Daily
Morning Prayer
Independence Day (United States)
Saturday after the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, or the Third Sunday after Trinity (Proper 8)
Season After Pentecost
Opening Sentence
The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
JOHN 4:23
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Venite
O Come
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Venite
O Come
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Venite
O Come
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Jubilate
Be Joyful
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Jubilate
Be Joyful
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Jubilate
Be Joyful
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
Jubilate
Be Joyful
Officiant and People, all standing
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
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
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
O come, let us adore him.
The Psalm Appointed
60 Day Cycle
Psalm 9
Confitebor tibi
1 I will give thanks unto you, O Lord, with my whole heart;*
I will speak of all your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;*
indeed, my songs will I sing of your Name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies are driven back,*
they shall fall and perish at your presence;
4 For you have maintained my right and my cause;*
you sit on your throne judging right.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the ungodly;*
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 As for the enemy, their destruction has come; they are in perpetual ruin;*
like the cities which you have destroyed, their memory has perished with them.
7 But the Lord sits enthroned for ever;*
he has prepared his seat for judgment.
8 For he shall judge the world in righteousness,*
and minister true judgment to the peoples.
9 The Lord will be a defense for the oppressed,*
even a refuge in the time of trouble;
10 And those who know your Name will put their trust in you,*
for you, Lord, have never failed those who seek you.
11 O praise the Lord who dwells in Zion;*
tell the peoples what things he has done.
12 For when he takes vengeance for blood, he remembers them,*
and forgets not the cry of the poor.
13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider the trouble I suffer from those who hate me,*
O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
14 That I may tell of all your praises within the gates of the daughter of Zion;*
I will rejoice in your salvation.
15 The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made;*
in the same net which they hid secretly is their foot caught.
16 The Lord is known to execute judgment;*
the ungodly are trapped in the works of their own hands.
17 The wicked shall return to the grave,*
even all the peoples that forget God.
18 For the poor shall not always be forgotten;*
the patient hope of the meek shall not perish for ever.
19 Rise up, O Lord, and let them not have the upper hand;*
let the nations be judged in your sight.
20 Put them in fear, O Lord,*
that the nations may know themselves to be merely human.
The Psalms Appointed
30 Day Cycle
Psalm 19
Cæli enarrant
1 The heavens declare the glory of God,*
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day speaks to another,*
and one night gives knowledge to another.
3 There is neither speech nor language,*
and their voices are not heard;
4 But their sound has gone out into all lands*
and their words to the ends of the world.
5 In them he has set a tent for the sun,*
which comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run his course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost part of the heavens, and runs about to the end of it again,*
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;*
the testimony of the Lord is sure, and gives wisdom to the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart;*
the commandment of the Lord is pure, and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, and endures for ever;*
the judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;*
sweeter also than honey, than the drippings from the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant taught,*
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends?*
O cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins, lest they get the dominion over me;*
so shall I be undefiled, and innocent of great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in your sight,*
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 20
Exaudiat te Dominus
1 May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble,*
the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 Send you help from the sanctuary,*
and strengthen you out of Zion;
3 Remember all your offerings,*
and accept your burnt sacrifice;
4 Grant you your heart's desire,*
and accomplish all your plans.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation, and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God;*
may the Lord grant all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the Lord helps his Anointed, and will answer him from his holy heaven,*
even with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses,*
but we put our trust in the Name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen,*
but we will arise and stand upright.
9 O Lord, save the King,*
and hear us when we call upon you.
Psalm 21
Domine, in virtute tua
1 The King shall rejoice in your strength, O Lord;*
exceedingly glad shall he be of your salvation.
2 You have given him his heart's desire,*
and have not denied him the request of his lips.
3 For you shall meet him with the blessings of goodness,*
and shall set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him:*
length of days, for ever and ever.
5 His honor is great because of your salvation;*
glory and majesty shall you lay upon him.
6 For you shall give him everlasting felicity*
and make him glad with the joy of your countenance.
7 For the King puts his trust in the Lord,*
and because of the mercy of the Most High, he shall not be moved.
