The Daily Office

according to the Book of Common Prayer, 2019
Anglican Church in North America


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Daily
Evening Prayer

Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

Eve of John, Apostle and Evangelist

Thursday after the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day

Christmastide

Opening Sentence

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

REVELATION 21:3

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.

The Psalms Appointed

60 Day Cycle

Psalm 137

Super flumina

1 By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept,*

when we remembered you, O Zion.

2 As for our harps, we hung them up*

upon the trees that are therein.

3 For those who led us away captive required of us a song and melody in our heaviness:*

"Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song*

in the land of our captivity?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,*

let my right hand forget its skill.

6 If I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth,*

if I prefer not Jerusalem above my dearest joy.

7 Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Jerusalem,*

how they said, "Down with it, down with it, even to the ground."

8 O daughter of Babylon, wasted with misery,*

happy shall be the one who rewards you as you have done to us.

9 Blessed shall he be who takes your children*

and throws them against the stones.

Psalm 138

Confitebor tibi

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart;*

even before the gods will I sing praises to you.

2 I will worship toward your holy temple and praise your Name, because of your loving-kindness and truth,*

for you have magnified your Name and your word above all things.

3 When I called upon you, you heard me*

and gave me increase of strength.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,*

for they have heard the words of your mouth.

5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,*

that great is the glory of the Lord.

6 For though the Lord be high, yet he has respect for the lowly;*

as for the proud, he beholds them from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shall you refresh me;*

you shall stretch forth your hand upon the furiousness of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me.

8 The Lord shall make good his loving-kindness toward me;*

your mercy, O Lord, endures for ever; despise not the works of your own hands.

The Psalm Appointed

30 Day Cycle

Psalm 119:145-176

Beati immaculati

145 I call with my whole heart.*

Hear me, O Lord; I will keep your statutes.

146 Even unto you do I call;*

help me, and I shall keep your testimonies.

147 Early in the morning do I cry unto you,*

for in your word is my trust.

148 My eyes open before the night watches,*

that I may meditate on your words.

149 Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your loving-kindness;*

give me life according to your judgments.

150 They draw nigh who in malice persecute me,*

and are far from your law.

151 Be near at hand, O Lord,*

for all your commandments are true.

152 Concerning your testimonies, I have known long ago*

that you have founded them for ever.

153 O consider my adversity and deliver me,*

for I do not forget your law.

154 Plead my cause and deliver me;*

give me life according to your word.

155 Salvation is far from the ungodly,*

for they do not regard your statutes.

156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;*

give me life according to your judgments.

157 Many there are who trouble me and persecute me,*

yet I do not swerve from your testimonies.

158 It grieves me when I see the transgressors,*

because they do not keep your law.

159 Consider, O Lord, how I love your commandments;*

O give me life according to your loving-kindness.

160 Your word is true from everlasting;*

all the judgments of your righteousness endure for evermore.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause,*

but my heart stands in awe of your word.

162 I am as glad of your word*

as one who finds great spoils.

163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them,*

but your law do I love.

164 Seven times a day do I praise you,*

because of your righteous judgments.

165 Great is the peace they have who love your law*

and find in it no stumbling block.

166 Lord, I have looked for your saving health*

and have done your commandments.

167 My soul has kept your testimonies,*

and I have loved them exceedingly.

168 I have kept your commandments and testimonies,*

for all my ways are before you.

169 Let my complaint come before you, O Lord;*

give me understanding, according to your word.

170 Let my supplication come before you;*

deliver me, according to your word.

171 My lips shall pour forth your praise,*

when you have taught me your statutes.

172 Surely my tongue shall sing of your word,*

for all your commandments are righteous.

173 Let your hand be strong to help me,*

for I have chosen your commandments.

174 I have longed for your saving health, O Lord,*

and in your law is my delight.

175 O let my soul live, and it shall praise you;*

and let your judgments help me.

176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost;*

O seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

The Psalm Appointed

Sunday and Holy Day Cycle

Psalm 31

In te, Domine, speravi

1 In you, O Lord, have I put my trust;*

let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in your righteousness.

2 Bow down your ear to me,*

make haste to deliver me,

3 And be my strong rock and house of defense,*

that you may save me.

