Daily
Evening Prayer
The Third Sunday in Advent
Advent
Opening Sentence
Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.
MARK 13:35-36
Confession of Sin
The Officiant says to the People
Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.
Dearly beloved, the Scriptures teach us to acknowledge our many sins and offenses, not concealing them from our heavenly Father, but confessing them with humble and obedient hearts that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy. We ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before Almighty God, but especially when we come together in his presence to give thanks for the great benefits we have received at his hands, to declare his most worthy praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things which are necessary for our life and our salvation. Therefore, draw near with me to the throne of heavenly grace.
Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.
Silence is kept. All kneeling, the Officiant and People say
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires
of our own hearts.
We have offended against your holy laws.
We have left undone those things which we ought to have done,
and we have done those things which we ought not
to have done;
and apart from your grace, there is no health in us.
O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Spare all those who confess their faults.
Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises
declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
A Deacon or layperson remains kneeling and prays
Grant to your faithful people, merciful Lord, pardon and peace; that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Priest alone stands and says
The Almighty and merciful Lord grant you absolution and remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit.Amen.
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, desires not the death of sinners, but that they may turn from their wickedness and live. He has empowered and commanded his ministers to pronounce to his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins. He pardons and absolves all who truly repent and genuinely believe his holy Gospel. For this reason, we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit, that our present deeds may please him, the rest of our lives may be pure and holy, and that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Almighty and merciful Lord grant you absolution and remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE INVITATORY
All stand.
| Officiant | O Lord, open our lips; |
| People | And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. |
| Officiant | O God, make speed to save us; |
| People | O Lord, make haste to help us |
| Officiant | Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; |
| People | As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
| Officiant | Praise the Lord. |
| People | The Lord’s Name be praised. |
PHOS HILARON
O Gladsome Light
O gladsome light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,*
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,*
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,*
O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. 1 Praise the Lord. Sing praises, you servants of the Lord;* O praise the Name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the Name of the Lord,* from this time forth for evermore. 3 The Lord's Name be praised* from the rising up of the sun to the going down of the same. 4 The Lord is high above all nations,* and his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God, who has his dwelling so high,* and yet humbles himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth? 6 He takes up the lowly out of the dust,* and lifts the poor out of the ashes, 7 That he may set them with the princes,* even with the princes of his people. 8 He gives the barren woman a home to dwell in,* and makes her to be a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord. 1 When Israel came out of Egypt,* and the house of Jacob from among a people of a foreign tongue, 2 Judah was God's sanctuary,* and Israel his dominion. 3 The sea beheld it and fled;* Jordan was driven back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams,* and the little hills like young sheep. 5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled?* O Jordan, that you were driven back? 6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams,* and you little hills like young sheep? 7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,* at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water,* and the flint stone into a springing well. 1 Hear my teaching, O my people;* incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable;* I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known,* and such as our forefathers have told us, 4 That we should not hide them from the children of the generations to come,* but show the honor of the Lord, his mighty and wonderful works that he has done. 5 He made a covenant with Jacob, and gave Israel a law,* which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, 6 That their posterity might know it,* and the children which were yet unborn; 7 With the intent that when they came up* they might show it to their children, 8 That they might put their trust in God,* and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 9 And not be as their forefathers, a faithless and stubborn generation,* a generation that did not set their heart aright, and whose spirit did not cleave steadfastly to God, 10 Like the children of Ephraim, archers carrying bows,* who turned back in the day of battle. 11 They did not keep the covenant of God,* and would not walk in his law, 12 But forgot what he had done,* and the wonderful works that he had shown them. 13 Marvelous things he did in the sight of our forefathers,* in the land of Egypt, even in the field of Zoan. 14 He divided the sea and let them go through;* he made the waters to stand in a heap. 15 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,* and all the night through with a light of fire. 16 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness* and gave them drink in abundance, as out of the great deep. 17 He brought waters out of the stony rock,* so that it gushed out like the rivers. 18 Yet for all this they sinned more against him,* and provoked the Most High in the wilderness. 19 They tested God in their hearts* and demanded food for their craving. 20 They spoke against God, saying,* "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? 21 Indeed, he smote the stony rock, so that water gushed out, and the streams overflowed;* but can he give bread also, or provide meat for his people?" 22 When the Lord heard this, he was full of wrath;* so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and there flared up fierce anger against Israel, 23 Because they did not believe in God,* and did not put their trust in his help. 24 So he commanded the clouds above* and opened the doors of heaven. 25 He rained down manna upon them to eat* and gave them food from heaven. 