The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 119: Zayin

Remember your word to your servant, *

because you have given me hope.

This is my comfort in my trouble, *

that your promise gives me life.

The proud have derided me cruelly, *

but I have not turned from your law.

When I remember your judgments of old, *

O Lord, I take great comfort.

I am filled with a burning rage, *

because of the wicked who forsake your law.

Your statutes have been like songs to me *

wherever I have lived as a stranger.

I remember your Name in the night, O Lord, *

and dwell upon your law.

This is how it has been with me, *

because I have kept your commandments.

-

Psalm 119: Heth

You only are my portion, O Lord; *

I have promised to keep your words.

I entreat you with all my heart, *

be merciful to me according to your promise.

I have considered my ways *

and turned my feet toward your decrees.

I hasten and do not tarry *

to keep your commandments.

Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *

I do not forget your law.

At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *

because of your righteous judgments.

I am a companion of all who fear you *

and of those who keep your commandments.

The earth, O Lord, is full of your love; *

instruct me in your statutes.

-

Psalm 119: Teth

O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *

according to your word.

Teach me discernment and knowledge, *

for I have believed in your commandments.

Before I was afflicted I went astray, *

but now I keep your word.

You are good and you bring forth good; *

instruct me in your statutes.

The proud have smeared me with lies, *

but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart is gross and fat, *

but my delight is in your law.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *

that I might learn your statutes.

The law of your mouth is dearer to me *

than thousands in gold and silver.

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:

Zech. 3:1-10

Then he showed me the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this man a brand plucked from the fire?" Now Joshua was dressed with filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." And to him he said, "See, I have taken your guilt away from you, and I will clothe you with festal apparel." And I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with the apparel; and the angel of the Lord was standing by. Then the angel of the Lord assured Joshua, saying "Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Now listen, Joshua, high priest, you and your colleagues who sit before you! For they are an omen of things to come: I am going to bring my servant the Branch. For on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven facets, I will engrave its inscription, says the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the guilt of this land in a single day. On that day, says the Lord of hosts, you shall invite each other to come under your vine and fig tree."

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 24:45-51

“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 3

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 49

Hear this, all you peoples;

hearken, all you who dwell in the world, *

you of high degree and low, rich and poor together.

My mouth shall speak of wisdom, *

and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

I will incline my ear to a proverb *

and set forth my riddle upon the harp.

Why should I be afraid in evil days, *

when the wickedness of those at my heels surrounds me,

The wickedness of those who put their trust in their goods, *

and boast of their great riches?

We can never ransom ourselves, *

or deliver to God the price of our life;

For the ransom of our life is so great, *

that we should never have enough to pay it,

In order to live for ever and ever, *

and never see the grave.

For we see that the wise die also;

like the dull and stupid they perish *

and leave their wealth to those who come after them.

Their graves shall be their homes for ever,

their dwelling places from generation to generation, *

though they call the lands after their own names.

Even though honored, they cannot live for ever; *

they are like the beasts that perish.

Such is the way of those who foolishly trust in themselves, *

and the end of those who delight in their own words.

Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die;

Death is their shepherd; *

they go down straightway to the grave.

Their form shall waste away, *

and the land of the dead shall be their home.

But God will ransom my life; *

he will snatch me from the grasp of death.

Do not be envious when some become rich, *

or when the grandeur of their house increases;

For they will carry nothing away at their death, *

nor will their grandeur follow them.

Though they thought highly of themselves while they lived, *

and were praised for their success,

They shall join the company of their forebears, *

who will never see the light again.

Those who are honored, but have no understanding, *

are like the beasts that perish.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 4:1-8

After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal. Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, "Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come."

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 45

My heart is stirring with a noble song;

let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; *

my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.

You are the fairest of men; *

grace flows from your lips,

because God has blessed you for ever.

Strap your sword upon your thigh, O mighty warrior, *

in your pride and in your majesty.

Ride out and conquer in the cause of truth *

and for the sake of justice.

Your right hand will show you marvelous things; *

your arrows are very sharp, O mighty warrior.

The peoples are falling at your feet, *

and the king’s enemies are losing heart.

Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, *

a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;

you love righteousness and hate iniquity.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you *

with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, *

and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.

Kings’ daughters stand among the ladies of the court; *

on your right hand is the queen,

adorned with the gold of Ophir.

“Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely; *

forget your people and your father’s house.

The king will have pleasure in your beauty; *

he is your master; therefore do him honor.

The people of Tyre are here with a gift; *

the rich among the people seek your favor.”

All glorious is the princess as she enters; *

her gown is cloth-of-gold.

In embroidered apparel she is brought to the king; *

after her the bridesmaids follow in procession.

With joy and gladness they are brought, *

and enter into the palace of the king.

“In place of fathers, O king, you shall have sons; *

you shall make them princes over all the earth.

I will make your name to be remembered

from one generation to another; *

therefore nations will praise you for ever and 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.

-

The First Lesson:

Zech. 2:1-13

I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then I asked, "Where are you going?" He answered me, "To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length." Then the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him, and said to him, "Run, say to that young man: Jerusalem shall be inhabited like villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and animals in it. For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the Lord, and I will be the glory within it." Up, up! Flee from the land of the north, says the Lord; for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven, says the Lord. Up! Escape to Zion, you that live with daughter Babylon. For thus said the Lord of hosts (after his glory sent me) regarding the nations that plundered you: Truly, one who touches you touches the apple of my eye. See now, I am going to raise my hand against them, and they shall become plunder for their own slaves. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem. Be silent, all people, before the Lord; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 24:32-44

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 3

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 47

Clap your hands, all you peoples; *

shout to God with a cry of joy.

For the Lord Most High is to be feared; *

he is the great King over all the earth.

He subdues the peoples under us, *

and the nations under our feet.

He chooses our inheritance for us, *

the pride of Jacob whom he loves.

God has gone up with a shout, *

the Lord with the sound of the ram’s-horn.

Sing praises to God, sing praises; *

sing praises to our King, sing praises.

For God is King of all the earth; *

sing praises with all your skill.

God reigns over the nations; *

God sits upon his holy throne.

The nobles of the peoples have gathered together *

with the people of the God of Abraham.

The rulers of the earth belong to God, *

and he is highly exalted.

-

Psalm 48

Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; *

in the city of our God is his holy hill.

Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the hill of Zion, *

the very center of the world and the city of the great King.

God is in her citadels; *

he is known to be her sure refuge.

Behold, the kings of the earth assembled *

and marched forward together.

They looked and were astounded; *

they retreated and fled in terror.

Trembling seized them there; *

they writhed like a woman in childbirth,

like ships of the sea when the east wind shatters them.

As we have heard, so have we seen,

in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; *

God has established her for ever.

We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O God, *

in the midst of your temple.

Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the world’s end; *

your right hand is full of justice.

Let Mount Zion be glad

and the cities of Judah rejoice, *

because of your judgments.

Make the circuit of Zion;

walk round about her; *

count the number of her towers.

Consider well her bulwarks;

examine her strongholds; *

that you may tell those who come after.

This God is our God for ever and ever; *

he shall be our guide for evermore.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 3:14-22

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation: "I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches."

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 41

Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *

the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble.

The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive,

so that they may be happy in the land; *

he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed *

and ministers to them in their illness.

I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; *

heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *

“When will he die, and his name perish?”

Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *

their heart collects false rumors;

they go outside and spread them.

All my enemies whisper together about me *

and devise evil against me.

“A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him; *

he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”

Even my best friend, whom I trusted,

who broke bread with me, *

has lifted up his heel and turned against me.

But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, *

and I shall repay them.

By this I know you are pleased with me, *

that my enemy does not triumph over me.

In my integrity you hold me fast, *

and shall set me before your face for ever.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *

from age to age. Amen. Amen.

-

Psalm 52

You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness *

against the godly all day long?

You plot ruin;

your tongue is like a sharpened razor, *

O worker of deception.

You love evil more than good *

and lying more than speaking the truth.

You love all words that hurt, *

O you deceitful tongue.

Oh, that God would demolish you utterly, *

topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling,

and root you out of the land of the living!

The righteous shall see and tremble, *

and they shall laugh at him, saying,

“This is the one who did not take God for a refuge, *

but trusted in great wealth

and relied upon wickedness.”

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; *

I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

I will give you thanks for what you have done *

and declare the goodness of your Name in the presence of the godly.

