MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Triumph (From Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are 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 have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 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.* O that today you would hearken to his voice! [Harden not your hearts as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me. They put me to the test, though they had seen my works. Forty years long I detested that generation and said, ‘This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways.’ So I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 25 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.  Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way. He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly. All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your Name’s sake, O Lord, forgive my sin, for it is great.  Who are they who fear the Lord? he will teach them the way that they should choose. They shall dwell in prosperity, and their offspring shall inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him and will show them his covenant. My eyes are ever looking to the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and have pity on me, for I am left alone and in misery.  The sorrows of my heart have increased; bring me out of my troubles. Look upon my adversity and misery and forgive me all my sin. Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they bear a violent hatred against me. Protect my life and deliver me; let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for my hope has been in you. Deliver Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Psalm 148 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his; praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.  Praise him, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens, old and young together. Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven. He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Exod. 7:25-8:19

Seven days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. The river shall swarm with frogs; they shall come up into your palace, into your bedchamber and your bed, and into the houses of your officials and of your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your officials.'" And the Lord said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, ’stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, the canals, and the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.'" So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. But the magicians did the same by their secret arts, and brought frogs up on the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron, and said, "Pray to the Lord to take away the frogs from me and my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the Lord." Moses said to Pharaoh, "Kindly tell me when I am to pray for you and for your officials and for your people, that the frogs may be removed from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile." And he said, "Tomorrow." Moses said, "As you say! So that you may know that there is no one like the Lord our God, the frogs shall leave you and your houses and your officials and your people; they shall be left only in the Nile." Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh; and Moses cried out to the Lord concerning the frogs that he had brought upon Pharaoh. And the Lord did as Moses requested: the frogs died in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, ’stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt.'" And they did so; Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and gnats came on humans and animals alike; all the dust of the earth turned into gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt. The magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, but they could not. There were gnats on both humans and animals. And the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God!" But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 10:17-31

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'" He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible." Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age-- houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions-- and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell. Though an army should encamp against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid; And though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him. One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock. Even now he lifts up my head above my enemies round about me. Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face.” Your face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure. You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will sustain me. Show me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice. What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! O tarry and await the Lord’s pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; wait patiently for the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

2 Cor. 3:7-18

Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses' face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has lost its glory because of the greater glory; for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory! Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Penitence (From Psalm 51)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. And so you are justified when you speak* and upright in your judgement. [Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother’s womb. For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly. Purge me from my sin and I shall be pure; wash me and I shall be clean indeed. Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins* and blot out all my iniquities.] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you. Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 3 Lord, how many adversaries I have! how many there are who rise up against me!  How many there are who say of me, “There is no help for him in his God.”  But you, O Lord, are a shield about me; you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.  I call aloud upon the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill; I lie down and go to sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I do not fear the multitudes of people who set themselves against me all around.  Rise up, O Lord; set me free, O my God; surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face, you will break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord. Your blessing be upon your people!

Psalm 6 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath. Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked. My spirit shakes with terror; how long, O Lord, how long? Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me for your mercy's sake. For in death no one remembers you; and who will give you thanks in the grave?I grow weary because of my groaning; every night I drench my bed and flood my couch with tears. My eyes are wasted with grief and worn away because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Psalm 147:13-End Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion; For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. He has established peace on your borders; he satisfies you with the finest wheat. He sends out his command to the earth, and his word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; who can stand against his cold? He sends forth his word and melts them; he blows with his wind, and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. He has not done so to any other nation; to them he has not revealed his judgments. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Isa. 52:7-12

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

John 1:9-14

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 90 Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, from age to age you are God. You turn us back to the dust and say, “Go back, O child of earth.” For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past and like a watch in the night. You sweep us away like a dream; we fade away suddenly like the grass. In the morning it is green and flourishes; in the evening it is dried up and withered. For we consume away in your displeasure; we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation. Our iniquities you have set before you, and our secret sins in the light of your countenance. When you are angry, all our days are gone; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone. Who regards the power of your wrath? who rightly fears your indignation? So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? be gracious to your servants. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life. Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us and the years in which we suffered adversity. Show your servants your works and your splendor to their children. May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Wisdom 9:1-12