26 So mortals ate the bread of angels;* for he sent them food enough. 27 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,* and through his power he brought in the south wind. 28 He rained meat upon them as thick as dust* and feathered fowl like the sand of the sea. 29 He let it fall among their tents,* even round about their habitations. 30 So they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they desired;* they did not deny themselves their cravings, 31 But while the food was yet in their mouths, the heavy wrath of God came upon them, and slew the mightiest of them,* and struck down the young men of Israel. 32 But for all this they sinned yet more,* and did not believe his wondrous works. 33 Therefore he brought their days to an end in vanity* and their years in trouble. 34 When he slew them, they sought him,* and returned, and inquired after God. 35 And they remembered that God was their rock,* and the Most High God was their redeemer. 36 Nevertheless, they flattered him with their mouth* and spoke deceitfully to him with their tongue. 37 For their heart was not fixed on him,* neither did they continue steadfast in his covenant. 38 But he was so merciful that he forgave their iniquities* and did not destroy them. 39 Indeed, many times he turned his wrath away* and would not permit his displeasure to arise. 40 For he considered that they were but flesh,* that they were even as the wind that passes away and comes not again. 41 Many times they provoked him in the wilderness* and grieved him in the desert. 42 They turned back, and tested God,* and provoked the Holy One of Israel. 43 They remembered not his power,* nor the day when he delivered them from the hand of the enemy, 44 How he had wrought his miracles in Egypt* and his wonders in the field of Zoan. 45 He turned their waters into blood,* so that they might not drink of the rivers. 46 He sent flies among them, which devoured them up,* and frogs to destroy them. 47 He gave their fruit to the grasshopper* and their labor to the locust. 48 He destroyed their vines with hailstones* and their sycamore trees with the frost. 49 He smote their cattle also with hailstones* and their flocks with hot thunderbolts. 50 He cast upon them the furiousness of his wrath, anger, displeasure, and trouble,* sending these destroying angels among them. 51 He made a way for his indignation, and did not spare their soul from death,* but gave their life over to the pestilence, 52 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt,* the firstfruits of their strength in the dwellings of Ham. 53 But as for his own people, he led them forth like sheep* and carried them in the wilderness like a flock. 54 He brought them out safely, and they were not afraid;* he overwhelmed their enemies with the sea, 55 And brought them within the borders of his holy land,* to his mountain which he obtained with his right hand. 56 He cast out the nations before them,* and caused their land to be divided among them for an inheritance, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. 57 But they tested and displeased the Most High God,* and did not keep his testimonies, 58 But turned their backs and fell away like their forefathers,* twisting aside like a broken bow. 59 For they grieved him with their hill altars* and provoked him to displeasure with their images. 60 When God heard this, he was full of wrath* and utterly rejected Israel, 61 So that he forsook the tabernacle in Shiloh,* even the tent that he had pitched among them. 62 He delivered the ark into captivity,* and his glory into the enemy's hand. 63 He gave his people over to the sword* and was angry with his inheritance. 64 Fire consumed their young men,* and their maidens had no marriage songs. 65 Their priests were slain with the sword,* and their widows made no lamentation. 66 Then the Lord awakened as one out of sleep,* and like a warrior recovered from wine. 67 He drove his enemies backward* and put them to a perpetual shame. 68 He rejected the tabernacle of Joseph* and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, 69 But chose the tribe of Judah,* even the hill of Zion which he loved. 70 And there he built his sanctuary, like the heights of heaven,* like the earth which he had established for ever. 71 He chose David his servant,* and took him away from the sheepfolds; 72 As he was following the ewes that were great with young, God took him,* that he might feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. 73 So he fed them with a faithful and true heart,* and guided them with skillful hands. 1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;* while I live I will praise the Lord. 2 Indeed, as long as I have my being,* I will sing praises unto my God. 3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man,* for there is no help in them. 4 For when one breathes his last, he shall return again to the earth,* and in that day all his thoughts perish. 5 Blessed is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help* and whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is therein;* who keeps his promise for ever; 7 Who does right to those who suffer wrong;* and who feeds the hungry. 8 The Lord sets prisoners free;* the Lord gives sight to the blind. 9 The Lord helps those who have fallen;* the Lord loves the righteous. 10 The Lord cares for the strangers in the land; he defends the fatherless and widow;* but the way of the ungodly he makes crooked. 11 The Lord shall be King for evermore,* even your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Praise the Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The lesson is read, the people sitting “Cry aloud; do not hold back; 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: 13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, The lesson is read, the people sitting I will give thanks to thee, O Lord and King, 13 While I was still young, before I went on my travels, 23 Draw near to me, you who are untaught, The lesson is read, the people sitting The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; 3 Strengthen the weak hands, 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, 8 And a highway shall be there, The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing My soul magnifies the Lord,* and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; For he has regarded* the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from now on,* all generations will call me blessed; For he that is mighty has magnified me,* and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on those who fear him,* throughout all generations. He has shown the strength of his arm;* he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones,* and has exalted the humble and meek. He has filled the hungry with good things,* and the rich he has sent empty away. He, remembering his mercy, has helped his servant Israel,* as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing My soul magnifies the Lord,* and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; For he has regarded* the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from