The Daily Office

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


Looking for a shorter service?
Go to the Family Prayer site

Your settings will be saved the next time you pray on the same computer/phone/device and browser.

Setting changes take effect immediately. You do not need to save settings after you have updated them.

Psalter Cycle Saved!

Reading Cycle Saved!

Reading Length Saved!

Reading Audio Saved!

Canticle Rotation Saved!

Advanced Settings

Visual Theme Saved!

Use light mode or dark mode, or default to your computer's setting for light or dark mode

Substitute Sunday/Holy Day (Eucharistic) Lectionary Saved!

On Sundays and major holy days, do you want to use the standard Daily Office readings or substitute the 3-year Sunday/Holy Day cycle? When the Daily Office is used for the principal service of a church, the prayer book instructs you to replace the Daily Office readings with the three year cycle of Sunday and Holy Day readings. This is generally done only in churches and not when using the Daily Office as a personal devotion at home.

Confession Intro Length Saved!

Use either the short or long exhortation before the confession.

Absolution Style Saved!

After the confession, read an absolution suitable for a priest or a prayer suitable for a deacon or lay person.

Morning Prayer Invitatory Saved!

Open with the Venite (Psalm 95) always (traditional), have a special celebratory invitatory on Sundays and feasts (Pascha Nostrum during Eastertide or Jubilate/Psalm 100 otherwise), or rotate between the normal and celebratory invitatory each day. Regardless of which setting you choose, the Pascha Nostrum is always used during the first week of Easter, and the invitatory will never be the same as one of the day's appointed psalms.

Reading Headings Saved!

Show or hide headings from the English Standard Version of the Bible in scripture readings

Language Style for Prayers Saved!

Traditional and contemporary language options are available for the Kyrie (Lord have mercy) and the Lord's Prayer

National Holiday Collects Saved!

Show country-specific commemorations for the United States, Canada, or both.

Evening Prayer Suffrages Saved!

Choose which set of short prayers to be used each evening

Additional Collects Saved!

Use a different collect for each day of the week, or use the same two collects (from the classic prayer books) each day.

Prayers in the Time of An Election Saved!

Include election related collects until the U.S. General election. (Automatically disabled if only Canadian feasts are selected).

Prayers in the Time of Pandemic Saved!

Include a rotating set of collects for the duration of this pandemic

Great Litany at Morning Prayer Saved!

Include the Great Litany after the collects at Morning Prayer

Great Litany at Evening Prayer Saved!

Include the Great Litany after the collects at Evening Prayer

General Thanksgiving Saved!

Pray the General Thanksgiving at the end of Morning and Evening Prayer

Prayer of St. John Chrysostom Saved!

Pray the Prayer of St. John Chrysostom at the end of Morning and Evening Prayer. This prayer is suitable when praying in a group.

The Grace Saved!

Rotate each day through the three provided conclusions, or always use the same one from the classic prayer books.

Advent "O" Antiphons Saved!

The traditional "O" Antiphons are used before and after the first canticle in Evening Prayer during the last eight days of Advent. You can use literal translations of the original Latin, or the familiar paraphrases used in the hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

BACK

Daily
Morning Prayer

The Second Sunday in Advent

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.326

Advent

Opening Sentence

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

ISAIAH 40:3

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.

Venite

O Come

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *

let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *

and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God *

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are all the depths of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *

and his hands prepared the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down, *

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God, *

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

The following verses may be omitted.

Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts *

as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,

When your fathers tested me, *

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my works.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation and said, *

“It is a people that err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways,”

Of whom I swore in my wrath *

that they should not enter into my rest.

PSALM 95:1-7, 8-11

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Venite

O Come

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *

let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *

and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God *

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are all the depths of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *

and his hands prepared the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down, *

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God, *

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

The following verses may be omitted.

Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts *

as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,

When your fathers tested me, *

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my works.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation and said, *

“It is a people that err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways,”

Of whom I swore in my wrath *

that they should not enter into my rest.

PSALM 95:1-7, 8-11

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Jubilate

Be Joyful

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *

serve the Lord with gladness,

and come before his presence with a song.

Be assured that the Lord, he is God; *

it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise; *

be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, *

and his truth endures from generation to generation.

PSALM 100

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Jubilate

Be Joyful

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *

serve the Lord with gladness,

and come before his presence with a song.

Be assured that the Lord, he is God; *

it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise; *

be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, *

and his truth endures from generation to generation.