“O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy, who have made all things by your word, and by your wisdom have formed humankind to have dominion over the creatures you have made, and rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and pronounce judgment in uprightness of soul, give me the wisdom that sits by your throne, and do not reject me from among your servants. For I am your servant the son of your serving girl, a man who is weak and short-lived, with little understanding of judgment and laws; for even one who is perfect among human beings will be regarded as nothing without the wisdom that comes from you. You have chosen me to be king of your people and to be judge over your sons and daughters. You have given command to build a temple on your holy mountain, and an altar in the city of your habitation, a copy of the holy tent that you prepared from the beginning. With you is wisdom, she who knows your works and was present when you made the world; she understands what is pleasing in your sight and what is right according to your commandments. Send her forth from the holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory send her, that she may labor at my side, and that I may learn what is pleasing to you. For she knows and understands all things, and she will guide me wisely in my actions and guard me with her glory. Then my works will be acceptable, and I shall judge your people justly, and shall be worthy of the throne of my father.

Hebrews 2:5-10

Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, subjecting all things under their feet." Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Triumph (From Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are 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 have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 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.* O that today you would hearken to his voice! [Harden not your hearts as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me. They put me to the test, though they had seen my works. Forty years long I detested that generation and said, ‘This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways.’ So I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 56 Have mercy on me, O God, for my enemies are hounding me; all day long they assault and oppress me. They hound me all the day long; truly there are many who fight against me, O Most High. Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can flesh do to me? All day long they damage my cause; their only thought is to do me evil. They band together; they lie in wait; they spy upon my footsteps; because they seek my life. Shall they escape despite their wickedness? O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples. You have noted my lamentation; put my tears into your bottle; are they not recorded in your book? Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; this I know, for God is on my side. In God the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me? I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; I will present to you thank-offerings;  For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Psalm 146 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, for there is no help in them. When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish. Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! whose hope is in the Lord their God; Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps his promise for ever; Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. The Lord shall reign for ever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Exod. 5:1-6:1

Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Let my people go, so that they may celebrate a festival to me in the wilderness.'" But Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord, that I should heed him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go." Then they said, "The God of the Hebrews has revealed himself to us; let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord our God, or he will fall upon us with pestilence or sword." But the king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their work? Get to your labors!" Pharaoh continued, "Now they are more numerous than the people of the land and yet you want them to stop working!" That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, as well as their supervisors, "You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as before; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But you shall require of them the same quantity of bricks as they have made previously; do not diminish it, for they are lazy; that is why they cry, 'Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.' Let heavier work be laid on them; then they will labor at it and pay no attention to deceptive words." So the taskmasters and the supervisors of the people went out and said to the people, "Thus says Pharaoh, 'I will not give you straw. Go and get straw yourselves, wherever you can find it; but your work will not be lessened in the least.'" So the people scattered throughout the land of Egypt, to gather stubble for straw. The taskmasters were urgent, saying, "Complete your work, the same daily assignment as when you were given straw." And the supervisors of the Israelites, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and were asked, "Why did you not finish the required quantity of bricks yesterday and today, as you did before?" Then the Israelite supervisors came to Pharaoh and cried, "Why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, 'Make bricks!' Look how your servants are beaten! You are unjust to your own people." He said, "You are lazy, lazy; that is why you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.' Go now, and work; for no straw shall be given you, but you shall still deliver the same number of bricks." The Israelite supervisors saw that they were in trouble when they were told, "You shall not lessen your daily number of bricks." As they left Pharaoh, they came upon Moses and Aaron who were waiting to meet them. They said to them, "The Lord look upon you and judge! You have brought us into bad odor with Pharaoh and his officials, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us." Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, "O Lord, why have you mistreated this people? Why did you ever send me? Since I first came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has mistreated this people, and you have done nothing at all to deliver your people." Then the Lord said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh: Indeed, by a mighty hand he will let them go; by a mighty hand he will drive them out of his land."