now on,* all generations will call me blessed; For he that is mighty has magnified me,* and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on those who fear him,* throughout all generations. He has shown the strength of his arm;* he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones,* and has exalted the humble and meek. He has filled the hungry with good things,* and the rich he has sent empty away. He, remembering his mercy, has helped his servant Israel,* as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing My soul magnifies the Lord,* and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; For he has regarded* the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from now on,* all generations will call me blessed; For he that is mighty has magnified me,* and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on those who fear him,* throughout all generations. He has shown the strength of his arm;* he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones,* and has exalted the humble and meek. He has filled the hungry with good things,* and the rich he has sent empty away. He, remembering his mercy, has helped his servant Israel,* as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The lesson is read, the people sitting And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” The lesson is read, the people sitting After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 5 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, The lesson is read, the people sitting 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing Lord, now let your servant depart in peace,* according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation,* which you have prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles,* and to be the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing Lord, now let your servant depart in peace,* according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation,* which you have prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles,* and to be the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing Lord, now let your servant depart in peace,* according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation,* which you have prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles,* and to be the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The lesson is read, the people sitting 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Officiant and People together, all standing I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He 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,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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.
The People kneel or stand.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Officiant and People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Officiant and People Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord. That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord. That there may be peace in your Church and in the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be
condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the
communion of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints, entrusting
one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord. That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord. That there may be peace in your Church and in the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be
condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the
communion of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints, entrusting
one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. O God, the source of all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O Lord; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us. Remember not, Lord Jesus, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forebears; neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed with your most precious blood, and by your mercy preserve us for ever. Spare us, good Lord. From all evil and wickedness; from sin, from the works and assaults of the devil; from your wrath and everlasting condemnation, Good Lord, deliver us. From all blindness of heart; from pride, vanity, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all lack of charity, Good Lord, deliver us. From all disordered and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Good Lord, deliver us. From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word and commandments, Good Lord, deliver us. From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine, Good Lord, deliver us. From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us. By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your holy nativity and submission to the Law; by your baptism, fasting, and temptation, Good Lord, deliver us. By your agony and bloody sweat; by your Cross and passion; by your precious death and burial, Good Lord, deliver us. By your glorious resurrection and ascension; by the sending of the Holy Spirit; by your heavenly intercession; and by your coming again in power and great glory, Good Lord, deliver us. In all times of tribulation; in all times of prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, Good Lord, deliver us. We sinners beseech you to hear us, O Lord God: That it may please you to rule and govern your holy Church universal in the right way, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To illumine all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of your Word; and that, both by their preaching and living, they may show it accordingly, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To send forth laborers into your harvest; to prosper their work by your Holy Spirit; to make your saving health known unto all nations; and to hasten the coming of your kingdom, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To give all your people increase of grace to hear your Word with humility, to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To give us a heart to love and fear you, and diligently to keep your commandments, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and keep all your people, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. That it may please you to rule the hearts of your servant Joe Biden, the President, your servants Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Sovereign, and Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister, your servants, our national leaders, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and show mercy, and walk humbly before you, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and guide all judges, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and keep our armed forces by sea, and land, and air, and to shield them in all dangers and adversities, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and protect all who serve their communities by their labor and learning, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To give and preserve for us and for others the bountiful fruits of the earth, so that at