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:

Zech. 1:7-17

On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah son of Iddo; and Zechariah said, In the night I saw a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen; and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. Then I said, "What are these, my lord?" The angel who talked with me said to me, "I will show you what they are." So the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered, "They are those whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth." Then they spoke to the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, "We have patrolled the earth, and lo, the whole earth remains at peace." Then the angel of the Lord said, "O Lord of hosts, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which you have been angry these seventy years?" Then the Lord replied with gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. So the angel who talked with me said to me, Proclaim this message: Thus says the Lord of hosts; I am very jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion. And I am extremely angry with the nations that are at ease; for while I was only a little angry, they made the disaster worse. Therefore, thus says the Lord, I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion; my house shall be built in it, says the Lord of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. Proclaim further: Thus says the Lord of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 24:15-31

“So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; the one on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'There he is!'-- do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Look! He is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look! He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. "Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see 'the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven' with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 3

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 44

We have heard with our ears, O God,

our forefathers have told us, *

the deeds you did in their days,

in the days of old.

How with your hand you drove the peoples out

and planted our forefathers in the land; *

how you destroyed nations and made your people flourish.

For they did not take the land by their sword,

nor did their arm win the victory for them; *

but your right hand, your arm, and the light of your countenance,

because you favored them.

You are my King and my God; *

you command victories for Jacob.

Through you we pushed back our adversaries; *

through your Name we trampled on those who rose up against us.

For I do not rely on my bow, *

and my sword does not give me the victory.

Surely, you gave us victory over our adversaries *

and put those who hate us to shame.

Every day we gloried in God, *

and we will praise your Name for ever.

Nevertheless, you have rejected and humbled us *

and do not go forth with our armies.

You have made us fall back before our adversary, *

and our enemies have plundered us.

You have made us like sheep to be eaten *

and have scattered us among the nations.

You are selling your people for a trifle *

and are making no profit on the sale of them.

You have made us the scorn of our neighbors, *

a mockery and derision to those around us.

You have made us a byword among the nations, *

a laughing-stock among the peoples.

My humiliation is daily before me, *

and shame has covered my face;

Because of the taunts of the mockers and blasphemers, *

because of the enemy and avenger.

All this has come upon us; *

yet we have not forgotten you,

nor have we betrayed your covenant.

Our heart never turned back, *

nor did our footsteps stray from your path;

Though you thrust us down into a place of misery, *

and covered us over with deep darkness.

If we have forgotten the Name of our God, *

or stretched out our hands to some strange god,

Will not God find it out? *

for he knows the secrets of the heart.

Indeed, for your sake we are killed all the day long; *

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Awake, O Lord! why are you sleeping? *

Arise! do not reject us for ever.

Why have you hidden your face *

and forgotten our affliction and oppression?

We sink down into the dust; *

our body cleaves to the ground.

Rise up, and help us, *

and save us, for the sake of your steadfast love.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 3:7-13

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens: "I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but are lying-- I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 63

O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; *

my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,

as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.

Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *

that I might behold your power and your glory.

For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *

my lips shall give you praise.

So will I bless you as long as I live *

and lift up my hands in your Name.

My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *

and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,

When I remember you upon my bed, *

and meditate on you in the night watches.

For you have been my helper, *

and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.

My soul clings to you; *

your right hand holds me fast.

[May those who seek my life to destroy it *

go down into the depths of the earth;

Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, *

and let them be food for jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God;

all those who swear by him will be glad; *

for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.]

-

Psalm 98

Sing to the Lord a new song, *

for he has done marvelous things.

With his right hand and his holy arm *

has he won for himself the victory.

The Lord has made known his victory; *

his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *

and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

Sing to the Lord with the harp, *

with the harp and the voice of song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn *

shout with joy before the King, the Lord.

Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *

the lands and those who dwell therein.

Let the rivers clap their hands, *

and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,

when he comes to judge the earth.

In righteousness shall he judge the world *

and the peoples with equity.

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:

Amos 9:11-15

On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; in order that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name, says the Lord who does this. The time is surely coming, says the Lord, when the one who plows shall overtake the one who reaps, and the treader of grapes the one who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land that I have given them, says the Lord your God.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

John 5:30-47

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. "You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 3

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul, *

and all that is within me, bless his holy Name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, *

and forget not all his benefits.

He forgives all your sins *

and heals all your infirmities;

He redeems your life from the grave *

and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;

He satisfies you with good things, *

and your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.

