Morning Prayer

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.

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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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 148

Hallelujah!

Praise the Lord from the heavens; *

praise him in the heights.

Praise him, all you angels of his; *

praise him, all his host.

Praise him, sun and moon; *

praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, heaven of heavens, *

and you waters above the heavens.

Let them praise the Name of the Lord; *

for he commanded, and they were created.

He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *

he gave them a law which shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, *

you sea-monsters and all deeps;

Fire and hail, snow and fog, *

tempestuous wind, doing his will;

Mountains and all hills, *

fruit trees and all cedars;

Wild beasts and all cattle, *

creeping things and wingèd birds;

Kings of the earth and all peoples, *

princes and all rulers of the world;

Young men and maidens, *

old and young together.

Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *

for his Name only is exalted,

his splendor is over earth and heaven.

He has raised up strength for his people

and praise for all his loyal servants, *

the children of Israel, a people who are near him.

Hallelujah!

-

Psalm 149

Hallelujah!

Sing to the Lord a new song; *

sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *

let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Let them praise his Name in the dance; *

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *

and adorns the poor with victory.

Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *

let them be joyful on their beds.

Let the praises of God be in their throat *

and a two-edged sword in their hand;

To wreak vengeance on the nations *

and punishment on the peoples;

To bind their kings in chains *

and their nobles with links of iron;

To inflict on them the judgment decreed; *

this is glory for all his faithful people.

Hallelujah!

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Psalm 150

Hallelujah!

Praise God in his holy temple; *

praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts; *

praise him for his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the blast of the ram’s-horn; *

Praise him with lyre and harp.

Praise him with timbrel and dance; *

praise him with strings and pipe.

Praise him with resounding cymbals; *

praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.

Let everything that has breath *

praise the Lord.

Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

-

The First Lesson:

Amos 6:1-14

Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts! Cross over to Calneh, and see; from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Or is your territory greater than their territory, O you that put far away the evil day, and bring near a reign of violence? Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David improvise on instruments of music; who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away. The Lord God has sworn by himself (says the Lord, the God of hosts): I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds; and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it. If ten people remain in one house, they shall die. And if a relative, one who burns the dead, shall take up the body to bring it out of the house, and shall say to someone in the innermost parts of the house, "Is anyone else with you?" the answer will come, "No." Then the relative shall say, "Hush! We must not mention the name of the Lord." See, the Lord commands, and the great house shall be shattered to bits, and the little house to pieces. Do horses run on rocks? Does one plow the sea with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood-- you who rejoice in Lo-debar, who say, "Have we not by our own strength taken Karnaim for ourselves?" Indeed, I am raising up against you a nation, O house of Israel, says the Lord, the God of hosts, and they shall oppress you from Lebo-hamath to the Wadi Arabah.

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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.

-

The Second Lesson:

Luke 1:57-68

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

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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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Prayers

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.

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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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 114

Hallelujah!

When Israel came out of Egypt, *

the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,

Judah became God’s sanctuary *

and Israel his dominion.

The sea beheld it and fled; *

Jordan turned and went back.

The mountains skipped like rams, *

and the little hills like young sheep.

What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? *

O Jordan, that you turned back?

You mountains, that you skipped like rams? *

you little hills like young sheep?

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, *

at the presence of the God of Jacob,

Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water *

and flint-stone into a flowing spring.

-

Psalm 115

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,

but to your Name give glory; *

because of your love and because of your faithfulness.

Why should the heathen say, *

“Where then is their God?”

Our God is in heaven; *

whatever he wills to do he does.

Their idols are silver and gold, *

the work of human hands.

They have mouths, but they cannot speak; *

eyes have they, but they cannot see;

They have ears but they cannot hear; *

noses, but they cannot smell;

They have hands, but they cannot feel;

feet, but they cannot walk; *

they make no sound with their throat.

Those who make them are like them, *

and so are all who put their trust in them.

O Israel, trust in the Lord; *

he is their help and their shield.

O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; *

he is their help and their shield.

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; *

he is their help and their shield.

The Lord has been mindful of us, and he will bless us; *

he will bless the house of Israel;

he will bless the house of Aaron;

He will bless those who fear the Lord, *

both small and great together.

May the Lord increase you more and more, *

you and your children after you.

May you be blessed by the Lord, *

the maker of heaven and earth.

The heaven of heavens is the Lord’s, *

but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.

The dead do not praise the Lord, *

nor all those who go down into silence;

But we will bless the Lord, *

from this time forth for evermore.

Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

-

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 Thessalonians 1:5-12

This is evidence of the righteous judgement of God, and is intended to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering. For it is indeed just of God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be marvelled at on that day among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfil by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 20

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *

the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;

Send you help from his holy place *

and strengthen you out of Zion;

Remember all your offerings *

and accept your burnt sacrifice;

Grant you your heart’s desire *

and prosper all your plans.

We will shout for joy at your victory

and triumph in the Name of our God; *

may the Lord grant all your requests.

Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *

he will answer him out of his holy heaven,

with the victorious strength of his right hand.

Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *

but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God.

They collapse and fall down, *

but we will arise and stand upright.

O Lord, give victory to the king *

and answer us when we call.

