Daily
Evening Prayer
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. 1 Lord, I call upon you; hasten unto me,* and hear my voice when I cry unto you. 2 Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense,* and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. 3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth,* and keep the door of my lips. 4 O let not my heart be inclined to any evil thing;* let me not be occupied in ungodly works with those who work wickedness, lest I eat of such things as please them. 5 Rather, let the righteous smite me,* and in their loving-kindness reprove me. 6 But let not the oil of the unrighteous anoint my head;* while I live, I will pray against their wickedness. 7 Let their rulers be overthrown in stony places,* that they may hear my words, for they are sweet. 8 Let their bones lie scattered at the mouth of the grave,* as when the ploughman scatters the earth in furrows. 9 But my eyes look unto you, O Lord God;* in you is my refuge; O do not cast out my soul. 10 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me,* and from the traps of the evildoers. 11 Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together,* and let me ever escape them. 1 I cried unto the Lord with my voice;* even unto the Lord I made my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaints before him,* and showed him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was in heaviness, you knew my path;* in the way wherein I walked they had secretly laid a snare for me. 4 I looked also to my right hand* and saw there was no one who would know me. 5 I had no place to flee to,* and no one cared for my soul. 6 I cried out to you, O Lord, and said,* "You are my refuge, and my portion in the land of the living." 7 Consider my complaint,* for I am brought very low. 8 O deliver me from my persecutors,* for they are too strong for me. 9 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks unto your Name.* When you show me your loving-kindness, then shall the righteous gather around me. 1 When the Lord overturned the captivity of Zion,* then were we like those who dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter* and our tongue with shouts of joy. 3 Then they said among the nations,* "The Lord has done great things for them." 4 Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us already,* whereof we rejoice. 5 Overturn our captivity, O Lord,* as when streams refresh the deserts of the south. 6 Those who sow in tears* shall reap with songs of joy. 7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed* shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him. 1 Unless the Lord builds the house,* their labor is in vain who build it. 2 Unless the Lord keeps the city,* the watchman keeps vigil in vain. 3 It is in vain that you rise up early, and take rest so late, and eat the bread of toil,* for he gives to his beloved sleep. 4 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,* and the fruit of the womb is a gift that comes from him. 5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,* so are the children of one's youth. 6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;* he shall not be ashamed when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 1 Blessed are all those who fear the Lord* and walk in his ways. 2 For you shall eat of the labors of your hands;* it shall be well with you, and happy you shall be. 3 Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine* upon the walls of your house, 4 Your children like the olive branches* round about your table. 5 Indeed, thus shall the man be blessed* who fears the Lord. 6 May the Lord bless you out of Zion;* may you see Jerusalem in prosperity all your life long. 7 May you see your children's children,* and may there be peace upon Israel. 1 "Many a time have they fought against me from my youth on," * may Israel now say; 2 "Indeed, many a time have they afflicted me from my youth on, * but they have not prevailed against me. 3 The plowers plowed upon my back,* and made long furrows. 4 But the righteous Lord* has hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces." 5 Let them be ashamed and turned backward,* as many as hate Zion. 6 Let them be as the grass growing upon the housetops,* which withers before it grows up, 7 Which does not fill the hand of the reaper,* neither the bosom of him who binds up the sheaves, 8 So that those who go by say not so much as, "The Lord prosper you.* We bless you in the Name of the Lord." 1 Out of the deep have I called unto you, O Lord;* Lord, hear my voice. 2 O let your ears consider well* the voice of my supplications. 3 If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss,* O Lord, who could abide it? 4 For there is mercy with you;* therefore you shall be feared. 5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him;* in his word is my trust. 6 My soul waits for the Lord,* more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy,* and with him is plenteous redemption; 8 And he shall redeem Israel* from all their sins. 1 O Lord, I am not haughty;* I have no proud looks. 2 I do not occupy myself with great matters,* or with things that are too high for me. 3 But I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child upon his mother's breast;* so is my soul quieted within me. 4 O Israel, trust in the Lord* from this time forth for evermore. 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 lesson is read, the people sitting Behold, you are beautiful, my love, 9 You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; 16 Awake, O north wind, Let my beloved come to his garden, The lesson is read, the people sitting After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. The lesson is read, the people sitting In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “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. 3 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. 4 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, 5 and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.’” 7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. 8 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! 9 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.” The lesson is read, the people sitting In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “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. 3 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. 