* for the revealing of the children of God.
Glory . . . From Romans 8
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
O Lord, you have destined us in love to be your children: unite us in your Holy Spirit. READER ..TC! ..TA
A Romans 8. 14-17 B James 1. 22-25 C Colossians 1. 9-12 D 2 Thessalonians 3. 10-13 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LEADER
Lord, make your face to shine upon your servants and in your loving-kindness save us. Lord, have mercy.
Hear the cry of the needy and never forget the lives of the poor. Christ, have mercy.
Ride on and conquer in the cause of truth; may your Kingdom of justice and righteousness break upon us. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour . . . 3 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Tuesday Morning
O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Blessèd are you, Sovereign God of all, to you be glory and praise for ever! [In your tender compassion, the dawn from on high is breaking upon us to dispel the lingering shadows of night.] As we look for your coming among us this day, open our eyes to behold your presence and strengthen our hands to do your will, that the world may rejoice and give you praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..TC ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 24 25 43 146 ..tn Then either:
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,* the desert shall blossom and burst into song.
2 They shall see the glory of the Lord,* the majesty of our God.
3 Strengthen the weary hands,* and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,* coming with judgement to save you.’
5 Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,* and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 Then shall the lame leap like a hart,* and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.
7 For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,* and streams in the desert;
8 The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,* with everlasting joy upon their heads.
9 Joy and gladness shall be theirs,* and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Glory . . . From Isaiah 35
Or:
1 Go up to a high mountain, herald of good tidings to Zion;* lift up your voice with strength, herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.
2 Lift up your voice, fear not;* say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’
3 See the Lord God, coming with power,* coming to rule with his mighty arm.
4 He brings his reward for the people of God,* the recompense for those who are saved.
5 God will feed his flock like a shepherd,* and gather the lambs in his arms;
6 He will hold them to his breast,* and gently lead those that are with young.
Glory . . . Isaiah 40. 9-11
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Renew the world, O Lord, through the presence in its midst of your servant Church, the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. READER
..tc! ..ta A Isaiah 33. 5-6 B Deuteronomy 4. 39-40 C 1 John 3. 14-18 D 1 Peter 2. 4-6 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
O God, be merciful to us and bless us; show us the light of your countenance and come to us. Lord, have mercy.
Let your ways be known upon earth, your saving help among the nations. Christ, have mercy.
Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer O God, who set before us the great hope that your Kingdom shall come on earth and taught us to pray for its coming: give us grace to discern the signs of its dawning and to work for the perfect day when the world shall reflect your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . Percy Dearmer/28 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Tuesday Evening
Your word, O God, is a lantern to our feet and a light upon our path.The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you all And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God Who is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise.
Blessèd are you, Sovereign God, creator of light and darkness! As evening falls, you renew your promise to reveal among us the light of your presence. May your word be a lantern to our feet and a light upon our path, that we may behold your glory coming among us. Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness and free our tongues to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..TC ! ! ! ! ..TA PSALM READER A B C D 46 85 127 130 ..tn Then either:
1 Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,* whose judgements are true and just.
2 Praise our God, all you servants of God,* you who fear him, both small and great.
3 The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns:* let us rejoice and exult and give glory and homage.
4 The marriage of the Lamb has come* and his bride has made herself ready.
5 Happy are those who are invited* to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.
Glory . . . From Revelation 19
Or:
1 ‘Behold, I am coming soon’, says the Lord, ‘and bringing my reward with me,* to give to everyone according to their deeds.
2 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last,* the beginning and the end.’ .lh3 ..lh10 3 Blessèd are those who do God’s commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life,* and may enter into the city through the gates.
4 ‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you,* with this testimony for all the churches.
5 ‘I am the root and the offspring of David,* I am the bright morning star.’
6 ‘Come!’ say the Spirit and the Bride;* ‘Come!’ let each hearer reply!
7 Come forward, you who are thirsty,* let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.
Surely I am coming soon!* Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Glory . . . From Revelation 22
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
O God, whose son the bridegroom calls us to the feast: may we rejoice in his gift of life, now and always. READER
..tc! ..ta A Romans 8. 18-25 B Philippians 3. 20-21 C 1 John 3. 1-3 D 1 Peter 2. 9-10 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LEADER
For you alone, O God, our soul in silence waits, for truly our hope is found in you. Lord, have mercy.
Awake, O God, and decree justice; let the peoples gather around you. Christ, have mercy.