8 All your enemies shall feel your hand;*
your right hand shall find those who hate you.
9 You shall make them like a fiery oven in the time of your wrath;*
the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10 Their offspring you shall root out of the earth,*
and their seed from among the children of men.
11 For they intended evil against you,*
and imagined wicked schemes, which they are not able to perform.
12 Therefore you shall put them to flight,*
and the strings of your bow you shall aim at their faces.
13 Be exalted, O Lord, in your own strength;*
so we will sing and praise your power.
The Psalm Appointed
Sunday and Holy Day Cycle
Psalm 145
Exaltabo te, Deus
1 I will magnify you, O God my King,*
and I will praise your Name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I give thanks to you,*
and praise your Name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and most worthy to be praised;*
there is no end of his greatness.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another,*
and shall declare your power.
5 As for me, I will be talking of the glorious splendor of your majesty,*
and of all your wondrous works.
6 They shall speak of the might of your marvelous acts,*
and I also will tell of your greatness.
7 The remembrance of your abundant goodness shall they proclaim,*
and they shall sing of your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,*
long-suffering, and of great kindness.
9 The Lord is loving to everyone,*
and his mercy is over all his works.
10 All your works praise you, O Lord,*
and your faithful servants give thanks to you.
11 They speak of the glory of your kingdom*
and talk of your power,
12 That your power may be known to the children of men,*
even the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,*
and your dominion endures throughout all ages.
14 The Lord upholds all those who fall*
and lifts up all those who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord,*
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open wide your hand,*
and fill all things living with plenteousness.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways*
and merciful in all his works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon him,*
to all who call upon him faithfully.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him;*
he also will hear their cry and will help them.
20 The Lord preserves all those who love him,*
but he will destroy all the ungodly.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord;*
and let all flesh give thanks unto his holy Name for ever and 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 First Lesson
Judges 15
The lesson is read, the people sitting
| Reader | A reading from the Book of Judges, beginning with the fifteenth chapter, the first verse |
Samson Defeats the Philistines
After some days, at the time of wheat harvest, Samson went to visit his wife with a young goat. And he said, “I will go in to my wife in the chamber.” But her father would not allow him to go in. 2 And her father said, “I really thought that you utterly hated her, so I gave her to your companion. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead.” 3 And Samson said to them, “This time I shall be innocent in regard to the Philistines, when I do them harm.” 4 So Samson went and caught 300 foxes and took torches. And he turned them tail to tail and put a torch between each pair of tails. 5 And when he had set fire to the torches, he let the foxes go into the standing grain of the Philistines and set fire to the stacked grain and the standing grain, as well as the olive orchards. 6 Then the Philistines said, “Who has done this?” And they said, “Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken his wife and given her to his companion.” And the Philistines came up and burned her and her father with fire. 7 And Samson said to them, “If this is what you do, I swear I will be avenged on you, and after that I will quit.” 8 And he struck them hip and thigh with a great blow, and he went down and stayed in the cleft of the rock of Etam.
9 Then the Philistines came up and encamped in Judah and made a raid on Lehi. 10 And the men of Judah said, “Why have you come up against us?” They said, “We have come up to bind Samson, to do to him as he did to us.” 11 Then 3,000 men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” And he said to them, “As they did to me, so have I done to them.” 12 And they said to him, “We have come down to bind you, that we may give you into the hands of the Philistines.” And Samson said to them, “Swear to me that you will not attack me yourselves.” 13 They said to him, “No; we will only bind you and give you into their hands. We will surely not kill you.” So they bound him with two new ropes and brought him up from the rock.
14 When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting to meet him. Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that has caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands. 15 And he found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put out his hand and took it, and with it he struck 1,000 men. 16 And Samson said,
“With the jawbone of a donkey,
heaps upon heaps,
with the jawbone of a donkey
have I struck down a thousand men.”
17 As soon as he had finished speaking, he threw away the jawbone out of his hand. And that place was called Ramath-lehi.