4 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, 5 and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.’” 7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. 8 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! 9 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.” 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 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” The lesson is read, the people sitting 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” 20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. The lesson is read, the people sitting 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 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. And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 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.” 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. 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 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. 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.’” 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, Stephen, John, John 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, Stephen, John, John and all your saints, entrusting
one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord. 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. 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. 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. Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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. 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, Stephen, John 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. Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, 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. May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. 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 141
Domine, clamavi
Psalm 142
Voce mea ad Dominum
The Psalms Appointed
30 Day Cycle
Psalm 126
In convertendo
Psalm 127
Nisi Dominus
Psalm 128
Beati omnes
Psalm 129
Sæpe expugnaverunt
Psalm 130
De profundis
Psalm 131
Domine, non est
The Psalm Appointed
Sunday and Holy Day Cycle
Psalm 31
In te, Domine, speravi
The First Lesson
Song of Songs 4
Reader
A reading from the Song of Songs, beginning with the fourth chapter, the first verse
Solomon Admires His Bride's Beauty
He
behold, you are beautiful!
Your eyes are doves
behind your veil.
Your hair is like a flock of goats
leaping down the slopes of Gilead.
2 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes
that have come up from the washing,
all of which bear twins,
and not one among them has lost its young.
3 Your lips are like a scarlet thread,
and your mouth is lovely.
Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate
behind your veil.
4 Your neck is like the tower of David,
built in rows of stone;
on it hang a thousand shields,
all of them shields of warriors.
5 Your two breasts are like two fawns,
twins of a gazelle,
that graze among the lilies.
6 Until the day breathes
and the shadows flee,
I will go away to the mountain of myrrh
and the hill of frankincense.
7 You are altogether beautiful, my love;
there is no flaw in you.
8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride;
come with me from Lebanon.
Depart from the peak of Amana,
from the peak of Senir and Hermon,
from the dens of lions,
from the mountains of leopards.
you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes,
with one jewel of your necklace.
10 How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much better is your love than wine,
and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!
11 Your lips drip nectar, my bride;
honey and milk are under your tongue;
the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.
12 A garden locked is my sister, my bride,
a spring locked, a fountain sealed.
13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates
with all choicest fruits,
henna with nard,
14 nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon,
with all trees of frankincense,
myrrh and aloes,
with all choice spices—
15 a garden fountain, a well of living water,
and flowing streams from Lebanon.
and come, O south wind!
Blow upon my garden,
let its spices flow.Together in the Garden of Love
She
and eat its choicest fruits.
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
Revelation 19
Reader
A reading from the Revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. John, beginning with the nineteenth chapter, the first verse
Rejoicing in Heaven
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
small and great.”The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—The Rider on a White Horse
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
Jeremiah 26:1-15
Reader
A reading from the Book of Jeremiah, beginning with the twenty-sixth chapter, the first verse
Jeremiah Threatened with Death
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15
Reader
A reading from the Book of Jeremiah, beginning with the twenty-sixth chapter, the first verse
Jeremiah Threatened with Death
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 22:54-71
Reader
A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke, beginning with the twenty-second chapter, the fifty-fourth verse
Peter Denies Jesus
Jesus Is Mocked
Jesus Before the Council
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
John 21:9-25
Reader
A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John, beginning with the twenty-first chapter, the ninth verse
Jesus and Peter
Jesus and the Beloved Apostle
Reader
The Word of the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
Acts 6:8-7:2, 7:51-60
Reader
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, beginning with the sixth chapter, the eighth verse
Stephen Is Seized
Stephen's Speech
The Stoning of Stephen
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 23:29-39
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
Lament over Jerusalem
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
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Collect of the Day
John, Apostle and Evangelist
Collect of the Day
Eve of John, Apostle and Evangelist
Collect of the Day
Monday after the First Sunday of Christmas
A COLLECT FOR PEACE
Monday
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.)
For Trustfulness in Times of Worry and Anxiety
#80, 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
ROMANS 15:13
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14
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