The Lord executes righteousness *

and judgment for all who are oppressed.

He made his ways known to Moses *

and his works to the children of Israel.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *

slow to anger and of great kindness.

He will not always accuse us, *

nor will he keep his anger for ever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *

nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, *

so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, *

so far has he removed our sins from us.

As a father cares for his children, *

so does the Lord care for those who fear him.

For he himself knows whereof we are made; *

he remembers that we are but dust.

Our days are like the grass; *

we flourish like a flower of the field;

When the wind goes over it, it is gone, *

and its place shall know it no more.

But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever on those who fear him, *

and his righteousness on children’s children;

On those who keep his covenant *

and remember his commandments and do them.

The Lord has set his throne in heaven, *

and his kingship has dominion over all.

Bless the Lord, you angels of his,

you mighty ones who do his bidding, *

and hearken to the voice of his word.

Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, *

you ministers of his who do his will.

Bless the Lord, all you works of his,

in all places of his dominion; *

bless the Lord, O my soul.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

2 Thess. 2:1-3,13-17

As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 30

I will exalt you, O Lord,

because you have lifted me up *

and have not let my enemies triumph over me.

O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *

and you restored me to health.

You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *

you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.

Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *

give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.

For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *

his favor for a lifetime.

Weeping may spend the night, *

but joy comes in the morning.

While I felt secure, I said,

“I shall never be disturbed. *

You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.”

Then you hid your face, *

and I was filled with fear.

I cried to you, O Lord; *

I pleaded with the Lord, saying,

“What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *

will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *

O Lord, be my helper.”

You have turned my wailing into dancing; *

you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.

Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *

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

-

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.

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:

Haggai 2:1-19

In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, and say, Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts. The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests for a ruling: If one carries consecrated meat in the fold of one's garment, and with the fold touches bread, or stew, or wine, or oil, or any kind of food, does it become holy? The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?" The priests answered, "Yes, it becomes unclean." Haggai then said, So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, says the Lord; and so with every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean. But now, consider what will come to pass from this day on. Before a stone was placed upon a stone in the Lord's temple, how did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten; when one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty. I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and mildew and hail; yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. Consider from this day on, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. Since the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider: Is there any seed left in the barn? Do the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree still yield nothing? From this day on I will bless you.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 24:1-14

As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, "You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Messiah!' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs. "Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 2

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 42

As the deer longs for the water-brooks, *

so longs my soul for you, O God.

My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God; *

when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

My tears have been my food day and night, *

while all day long they say to me,

“Where now is your God?”

I pour out my soul when I think on these things; *

how I went with the multitude and led them into the house of God,

With the voice of praise and thanksgiving, *

among those who keep holy-day.

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *

and why are you so disquieted within me?

Put your trust in God; *

for I will yet give thanks to him,

who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

My soul is heavy within me; *

therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan,

and from the peak of Mizar among the heights of Hermon.

One deep calls to another in the noise of your cataracts; *

all your rapids and floods have gone over me.

The Lord grants his loving-kindness in the daytime; *

in the night season his song is with me,

a prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to the God of my strength,

“Why have you forgotten me? *

and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?”

While my bones are being broken, *

my enemies mock me to my face;

All day long they mock me *

and say to me, “Where now is your God?”

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *

and why are you so disquieted within me?

Put your trust in God; *

for I will yet give thanks to him,

who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

-

Psalm 43

Give judgment for me, O God,

and defend my cause against an ungodly people; *

deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked.

For you are the God of my strength;

why have you put me from you? *

and why do I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?

Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, *

and bring me to your holy hill

and to your dwelling;

That I may go to the altar of God,

to the God of my joy and gladness; *

and on the harp I will give thanks to you, O God my God.

Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? *

and why are you so disquieted within me?

Put your trust in God; *

for I will yet give thanks to him,

who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 3:1-6

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember then what you received and heard; obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. Yet you have still a few persons in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes; they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes, and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your name before my Father and before his angels. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The 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.

-

The First Lesson:

Haggai 1:1-15

In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest: Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house. Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You have looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because my house lies in ruins, while all of you hurry off to your own houses. Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the soil produces, on human beings and animals, and on all their labors. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of the prophet Haggai, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the Lord. Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, saying, I am with you, says the Lord. And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month.