18 And he was very thirsty, and he called upon the Lord and said, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” 19 And God split open the hollow place that is at Lehi, and water came out from it. And when he drank, his spirit returned, and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore; it is at Lehi to this day. 20 And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.
| Reader | The Word of the Lord. |
| People | Thanks be to God. |
Susanna 1-64
The lesson is read, the people sitting
| Reader | The Book of Daniel, beginning with thirteenth chapter, the first verse, the Story of Susanna |
Susanna’s Beauty Attracts Two Elders
There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Jo′akim. 2 And he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Hilki′ah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. 3 Her parents were righteous, and had taught their daughter according to the law of Moses. 4 Jo′akim was very rich, and had a spacious garden adjoining his house; and the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honored of them all.
5 In that year two elders from the people were appointed as judges. Concerning them the Lord had said: “Iniquity came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.” 6 These men were frequently at Jo′akim’s house, and all who had suits at law came to them.
7 When the people departed at noon, Susanna would go into her husband’s garden to walk. 8 The two elders used to see her every day, going in and walking about, and they began to desire her. 9 And they perverted their minds and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering righteous judgments. 10 Both were overwhelmed with passion for her, but they did not tell each other of their distress, 11 for they were ashamed to disclose their lustful desire to possess her. 12 And they watched eagerly, day after day, to see her.
13 They said to each other, “Let us go home, for it is mealtime.” 14 And when they went out, they parted from each other. But turning back, they met again; and when each pressed the other for the reason, they confessed their lust. And then together they arranged for a time when they could find her alone.
The Elders Attempt to Seduce Susanna
15 Once, while they were watching for an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and wished to bathe in the garden, for it was very hot. 16 And no one was there except the two elders, who had hid themselves and were watching her. 17 She said to her maids, “Bring me oil and ointments, and shut the garden doors so that I may bathe.” 18 They did as she said, shut the garden doors, and went out by the side doors to bring what they had been commanded; and they did not see the elders, because they were hidden.
19 When the maids had gone out, the two elders rose and ran to her, and said: 20 “Look, the garden doors are shut, no one sees us, and we are in love with you; so give your consent, and lie with us. 21 If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and this was why you sent your maids away.”
22 Susanna sighed deeply, and said, “I am hemmed in on every side. For if I do this thing, it is death for me; and if I do not, I shall not escape your hands. 23 I choose not to do it and to fall into your hands, rather than to sin in the sight of the Lord.”
24 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and the two elders shouted against her. 25 And one of them ran and opened the garden doors. 26 When the household servants heard the shouting in the garden, they rushed in at the side door to see what had happened to her. 27 And when the elders told their tale, the servants were greatly ashamed, for nothing like this had ever been said about Susanna.
The Elders Testify against Susanna
28 The next day, when the people gathered at the house of her husband Jo′akim, the two elders came, full of their wicked plot to have Susanna put to death. 29 They said before the people, “Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilki′ah, who is the wife of Jo′akim.” 30 So they sent for her. And she came, with her parents, her children, and all her kindred.
31 Now Susanna was a woman of great refinement, and beautiful in appearance. 32 As she was veiled, the wicked men ordered her to be unveiled, that they might feast upon her beauty. 33 But her family and friends and all who saw her wept.
34 Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and laid their hands upon her head. 35 And she, weeping, looked up toward heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord. 36 The elders said, “As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and dismissed the maids. 37 Then a young man, who had been hidden, came to her and lay with her. 38 We were in a corner of the garden, and when we saw this wickedness we ran to them. 39 We saw them embracing, but we could not hold the man, for he was too strong for us, and he opened the doors and dashed out. 40 So we seized this woman and asked her who the young man was, but she would not tell us. These things we testify.”
41 The assembly believed them, because they were elders of the people and judges; and they condemned her to death.
42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, “O eternal God, who dost discern what is secret, who art aware of all things before they come to be, 43 thou knowest that these men have borne false witness against me. And now I am to die! Yet I have done none of the things that they have wickedly invented against me!”
44 The Lord heard her cry. 45 And as she was being led away to be put to death, God aroused the holy spirit of a young lad named Daniel; 46 and he cried with a loud voice, “I am innocent of the blood of this woman.”