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 9:42-50

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.    And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell.,    And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. "For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 38 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath. For your arrows have already pierced me, and your hand presses hard upon me. There is no health in my flesh, because of your indignation; there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin. For my iniquities overwhelm me; like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear. My wounds stink and fester by reason of my foolishness. I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; I go about in mourning all the day long. My loins are filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am utterly numb and crushed; I wail, because of the groaning of my heart.  O Lord, you know all my desires, and my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me. My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; my neighbors stand afar off. Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin and plot treachery all the day long.  But I am like the deaf who do not hear, like those who are mute and do not open their mouth.  I have become like one who does not hear and from whose mouth comes no defense.  For in you, O Lord, have I fixed my hope; you will answer me, O Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them rejoice at my expense, those who gloat over me when my foot slips.” Truly, I am on the verge of falling, and my pain is always with me. I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sin. Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me. Those who repay evil for good slander me, because I follow the course that is right. O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

1 Cor. 14:20-33a,39-40

Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults. In the law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people; yet even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, an unbeliever or outsider who enters is reproved by all and called to account by all. After the secrets of the unbeliever's heart are disclosed, that person will bow down before God and worship him, declaring, "God is really among you." What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let them be silent in church and speak to themselves and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to someone else sitting nearby, let the first person be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged. And the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets, for God is a God not of disorder but of peace. (As in all the churches of the saints, So, my friends, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues; but all things should be done decently and in order.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Triumph (From Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are 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 have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 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.* O that today you would hearken to his voice! [Harden not your hearts as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me. They put me to the test, though they had seen my works. Forty years long I detested that generation and said, ‘This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways.’ So I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 32 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!  Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no guile! While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, because of my groaning all day long.  For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.  Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my guilt.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.  Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.  You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will guide you with my eye.  Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will not stay near you.” Great are the tribulations of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

Psalm 150 Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy temple; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him for his excellent greatness. Praise him with the blast of the ram’s-horn; Praise him with lyre and harp. Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe. Praise him with resounding cymbals; praise him with loud-clanging cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Exod. 4:10-20[21-26]27-31

But Moses said to the Lord, "O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Then the Lord said to him, "Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak." But he said, "O my Lord, please send someone else." Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, "What of your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak fluently; even now he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you his heart will be glad. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. He indeed shall speak for you to the people; he shall serve as a mouth for you, and you shall serve as God for him. Take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs." Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, "Please let me go back to my kindred in Egypt and see whether they are still living." And Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace." The Lord said to Moses in Midian, "Go back to Egypt; for all those who were seeking your life are dead." So Moses took his wife and his sons, put them on a donkey and went back to the land of Egypt; and Moses carried the staff of God in his hand. [ And the Lord said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the Lord: Israel is my firstborn son. I said to you, "Let my son go that he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; now I will kill your firstborn son.'" On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met him and tried to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin, and touched Moses' feet with it, and said, "Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me!" So he let him alone. It was then she said, "A bridegroom of blood by circumcision."] The Lord said to Aaron, "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses." So he went; and he met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him, and all the signs with which he had charged him. Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the Israelites. Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and performed the signs in the sight of the people. The people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had given heed to the Israelites and that he had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 9:30-41

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me." John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

—

EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 102 Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble. Incline your ear to me; when I call, make haste to answer me, For my days drift away like smoke, and my bones are hot as burning coals. My heart is smitten like grass and withered, so that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the voice of my groaning I am but skin and bones. I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake and groan; I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house-top. My enemies revile me all day long, and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me. For I have eaten ashes for bread and mingled my drink with weeping. Because of your indignation and wrath you have lifted me up and thrown me away. My days pass away like a shadow, and I wither like the grass. But you, O Lord, endure for ever, and your Name from age to age. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to have mercy upon her; indeed, the appointed time has come. For your servants love her very rubble, and are moved to pity even for her dust. The nations shall fear your Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory. For the Lord will build up Zion, and his glory will appear. He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; he will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a future generation, so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord. For the Lord looked down from his holy place on high; from the heavens he beheld the earth; That he might hear the groan of the captive and set free those condemned to die; That they may declare in Zion the Name of the Lord, and his praise in Jerusalem; When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord. He has brought down my strength before my time; he has shortened the number of my days; And I said, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; your years endure throughout all generations. In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands;  They shall perish, but you will endure; they all shall wear out like a garment; as clothing you will change them, and they shall be changed; But you are always the same, and your years will never end. The children of your servants shall continue, and their offspring shall stand fast in your sight.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