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Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

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The Second Lesson:

Matt. 23:27-39

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

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Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

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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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Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

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The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Advent Week 2

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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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May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

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Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

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Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

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The Psalmody

Psalm 35

Fight those who fight me, O Lord; *

attack those who are attacking me.

Take up shield and armor *

and rise up to help me.

Draw the sword and bar the way against those who pursue me; *

say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

Let those who seek after my life be shamed and humbled; *

let those who plot my ruin fall back and be dismayed.

Let them be like chaff before the wind, *

and let the angel of the Lord drive them away.

Let their way be dark and slippery, *

and let the angel of the Lord pursue them.

For they have secretly spread a net for me without a cause; *

without a cause they have dug a pit to take me alive.

Let ruin come upon them unawares; *

let them be caught in the net they hid;

let them fall into the pit they dug.

Then I will be joyful in the Lord; *

I will glory in his victory.

My very bones will say, “Lord, who is like you? *

You deliver the poor from those who are too strong for them,

the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

Malicious witnesses rise up against me; *

they charge me with matters I know nothing about.

They pay me evil in exchange for good; *

my soul is full of despair.

But when they were sick I dressed in sack-cloth *

and humbled myself by fasting.

I prayed with my whole heart,

as one would for a friend or a brother; *

I behaved like one who mourns for his mother,

bowed down and grieving.

But when I stumbled, they were glad and gathered together;

they gathered against me; *

strangers whom I did not know tore me to pieces and would not stop.

They put me to the test and mocked me; *

they gnashed at me with their teeth.

O Lord, how long will you look on? *

rescue me from the roaring beasts,

and my life from the young lions.

I will give you thanks in the great congregation; *

I will praise you in the mighty throng.

Do not let my treacherous foes rejoice over me, *

nor let those who hate me without a cause wink at each other.

For they do not plan for peace, *

but invent deceitful schemes against the quiet in the land.

They opened their mouths at me and said, *

“Aha! we saw it with our own eyes.”

You saw it, O Lord; do not be silent; *

O Lord, be not far from me.

Awake, arise, to my cause! *

to my defense, my God and my Lord!

Give me justice, O Lord my God,

according to your righteousness; *

do not let them triumph over me.

Do not let them say in their hearts,

“Aha! just what we want!” *

Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up.”

Let all who rejoice at my ruin be ashamed and disgraced; *

let those who boast against me be clothed with dismay and shame.

Let those who favor my cause sing out with joy and be glad; *

let them say always, “Great is the Lord,

who desires the prosperity of his servant.”

And my tongue shall be talking of your righteousness *

and of your praise all the day long.

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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Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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The Lesson

Revelation 2:18-29

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze: "I know your works-- your love, faith, service, and patient endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first. But I have this against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet and is teaching and beguiling my servants to practice fornication and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her fornication. Beware, I am throwing her on a bed, and those who commit adultery with her I am throwing into great distress, unless they repent of her doings; and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call 'the deep things of Satan,' to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden; only hold fast to what you have until I come. To everyone who conquers and continues to do my works to the end, I will give authority over the nations; to rule them with an iron rod, as when clay pots are shattered-- even as I also received authority from my Father. To the one who conquers I will also give the morning star. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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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A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

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The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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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May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

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Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

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Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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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The Psalmody

Psalm 37: Part I

Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *

do not be jealous of those who do wrong.

For they shall soon wither like the grass, *

and like the green grass fade away.

Put your trust in the Lord and do good; *

dwell in the land and feed on its riches.

Take delight in the Lord, *

and he shall give you your heart’s desire.

Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, *

and he will bring it to pass.

He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *

and your just dealing as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord *

and wait patiently for him.

Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, *

the one who succeeds in evil schemes.

Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; *

do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.

For evildoers shall be cut off, *

but those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.

In a little while the wicked shall be no more; *

you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.

But the lowly shall possess the land; *

they will delight in abundance of peace.

The wicked plot against the righteous *

and gnash at them with their teeth.

The Lord laughs at the wicked, *

because he sees that their day will come.

The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow

to strike down the poor and needy, *

to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.

Their sword shall go through their own heart, *

and their bow shall be broken.

The little that the righteous has *

is better than great riches of the wicked.

For the power of the wicked shall be broken, *

but the Lord upholds the righteous.