Daniel Rescues Susanna
47 All the people turned to him, and said, “What is this that you have said?” 48 Taking his stand in the midst of them, he said, “Are you such fools, you sons of Israel? Have you condemned a daughter of Israel without examination and without learning the facts? 49 Return to the place of judgment. For these men have borne false witness against her.”
50 Then all the people returned in haste. And the elders said to him, “Come, sit among us and inform us, for God has given you that right.” 51 And Daniel said to them, “Separate them far from each other, and I will examine them.”
52 When they were separated from each other, he summoned one of them and said to him, “You old relic of wicked days, your sins have now come home, which you have committed in the past, 53 pronouncing unjust judgments, condemning the innocent and letting the guilty go free, though the Lord said, ‘Do not put to death an innocent and righteous person.’ 54 Now then, if you really saw her, tell me this: Under what tree did you see them being intimate with each other?” He answered, “Under a mastic tree.” 55 And Daniel said, “Very well! You have lied against your own head, for the angel of God has received the sentence from God and will immediately cut you in two.”
56 Then he put him aside, and commanded them to bring the other. And he said to him, “You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, beauty has deceived you and lust has perverted your heart. 57 This is how you both have been dealing with the daughters of Israel, and they were intimate with you through fear; but a daughter of Judah would not endure your wickedness. 58 Now then, tell me: Under what tree did you catch them being intimate with each other?” He answered, “Under an evergreen oak.” 59 And Daniel said to him, “Very well! You also have lied against your own head, for the angel of God is waiting with his sword to saw you in two, that he may destroy you both.”
60 Then all the assembly shouted loudly and blessed God, who saves those who hope in him. 61 And they rose against the two elders, for out of their own mouths Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness; 62 and they did to them as they had wickedly planned to do to their neighbor; acting in accordance with the law of Moses, they put them to death. Thus innocent blood was saved that day.
63 And Hilki′ah and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, and so did Jo′akim her husband and all her kindred, because nothing shameful was found in her. 64 And from that day onward Daniel had a great reputation among the people.
| Reader | Here ends the Reading. |
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.
BENEDICITE, OMNIA OPERA DOMINI
A Song of Creation
The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing
INVOCATION
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
I. THE COSMIC ORDER
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
II. THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES
Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills, and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
III. THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
DOXOLOGY
Let us glorify the Lord: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
SONG OF THE THREE YOUNG MEN, 35-65
BENEDICITE, OMNIA OPERA DOMINI
A Song of Creation
The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing
INVOCATION
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
I. THE COSMIC ORDER
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
II. THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES
Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills, and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
III. THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
DOXOLOGY
Let us glorify the Lord: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
SONG OF THE THREE YOUNG MEN, 35-65
The Second Lesson
I Corinthians 4:1-17
The lesson is read, the people sitting
| Reader | A reading from St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, beginning with the fourth chapter, the first verse |
The Ministry of Apostles
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.
| Reader | The Word of the Lord. |
| People | Thanks be to God. |
Acts 26
The lesson is read, the people sitting
| Reader | A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, beginning with the twenty-sixth chapter, the first verse |
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
| 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.