-

Psalm 21

The king rejoices in your strength, O Lord; *

how greatly he exults in your victory!

You have given him his heart’s desire; *

you have not denied him the request of his lips.

For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *

and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *

length of days, for ever and ever.

His honor is great, because of your victory; *

splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.

For you will give him everlasting felicity *

and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.

For the king puts his trust in the Lord; *

because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.

[Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies; *

your right hand will seize all those who hate you.

You will make them like a fiery furnace *

at the time of your appearing, O Lord;

You will swallow them up in your wrath, *

and fire shall consume them.

You will destroy their offspring from the land *

and their descendants from among the peoples of the earth.

Though they intend evil against you

and devise wicked schemes, *

yet they shall not prevail.

For you will put them to flight *

and aim your arrows at them.

Be exalted, O Lord, in your might; *

we will sing and praise your power.]

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 5:18-27

Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? You shall take up Sakkuth your king, and Kaiwan your star-god, your images, which you made for yourselves; therefore I will take you into exile beyond Damascus, says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts.

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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.

-

The Second Lesson:

Matt. 22:15-22

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 110

The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, *

until I make your enemies your footstool.”

The Lord will send the scepter of your power out of Zion, *

saying, “Rule over your enemies round about you.

Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth; *

in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you,

like dew from the womb of the morning.”

The Lord has sworn and he will not recant: *

“You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

The Lord who is at your right hand

will smite kings in the day of his wrath; *

he will rule over the nations.

[He will heap high the corpses; *

he will smash heads over the wide earth.

He will drink from the brook beside the road; *

therefore he will lift high his head.]

-

Psalm 116

I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *

because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

The cords of death entangled me;

the grip of the grave took hold of me; *

I came to grief and sorrow.

Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *

“O Lord, I pray you, save my life.”

Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *

our God is full of compassion.

The Lord watches over the innocent; *

I was brought very low, and he helped me.

Turn again to your rest, O my soul. *

for the Lord has treated you well.

For you have rescued my life from death, *

my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord *

in the land of the living.

I believed, even when I said,

“I have been brought very low.” *

In my distress I said, “No one can be trusted.”

How shall I repay the Lord *

for all the good things he has done for me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation *

and call upon the Name of the Lord.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *

in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord *

is the death of his servants.

O Lord, I am your servant; *

I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;

you have freed me from my bonds.

I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *

and call upon the Name of the Lord.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *

in the presence of all his people,

In the courts of the Lord’s house, *

in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

Hallelujah!

-

Psalm 117

Praise the Lord, all you nations; *

laud him, all you peoples.

For his loving-kindness toward us is great, *

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever.

Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

-

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

Jude 17-25

But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies. Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 16

Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *

I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord,

my good above all other.”

All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *

upon those who are noble among the people.

But those who run after other gods *

shall have their troubles multiplied.

Their libations of blood I will not offer, *

nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.

O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *

it is you who uphold my lot.

My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *

indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *

my heart teaches me, night after night.

I have set the Lord always before me; *

because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.

My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *

my body also shall rest in hope.

For you will not abandon me to the grave, *

nor let your holy one see the Pit.

You will show me the path of life; *

in your presence there is fullness of joy,

and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

-

Psalm 17

Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;

give heed to my cry; *

listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.

Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *

let your eyes be fixed on justice.

Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *

melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.

I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *

I have heeded the words of your lips.

My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *

in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *

incline your ear to me and hear my words.

Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *

O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand

from those who rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; *

hide me under the shadow of your wings,

From the wicked who assault me, *

from my deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed their heart to pity, *

and their mouth speaks proud things.

They press me hard,

now they surround me, *

watching how they may cast me to the ground,

Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *

and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O Lord; confront them and bring them down; *

deliver me from the wicked by your sword.

Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *

from those whose portion in life is this world;

Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *

who are well supplied with children

and leave their wealth to their little ones.

But at my vindication I shall see your face; *

when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

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 5:1-17

Hear this word that I take up over you in lamentation, O house of Israel: Fallen, no more to rise, is maiden Israel; forsaken on her land, with no one to raise her up. For thus says the Lord God: The city that marched out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which marched out a hundred shall have ten left. For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beer-sheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing. Seek the Lord and live, or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire, and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it. Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood, and bring righteousness to the ground! The one who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the Lord is his name, who makes destruction flash out against the strong, so that destruction comes upon the fortress. They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth. Therefore because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins-- you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate. Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time. Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord: In all the squares there shall be wailing; and in all the streets they shall say, "Alas! alas!" They shall call the farmers to mourning, and those skilled in lamentation, to wailing; in all the vineyards there shall be wailing, for I will pass through the midst of you, says the Lord.

-

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. 22:1-14

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, 'Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.' But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, 'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.' Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *

and are so far from my cry

and from the words of my distress?

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *

by night as well, but I find no rest.

Yet you are the Holy One, *

enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

Our forefathers put their trust in you; *

they trusted, and you delivered them.

They cried out to you and were delivered; *

they trusted in you and were not put to shame.

But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *

scorned by all and despised by the people.

All who see me laugh me to scorn; *

they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,

“He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *

let him rescue him, if he delights in him.”

Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *

and kept me safe upon my mother’s breast.

I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *

you were my God when I was still in my mother’s womb.

Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *

and there is none to help.

Many young bulls encircle me; *

strong bulls of Bashan surround me.

They open wide their jaws at me, *

like a ravening and a roaring lion.

I am poured out like water;

all my bones are out of joint; *

my heart within my breast is melting wax.

My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;

my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *

and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.

Packs of dogs close me in,

and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *

they pierce my hands and my feet;

I can count all my bones.

They stare and gloat over me; *

they divide my garments among them;

they cast lots for my clothing.

Be not far away, O Lord; *

you are my strength; hasten to help me.

Save me from the sword, *

my life from the power of the dog.

Save me from the lion’s mouth, *

my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.

I will declare your Name to my brethren; *

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *

stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;

all you of Jacob’s line, give glory.

For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;

neither does he hide his face from them; *

but when they cry to him he hears them.

My praise is of him in the great assembly; *

I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied,

and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *

“May your heart live for ever!”

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *

and all the families of the nations bow before him.

For kingship belongs to the Lord; *

he rules over the nations.

To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *

all who go down to the dust fall before him.

My soul shall live for him;

my descendants shall serve him; *

they shall be known as the Lord’s for ever.

They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *

the saving deeds that he has done.

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

Jude 1-16

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, who are beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain intruders have stolen in among you, people who long ago were designated for this condemnation as ungodly, who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I desire to remind you, though you are fully informed, that the Lord, who once for all saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their own position, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains in deepest darkness for the judgment of the great Day. Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in the same way these dreamers also defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael contended with the devil and disputed about the body of Moses, he did not dare to bring a condemnation of slander against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But these people slander whatever they do not understand, and they are destroyed by those things that, like irrational animals, they know by instinct. Woe to them! For they go the way of Cain, and abandon themselves to Balaam's error for the sake of gain, and perish in Korah's rebellion. These are blemishes on your love-feasts, while they feast with you without fear, feeding themselves. They are waterless clouds carried along by the winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the deepest darkness has been reserved forever. It was also about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, "See, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to convict everyone of all the deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him." These are grumblers and malcontents; they indulge their own lusts; they are bombastic in speech, flattering people to their own advantage.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 18: Part I

Ilove you, O Lord my strength, *

O Lord my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.

My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, *

my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge;

you are worthy of praise.

I will call upon the Lord, *

and so shall I be saved from my enemies.

The breakers of death rolled over me, *

and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.

The cords of hell entangled me, *

and the snares of death were set for me.

I called upon the Lord in my distress *

and cried out to my God for help.

He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling; *

my cry of anguish came to his ears.

The earth reeled and rocked; *

the roots of the mountains shook;

they reeled because of his anger.

Smoke rose from his nostrils

and a consuming fire out of his mouth; *

hot burning coals blazed forth from him.

He parted the heavens and came down *

with a storm cloud under his feet.

He mounted on cherubim and flew; *

he swooped on the wings of the wind.

He wrapped darkness about him; *

he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion.

From the brightness of his presence, through the clouds, *

burst hailstones and coals of fire.

The Lord thundered out of heaven; *

the Most High uttered his voice.

He loosed his arrows and scattered them; *

he hurled thunderbolts and routed them.

The beds of the seas were uncovered,

and the foundations of the world laid bare, *

at your battle cry, O Lord,

at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

He reached down from on high and grasped me; *

he drew me out of great waters.

He delivered me from my strong enemies

and from those who hated me; *

for they were too mighty for me.

They confronted me in the day of my disaster; *

but the Lord was my support.

He brought me out into an open place; *

he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

-

The First Lesson:

Amos 4:6-13

I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. And I also withheld the rain from you when there were still three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would be rained upon, and the field on which it did not rain withered; so two or three towns wandered to one town to drink water, and were not satisfied; yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. I struck you with blight and mildew; I laid waste your gardens and your vineyards; the locust devoured your fig trees and your olive trees; yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. I sent among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword; I carried away your horses; and I made the stench of your camp go up into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a brand snatched from the fire; yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel! For lo, the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, reveals his thoughts to mortals, makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth-- the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name!

-

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. 21:33-46

“Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.' So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 18: Part II

The Lord rewarded me because of my righteous dealing; *

because my hands were clean he rewarded me;

For I have kept the ways of the Lord *

and have not offended against my God;

For all his judgments are before my eyes, *

and his decrees I have not put away from me;

For I have been blameless with him *

and have kept myself from iniquity;

Therefore the Lord rewarded me according to my righteous dealing, *

because of the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

With the faithful you show yourself faithful, O God; *

with the forthright you show yourself forthright.

With the pure you show yourself pure, *

but with the crooked you are wily.

You will save a lowly people, *

but you will humble the haughty eyes.

You, O Lord, are my lamp; *

my God, you make my darkness bright.

With you I will break down an enclosure; *

with the help of my God I will scale any wall.

As for God, his ways are perfect;

the words of the Lord are tried in the fire; *

he is a shield to all who trust in him.

For who is God, but the Lord? *

who is the Rock, except our God?