PSALM 100

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Venite

O Come

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *

let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *

and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God *

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are all the depths of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *

and his hands prepared the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down, *

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God, *

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

The following verses may be omitted.

Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts *

as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,

When your fathers tested me, *

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my works.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation and said, *

“It is a people that err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways,”

Of whom I swore in my wrath *

that they should not enter into my rest.

PSALM 95:1-7, 8-11

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Venite

O Come

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; *

let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *

and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God *

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are all the depths of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *

and his hands prepared the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down, *

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God, *

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

The following verses may be omitted.

Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts *

as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,

When your fathers tested me, *

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my works.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation and said, *

“It is a people that err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways,”

Of whom I swore in my wrath *

that they should not enter into my rest.

PSALM 95:1-7, 8-11

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Jubilate

Be Joyful

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *

serve the Lord with gladness,

and come before his presence with a song.

Be assured that the Lord, he is God; *

it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise; *

be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, *

and his truth endures from generation to generation.

PSALM 100

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

Jubilate

Be Joyful

Officiant and People, all standing

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

O be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *

serve the Lord with gladness,

and come before his presence with a song.

Be assured that the Lord, he is God; *

it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise; *

be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, *

and his truth endures from generation to generation.

PSALM 100

Our King and Savior now draws near:

O come, let us adore him.

The Psalm Appointed

60 Day Cycle

Psalm 90

Domine, refugium

1 Lord, you have been our refuge*

from one generation to another.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth and the world were made,*

you are God from everlasting, and world without end.

3 You turn man back to the dust;*

you say, "Return, O children of men."

4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday,*

even as a day that is past.

5 You scatter them as a night-watch that comes quickly to an end;*

they are even as a dream and fade away.

6 They are like the grass, which in the morning is green,*

but in the evening is dried up and withered.

7 For we consume away in your displeasure*

and are afraid at your wrathful indignation.

8 You have set our misdeeds before you,*

and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

9 For when you are angry, all our days are gone;*

we bring our years to an end, as a tale that is told.

10 The days of our life are seventy years, and though some be so strong that they come to eighty years,*

yet is their span but labor and sorrow; so soon it passes away, and we are gone.

11 But who regards the power of your wrath,*

and who considers the fierceness of your anger?

12 So teach us to number our days,*

that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

13 Turn again, O Lord, and tarry not;*

be gracious unto your servants.

14 O satisfy us with your mercy in the morning;*

so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

15 Comfort us again, according to the measure of the days that you have afflicted us,*

and for the years in which we have suffered adversity.

16 Show your servants your work*

and their children your glory.

17 And may the grace of the Lord our God be upon us;*

prosper the work of our hands; O prosper our handiwork.

The Psalms Appointed

30 Day Cycle

Psalm 30

Exaltabo te, Domine

1 I will magnify you, O Lord, for you have lifted me up,*

and have not let my foes triumph over me.

2 O Lord my God, I cried unto you,*

and you have made me whole.

3 You, Lord, have brought my soul out of the Grave;*

you have saved my life from among those who go down to the Pit.

4 Sing praises unto the Lord, O you saints of his,*

and give thanks unto him for the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his pleasure for a lifetime;*

heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

6 In my prosperity I said, "I shall never be moved;*

you, Lord, of your goodness, have made my hill so strong."

7 You turned your face from me,*

and I was distressed.

8 Then I cried unto you, O Lord,*

and came to my Lord most humbly.

9 What profit is there in my bloodshed,*

if I go down into the Pit?

10 Shall the dust give thanks unto you?*

Or shall it declare your faithfulness?

11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me.*

O Lord, be my helper.

12 You have turned my lamentation into dancing;*

you have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.

13 Therefore shall my heart sing of your praise without ceasing.*

O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto you for ever.

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.

The Psalm Appointed

Sunday and Holy Day Cycle

Psalm 85

Benedixisti, Domine

1 Lord, you have been gracious to your land;*

you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.

2 You have forgiven the offence of your people*

and covered all their sins.

3 You have taken away all your displeasure*

and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.

4 Restore us then, O God our Savior,*

and let your anger cease from us.

5 Will you be displeased at us for ever,*

and will you stretch out your wrath from one generation to another?

6 Will you not turn again and quicken us,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

8 I will hearken to what the Lord God will say,*

for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again.

9 For his salvation is near to those who fear him,*

that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth shall flourish out of the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 Indeed, the Lord shall show goodness,*

and our land shall give its increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him,*

and he shall direct his going in the way.