MAGNA ET MIRABILIA
The Song of the Redeemed
The following Canticle is sung or said, all standing
O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth,*
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
For you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
REVELATION 15:3-4
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
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 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. Lord God, by your providence our founders won their liberties of old: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to exercise these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth: Put away from us all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 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. 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. O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us. Remember not, Lord Jesus, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forebears; neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed with your most precious blood, and by your mercy preserve us for ever. Spare us, good Lord. From all evil and wickedness; from sin, from the works and assaults of the devil; from your wrath and everlasting condemnation, Good Lord, deliver us. From all blindness of heart; from pride, vanity, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all lack of charity, Good Lord, deliver us. From all disordered and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Good Lord, deliver us. From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word and commandments, Good Lord, deliver us. From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine, Good Lord, deliver us. From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us. By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your holy nativity and submission to the Law; by your baptism, fasting, and temptation, Good Lord, deliver us. By your agony and bloody sweat; by your Cross and passion; by your precious death and burial, Good Lord, deliver us. By your glorious resurrection and ascension; by the sending of the Holy Spirit; by your heavenly intercession; and by your coming again in power and great glory, Good Lord, deliver us. In all times of tribulation; in all times of prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, Good Lord, deliver us. We sinners beseech you to hear us, O Lord God: That it may please you to rule and govern your holy Church universal in the right way, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To illumine all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of your Word; and that, both by their preaching and living, they may show it accordingly, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To send forth laborers into your harvest; to prosper their work by your Holy Spirit; to make your saving health known unto all nations; and to hasten the coming of your kingdom, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To give all your people increase of grace to hear your Word with humility, to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To give us a heart to love and fear you, and diligently to keep your commandments, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and keep all your people, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. That it may please you to rule the hearts of your servant Joe Biden, the President, your servants Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Sovereign, and Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister, your servants, our national leaders, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and show mercy, and walk humbly before you, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and guide all judges, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and keep our armed forces by sea, and land, and air, and to shield them in all dangers and adversities, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To bless and protect all who serve their communities by their labor and learning, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To give and preserve for us and for others the bountiful fruits of the earth, so that at the harvest we all may enjoy them, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To make wars to cease in all the world, and to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. That it may please you to show mercy on all prisoners and captives; refugees, the homeless, and the hungry; and all those who are desolate and oppressed, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To preserve all who are in danger by reason of their work or travel, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To strengthen the bonds of those in Holy Matrimony; to uphold the widowed and abandoned; and to comfort all whose homes are torn by strife, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To protect the unborn and their parents, and to preserve all women in childbirth; We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To care for those who have lost children or face infertility, and to provide for young children and orphans, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To visit the lonely and those who grieve; to strengthen all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; and to comfort with your presence those who are failing and infirm, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To support, help, and deliver all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To have mercy upon all people, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. That it may please you to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sin, negligence, and ignorance; and to endue us with the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your holy Word, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To strengthen those who stand; to encourage the faint-hearted; to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To grant to all the faithful departed eternal life and peace, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. To grant that, in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the
saints, we may attain to your heavenly kingdom, We beseech you to hear us, good Lord. Son of God, we beseech you to hear us. Son of God, we beseech you to hear us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Grant us your peace. O Christ, hear us. O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Officiant and People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Officiant and People Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. O Lord, arise and help us;
And deliver us for your Name’s sake. O God, we have heard with our ears, and our forebears have declared to us, the noble works that you did in their days, and in the time before them. O Lord, arise and help us; And deliver us for your Name’s sake. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O Lord, arise and help us; And deliver us for your Name’s sake. From our enemies defend us, O Christ; Graciously behold our afflictions. With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts; Mercifully forgive the sins of your people. With favor hear our prayers; O Son of David, have mercy upon us. Be pleased to hear us, O Christ; Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ. The Officiant prays Let us pray. Look mercifully, O Father, on our infirmities; and, for the glory of your Name, rescue us from all those evils we now endure; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in your mercy, serving you in holiness and purity of life, to your honor and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O Most mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee to you for comfort. Deliver us, we beseech you, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue in our hospitals his gracious work among us especially in this time of plague and pandemic; console and heal the sick; grant to the physicians, nurses, and assisting staff wisdom and skill, diligence and patience; prosper their work, O Lord, and send down your blessing upon all who serve the suffering; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Officiant may invite the People to offer intercessions and thanksgivings. A hymn or anthem may be sung. Officiant and People Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.The 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
Independence Day (United States)
Collect of the Day
Saturday after the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, or the Third Sunday after Trinity (Proper 8)
A COLLECT FOR SABBATH REST
Saturday
A COLLECT FOR PEACE
A COLLECT FOR GRACE
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
I
In Time of Great Sickness and Mortality
BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, 1928 (U.S.)
For the Medical Professions
#50, BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (2019)
Intercessions and Thanksgivings
The General Thanksgiving
A PRAYER OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Dismissal
Officiant
Let us bless the Lord.
People
Thanks be to God.
The Grace
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14
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