1 Cor. 14:1-19

Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church. Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you in some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves; if in a tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different kinds of sounds in the world, and nothing is without sound. If then I do not know the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church. Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unproductive. What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing praise with the mind also. Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say the "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since the outsider does not know what you are saying? For you may give thanks well enough, but the other person is not built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Triumph (From Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are 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 have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 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.* O that today you would hearken to his voice! [Harden not your hearts as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me. They put me to the test, though they had seen my works. Forty years long I detested that generation and said, ‘This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways.’ So I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 26 Give judgment for me, O Lord, for I have lived with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.  Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart and my mind.  For your love is before my eyes; I have walked faithfully with you.  I have not sat with the worthless, nor do I consort with the deceitful. I have hated the company of evildoers; I will not sit down with the wicked.  I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, that I may go in procession round your altar, Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving and recounting all your wonderful deeds. Lord, I love the house in which you dwell and the place where your glory abides.  Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with those who thirst for blood,  Whose hands are full of evil plots, and their right hand full of bribes.  As for me, I will live with integrity; redeem me, O Lord, and have pity on me. My foot stands on level ground; in the full assembly I will bless the Lord.

Psalm 117 Praise the Lord, all you nations; laud him, all you peoples. For his loving-kindness toward us is great, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Exod. 3:16-4:12

Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and say to them, 'The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying: I have given heed to you and to what has been done to you in Egypt. I declare that I will bring you up out of the misery of Egypt, to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.' They will listen to your voice; and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, 'The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; let us now go a three days' journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.' I know, however, that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will perform in it; after that he will let you go. I will bring this people into such favor with the Egyptians that, when you go, you will not go empty-handed; each woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman living in the neighbor's house for jewelry of silver and of gold, and clothing, and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters; and so you shall plunder the Egyptians." Then Moses answered, "But suppose they do not believe me or listen to me, but say, 'The Lord did not appear to you.'" The Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A staff." And he said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw the staff on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses drew back from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Reach out your hand, and seize it by the tail"-- so he reached out his hand and grasped it, and it became a staff in his hand-- "so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you." Again, the Lord said to him, "Put your hand inside your cloak." He put his hand into his cloak; and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, as white as snow. Then God said, "Put your hand back into your cloak"-- so he put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored like the rest of his body-- "If they will not believe you or heed the first sign, they may believe the second sign. If they will not believe even these two signs or heed you, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground." But Moses said to the Lord, "O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Then the Lord said to him, "Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak."

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

John 8:46-59

Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God." The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, 'Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, 'He is our God,' though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad." Then the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am." So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 86 Bow down your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and in misery. Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; save your servant who puts his trust in you.  Be merciful to me, O Lord, for you are my God; I call upon you all the day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, and great is your love toward all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, for you will answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, nor anything like your works. All nations you have made will come and worship you, O Lord, and glorify your Name. For you are great; you do wondrous things; and you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name. I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and glorify your Name for evermore. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit. The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent men seeks my life; they have not set you before their eyes. But you, O Lord, are gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth. Turn to me and have mercy upon me; give your strength to your servant; and save the child of your handmaid. Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; because you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Rom. 12:1-21

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Penitence (From Psalm 51)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. And so you are justified when you speak* and upright in your judgement. [Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother’s womb. For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly. Purge me from my sin and I shall be pure; wash me and I shall be clean indeed. Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins* and blot out all my iniquities.] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you. Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 13 How long, O Lord? will you forget me for ever? how long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I have perplexity in my mind, and grief in my heart, day after day? how long shall my enemy triumph over me?  Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God; give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;  Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him,” and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.  But I put my trust in your mercy; my heart is joyful because of your saving help. I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly; I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 124 If the Lord had not been on our side, let Israel now say; If the Lord had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us; Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us; Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us; Then would the raging waters have gone right over us. Blessed be the Lord! he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 149 Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his Name in the dance; let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people and adorns the poor with victory. Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; let them be joyful on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their throat and a two-edged sword in their hand; To wreak vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples; To bind their kings in chains and their nobles with links of iron; To inflict on them the judgment decreed; this is glory for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Exod. 2:23-3:15

After a long time the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery, and cried out. Out of the slavery their cry for help rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them. Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up." When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." He said further, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" He said, "I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain." But Moses said to God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I Am Who I Am." He said further, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I Am has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you': This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 9:14-29

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?" Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so." He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you are able!-- All things can be done for the one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!" After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "This kind can come out only through prayer."