Send forth your strength, O Lord; establish, O God, what you have wrought in us. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer O God, by whose command the order of time runs its course: forgive our restlessness, perfect our faith and, while we await the fulfilment of your promise, grant us to have a good hope through the Word made flesh, even Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 28 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Wednesday Morning
O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Blessèd are you, Sovereign God, creator of all; To you be glory and praise for ever! [You founded the earth in the beginning and the heavens are the work of your hands.] As we rejoice in the gift of the Word made flesh, let the light of your love always shine in our hearts and your praises ever be on our lips, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 8 19 112 113 ..tn Then either:
1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;* those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, upon them the light has dawned.
2 You have increased their joy and given them great gladness;* they rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest.
3 For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them;* the collar that lay heavy on their shoulders.
4 For to us a child is born and to us a son is given,* and the government will be upon his shoulder.
5 And his name will be called: Wonderful Counsellor; the Mighty God;* the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace.
6 Of the increase of his government and of peace* there will be no end,
7 Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom,* to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness.
8 From this time forth and for evermore;* the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Glory . . . Isaiah 9. 2-7
Or:
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stock of Jesse,* and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,* the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
3 The spirit of counsel and might,* the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
4 He shall not judge by what his eyes see,* or decide by what his ears hear,
5 But with righteousness he shall judge the poor,* and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.
6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,* and the leopard shall lie down with the kid.
7 The calf and the lion cub together,* with a little child to lead them.
8 They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,* for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Glory . . . From Isaiah 11
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant peace in our time and an end to all strife, that your people may be one, in the reign of Christ and his peace. READER
..tc! ..ta A Jeremiah 31. 10-13 B Leviticus 19. 16-18 C 1 Corinthians 2. 7-10 D Ephesians 4. 1-6 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
O Lord, you are the king of glory: help us at the break of day. Lord, have mercy.
You love righteousness and justice: may your loving kindness fill the earth. Christ, have mercy.
Hear our cry, O God, and listen to our prayer. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us in your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share our human nature, so we may be partakers of his divine glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 7 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Wednesday Evening
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. In him was life, and the life was the light of all.The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you all And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God Who is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise.
Blessèd are you, Sovereign God, our light and our salvation, to you be glory and praise for ever! In the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. To dispel the darkness of our night, you sent forth your Son, the first-born of all creation. He is our Christ, the light of the world, and him we acclaim, as all creation sings to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 34 45 96 128 ..tn Then either:
1 The Father has delivered us from the dominion of darkness,* and transferred us to the kingdom of his belovèd Son;
2 In whom we have redemption,* the forgiveness of our sins.
3 He is the image of the invisible God,* the first-born of all creation.
4 For in him all things were created,* in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.
5 All things were created through him and for him,* he is before all things and in him all things hold together.
6 He is the head of the body, the Church,* he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead.
7 For it pleased God that in him all fullness should dwell,* and through him all things be reconciled to himself.
Glory . . . Colossians 1. 13-20
Or:
1 Belovèd, let us love one another, for love is of God;* everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
2 Whoever does not love does not know God,* for God is love.
3 In this the love of God was revealed among us,* that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
4 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us,* and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.
5 Belovèd, since God loved us so much,* we ought also to love one another.
6 For if we love one another, God abides in us,* and God’s love will be perfected in us.
Glory . . . 1 John 4. 7-11
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Father eternal, make us to be a city and kingdom of love, that in all things your love may come to abound. READER
..tc! ..ta A Romans 8. 28-32 B Ephesians 4.23 - 5.2 C Job 5. 8-11, 17-18 D 1 Peter 1. 13-16 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LEADER
Have mercy, O Lord, upon us, as we have hoped in you. Lord, have mercy.
Give justice to the orphan and the oppressed and break the power of wickedness and evil. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, hear our prayer and answer us in your righteousness. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Almighty God, who called your Church to witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us so to proclaim the good news of your love that all who hear it may be reconciled to you; through him who died for us and rose again and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 3/5 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Thursday Morning
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! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 29 66 67 97 ..tn Then either:
1 Go up to a high mountain, herald of good tidings to Zion;* lift up your voice with strength, herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.
2 Lift up your voice, fear not;* say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’
3 See, the Lord God coming with power,* coming to rule with his mighty arm.
4 He brings his reward for the people of God,* the recompense for those who are saved.
5 God will feed his flock like a shepherd,* and gather the lambs in his arms;
6 He will hold them to his breast,* and gently lead those that are with young.
Glory . . . Isaiah 40. 9-11
Or:
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.