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

Sirach 38

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from Ecclesiasticus, the Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach , beginning with the thirty-eighth chapter, the first verse

Concerning Physicians and Health

38 Honor the physician with the honor due him, according to your need of him,
    for the Lord created him;
for healing comes from the Most High,
    and he will receive a gift from the king.
The skill of the physician lifts up his head,
    and in the presence of great men he is admired.
The Lord created medicines from the earth,
    and a sensible man will not despise them.
Was not water made sweet with a tree
    in order that his power might be known?
And he gave skill to men
    that he might be glorified in his marvelous works.
By them he heals and takes away pain;
    the pharmacist makes of them a compound.
His works will never be finished;
    and from him health is upon the face of the earth.

My son, when you are sick do not be negligent,
    but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you.
10 Give up your faults and direct your hands aright,
    and cleanse your heart from all sin.
11 Offer a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a memorial portion of fine flour,
    and pour oil on your offering, as much as you can afford.
12 And give the physician his place, for the Lord created him;
    let him not leave you, for there is need of him.
13 There is a time when success lies in the hands of physicians,
14     for they too will pray to the Lord
that he should grant them success in diagnosis
    and in healing, for the sake of preserving life.
15 He who sins before his Maker,
    may he fall into the care of a physician.

On Mourning for the Dead

16 My son, let your tears fall for the dead,
    and as one who is suffering grievously begin the lament.
Lay out his body with the honor due him,
    and do not neglect his burial.
17 Let your weeping be bitter and your wailing fervent;
    observe the mourning according to his merit,
for one day, or two, to avoid criticism;
    then be comforted for your sorrow.
18 For sorrow results in death,
    and sorrow of heart saps one’s strength.
19 In calamity sorrow continues,
    and the life of the poor man weighs down his heart.
20 Do not give your heart to sorrow;
    drive it away, remembering the end of life.
21 Do not forget, there is no coming back;
    you do the dead no good, and you injure yourself.
22 “Remember my doom, for yours is like it:
    yesterday it was mine, and today it is yours.”
23 When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance cease,
    and be comforted for him when his spirit has departed.

Trades and Crafts

24 The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure;
    and he who has little business may become wise.
25 How can he become wise who handles the plow,
    and who glories in the shaft of a goad,
who drives oxen and is occupied with their work,
    and whose talk is about bulls?
26 He sets his heart on plowing furrows,
    and he is careful about fodder for the heifers.
27 So too is every craftsman and master workman
    who labors by night as well as by day;
those who cut the signets of seals,
    each is diligent in making a great variety;
he sets his heart on painting a lifelike image,
    and he is careful to finish his work.
28 So too is the smith sitting by the anvil,
    intent upon his handiwork in iron;
the breath of the fire melts his flesh,
    and he wastes away in the heat of the furnace;
he inclines his ear to the sound of the hammer,
    and his eyes are on the pattern of the object.
He sets his heart on finishing his handiwork,
    and he is careful to complete its decoration.
29 So too is the potter sitting at his work
    and turning the wheel with his feet;
he is always deeply concerned over his work,
    and all his output is by number.
30 He moulds the clay with his arm
    and makes it pliable with his feet;
he sets his heart to finish the glazing,
    and he is careful to clean the furnace.

31 All these rely upon their hands,
    and each is skilful in his own work.
32 Without them a city cannot be established,
    and men can neither sojourn nor live there.
33 Yet they are not sought out for the council of the people,
    nor do they attain eminence in the public assembly.
They do not sit in the judge’s seat,
    nor do they understand the sentence of judgment;
they cannot expound discipline or judgment,
    and they are not found using proverbs.
34 But they keep stable the fabric of the world,
    and their prayer is in the practice of their trade.

Reader Here ends the Reading.

Sirach 38:1-15, 24-34

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from Ecclesiasticus, the Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach , beginning with the thirty-eighth chapter, the first verse

Concerning Physicians and Health

38 Honor the physician with the honor due him, according to your need of him,
    for the Lord created him;
for healing comes from the Most High,
    and he will receive a gift from the king.
The skill of the physician lifts up his head,
    and in the presence of great men he is admired.
The Lord created medicines from the earth,
    and a sensible man will not despise them.
Was not water made sweet with a tree
    in order that his power might be known?
And he gave skill to men
    that he might be glorified in his marvelous works.
By them he heals and takes away pain;
    the pharmacist makes of them a compound.
His works will never be finished;
    and from him health is upon the face of the earth.