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 31 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.  Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, for you are my tower of strength. Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. I hate those who cling to worthless idols, and I put my trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress.  You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; you have set my feet in an open place. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.  For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.  I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am as useless as a broken pot.  For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life. But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. I have said, “You are my God. My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me.” Lord, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you; rather, let the wicked be put to shame; let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against the righteous, haughtily, disdainfully, and with contempt.  How great is your goodness, O Lord! which you have laid up for those who fear you; which you have done in the sight of all for those who put their trust in you. You hide them in the covert of your presence from those who slander them; you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord! for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city. Yet I said in my alarm, “I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes.” Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you. Love the Lord, all you who worship him; the Lord protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

1 Cor. 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Penitence (From Psalm 51)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. And so you are justified when you speak* and upright in your judgement. [Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother’s womb. For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly. Purge me from my sin and I shall be pure; wash me and I shall be clean indeed. Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins* and blot out all my iniquities.] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you. Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 39 I said, “I will keep watch upon my ways, so that I do not offend with my tongue. I will put a muzzle on my mouth while the wicked are in my presence.” So I held my tongue and said nothing; I refrained from rash words; but my pain became unbearable.  My heart was hot within me; while I pondered, the fire burst into flame; I spoke out with my tongue: Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days, so that I may know how short my life is. You have given me a mere handful of days, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight; truly, even those who stand erect are but a puff of wind. We walk about like a shadow, and in vain we are in turmoil; we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them. And now, what is my hope? O Lord, my hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions and do not make me the taunt of the fool. I fell silent and did not open my mouth, for surely it was you that did it. Take your affliction from me; I am worn down by the blows of your hand. With rebukes for sin you punish us; like a moth you eat away all that is dear to us; truly, everyone is but a puff of wind. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears. For I am but a sojourner with you, a wayfarer, as all my forebears were. Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, before I go my way and am no more.

Psalm 147:1-12 Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! how pleasant it is to honor him with praise! The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars and calls them all by their names. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; there is no limit to his wisdom. The Lord lifts up the lowly, but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God upon the harp. He covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass to grow upon the mountains and green plants to serve mankind. He provides food for flocks and herds and for the young ravens when they cry. He is not impressed by the might of a horse; he has no pleasure in the strength of a man; But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, in those who await his gracious favor.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Exod. 2:1-22

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him, "This must be one of the Hebrews' children," she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?" Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Yes." So the girl went and called the child's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, "because," she said, "I drew him out of the water." One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and saw their forced labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his kinsfolk. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, he saw two Hebrews fighting; and he said to the one who was in the wrong, "Why do you strike your fellow Hebrew?" He answered, "Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "Surely the thing is known." When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh. He settled in the land of Midian, and sat down by a well. The priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. But some shepherds came and drove them away. Moses got up and came to their defense and watered their flock. When they returned to their father Reuel, he said, "How is it that you have come back so soon today?" They said, "An Egyptian helped us against the shepherds; he even drew water for us and watered the flock." He said to his daughters, "Where is he? Why did you leave the man? Invite him to break bread." Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah in marriage. She bore a son, and he named him Gershom; for he said, "I have been an alien residing in a foreign land."

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 9:2-13

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" He said to them, "Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him."