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 First Lesson:

Amos 9:1-10

I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said: Strike the capitals until the thresholds shake, and shatter them on the heads of all the people; and those who are left I will kill with the sword; not one of them shall flee away, not one of them shall escape. Though they dig into Sheol, from there shall my hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, from there I will search out and take them; and though they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the sea-serpent, and it shall bite them. And though they go into captivity in front of their enemies, there I will command the sword, and it shall kill them; and I will fix my eyes on them for harm and not for good. The Lord, God of hosts, he who touches the earth and it melts, and all who live in it mourn, and all of it rises like the Nile, and sinks again, like the Nile of Egypt; who builds his upper chambers in the heavens, and founds his vault upon the earth; who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the surface of the earth-- the Lord is his name. Are you not like the Ethiopians to me, O people of Israel? says the Lord. Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir? The eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth-- except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, says the Lord. For lo, I will command, and shake the house of Israel among all the nations as one shakes with a sieve, but no pebble shall fall to the ground. All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, "Evil shall not overtake or meet us."

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Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

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The Second Lesson:

Matt. 23:13-26

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.' You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? And you say, 'Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.' How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.

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Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 2

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 37: Part II

The Lord cares for the lives of the godly, *

and their inheritance shall last for ever.

They shall not be ashamed in bad times, *

and in days of famine they shall have enough.

As for the wicked, they shall perish, *

and the enemies of the Lord, like the glory of the meadows, shall vanish;

they shall vanish like smoke.

The wicked borrow and do not repay, *

but the righteous are generous in giving.

Those who are blessed by God shall possess the land, *

but those who are cursed by him shall be destroyed.

Our steps are directed by the Lord; *

he strengthens those in whose way he delights.

If they stumble, they shall not fall headlong, *

for the Lord holds them by the hand.

I have been young and now I am old, *

but never have I seen the righteous forsaken,

or their children begging bread.

The righteous are always generous in their lending, *

and their children shall be a blessing.

Turn from evil, and do good, *

and dwell in the land for ever.

For the Lord loves justice; *

he does not forsake his faithful ones.

They shall be kept safe for ever, *

but the offspring of the wicked shall be destroyed.

The righteous shall possess the land *

and dwell in it for ever.

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, *

and their tongue speaks what is right.

The law of their God is in their heart, *

and their footsteps shall not falter.

The wicked spy on the righteous *

and seek occasion to kill them.

The Lord will not abandon them to their hand, *

nor let them be found guilty when brought to trial.

Wait upon the Lord and keep his way; *

he will raise you up to possess the land,

and when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

I have seen the wicked in their arrogance, *

flourishing like a tree in full leaf.

I went by, and behold, they were not there; *

I searched for them, but they could not be found.

Mark those who are honest;

observe the upright; *

for there is a future for the peaceable.

Transgressors shall be destroyed, one and all; *

the future of the wicked is cut off.

But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the Lord; *

he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The Lord will help them and rescue them; *

he will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,

because they seek refuge in him.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 2:8-17

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: "I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death. "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword: "I know where you are living, where Satan's throne is. Yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel, so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent then. If not, I will come to you soon and make war against them with the sword of my mouth. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The 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 who 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.

-

The First Lesson:

Amos 8:1-14

This is what the Lord God showed me-- a basket of summer fruit. He said, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A basket of summer fruit." Then the Lord said to me, "The end has come upon my people Israel; I will never again pass them by. The songs of the temple shall become wailings in that day," says the Lord God; "the dead bodies shall be many, cast out in every place. Be silent!" Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, "When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practice deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat." The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. Shall not the land tremble on this account, and everyone mourn who lives in it, and all of it rise like the Nile, and be tossed about and sink again, like the Nile of Egypt? On that day, says the Lord God, I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight. I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on all loins, and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son, and the end of it like a bitter day. The time is surely coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it. In that day the beautiful young women and the young men shall faint for thirst. Those who swear by Ashimah of Samaria, and say, "As your god lives, O Dan," and, "As the way of Beer-sheba lives"-- they shall fall, and never rise again.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 2

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 119: Daleth

My soul cleaves to the dust; *

give me life according to your word.

I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; *

instruct me in your statutes.

Make me understand the way of your commandments, *

that I may meditate on your marvelous works.

My soul melts away for sorrow; *

strengthen me according to your word.

Take from me the way of lying; *

let me find grace through your law.

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; *

I have set your judgments before me.