4 For you are my strong rock and my castle;*

be also my guide, and lead me for your Name's sake.

5 Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me,*

for you are my strength.

6 Into your hands I commend my spirit,*

for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.

7 I have hated those who hold to worthless vanities,*

and my trust has been in the Lord.

8 I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy,*

for you have considered my trouble, and have known my soul in adversities.

9 You have not shut me up in the hand of the enemy,*

but have set my feet where they may walk at liberty.

10 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;*

my eye is consumed with heaviness, and also my soul and my body.

11 For my life has grown old with heaviness,*

and my years with mourning.

12 My strength fails me because of my iniquity,*

and my bones are consumed.

13 I have become a reproof among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors;*

my acquaintances are afraid of me, and those who see me in the street shrink from me.

14 I am utterly forgotten, as a dead man, out of mind;*

I have become like a broken vessel.

15 For I have heard the whispering of the multitude, and fear is on every side,*

while they conspire together against me and take their counsel to take away my life.

16 But my hope has been in you, O Lord;*

I have said, "You are my God."

17 My time is in your hand;*

deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

18 Show your servant the light of your countenance,*

and save me for your mercy's sake.

19 Let me not be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon you;*

let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence in the grave.

20 Let the lying lips be put to silence,*

which cruelly, disdainfully, and despitefully speak against the righteous.

21 Oh, how plentiful is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you,*

and which you have prepared for those who put their trust in you, even before the children of men!

22 You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who conspire against them;*

you keep them in your refuge from the strife of tongues.

23 Thanks be to the Lord,*

for he has shown me marvellously great kindness in a strong city.

24 But when I was afraid, I said in my haste,*

"I am cast out of the sight of your eyes."

25 Nevertheless, you heard the voice of my prayer*

when I cried unto you.

26 O love the Lord, all you his saints,*

for the Lord preserves those who are faithful, and plenteously repays the proud.

27 Be strong, and he shall establish your heart,*

all you that put your trust in 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 First Lesson

Song of Songs 3

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Song of Songs, beginning with the third chapter, the first verse

The Bride's Dream

On my bed by night
I sought him whom my soul loves;
    I sought him, but found him not.
I will rise now and go about the city,
    in the streets and in the squares;
I will seek him whom my soul loves.
    I sought him, but found him not.
The watchmen found me
    as they went about in the city.
“Have you seen him whom my soul loves?”
Scarcely had I passed them
    when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go
    until I had brought him into my mother's house,
    and into the chamber of her who conceived me.
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
    by the gazelles or the does of the field,
that you not stir up or awaken love
    until it pleases.

Solomon Arrives for the Wedding

What is that coming up from the wilderness
    like columns of smoke,
perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
    with all the fragrant powders of a merchant?
Behold, it is the litter of Solomon!
Around it are sixty mighty men,
    some of the mighty men of Israel,
all of them wearing swords
    and expert in war,
each with his sword at his thigh,
    against terror by night.
King Solomon made himself a carriage
    from the wood of Lebanon.
10 He made its posts of silver,
    its back of gold, its seat of purple;
its interior was inlaid with love
    by the daughters of Jerusalem.
11 Go out, O daughters of Zion,
    and look upon King Solomon,
with the crown with which his mother crowned him
    on the day of his wedding,
    on the day of the gladness of his heart.

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

Acts 6:8-7:6

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, beginning with the sixth chapter, the eighth verse

Stephen Is Seized

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen's Speech

And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said:

“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years.

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

Jeremiah 26:1-15

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Book of Jeremiah, beginning with the twenty-sixth chapter, the first verse

Jeremiah Threatened with Death

26 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: “Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds. You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.’”

The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, “You shall die! Why have you prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant’?” And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.

10 When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house to the house of the Lord and took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the Lord. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”

12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Book of Jeremiah, beginning with the twenty-sixth chapter, the first verse

Jeremiah Threatened with Death

26 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: “Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds. You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.’”

The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, “You shall die! Why have you prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant’?” And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.

10 When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house to the house of the Lord and took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the Lord. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”

12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

MAGNIFICAT

The Song of Mary

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.

LUKE 1:46-55

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.

MAGNIFICAT

The Song of Mary

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.

LUKE 1:46-55

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.

MAGNIFICAT

The Song of Mary

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.