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

—

EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 69:1-23, 31-37 Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck. I am sinking in deep mire, and there is no firm ground for my feet. I have come into deep waters, and the torrent washes over me. I have grown weary with my crying; my throat is inflamed; my eyes have failed from looking for my God. Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; my lying foes who would destroy me are mighty. Must I then give back what I never stole? O God, you know my foolishness, and my faults are not hidden from you. Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be disgraced because of me, O God of Israel. Surely, for your sake have I suffered reproach, and shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my own kindred, an alien to my mother’s children. Zeal for your house has eaten me up; the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me. I humbled myself with fasting, but that was turned to my reproach. I put on sack-cloth also, and became a byword among them. Those who sit at the gate murmur against me, and the drunkards make songs about me. But as for me, this is my prayer to you, at the time you have set, O Lord: “In your great mercy, O God, answer me with your unfailing help. Save me from the mire; do not let me sink; let me be rescued from those who hate me and out of the deep waters. Let not the torrent of waters wash over me, neither let the deep swallow me up; do not let the Pit shut its mouth upon me. Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind; in your great compassion, turn to me.” “Hide not your face from your servant; be swift and answer me, for I am in distress. Draw near to me and redeem me; because of my enemies deliver me. You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; my adversaries are all in your sight.” Reproach has broken my heart, and it cannot be healed; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I could find no one. They gave me gall to eat, and when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink. - As for me, I am afflicted and in pain; your help, O God, will lift me up on high. I will praise the Name of God in song; I will proclaim his greatness with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an offering of oxen, more than bullocks with horns and hoofs. The afflicted shall see and be glad; you who seek God, your heart shall live. For the Lord listens to the needy, and his prisoners he does not despise. Let the heavens and the earth praise him, the seas and all that moves in them; For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah; they shall live there and have it in possession.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

1 Cor. 12:27-13:3

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Triumph (From Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are 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 have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 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.* O that today you would hearken to his voice! [Harden not your hearts as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me. They put me to the test, though they had seen my works. Forty years long I detested that generation and said, ‘This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways.’ So I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 25 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.  Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way. He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly. All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your Name’s sake, O Lord, forgive my sin, for it is great.  Who are they who fear the Lord? he will teach them the way that they should choose. They shall dwell in prosperity, and their offspring shall inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him and will show them his covenant. My eyes are ever looking to the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and have pity on me, for I am left alone and in misery.  The sorrows of my heart have increased; bring me out of my troubles. Look upon my adversity and misery and forgive me all my sin. Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they bear a violent hatred against me. Protect my life and deliver me; let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for my hope has been in you. Deliver Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Psalm 148 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his; praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.  Praise him, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens, old and young together. Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven. He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Isa. 63:7-16

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely" and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit; therefore he became their enemy; he himself fought against them. Then they remembered the days of old, of Moses his servant. Where is the one who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is the one who put within them his holy spirit, who caused his glorious arm to march at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble. Like cattle that go down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord gave them rest. Thus you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name. Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and glorious habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The yearning of your heart and your compassion? They are withheld from me. For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name.

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Matt. 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

St. Joseph

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

—

EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell. Though an army should encamp against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid; And though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him. One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock. Even now he lifts up my head above my enemies round about me. Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face.” Your face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure. You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will sustain me. Show me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice. What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! O tarry and await the Lord’s pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; wait patiently for the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Ephes. 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

St. Joseph

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Penitence (From Psalm 51)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. And so you are justified when you speak* and upright in your judgement. [Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother’s womb. For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly. Purge me from my sin and I shall be pure; wash me and I shall be clean indeed. Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins* and blot out all my iniquities.] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you. Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 3 Lord, how many adversaries I have! how many there are who rise up against me!  How many there are who say of me, “There is no help for him in his God.”  But you, O Lord, are a shield about me; you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.  I call aloud upon the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill; I lie down and go to sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I do not fear the multitudes of people who set themselves against me all around.  Rise up, O Lord; set me free, O my God; surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face, you will break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord. Your blessing be upon your people!

Psalm 6 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath. Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked. My spirit shakes with terror; how long, O Lord, how long? Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me for your mercy's sake. For in death no one remembers you; and who will give you thanks in the grave?I grow weary because of my groaning; every night I drench my bed and flood my couch with tears. My eyes are wasted with grief and worn away because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Psalm 147:13-End Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion; For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. He has established peace on your borders; he satisfies you with the finest wheat. He sends out his command to the earth, and his word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; who can stand against his cold? He sends forth his word and melts them; he blows with his wind, and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. He has not done so to any other nation; to them he has not revealed his judgments. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Gen. 50:15-26

Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said, "What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?" So they approached Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this instruction before he died, ’say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.' Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, "We are here as your slaves." But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father's household; and Joseph lived one hundred ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation; the children of Machir son of Manasseh were also born on Joseph's knees. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die; but God will surely come to you, and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." So Joseph made the Israelites swear, saying, "When God comes to you, you shall carry up my bones from here." And Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old; he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. 