the harvest we all may enjoy them, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To make wars to cease in all the world, and to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. That it may please you to show mercy on all prisoners and captives; refugees, the homeless, and the hungry; and all those who are desolate and oppressed, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To preserve all who are in danger by reason of their work or travel, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To strengthen the bonds of those in Holy Matrimony; to uphold the widowed and abandoned; and to comfort all whose homes are torn by strife, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To protect the unborn and their parents, and to preserve all women in childbirth; We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To care for those who have lost children or face infertility, and to provide for young children and orphans, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To visit the lonely and those who grieve; to strengthen all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; and to comfort with your presence those who are failing and infirm, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To support, help, and deliver all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To have mercy upon all people, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. That it may please you to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sin, negligence, and ignorance; and to endue us with the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your holy Word, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To strengthen those who stand; to encourage the faint-hearted; to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To grant to all the faithful departed eternal life and peace, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To grant that, in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the
saints, we may attain to your heavenly kingdom, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. Son of God, we beseech you to hear us. Son of God, we beseech you to hear us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Grant us your peace. O Christ, hear us. O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Officiant and People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Officiant and People Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. O Lord, arise and help us;
And deliver us for your Name’s sake. O God, we have heard with our ears, and our forebears have declared to us, the noble works that you did in their days, and in the time before them. O Lord, arise and help us; And deliver us for your Name’s sake. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O Lord, arise and help us; And deliver us for your Name’s sake. From our enemies defend us, O Christ; Graciously behold our afflictions. With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts; Mercifully forgive the sins of your people. With favor hear our prayers; O Son of David, have mercy upon us. Be pleased to hear us, O Christ; Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ. The Officiant prays Let us pray. Look mercifully, O Father, on our infirmities; and, for the glory of your Name, rescue us from all those evils we now endure; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in your mercy, serving you in holiness and purity of life, to your honor and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. O Most mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee to you for comfort. Deliver us, we beseech you, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through this plague. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Officiant may invite the People to offer intercessions and thanksgivings. A hymn or anthem may be sung. Officiant and People Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. 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, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves 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 honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. 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. 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.The Psalms Appointed
60 Day Cycle
Psalm 113
Laudate, pueri
Psalm 114
In exitu Israel
The Psalm Appointed
30 Day Cycle
Psalm 78
Attendite, popule
The Psalm Appointed
Sunday and Holy Day Cycle
Psalm 146
Lauda, anima mea
The First Lesson
Isaiah 58
Reader
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, beginning with the fifty-eighth chapter, the first verse
True and False Fasting
lift up your voice like a trumpet;
declare to my people their transgression,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet they seek me daily
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that did righteousness
and did not forsake the judgment of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments;
they delight to draw near to God.
3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,
and oppress all your workers.
4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to hit with a wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
will not make your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose,
a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
and a day acceptable to the Lord?
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.
from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
14 then you shall take delight in the Lord,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
Sirach 51
Reader
A reading from Ecclesiasticus, the Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach , beginning with the fifty-first chapter, the first verse
and will praise thee as God my Savior.
I give thanks to thy name,
2 for thou hast been my protector and helper
and hast delivered my body from destruction
and from the snare of a slanderous tongue,
from lips that utter lies.
Before those who stood by
thou wast my helper, 3 and didst deliver me,
in the greatness of thy mercy and of thy name,
from the gnashings of teeth about to devour me,
from the hand of those who sought my life,
from the many afflictions that I endured,
4 from choking fire on every side
and from the midst of fire which I did not kindle,
5 from the depths of the belly of Hades,
from an unclean tongue and lying words—
6 the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king.
My soul drew near to death,
and my life was very near to Hades beneath.
7 They surrounded me on every side,
and there was no one to help me;
I looked for the assistance of men,
and there was none.
8 Then I remembered thy mercy, O Lord,
and thy work from of old,
that thou dost deliver those who wait for thee
and dost save them from the hand of their enemies.
9 And I sent up my supplication from the earth,
and prayed for deliverance from death.
10 I appealed to the Lord, the Father of my lord,
not to forsake me in the days of affliction,
at the time when there is no help against the proud.
11 I will praise thy name continually,
and will sing praise with thanksgiving.