It is God who girds me about with strength *

and makes my way secure.

He makes me sure-footed like a deer *

and lets me stand firm on the heights.

He trains my hands for battle *

and my arms for bending even a bow of bronze.

You have given me your shield of victory; *

your right hand also sustains me;

your loving care makes me great.

You lengthen my stride beneath me, *

and my ankles do not give way.

I pursue my enemies and overtake them; *

I will not turn back till I have destroyed them.

I strike them down, and they cannot rise; *

they fall defeated at my feet.

You have girded me with strength for the battle; *

you have cast down my adversaries beneath me;

you have put my enemies to flight.

I destroy those who hate me;

they cry out, but there is none to help them; *

they cry to the Lord, but he does not answer.

I beat them small like dust before the wind; *

I trample them like mud in the streets.

You deliver me from the strife of the peoples; *

you put me at the head of the nations.

A people I have not known shall serve me;

no sooner shall they hear than they shall obey me; *

strangers will cringe before me.

The foreign peoples will lose heart; *

they shall come trembling out of their strongholds.

The Lord lives! Blessed is my Rock! *

Exalted is the God of my salvation!

He is the God who gave me victory *

and cast down the peoples beneath me.

You rescued me from the fury of my enemies;

you exalted me above those who rose against me; *

you saved me from my deadly foe.

Therefore will I extol you among the nations, O Lord, *

and sing praises to your Name.

He multiplies the victories of his king; *

he shows loving-kindness to his anointed,

to David and his descendants 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.

-

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 Pet. 3:11-18

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

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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.

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The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Prayers

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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The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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.

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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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 119: Aleph

Happy are they whose way is blameless, *

who walk in the law of the Lord!

Happy are they who observe his decrees *

and seek him with all their hearts!

Who never do any wrong, *

but always walk in his ways.

You laid down your commandments, *

that we should fully keep them.

Oh, that my ways were made so direct *

that I might keep your statutes!

Then I should not be put to shame, *

when I regard all your commandments.

I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *

when I have learned your righteous judgments.

I will keep your statutes; *

do not utterly forsake me.

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Psalm 119: Beth

How shall a young man cleanse his way? *

By keeping to your words.

With my whole heart I seek you; *

let me not stray from your commandments.

I treasure your promise in my heart, *

that I may not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord; *

instruct me in your statutes.

With my lips will I recite *

all the judgments of your mouth.

I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *

than in all manner of riches.

I will meditate on your commandments *

and give attention to your ways.

My delight is in your statutes; *

I will not forget your word.

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Psalm 119: Gimel

Deal bountifully with your servant, *

that I may live and keep your word.

Open my eyes, that I may see *

the wonders of your law.

I am a stranger here on earth; *

do not hide your commandments from me.

My soul is consumed at all times *

with longing for your judgments.

You have rebuked the insolent; *

cursed are they who stray from your commandments!

Turn from me shame and rebuke, *

for I have kept your decrees.

Even though rulers sit and plot against me, *

I will meditate on your statutes.

For your decrees are my delight, *

and they are my counselors.

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 3:12-4:5

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos.

Thus says the Lord: As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who live in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed. 13Hear, and testify against the house of Jacob, says the Lord God, the God of hosts: 14On the day I punish Israel for its transgressions, I will punish the altars of Bethel, and the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground. 15I will tear down the winter house as well as the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end, says the Lord.

Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on Mount Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to their husbands, “Bring something to drink!” 2The Lord God has sworn by his holiness: The time is surely coming upon you, when they shall take you away with hooks, even the last of you with fishhooks. 3Through breaches in the wall you shall leave, each one straight ahead; and you shall be flung out into Harmon, says the Lord. 4Come to Bethel—and transgress; to Gilgal—and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; 5bring a thank-offering of leavened bread, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel! says the Lord God.

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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. 21:23-32

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

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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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The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Prayers

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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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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The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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.

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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.

-

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 12

Help me, Lord, for there is no godly one left; *

the faithful have vanished from among us.

Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; *

with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.

Oh, that the Lord would cut off all smooth tongues, *

and close the lips that utter proud boasts!

Those who say, “With our tongue will we prevail; *

our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”

“Because the needy are oppressed,

and the poor cry out in misery, *

I will rise up,” says the Lord,

“and give them the help they long for.”

The words of the Lord are pure words, *

like silver refined from ore

and purified seven times in the fire.

O Lord, watch over us *

and save us from this generation for ever.

The wicked prowl on every side, *

and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.

-

Psalm 13

How long, O Lord?

will you forget me for ever? *

how long will you hide your face from me?

How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,

and grief in my heart, day after day? *

how long shall my enemy triumph over me?

Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God; *

give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;

Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” *

and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.

But I put my trust in your mercy; *

my heart is joyful because of your saving help.

I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly; *

I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.

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Psalm 14

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” *

All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;

there is none who does any good.

The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, *

to see if there is any who is wise,

if there is one who seeks after God.

Every one has proved faithless;

all alike have turned bad; *

there is none who does good; no, not one.

Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *

who eat up my people like bread

and do not call upon the Lord?

See how they tremble with fear, *

because God is in the company of the righteous.

Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, *

but the Lord is their refuge.

Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion! *

when the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,

Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

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

2 Pet. 3:1-10

A Reading from the Second Letter of Peter.

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you 2that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles.

First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!” 5They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, 6through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. 7But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

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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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O Lord; *

consider my meditation.

Hearken to my cry for help, my King and my God, *

for I make my prayer to you.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; *

early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you.

For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, *

and evil cannot dwell with you.

Braggarts cannot stand in your sight; *

you hate all those who work wickedness.

You destroy those who speak lies; *

the bloodthirsty and deceitful, O Lord, you abhor.

But as for me, through the greatness of your mercy I will go into your house; *

I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness,

because of those who lie in wait for me; *

make your way straight before me.

For there is no truth in their mouth; *

there is destruction in their heart;

Their throat is an open grave; *

they flatter with their tongue.

Declare them guilty, O God; *

let them fall, because of their schemes.

Because of their many transgressions cast them out, *

for they have rebelled against you.

But all who take refuge in you will be glad; *

they will sing out their joy for ever.

You will shelter them, *

so that those who love your Name may exult in you.

For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; *

you will defend them with your favor as with a shield.

-

Psalm 6

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; *

do not punish me in your wrath.

Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; *

heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked.

My spirit shakes with terror; *

how long, O Lord, how long?

Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; *

save me for your mercy’s sake.

For in death no one remembers you; *

and who will give you thanks in the grave?

I grow weary because of my groaning; *

every night I drench my bed

and flood my couch with tears.

My eyes are wasted with grief *

and worn away because of all my enemies.

Depart from me, all evildoers, *

for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.

The Lord has heard my supplication; *

the Lord accepts my prayer.

All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; *

they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

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 3:1-11

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos.

Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: 2You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. 3Do two walk together unless they have made an appointment? 4Does a lion roar in the forest, when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from its den, if it has caught nothing? 5Does a bird fall into a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing? 6Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster befall a city, unless the Lord has done it? 7Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. 8The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?

Proclaim to the strongholds in Ashdod, and to the strongholds in the land of Egypt, and say, “Assemble yourselves on Mount Samaria, and see what great tumults are within it, and what oppressions are in its midst.” 10They do not know how to do right, says the Lord, those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds. 11Therefore thus says the Lord God: An adversary shall surround the land, and strip you of your defense; and your strongholds shall be plundered.

-

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. 21:12-22

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” 14The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. 15But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became angry 16and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself’?” 17He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. 20When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21Jesus answered them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done. 22Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 10

Why do you stand so far off, O Lord, *

and hide yourself in time of trouble?

The wicked arrogantly persecute the poor, *

but they are trapped in the schemes they have devised.

The wicked boast of their heart’s desire; *

the covetous curse and revile the Lord.

The wicked are so proud that they care not for God; *

their only thought is, “God does not matter.”

Their ways are devious at all times;

your judgments are far above out of their sight; *

they defy all their enemies.

They say in their heart, “I shall not be shaken; *

no harm shall happen to me ever.”

Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; *

under their tongue are mischief and wrong.

They lurk in ambush in public squares

and in secret places they murder the innocent; *

they spy out the helpless.

They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert;

they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; *

they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net.

The innocent are broken and humbled before them; *

the helpless fall before their power.

They say in their heart, “God has forgotten; *

he hides his face; he will never notice.”

Rise up, O Lord;

lift up your hand, O God; *

do not forget the afflicted.

Why should the wicked revile God? *

why should they say in their heart, “You do not care”?

Surely, you behold trouble and misery; *

you see it and take it into your own hand.

The helpless commit themselves to you, *

for you are the helper of orphans.

Break the power of the wicked and evil; *

search out their wickedness until you find none.

The Lord is King for ever and ever; *

the ungodly shall perish from his land.

The Lord will hear the desire of the humble; *

you will strengthen their heart and your ears shall hear;

To give justice to the orphan and oppressed, *

so that mere mortals may strike terror no more.

-

Psalm 11

In the Lord have I taken refuge; *

how then can you say to me,

“Fly away like a bird to the hilltop;

For see how the wicked bend the bow

and fit their arrows to the string, *

to shoot from ambush at the true of heart.

When the foundations are being destroyed, *

what can the righteous do?”

The Lord is in his holy temple; *

the Lord’s throne is in heaven.

His eyes behold the inhabited world; *

his piercing eye weighs our worth.

The Lord weighs the righteous as well as the wicked, *

but those who delight in violence he abhors.

Upon the wicked he shall rain coals of fire and burning sulphur; *

a scorching wind shall be their lot.

For the Lord is righteous;

he delights in righteous deeds; *

and the just shall see his face.

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 Pet. 1:12-21

A Reading from the Second Letter of Peter.

Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. 13I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, 14since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from 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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 1

Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *

nor lingered in the way of sinners,

nor sat in the seats of the scornful!

Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *

and they meditate on his law day and night.

They are like trees planted by streams of water,

bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *

everything they do shall prosper.

It is not so with the wicked; *

they are like chaff which the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *

nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *

but the way of the wicked is doomed.

-

Psalm 2

Why are the nations in an uproar? *

Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?

Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,

and the princes plot together, *

against the Lord and against his Anointed?