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 8:11-26

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation." And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out-- beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." They said to one another, "It is because we have no bread." And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" And they said to him, "Seven." Then he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Can you see anything?" And the man looked up and said, "I can see people, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, "Do not even go into the village."

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 90 Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, from age to age you are God. You turn us back to the dust and say, “Go back, O child of earth.” For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past and like a watch in the night. You sweep us away like a dream; we fade away suddenly like the grass. In the morning it is green and flourishes; in the evening it is dried up and withered. For we consume away in your displeasure; we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation. Our iniquities you have set before you, and our secret sins in the light of your countenance. When you are angry, all our days are gone; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone. Who regards the power of your wrath? who rightly fears your indignation? So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? be gracious to your servants. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life. Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us and the years in which we suffered adversity. Show your servants your works and your splendor to their children. May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

1 Cor. 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

MORNING PRAYER1: The Preparation

O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever! [In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance.] As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

Christ, though tempted like us, was without sin: O come, let us worship.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Triumph (From Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are 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 have moulded the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 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.* O that today you would hearken to his voice! [Harden not your hearts as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me. They put me to the test, though they had seen my works. Forty years long I detested that generation and said, ‘This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways.’ So I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Opening Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind:

(Silence may be kept)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

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2: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 56 Have mercy on me, O God, for my enemies are hounding me; all day long they assault and oppress me. They hound me all the day long; truly there are many who fight against me, O Most High. Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can flesh do to me? All day long they damage my cause; their only thought is to do me evil. They band together; they lie in wait; they spy upon my footsteps; because they seek my life. Shall they escape despite their wickedness? O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples. You have noted my lamentation; put my tears into your bottle; are they not recorded in your book? Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; this I know, for God is on my side. In God the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me? I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; I will present to you thank-offerings;  For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Psalm 146 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, for there is no help in them. When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish. Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! whose hope is in the Lord their God; Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps his promise for ever; Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. The Lord shall reign for ever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson:

If there are two Scripture Readings, the first may be read here, or both may be read after the second canticle. 

Gen. 49:29-50:14

Then he charged them, saying to them, "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my ancestors-- in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave in the field at Machpelah, near Mamre, in the land of Canaan, in the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried; there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried; and there I buried Leah-- the field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites." When Jacob ended his charge to his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Then Joseph threw himself on his father's face and wept over him and kissed him. Joseph commanded the physicians in his service to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel; they spent forty days in doing this, for that is the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days. When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph addressed the household of Pharaoh, "If now I have found favor with you, please speak to Pharaoh as follows: My father made me swear an oath; he said, 'I am about to die. In the tomb that I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.' Now therefore let me go up, so that I may bury my father; then I will return." Pharaoh answered, "Go up, and bury your father, as he made you swear to do." So Joseph went up to bury his father. With him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the household of Joseph, his brothers, and his father's household. Only their children, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. Both chariots and charioteers went up with him. It was a very great company. When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they held there a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he observed a time of mourning for his father seven days. When the Canaanite inhabitants of the land saw the mourning on the threshing floor of Atad, they said, "This is a grievous mourning on the part of the Egyptians." Therefore the place was named Abel-mizraim; it is beyond the Jordan. Thus his sons did for him as he had instructed them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field at Machpelah, the field near Mamre, which Abraham bought as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.

Canticle 2: A Song of New Creation (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’ Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. ‘Behold, I make all things new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ‘I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ‘The people whom I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.’

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

I will make a way in the wilderness,* and rivers in the desert.

The Second Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, "I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way-- and some of them have come from a great distance." His disciples replied, "How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven." Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

Gospel Canticle: The Benedictus (Isaiah 43. 15-21)

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

Blessèd be the Lord, the God of Israel, for 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 that hate us; He promised to show mercy to our forebears, 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 all 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 the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

You have given your people knowledge of salvation, O God,* by the forgiveness of their sins.