I hold fast to your decrees; *

O Lord, let me not be put to shame.

I will run the way of your commandments, *

for you have set my heart at liberty.

-

Psalm 119: He

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, *

and I shall keep it to the end.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; *

I shall keep it with all my heart.

Make me go in the path of your commandments, *

for that is my desire.

Incline my heart to your decrees *

and not to unjust gain.

Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; *

give me life in your ways.

Fulfill your promise to your servant, *

which you make to those who fear you.

Turn away the reproach which I dread, *

because your judgments are good.

Behold, I long for your commandments; *

in your righteousness preserve my life.

-

Psalm 119: Waw

Let your loving-kindness come to me, O Lord, *

and your salvation, according to your promise.

Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, *

because I trust in your words.

Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, *

for my hope is in your judgments.

I shall continue to keep your law; *

I shall keep it for ever and ever.

I will walk at liberty, *

because I study your commandments.

I will tell of your decrees before kings *

and will not be ashamed.

I delight in your commandments, *

which I have always loved.

I will lift up my hands to your commandments, *

and I will meditate on your statutes.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 1:17-2:7

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this. As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands: "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The 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 28

O Lord, I call to you;

my Rock, do not be deaf to my cry; *

lest, if you do not hear me,

I become like those who go down to the Pit.

Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you, *

when I lift up my hands to your holy of holies.

Do not snatch me away with the wicked or with the evildoers, *

who speak peaceably with their neighbors,

while strife is in their hearts.

Repay them according to their deeds, *

and according to the wickedness of their actions.

According to the work of their hands repay them, *

and give them their just deserts.

They have no understanding of the Lord’s doings,

nor of the works of his hands; *

therefore he will break them down and not build them up.

Blessed is the Lord! *

for he has heard the voice of my prayer.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; *

my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped;

Therefore my heart dances for joy, *

and in my song will I praise him.

The Lord is the strength of his people, *

a safe refuge for his anointed.

Save your people and bless your inheritance; *

shepherd them and carry them 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.

-

The First Lesson:

Amos 7:10-17

Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, 'Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.'" And Amaziah said to Amos, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom." Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' "Now therefore hear the word of the Lord. You say, 'Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac.' Therefore thus says the Lord: 'Your wife shall become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be parceled out by line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.'"

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 22:34-46

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: "What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David." He said to them, "How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet" '? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?" No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 2

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 36

There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart of the wicked; *

there is no fear of God before his eyes.

He flatters himself in his own eyes *

that his hateful sin will not be found out.

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; *

he has left off acting wisely and doing good.

He thinks up wickedness upon his bed

and has set himself in no good way; *

he does not abhor that which is evil.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *

and your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,

your justice like the great deep; *

you save both man and beast, O Lord.

How priceless is your love, O God! *

your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

They feast upon the abundance of your house; *

you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the well of life, *

and in your light we see light.

Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *

and your favor to those who are true of heart.

Let not the foot of the proud come near me, *

nor the hand of the wicked push me aside.

See how they are fallen, those who work wickedness! *

they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.

-

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.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 1:9-16

I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

Lord, open our lips.

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

-

Acclimation of Christ (after Lancelot Andrewes)

Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: The Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24)

The earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. 

"Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *

and who can stand in his holy place?" 

"Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

They shall receive a blessing from the LORD *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is this King of glory?" *

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle."

Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

"Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

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

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.

-

The 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.

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:

Amos 7:1-9

This is what the Lord God showed me: he was forming locusts at the time the latter growth began to sprout (it was the latter growth after the king's mowings). When they had finished eating the grass of the land, I said, "O Lord God, forgive, I beg you! How can Jacob stand? He is so small!" The Lord relented concerning this; "It shall not be," said the Lord. This is what the Lord God showed me: the Lord God was calling for a shower of fire, and it devoured the great deep and was eating up the land. Then I said, "O Lord God, cease, I beg you! How can Jacob stand? He is so small!" The Lord relented concerning this; "This also shall not be," said the Lord God. This is what he showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said, "See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Wilderness (From Isaiah 35)

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice,*

the desert shall blossom and burst into song.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,*

the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weary hands,*

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to the anxious, ‘Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement,*

coming with judgement to save you.’

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,*

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

Then shall the lame leap like a hart,*

and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,*

and streams in the desert;

The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing,*

with everlasting joy upon their heads.