“Let us break their yoke,” they say; *

“let us cast off their bonds from us.”

He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *

the Lord has them in derision.

Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *

and his rage fills them with terror.

“I myself have set my king *

upon my holy hill of Zion.”

Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *

he said to me, “You are my Son;

this day have I begotten you.

Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *

and the ends of the earth for your possession.

You shall crush them with an iron rod *

and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”

And now, you kings, be wise; *

be warned, you rulers of the earth.

Submit to the Lord with fear, *

and with trembling bow before him;

Lest he be angry and you perish; *

for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Happy are they all *

who take refuge in him!

-

Psalm 3

Lord, how many adversaries I have! *

how many there are who rise up against me!

How many there are who say of me, *

“There is no help for him in his God.”

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me; *

you are my glory, the one who lifts up my head.

I call aloud upon the Lord, *

and he answers me from his holy hill;

I lie down and go to sleep; *

I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

I do not fear the multitudes of people *

who set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O Lord; set me free, O my God; *

surely, you will strike all my enemies across the face,

you will break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the Lord. *

Your blessing be upon your people!

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 2:6-16

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos.

Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— 7they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the way; father and son go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; 8they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge; and in the house of their God they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.

Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of cedars, and who was as strong as oaks; I destroyed his fruit above, and his roots beneath. 10Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. 11And I raised up some of your children to be prophets and some of your youths to be nazirites. Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel? says the Lord. 12But you made the nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, “You shall not prophesy.” 13So, I will press you down in your place, just as a cart presses down when it is full of sheaves. 14Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain their strength, nor shall the mighty save their lives; 15those who handle the bow shall not stand, and those who are swift of foot shall not save themselves, nor shall those who ride horses save their lives; 16and those who are stout of heart among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, says the Lord.

-

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. 21:1-11

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

-

Psalm 4

Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *

you set me free when I am hard-pressed;

have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *

how long will you worship dumb idols

and run after false gods?”

Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; *

when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

Tremble, then, and do not sin; *

speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.

Offer the appointed sacrifices *

and put your trust in the Lord.

Many are saying,

“Oh, that we might see better times!” *

Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.

You have put gladness in my heart, *

more than when grain and wine and oil increase.

I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *

for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

-

Psalm 7

O Lord my God, I take refuge in you; *

save and deliver me from all who pursue me;

Lest like a lion they tear me in pieces *

and snatch me away with none to deliver me.

O Lord my God, if I have done these things: *

if there is any wickedness in my hands,

If I have repaid my friend with evil, *

or plundered him who without cause is my enemy;

Then let my enemy pursue and overtake me, *

trample my life into the ground,

and lay my honor in the dust.

Stand up, O Lord, in your wrath; *

rise up against the fury of my enemies.

Awake, O my God, decree justice; *

let the assembly of the peoples gather round you.

Be seated on your lofty throne, O Most High; *

O Lord, judge the nations.

Give judgment for me according to my righteousness, O Lord, *

and according to my innocence, O Most High.

Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,

but establish the righteous; *

for you test the mind and heart, O righteous God.

God is my shield and defense; *

he is the savior of the true in heart.

God is a righteous judge; *

God sits in judgment every day.

If they will not repent, God will whet his sword; *

he will bend his bow and make it ready.

He has prepared his weapons of death; *

he makes his arrows shafts of fire.

Look at those who are in labor with wickedness, *

who conceive evil, and give birth to a lie.

They dig a pit and make it deep *

and fall into the hole that they have made.

Their malice turns back upon their own head; *

their violence falls on their own scalp.

I will bear witness that the Lord is righteous; *

I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.

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 Pet. 1:1-11

A Reading from the Second Letter of Peter.

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.

For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For anyone who lacks these things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Morning Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 146

Hallelujah!

Praise the Lord, O my soul! *

I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *

for there is no help in them.

When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *

and in that day their thoughts perish.

Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *

whose hope is in the Lord their God;

Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *

who keeps his promise for ever;

Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *

and food to those who hunger.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

The Lord loves the righteous;

the Lord cares for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way of the wicked.

The Lord shall reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

Hallelujah!

-

Psalm 147

Hallelujah!

How good it is to sing praises to our God! *

how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!

The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *

he gathers the exiles of Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted *

and binds up their wounds.

He counts the number of the stars *

and calls them all by their names.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *

there is no limit to his wisdom.

The Lord lifts up the lowly, *

but casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *

make music to our God upon the harp.

He covers the heavens with clouds *

and prepares rain for the earth;

He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *

and green plants to serve mankind.

He provides food for flocks and herds *

and for the young ravens when they cry.

He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *

he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;

But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *

in those who await his gracious favor.

Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *

praise your God, O Zion;

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *

he has blessed your children within you.

He has established peace on your borders; *

he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

He sends out his command to the earth, *

and his word runs very swiftly.

He gives snow like wool; *

he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *

who can stand against his cold?

He sends forth his word and melts them; *

he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.

He declares his word to Jacob, *

his statutes and his judgments to Israel.

He has not done so to any other nation; *

to them he has not revealed his judgments.

Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: 

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

-

The First Lesson:

Amos 1:1-5,13-2:8

The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said: The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds wither, and the top of Carmel dries up. Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing sledges of iron. So I will send a fire on the house of Hazael, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad. I will break the gate bars of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven, and the one who holds the scepter from Beth-eden; and the people of Aram shall go into exile to Kir, says the Lord. Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. So I will kindle a fire against the wall of Rabbah, fire that shall devour its strongholds, with shouting on the day of battle, with a storm on the day of the whirlwind; then their king shall go into exile, he and his officials together, says the Lord. Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because he burned to lime the bones of the king of Edom. So I will send a fire on Moab, and it shall devour the strongholds of Kerioth, and Moab shall die amid uproar, amid shouting and the sound of the trumpet; I will cut off the ruler from its midst, and will kill all its officials with him, says the Lord. Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they have rejected the law of the Lord, and have not kept his statutes, but they have been led astray by the same lies after which their ancestors walked. So I will send a fire on Judah, and it shall devour the strongholds of Jerusalem. Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals-- they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the way; father and son go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge; and in the house of their God they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.

-

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:

Luke 21:5-19

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Evening Prayer

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 Word of God:

The Psalmody

Psalm 111

Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *

in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

Great are the deeds of the Lord! *

they are studied by all who delight in them.

His work is full of majesty and splendor, *

and his righteousness endures for ever.

He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *

the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

He gives food to those who fear him; *

he is ever mindful of his covenant.

He has shown his people the power of his works *

in giving them the lands of the nations.

The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *

all his commandments are sure.

They stand fast for ever and ever, *

because they are done in truth and equity.

He sent redemption to his people;

he commanded his covenant for ever; *

holy and awesome is his Name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *

those who act accordingly have a good understanding;

his praise endures for ever.

-

Psalm 112

Happy are they who fear the Lord *

and have great delight in his commandments!

Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches will be in their house, *

and their righteousness will last for ever.

Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *

the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

It is good for them to be generous in lending *

and to manage their affairs with justice.

For they will never be shaken; *

the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *

their heart is right;

they put their trust in the Lord.

Their heart is established and will not shrink, *

until they see their desire upon their enemies.

They have given freely to the poor, *

and their righteousness stands fast for ever;

they will hold up their head with honor.

The wicked will see it and be angry;

they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *

the desires of the wicked will perish.

-

Psalm 113

Hallelujah!

Give praise, you servants of the Lord; *

praise the Name of the Lord.

Let the Name of the Lord be blessed, *

from this time forth for evermore.

From the rising of the sun to its going down *

let the Name of the Lord be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations, *

and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God, who sits enthroned on high, *

but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?

He takes up the weak out of the dust *

and lifts up the poor from the ashes.

He sets them with the princes, *

with the princes of his people.

He makes the woman of a childless house *

to be a joyful mother of children.

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

1 Thess. 5:1-11

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

-

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.

-

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

-

The Prayers

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.

-

The Conclusion

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

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Opening Words and Confession

Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. (Psalm 43:3)

Confession of Sin Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Officiant and People together, all kneeling

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

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

The Invitatory and Psalter

Leader: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Leader: Come, let us worship God our King.

People: Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God.

Leader: Come, let us worship Christ among us, our King and our God.

Officiant and People

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

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 mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him.

Venite (Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; *

let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *

and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, *

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *

and his hands have molded the dry land.

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God,

*and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. **

Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 137

By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, *

when we remembered you, O Zion.

As for our harps, we hung them up *

on the trees in the midst of that land.

For those who led us away captive asked us for a song,

and our oppressors called for mirth: *

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

How shall we sing the Lord’s song *

upon an alien soil?

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, *

let my right hand forget its skill.

Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth

if I do not remember you, *

if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.

Psalm 144

Benedictus Dominus

BCP p. 800

Blessed be the Lord my rock! *

who trains my hands to fight and my fingers to battle;

My help and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, *

my shield in whom I trust,

who subdues the peoples under me.

O Lord, what are we that you should care for us? *

mere mortals that you should think of us?

We are like a puff of wind; *

our days are like a passing shadow.

Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down; *

touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

Hurl the lightning and scatter them; *

shoot out your arrows and rout them.

Stretch out your hand from on high; *

rescue me and deliver me from the great waters,

from the hand of foreign peoples,

Whose mouths speak deceitfully *

and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.

O God, I will sing to you a new song; *

I will play to you on a ten-stringed lyre.

You give victory to kings *

and have rescued David your servant.

Rescue me from the hurtful sword *

and deliver me from the hand of foreign peoples,

Whose mouths speak deceitfully *

and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.

May our sons be like plants well nurtured from their youth, *

and our daughters like sculptured corners of a palace.

May our barns be filled to overflowing with all manner of crops; *

may the flocks in our pastures increase by thousands and tens of thousands;

may our cattle be fat and sleek.

May there be no breaching of the walls, no going into exile, *

no wailing in the public squares.

Happy are the people of whom this is so! *

happy are the people whose God is 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.

Micah 7:11-20

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Micah.

A day for the building of your walls! In that day the boundary shall be far extended. 12In that day they will come to you from Assyria to Egypt, and from Egypt to the River, from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain. 13But the earth will be desolate because of its inhabitants, for the fruit of their doings.