LUKE 1:46-55

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 Second Lesson

Luke 22:39-53

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke, beginning with the twenty-second chapter, the thirty-ninth verse

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

Revelation 18

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. John, beginning with the eighteenth chapter, the first verse

The Fall of Babylon

18 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. And he called out with a mighty voice,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
    She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
    a haunt for every unclean bird,
    a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
For all nations have drunk
    the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
    and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

“Come out of her, my people,
    lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues;
for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
    and God has remembered her iniquities.
Pay her back as she herself has paid back others,
    and repay her double for her deeds;
    mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.
As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,
    so give her a like measure of torment and mourning,
since in her heart she says,
    ‘I sit as a queen,
I am no widow,
    and mourning I shall never see.’
For this reason her plagues will come in a single day,
    death and mourning and famine,
and she will be burned up with fire;
    for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”

And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,

“Alas! Alas! You great city,
    you mighty city, Babylon!
For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls.

14 “The fruit for which your soul longed
    has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendors
    are lost to you,
    never to be found again!”

15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,

16 “Alas, alas, for the great city
    that was clothed in fine linen,
        in purple and scarlet,
    adorned with gold,
        with jewels, and with pearls!
17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.”

And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,

“What city was like the great city?”

19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out,

“Alas, alas, for the great city
    where all who had ships at sea
    grew rich by her wealth!
For in a single hour she has been laid waste.
20 Rejoice over her, O heaven,
    and you saints and apostles and prophets,
for God has given judgment for you against her!”

21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,

“So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence,
    and will be found no more;
22 and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters,
    will be heard in you no more,
and a craftsman of any craft
    will be found in you no more,
and the sound of the mill
    will be heard in you no more,
23 and the light of a lamp
    will shine in you no more,
and the voice of bridegroom and bride
    will be heard in you no more,
for your merchants were the great ones of the earth,
    and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,
    and of all who have been slain on earth.”

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

Acts 6:8-7:2, 7:51-60

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, beginning with the sixth chapter, the eighth verse

Stephen Is Seized

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen's Speech

And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said:

“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,


51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

NUNC DIMITTIS

The Song of Simeon

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.

LUKE 2:29-32

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.

NUNC DIMITTIS

The Song of Simeon

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.

LUKE 2:29-32

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.

NUNC DIMITTIS

The Song of Simeon

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.

LUKE 2:29-32

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 Third Lesson

Matthew 23:29-39

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew, beginning with the twenty-third chapter, the twenty-ninth verse

29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30 saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Lament over Jerusalem

37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

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 Prayers

Officiant The Lord be with you.
People And with your spirit.
Officiant Let us pray.

The People kneel or stand.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon 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.
Christ, have mercy. 
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.

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.

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, Stephen, John and all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,

We entreat you, O Lord.

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

Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

O Glorious Lord, your servant Stephen looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors: Grant that in all our sufferings here upon earth we may love and forgive our enemies, looking steadfastly to Jesus Christ our Lord, who sits at your right hand and intercedes for us; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Eve of John, Apostle and Evangelist

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light; that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Thursday after the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

A COLLECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST

Thursday

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

A COLLECT FOR PEACE

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.

A COLLECT FOR AID AGAINST PERILS

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.

The Great Litany

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, Stephen 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.
Christ, have mercy upon 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.
Christ, have mercy. 
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.

The Supplication

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.

A Collect for Mission

I

O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men, women, and children everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the Time of any Common Plague or Sickness

O Almighty God, who in your wrath sent a plague upon your own people in the wilderness for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and also in the time of King David, sent a plague of pestilence which killed seventy thousand, but remembering your mercy spared the rest: have pity upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sickness and mortality; and in the same way that you then accepted an atonement and commanded the destroying Angel to cease from punishing: so it may now please you to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sickness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, 1662 (ENGLAND)

For Civil Authorities

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office, especially those working to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

#30, BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (2019)

Intercessions and Thanksgivings

The Officiant may invite the People to offer intercessions and thanksgivings.

A hymn or anthem may be sung.

The General Thanksgiving

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.

A PRAYER OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

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.

Dismissal

Officiant Let us bless the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

The Grace

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ROMANS 15:13

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.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:14

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