My prayer was heard,
12 for thou didst save me from destruction
and rescue me from an evil plight.
Therefore I will give thanks to thee and praise thee,
and I will bless the name of the Lord.Autobiographical Poem on Wisdom
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
14 Before the temple I asked for her,
and I will search for her to the last.
15 From blossom to ripening grape
my heart delighted in her;
my foot entered upon the straight path;
from my youth I followed her steps.
16 I inclined my ear a little and received her,
and I found for myself much instruction.
17 I made progress therein;
to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
18 For I resolved to live according to wisdom,
and I was zealous for the good;
and I shall never be put to shame.
19 My soul grappled with wisdom,
and in my conduct I was strict;
I spread out my hands to the heavens,
and lamented my ignorance of her.
20 I directed my soul to her,
and through purification I found her.
I gained understanding with her from the first,
therefore I will not be forsaken.
21 My heart was stirred to seek her,
therefore I have gained a good possession.
22 The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward,
and I will praise him with it.
and lodge in my school.
24 Why do you say you are lacking in these things,
and why are your souls very thirsty?
25 I opened my mouth and said,
Get these things for yourselves without money.
26 Put your neck under the yoke,
and let your souls receive instruction;
it is to be found close by.
27 See with your eyes that I have labored little
and found for myself much rest.
28 Get instruction with a large sum of silver,
and you will gain by it much gold.
29 May your soul rejoice in his mercy,
and may you not be put to shame when you praise him.
30 Do your work before the appointed time,
and in God’s time he will give you your reward.
Reader
Here ends the Reading.
Isaiah 35
Reader
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, beginning with the thirty-fifth chapter, the first verse
The Ransomed Shall Return
the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;
2 it shall blossom abundantly
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.
and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who have an anxious heart,
“Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God
will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
He will come and save you.”
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
7 the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;
in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down,
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it.
It shall belong to those who walk on the way;
even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.
9 No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
MAGNIFICAT
The Song of Mary
LUKE 1:46-55
MAGNIFICAT
The Song of Mary
LUKE 1:46-55
MAGNIFICAT
The Song of Mary
LUKE 1:46-55
The Second Lesson
Luke 17:1-19
Reader
A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke, beginning with the seventeenth chapter, the first verse
Temptations to Sin
Increase Our Faith
Unworthy Servants
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
Revelation 7
Reader
A reading from the Revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. John, beginning with the seventh chapter, the first verse
The 144,000 of Israel Sealed
12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,
12,000 from the tribe of Gad,
6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher,
12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,
12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,
7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,
12,000 from the tribe of Levi,
12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,
8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,
12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,
12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.A Great Multitude from Every Nation
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
James 5:7-20
Reader
A reading from the Epistle of St. James, beginning with the fifth chapter, the seventh verse
Patience in Suffering
The Prayer of Faith
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
NUNC DIMITTIS
The Song of Simeon
LUKE 2:29-32
NUNC DIMITTIS
The Song of Simeon
LUKE 2:29-32
NUNC DIMITTIS
The Song of Simeon
LUKE 2:29-32
The Third Lesson
Matthew 11:2-19
Reader
A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew, beginning with the eleventh chapter, the second verse
who will prepare your way before you.’
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
The Prayers
Officiant
The Lord be with you.
People
And with your spirit.
Officiant
Let us pray.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The Suffrages
Officiant
O Lord, show your mercy upon us;
People
And grant us your salvation.
Officiant
O Lord, guide those who govern us;
People
And lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Officiant
Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
People
And let your people sing with joy.
Officiant
O Lord, save your people;
People
And bless your inheritance.
Officiant
Give peace in our time, O Lord;
People
And defend us by your mighty power.
Officiant
Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
People
Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Officiant
Create in us clean hearts, O God;
People
And take not your Holy Spirit from us.
Collect of the Day
The Third Sunday in Advent
A COLLECT FOR RESURRECTION HOPE
Sunday
A COLLECT FOR PEACE
A COLLECT FOR AID AGAINST PERILS
The Great Litany
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The Supplication
A Collect for Mission
II
In Time of Great Sickness and Mortality
BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, 1928 (U.S.)
In Times of Natural Disaster
#26, BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (2019)
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
The General Thanksgiving
A PRAYER OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Dismissal
Officiant
Let us bless the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
The Grace
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14
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