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. 15As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, show us marvelous things. 16The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall lay their hands on their mouths; their ears shall be deaf; 17they shall lick dust like a snake, like the crawling things of the earth; they shall come trembling out of their fortresses; they shall turn in dread to the Lord our God, and they shall stand in fear of you. 18Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency. 19He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20You will show faithfulness to Jacob and unswerving loyalty to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old.

1 Pet. 4:7-19

A Reading from the First Letter of Peter.

The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?” 19Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

Matt. 20:29-34

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” 32Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Canticle of the Week

To be said after the Scripture Lessons daily:

Glory to God (Gloria in excelsis)

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers

Leader: Hear our cry, O God.

People: And listen to our prayer.

Leader: Let us pray.

Officiant and People

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffrages A

V. Show us your mercy, O Lord;

R. And grant us your salvation.

V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness;

R. Let your people sing with joy.

V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;

R. For only in you can we live in safety.

V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;

R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.

V. Let your way be known upon earth;

R. Your saving health among all nations.

V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;

R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;

R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.

The Weekly & Festive Collects

Then is said the collect of the week

Christ the King

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Collect for Saturdays

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Mission (Daily)

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Intercessions

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

Personal intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.

Some things to pray for:

• The Universal Church, its members, and its mission

• The Nation and all in authority

• The welfare of the world and the local community

• Those who suffer and those in any trouble

• The departed (with commemoration of a saint when appropriate)

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

Then may be said

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look upon us with favor and grant us peace. Amen.

Opening Words and Confession

Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. (Psalm 43:3)

Confession of Sin Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Officiant and People together, all kneeling

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

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

The Invitatory and Psalter

Leader: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Leader: Come, let us worship God our King.

People: Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God.

Leader: Come, let us worship Christ among us, our King and our God.

Officiant and People

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

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 mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him.

Venite (Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to the Lord; *

let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *

and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, *

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *

and his hands have molded the dry land.

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God,

*and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. **

Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 140

Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; *
protect me from the violent,

Who devise evil in their hearts *
and stir up strife all day long.

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *
adder’s poison is under their lips.

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; *
protect me from the violent,

 who are determined to trip me up.

The proud have hidden a snare for me

and stretched out a net of cords; *
they have set traps for me along the path.

I have said to the LORD, “You are my God; *
listen, O LORD, to my supplication.

O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation, *
you have covered my head in the day of battle.

Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O LORD, *
nor let their evil plans prosper.

Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; *
let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.

Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *
let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again.”

A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, *
and evil shall hunt down the lawless.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor *
and render justice to the needy.

Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, *
and the upright shall continue in your sight.

Psalm 142

I cry to the LORD with my voice; *
to the LORD I make loud supplication.

I pour out my complaint before him *
and tell him all my trouble.

When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; *
in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me; *
I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.

I cry out to you, O LORD; *
I say, “You are my refuge,

 my portion in the land of the living.”

Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low; *
save me from those who pursue me,

 for they are too strong for me.

Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your Name; *
when you have dealt bountifully with me,

 the righteous will gather around me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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.

Isa. 24:14-23

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.

14 They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; they shout from the west over the majesty of the LORD. 15 Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea glorify the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 

16 From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One. But I say, I pine away, I pine away. Woe is me! For the treacherous deal treacherously, the treacherous deal very treacherously. 17 Terror, and the pit, and the snare are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth! 18 Whoever flees at the sound of the terror shall fall into the pit; and whoever climbs out of the pit shall be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble. 19 The earth is utterly broken, the earth is torn asunder, the earth is violently shaken. 20 The earth staggers like a drunkard, it sways like a hut; its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it falls, and will not rise again. 21 On that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven in heaven, and on earth the kings of the earth. 22 They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit; they will be shut up in a prison, and after many days they will be punished. 23 Then the moon will be abashed, and the sun ashamed; for the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his elders he will manifest his glory. 

1 Pet. 3:13-4:6

A Reading from the First Letter of Peter.

13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 

16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 

18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 

21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. 

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2 so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God. 3 You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry. 

4 They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme. 5 But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does. 

Matt. 20:17-28

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

17 While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; 19 then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.” 

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” 

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Canticle of the Week

To be said after the Scripture Lessons daily:

Glory to God (Gloria in excelsis)

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers

Leader: Hear our cry, O God.

People: And listen to our prayer.

Leader: Let us pray.

Officiant and People

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffrages A

V. Show us your mercy, O Lord;

R. And grant us your salvation.

V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness;

R. Let your people sing with joy.

V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;

R. For only in you can we live in safety.

V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;

R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.

V. Let your way be known upon earth;

R. Your saving health among all nations.

V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;

R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;

R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.

The Weekly & Festive Collects

Then is said the collect of the week

Christ the King

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Collect for Fridays  

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Mission (Daily)

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Intercessions

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

Personal intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.

Some things to pray for:

• The Universal Church, its members, and its mission

• The Nation and all in authority

• The welfare of the world and the local community

• Those who suffer and those in any trouble

• The departed (with commemoration of a saint when appropriate)

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

Then may be said

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look upon us with favor and grant us peace. Amen.