Joy and gladness shall be theirs,*

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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.

Lift up your voice with strength,*

O herald of good tidings.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 22:23-33

The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother. The second did the same, so also the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman herself died. In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her." Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is God not of the dead, but of the living." And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.

-

Gospel Canticle: The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 68-79)

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

and to remember his holy covenant.

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

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

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

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

To give his people knowledge of salvation *

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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.

Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,*

and see the glory that is coming from God.

-

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.

-

Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer. 

• That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy.

• That God may establish among the nations his scepter of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

• That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord:
  Lord, have mercy. 

We commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father:

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

-

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

Advent Week 2

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Preparation:

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Reveal among us the light of your presence,

That we may behold your power and glory.

-

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, 

creator of light and darkness, 

to you be glory and praise for ever. 

As evening falls, you renew your promise 

to reveal among us the light of your presence. 

May your word be a lantern to our feet 

and a light upon our path 

that we may behold your coming among us. 

Strengthen us in our stumbling weakness 

and free our tongues to sing your praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

-

Opening Canticle: A Song of Mercy (from Psalm 85)

O God, will you not give us life again,*

that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord,*

and grant us your salvation.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,*

that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;*

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,*

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Righteousness shall go before you,*

and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

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

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, let us pray with one heart and mind.

(Silence may be kept)

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon us to cleanse our hearts and set us free to sing your praise now and for ever. 

Amen.

-

The Psalmody

Psalm 9

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

I will tell of all your marvelous works.

I will be glad and rejoice in you; *

I will sing to your Name, O Most High.

When my enemies are driven back, *

they will stumble and perish at your presence.

For you have maintained my right and my cause; *

you sit upon your throne judging right.

You have rebuked the ungodly and destroyed the wicked; *

you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

As for the enemy, they are finished, in perpetual ruin, *

their cities plowed under, the memory of them perished;

But the Lord is enthroned for ever; *

he has set up this throne for judgment.

It is he who rules the world with righteousness; *

he judges the peoples with equity.

The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, *

a refuge in time of trouble.

Those who know your Name will put their trust in you, *

for you never forsake those who seek you, O Lord.

Sing praise to the Lord who dwells in Zion; *

proclaim to the peoples the things he has done.

The Avenger of blood will remember them; *

he will not forget the cry of the afflicted.

Have pity on me, O Lord; *

see the misery I suffer from those who hate me,

O you who lift me up from the gate of death;

So that I may tell of all your praises

and rejoice in your salvation *

in the gates of the city of Zion.

The ungodly have fallen into the pit they dug, *

and in the snare they set is their own foot caught.

The Lord is known by his acts of justice; *

the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands.

The wicked shall be given over to the grave, *

and also all the people that forget God.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, *

and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever.

Rise up, O Lord, let not the ungodly have the upper hand; *

let them be judged before you.

Put fear upon them, O Lord; *

let the ungodly know they are but mortal.

-

Psalm 15

Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *

who may abide upon your holy hill?

Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *

who speaks the truth from his heart.

There is no guile upon his tongue;

he does no evil to his friend; *

he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.

In his sight the wicked is rejected, *

but he honors those who fear the Lord.

He has sworn to do no wrong *

and does not take back his word.

He does not give his money in hope of gain, *

nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things *

shall never be overthrown.

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.

-

Canticle 2: A Song of the Spirit (Revelation 22:12-17)

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord, 

“and bringing my reward with me, * 

to give to everyone according to their deeds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * 

the beginning and the end.” 

Blessed are those who do God’s commandments, 

that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 

and may enter the city through the gates. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * 

with this testimony for all the churches. 

“I am the root and the offspring of David, * 

I am the bright morning star.” 

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; * 

“Come!” let each hearer reply! 

Come forward, you who are thirsty, * 

let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

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.

Surely I am coming soon!*

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

-

The Lesson

Revelation 1:1-8

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

-

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

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

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.

Advent Sunday - Dec 16th Refrain

Lord Jesus, you are the one who is to come,*

the one whom we await with longing hearts.

-

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.

-

A Litany for the Evening

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace and goodwill:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:

We pray to you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit, in communion with (N. and with) all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:

We pray to you, O Lord.

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

Silence may be kept.

-

The Collect:

O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As we look for the coming of the Kingdom, let us pray with confidence as our Savior has taught us

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.

-

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.