Glory . . . From Isaiah 60
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Gracious God, you have made us fellow citizens with the saints in the city of eternal light: when our foundations are shaken, grant us the gift to wait on your steadfast love. READER
..tc! ..ta A 1 Corinthians 12. 21-27 B Deuteronomy 8. 2-3 C 1 John 4. 16-21 D Hebrews 1. 1-3 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
Lord, send us your loving-kindness in the morning and so shall we rejoice and be glad. Lord, have mercy.
Let not the oppressed turn away ashamed; let the poor and needy praise your name. Christ, have mercy.
Teach us your ways, O Lord, and we will walk in your truth. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Thursday Evening
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 establish 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! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 47 48 72 98 ..tn Then either:
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.
Glory . . . From Revelation 4 & 5
Or:
1 Christ Jesus was revealed in the flesh* and vindicated in the spirit.
2 He was seen by angels* and proclaimed among the nations. .lh3 ..lh10 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.
Glory . . . From 1 Timothy 3 & 6
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
O Lord of glory, creator of all, may we have faith to wait upon your will, knowing that all your ways are just and true. READER
..tc! ..ta A Romans 8. 35-39 B 1 Corinthians 10. 12-17 C Isaiah 66. 1-2 D 1 Peter 1. 6-9 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LEADER
You, Lord, are the light of the world; come and make our darkness bright. Lord, have mercy.
O God, give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom. Christ, have mercy.
Restore us again, O God of hosts; show us the light of your countenance and we shall be saved. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer 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 Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Friday Morning
O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Blessèd are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 22 42 51 95 ..tn Then either:
1 Come, let us return to the Lord* who has torn us and will heal us.
2 God has stricken us* and will bind up our wounds.
3 After two days, he will revive us,* and on the third day will raise us up, that we may live in his presence.
4 Let us humble ourselves;* let us strive to know our God,
5 Whose justice dawns like the morning star;* its dawning is as sure as the sunrise.
6 God’s justice will come to us like the showers,* like the spring rains that water the earth.
7 ‘O Ephraim, how shall I deal with you?* How shall I deal with you, O Jacob?
8 ‘Your love for me is like the morning mist,* like the dew that goes early away.
9 ‘Therefore, I have hewn them by the prophets,* and my judgement goes forth as the light.
10 ‘For loyalty is my desire and not sacrifice,* and the knowledge of God rather than burnt-offerings.’
Glory . . . Hosea 6. 1-6
Or:
1 Seek the Lord while he may be found,* call upon him while he is near;
2 Let the wicked abandon their ways,* and the unrighteous their thoughts;
3 Return to the Lord, who will have mercy;* to our God, who will richly pardon.
4 ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,* neither are your ways my ways’, says the Lord.
5 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth,* so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
6 ‘As the rain and the snow come down from above,* and return not again but water the earth,
7 ‘Bringing forth life and giving growth,* seed for sowing and bread to eat,
8 ‘So is my word that goes forth from my mouth;* it will not return to me fruitless,
9 ‘But it will accomplish that which I purpose,* and succeed in the task I gave it.’
Glory . . . Isaiah 55. 6-11
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Father, guide your Church in the knowledge of your ways and plant in her your word that she may bear the fruits of love. READER
..tc! ..ta A 1 Chronicles 29. 10-13 B 1 John 4. 7-12 C Deuteronomy 15. 7-11 D 2 Timothy 2. 11-13 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
O Lord, you are our God: we call upon you all day long. Lord, have mercy.
Rescue the weak and poor, deliver them from the power of the wicked. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, our souls wait for you, for our hope is in your word. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross, we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3* THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Friday Evening
Christ your light shall rise in the darkness and your healing shall spring up like the dawn.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, Shepherd of your pilgrim people: their pillar of cloud by day, their pillar of fire by night. Stir up in us the fire of your love which shone forth from your Son enthroned on the cross, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and be made ready to come into your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 27 77 90 99 ..tn Then either:
1 Christ Jesus was in the form of God,* but he did not cling to equality with God.
2 He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant,* and was born in our human likeness.
3 Being found in human form, he humbled himself,* and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross;
4 Therefore, God has highly exalted him,* and bestowed on him the name above every name,
5 That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,* in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
6 And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,* to the glory of God the Father.
Glory . . . Philippians 2. 5b-11
Or:
1 Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,* that you should follow in his steps. ..lh2 ..lh10 2 He committed no sin, no guile was found on his lips,* when he was reviled, he did not revile in turn. ..lh2 ..lh10 3 When he suffered, he did not threaten,* but he trusted in God who judges justly. ..lh2 ..lh10 4 Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,* that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. ..lh2 ..lh10 5 By his wounds, you have been healed, for you were straying like sheep,* but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. ..lh2 ..lh10 Glory . . . 1 Peter 2. 21-25
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Almighty God, grant us to follow in the steps of your Son, through whom we have been healed, that we might live without guile in peace and trust in you, O Shepherd and Guardian of our souls. ..lh7 ..lh10 READER
..tc! ..ta A Romans 3. 21-26 B 1 Corinthians 1. 18-25 C Colossians 3. 12-13 D Ephesians 2. 13-16 ..tn ..lh7 ..lh10 A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT ..lh7 ..lh10 PRAYER LEADER
Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Lord, have mercy.
The earth is full of violence: look, O Lord, upon your covenant. Christ, have mercy.
O God, do not be silent; do not keep still, nor hold your peace, O God. Lord, have mercy. ..lh7 ..lh10 Free Prayer ..lh7 ..lh10 Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . 3/5 ..lh7 ..lh10 THE LORD’S PRAYER ..lh7 ..lh10 Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Saturday Morning
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 make us ready to come into your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessèd be God for ever! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 23 33 63. 1-8 65 ..tn Then either:
1 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,* my soul shall exult in my God;
2 Who has clothed me with the garments of salvation,* and has covered me with the cloak of integrity,
3 As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,* and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
4 For as the earth puts forth her blossom,* and as seeds in the garden spring up,
5 So shall God make righteousness and praise* blossom before all the nations.
6 For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent,* and for Jerusalem’s sake, I will not rest,
7 Until her deliverance shines out like the dawn,* and her salvation as a burning torch.
8 The nations shall see your deliverance,* and all rulers shall see your glory;
9 Then you shall be called by a new name* which the mouth of God will give.
10 You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord,* a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Glory . . . From Isaiah 61 & 62
Or:
1 The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God* and no torment will ever touch them.
2 In the eyes of the foolish, they seem to have died;* but they are at peace.
3 For though, in the sight of others, they were punished,* their hope is of immortality.
4 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive a great good,* because God tested them and found them worthy.
5 Like gold in the furnace, God tried them* and, like a sacrificial burnt offering, accepted them.
6 In the time of their visitation, they will shine forth* and will run like sparks among the stubble.
7 They will govern nations and rule over peoples* and God will reign over them for ever.
Glory . . . Wisdom 3. 1-8
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Guide us, O Lord, in all times of trial, that through them we may meet your Son, Christ our Lord, and find all hope and joy. READER
..tc! ..ta A Isaiah 45. 22-25 B Jeremiah 17. 9-14 C Deuteronomy 30. 11-14 D 1 John 5. 4-6, 11-12 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or BENEDICTUS PRAYER LEADER
Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens, and your glory over all the earth. Lord, have mercy.
May the fields of the wilderness be rich pasture and the hills be clothed with joy. Christ, have mercy.
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead us, and bring us to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer 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 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Saturday Evening
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! ..tc ! ! ! ! ..ta PSALM READER A B C D 15 16 30 84 ..tn Then either:
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.
Glory . . . Matthew 5. 3-10
Or:
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.
Glory . . . From Revelation 7
After a silence, the canticle prayer:
Lord, show your people the road to blessèdness, strengthened by the words of Christ, and united with the praises of his saints, so that in him we may come to see you face to face, O Lord and King of all. READER
..tc! ..ta A Titus 3. 4-7 B 2 Peter 3. 13-14 C Romans 15. 5-7 D Isaiah 4. 5-6 ..tn A HYMN (or similar) or MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LEADER
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. Lord, have mercy.
Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before you; and by your great might, spare those who are condemned to die. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, give strength to your people, and give us your blessing of peace. Lord, have mercy. Free Prayer 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 THE LORD’S PRAYER Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL CANTICLE PRAYERSWhen the Benedictus and the Magnificat are used, the following prayers may be added: BENEDICTUS
Banish, O Lord, all darkness from our hearts, through Christ, the Dayspring from on high, who fulfilled your ancient promise that we should find our freedom in your peace; for all ages belong to you, yesterday, today and for ever. MAGNIFICAT
We pray you, O Lord our redeemer, with the words of the Mother of your Christ, to grant us to revere your presence in the humble and meek; for, in Christ, you remembered your promise, to Abraham and his children for ever.