My son, when you are sick do not be negligent,
    but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you.
10 Give up your faults and direct your hands aright,
    and cleanse your heart from all sin.
11 Offer a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a memorial portion of fine flour,
    and pour oil on your offering, as much as you can afford.
12 And give the physician his place, for the Lord created him;
    let him not leave you, for there is need of him.
13 There is a time when success lies in the hands of physicians,
14     for they too will pray to the Lord
that he should grant them success in diagnosis
    and in healing, for the sake of preserving life.
15 He who sins before his Maker,
    may he fall into the care of a physician.

Trades and Crafts

24 The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure;
    and he who has little business may become wise.
25 How can he become wise who handles the plow,
    and who glories in the shaft of a goad,
who drives oxen and is occupied with their work,
    and whose talk is about bulls?
26 He sets his heart on plowing furrows,
    and he is careful about fodder for the heifers.
27 So too is every craftsman and master workman
    who labors by night as well as by day;
those who cut the signets of seals,
    each is diligent in making a great variety;
he sets his heart on painting a lifelike image,
    and he is careful to finish his work.
28 So too is the smith sitting by the anvil,
    intent upon his handiwork in iron;
the breath of the fire melts his flesh,
    and he wastes away in the heat of the furnace;
he inclines his ear to the sound of the hammer,
    and his eyes are on the pattern of the object.
He sets his heart on finishing his handiwork,
    and he is careful to complete its decoration.
29 So too is the potter sitting at his work
    and turning the wheel with his feet;
he is always deeply concerned over his work,
    and all his output is by number.
30 He moulds the clay with his arm
    and makes it pliable with his feet;
he sets his heart to finish the glazing,
    and he is careful to clean the furnace.

31 All these rely upon their hands,
    and each is skilful in his own work.
32 Without them a city cannot be established,
    and men can neither sojourn nor live there.
33 Yet they are not sought out for the council of the people,
    nor do they attain eminence in the public assembly.
They do not sit in the judge’s seat,
    nor do they understand the sentence of judgment;
they cannot expound discipline or judgment,
    and they are not found using proverbs.
34 But they keep stable the fabric of the world,
    and their prayer is in the practice of their trade.

Reader Here ends the Reading.

Isaiah 49

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, beginning with the forty-ninth chapter, the first verse

The Servant of the Lord

49 Listen to me, O coastlands,
    and give attention, you peoples from afar.
The Lord called me from the womb,
    from the body of my mother he named my name.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
    in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, “You are my servant,
    Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
But I said, “I have labored in vain;
    I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my right is with the Lord,
    and my recompense with my God.”

And now the Lord says,
    he who formed me from the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him;
    and that Israel might be gathered to him—
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord,
    and my God has become my strength—
he says:
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
    to raise up the tribes of Jacob
    and to bring back the preserved of Israel;
I will make you as a light for the nations,
    that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Thus says the Lord,
    the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation,
    the servant of rulers:
“Kings shall see and arise;
    princes, and they shall prostrate themselves;
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
    the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

The Restoration of Israel

Thus says the Lord:
“In a time of favor I have answered you;
    in a day of salvation I have helped you;
I will keep you and give you
    as a covenant to the people,
to establish the land,
    to apportion the desolate heritages,
saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’
    to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’
They shall feed along the ways;
    on all bare heights shall be their pasture;
10 they shall not hunger or thirst,
    neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them,
for he who has pity on them will lead them,
    and by springs of water will guide them.
11 And I will make all my mountains a road,
    and my highways shall be raised up.
12 Behold, these shall come from afar,
    and behold, these from the north and from the west,
    and these from the land of Syene.”

13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
    break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people
    and will have compassion on his afflicted.

14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;
    my Lord has forgotten me.”

15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.
16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
    your walls are continually before me.
17 Your builders make haste;
    your destroyers and those who laid you waste go out from you.
18 Lift up your eyes around and see;
    they all gather, they come to you.
As I live, declares the Lord,
    you shall put them all on as an ornament;
    you shall bind them on as a bride does.

19 “Surely your waste and your desolate places
    and your devastated land—
surely now you will be too narrow for your inhabitants,
    and those who swallowed you up will be far away.
20 The children of your bereavement
    will yet say in your ears:
‘The place is too narrow for me;
    make room for me to dwell in.’
21 Then you will say in your heart:
    ‘Who has borne me these?
I was bereaved and barren,
    exiled and put away,
    but who has brought up these?
Behold, I was left alone;
    from where have these come?’”