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3: The Apostles' Creed

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 power of 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.

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4: The Prayers

With faith and love and in union with Christ, let us offer our prayer before the throne of grace.

• Have mercy on your people, for whom your Son laid down his life. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations, and have pity on those torn apart by division. Lord, have mercy.

• Strengthen all who are persecuted for your name’s sake, and deliver them from evil. Lord, have mercy.

• Look in mercy upon all who suffer, and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. Lord, have mercy.

• Bring comfort to the dying, and gladden their hearts with the power of your glory. Lord, have mercy.

• Give rest to the departed and bring them, with your saints, to glory everlasting. Lord, have mercy.

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others. 

Silence may be kept.

As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross, we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The Conclusion

May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.  Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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EVENING PRAYER1: Confession

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. Officiant and People together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

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2: The Preparation

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Let your ways be known upon earth Your saving power among the nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Opening Canticle: A Song of Entreaty (From Psalm 143)

Lord, hear my prayer, answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land. O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Opening Prayer

Stir up in us, O God, the fire of your love, that we may be cleansed of all our sins and so be made ready to come into your presence, singing your praises now and for ever. Amen.

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3: The Word of GodThe Psalmody

Psalm 38 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath. For your arrows have already pierced me, and your hand presses hard upon me. There is no health in my flesh, because of your indignation; there is no soundness in my body, because of my sin. For my iniquities overwhelm me; like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear. My wounds stink and fester by reason of my foolishness. I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; I go about in mourning all the day long. My loins are filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am utterly numb and crushed; I wail, because of the groaning of my heart.  O Lord, you know all my desires, and my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart is pounding, my strength has failed me, and the brightness of my eyes is gone from me. My friends and companions draw back from my affliction; my neighbors stand afar off. Those who seek after my life lay snares for me; those who strive to hurt me speak of my ruin and plot treachery all the day long.  But I am like the deaf who do not hear, like those who are mute and do not open their mouth.  I have become like one who does not hear and from whose mouth comes no defense.  For in you, O Lord, have I fixed my hope; you will answer me, O Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them rejoice at my expense, those who gloat over me when my foot slips.” Truly, I am on the verge of falling, and my pain is always with me. I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sin. Those who are my enemies without cause are mighty, and many in number are those who wrongfully hate me. Those who repay evil for good slander me, because I follow the course that is right. O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Canticle: The Song of Christ's Glory (Philippians 2. 5b-11)

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

Christ Jesus was in the form of God, but he did not cling to equality with God. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in our human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; Therefore, God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

At the name of Jesus* every knee shall bow.

The Lesson:

One or more readings appointed for the day are read. The reading(s) may be followed by a time of silence. 

1 Cor. 11:17-34

Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it. Indeed, there have to be factions among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine. When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord's supper. For when the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes hungry and another becomes drunk. What! Do you not have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I commend you? In this matter I do not commend you! For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If you are hungry, eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other things I will give instructions when I come.

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Come, let us return to the Lord,* for our God will richly pardon.

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4: The Prayers

In the love of God, let us complete our evening sacrifice of praise.

• For the unity and peace of the holy Church of God throughout the world: Lord, have mercy.

• For the peace and stability of all peoples and for those in authority: Lord, have mercy. 

• For our own country and its national life and for all who dwell among us: Lord, have mercy. 

• For a blessing on our homes, for our relations and friends and all whom we love: Lord, have mercy.

• For the sick and the suffering and for all who minister to their needs: Lord, have mercy. 

• For all who sleep in Christ, that Christ will remember them in his heavenly kingdom: Lord, have mercy. 

Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Silence may be kept.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of the blessèd Virgin Mary, (Saint N.) and all the saints, let us commend ourselves into the mighty hands of God:

The Collect:

The collect of the day (see lectionary) or the following may be used: 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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5: The ConclusionCHRISTARAKSHA (from the BCP of the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon)

May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan and more glorious than all the hosts of heaven, abide with you in your going out and your coming in. By day and night, at morning and at evening, at all times and in all places     may it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the assaults of evil spirits, from foes visible and invisible, from the snares of the devil, from all passions that beguile the soul and body: may it guard, protect and deliver you. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.