22 Thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations,
    and raise my signal to the peoples;
and they shall bring your sons in their arms,
    and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
23 Kings shall be your foster fathers,
    and their queens your nursing mothers.
With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,
    and lick the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
    those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.”

24 Can the prey be taken from the mighty,
    or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?
25 For thus says the Lord:
“Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken,
    and the prey of the tyrant be rescued,
for I will contend with those who contend with you,
    and I will save your children.
26 I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh,
    and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine.
Then all flesh shall know
    that I am the Lord your Savior,
    and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

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

Isaiah 40:1-11

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, beginning with the fortieth chapter, the first verse

Comfort for God's People

40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord's hand
    double for all her sins.

A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
    and all flesh shall see it together,
    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

The Word of God Stands Forever

A voice says, “Cry!”
    And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
    and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades
    when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
    surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.

The Greatness of God

Go on up to a high mountain,
    O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
    O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
    lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
    “Behold your God!”
10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
    and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.
11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead those that are with young.

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

TE DEUM LAUDAMUS

We Praise You, O God

The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing

We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as Lord; *

all creation worships you, the Father everlasting.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, *

the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might, *

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you. *

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. *

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy of all praise, *

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory, *

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you took our flesh to set us free *

you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death *

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. *

We believe that you will come to be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people, *

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints *

to glory everlasting.

The following verses may be omitted

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;*

govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you; *

we praise your Name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin; *

have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy, *

for we have put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope; *

let us never be put to shame.

SURGE, ILLUMINARE

Arise, shine, for your light has come

The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing

Arise, shine, for your light has come, *

and the glory of the LORD has dawned upon you.

For behold, darkness covers the land; *

deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.

But over you the LORD will rise, *

and his glory will appear upon you.

Nations will stream to your light, *

and kings to the brightness of your dawning.

Your gates will always be open; *

by day or night they will never be shut.

They will call you, The City of the LORD, *

the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Violence will no more be heard in your land,*

ruin or destruction within your borders.

You will call your walls, Salvation,*

and all your portals, Praise.

The sun will no more be your light by day; *

by night you will not need the brightness of the moon.

The LORD will be your everlasting light, *

and your God will be your glory.

ISAIAH 60:1-3, 11, 14, 18-19

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.

TE DEUM LAUDAMUS

We Praise You, O God

The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing

We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as Lord; *

all creation worships you, the Father everlasting.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, *

the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might, *

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you. *

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. *

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy of all praise, *

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory, *

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you took our flesh to set us free *

you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death *

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. *

We believe that you will come to be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people, *

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints *

to glory everlasting.

The following verses may be omitted

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;*

govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you; *

we praise your Name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin; *

have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy, *

for we have put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope; *

let us never be put to shame.

The Second Lesson

Acts 28:1-15

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, beginning with the twenty-eighth chapter, the first verse

Paul on Malta

28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

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

Luke 11:29-54

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 eleventh chapter, the twenty-ninth verse

The Sign of Jonah

29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

The Light in You

33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers

37 While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. 38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.

42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.”

45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” 46 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”

53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, 54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

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

II Peter 3:8-18

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Second Epistle of St. Peter, beginning with the third chapter, the eighth verse

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Final Words

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

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

BENEDICTUS

The Song of Zechariah

The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness

and in the shadow of death, *

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

LUKE 1:68-79

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.

BENEDICTUS

The Song of Zechariah

The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness

and in the shadow of death, *

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

LUKE 1:68-79

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.

BENEDICTUS

The Song of Zechariah

The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness

and in the shadow of death, *

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

LUKE 1:68-79

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

Mark 1:1-8

The lesson is read, the people sitting

Reader A reading from the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Mark, beginning with the first chapter, the first verse

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way,
the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight,’”

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

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.

Collect of the Day

The Second Sunday in Advent

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.326

O God, our heavenly Father, you raised up your faithful servant Nicholas to be a Bishop and pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A COLLECT FOR STRENGTH TO AWAIT CHRIST’S RETURN

Sunday

O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A COLLECT FOR PEACE

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A COLLECT FOR GRACE

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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, Nicholas 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

III

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the Cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. 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 Trustfulness in Times of Worry and Anxiety

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.

#80, 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

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

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

Resources

Mobile Apps

Privacy Policy
Page 1 of 1