Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 148

Laudate Dominum

1

Hallelujah!

Praise the Lord from the heavens; *

praise him in the heights.

2

Praise him, all you angels of his; *

praise him, all his host.

3

Praise him, sun and moon; *

praise him, all you shining stars.

4

Praise him, heaven of heavens, *

and you waters above the heavens.

5

Let them praise the Name of the Lord; *

for he commanded, and they were created.

6

He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *

he gave them a law which shall not pass away.

7

Praise the Lord from the earth, *

you sea-monsters and all deeps;

8

Fire and hail, snow and fog, *

tempestuous wind, doing his will;

9

Mountains and all hills, *

fruit trees and all cedars;

10

Wild beasts and all cattle, *

creeping things and winged birds;

11

Kings of the earth and all peoples, *

princes and all rulers of the world;

12

Young men and maidens, *

old and young together.

13

Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *

for his Name only is exalted,

his splendor is over earth and heaven.

14

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

Cantate Domino

1

Hallelujah!

Sing to the Lord a new song; *

sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

2

Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *

let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3

Let them praise his Name in the dance; *

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

4

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *

and adorns the poor with victory.

5

Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *

let them be joyful on their beds.

6

Let the praises of God be in their throat *

and a two-edged sword in their hand;

7

To wreak vengeance on the nations *

and punishment on the peoples;

8

To bind their kings in chains *

and their nobles with links of iron;

9

To inflict on them the judgment decreed; *

this is glory for all his faithful people.

Hallelujah!

Psalm 150

Laudate Dominum

1

Hallelujah!

Praise God in his holy temple; *

praise him in the firmament of his power.

2

Praise him for his mighty acts; *

praise him for his excellent greatness.

3

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

praise him with lyre and harp.

4

Praise him with timbrel and dance; *

praise him with strings and pipe.

5

Praise him with resounding cymbals; *

praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.

6

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons1 Kings 8:22-30

English Standard Version

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, 23 and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 24 you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. 25 Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father.

27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

1 Timothy 4:7-16

English Standard Version

7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

John 8:47-59

English Standard Version

47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 17

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Sundays

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 20

Exaudiat te Dominus

1

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

the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;

2

Send you help from his holy place *

and strengthen you out of Zion;

3

Remember all your offerings *

and accept your burnt sacrifice;

4

Grant you your heart’s desire *

and prosper all your plans.

5

We will shout for joy at your victory

and triumph in the Name of our God; *

may the Lord grant all your requests.

6

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.

7

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

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

8

They collapse and fall down, *

but we will arise and stand upright.

9

O Lord, give victory to the king *

and answer us when we call.

Psalm 21

Domine, in virtute tua

1

The king rejoices in your strength, O Lord; *

how greatly he exults in your victory!

2

You have given him his heart’s desire; *

you have not denied him the request of his lips.

3

For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *

and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

4

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

length of days, for ever and ever.

5

His honor is great, because of your victory; *

splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.

6

For you will give him everlasting felicity *

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

7

For the king puts his trust in the Lord; *

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

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

Lessons1 Kings 7:51-8:21

English Standard Version

51 Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord.

8 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. 5 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. 7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. 8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” 14 Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people Israel.’ 17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.’ 20 Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and I have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 21 And there I have provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Acts 28:17-31

English Standard Version

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Mark 14:43-52English Standard Version

And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” And they all left him and fled.

And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for 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. 

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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 16

Conserva me, Domine

1

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.”

2

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

upon those who are noble among the people.

3

But those who run after other gods *

shall have their troubles multiplied.

4

Their libations of blood I will not offer, *

nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.

5

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

it is you who uphold my lot.

6

My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *

indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

7

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *

my heart teaches me, night after night.

8

I have set the Lord always before me; *

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

9

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

my body also shall rest in hope.

10

For you will not abandon me to the grave, *

nor let your holy one see the Pit.

11

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

Exaudi, Domine

1

Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;

give heed to my cry; *

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

2

Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *

let your eyes be fixed on justice.

3

Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *

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

4

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

I have heeded the words of your lips.

5

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

in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

6

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

incline your ear to me and hear my words.

7

Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *

O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand

from those who rise up against them.

8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; *

hide me under the shadow of your wings,

9

From the wicked who assault me, *

from my deadly enemies who surround me.

10

They have closed their heart to pity, *

and their mouth speaks proud things.

11

They press me hard,

now they surround me, *

watching how they may cast me to the ground,

12

Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *

and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

13

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

deliver me from the wicked by your sword.

14

Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *

from those whose portion in life is this world;

15

Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *

who are well supplied with children

and leave their wealth to their little ones.

16

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons1 Kings 5:1-6:1

English Standard Version

5  Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David. 2 And Solomon sent word to Hiram, 3 “You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. 5 And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’ 6 Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”

7 As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.” 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber. 9 My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.” 10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, 11 while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year. 12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

13 King Solomon drafted forced labor out of all Israel, and the draft numbered 30,000 men. 14 And he sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in shifts. They would be a month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the draft. 15 Solomon also had 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country, 16 besides Solomon's 3,300 chief officers who were over the work, who had charge of the people who carried on the work. 17 At the king's command they quarried out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stones. 18 So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the men of Gebal did the cutting and prepared the timber and the stone to build the house.

6 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord.

1 Kings 6:7

English Standard Version

7 When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Acts 28:1-16

English Standard Version

28 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Mark 14:27-42

English Standard Version

And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for 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. 

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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 18Part I

Diligam te, Domine.

1

I love you, O Lord my strength, *

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

2

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.

3

I will call upon the Lord, *

and so shall I be saved from my enemies.

4

The breakers of death rolled over me, *

and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.

5

The cords of hell entangled me, *

and the snares of death were set for me.

6

I called upon the Lord in my distress *

and cried out to my God for help.

7

He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling; *

my cry of anguish came to his ears.

8

The earth reeled and rocked; *

the roots of the mountains shook;

they reeled because of his anger.

9

Smoke rose from his nostrils

and a consuming fire out of his mouth; *

hot burning coals blazed forth from him.

10

He parted the heavens and came down *

with a storm cloud under his feet.

11

He mounted on cherubim and flew; *

he swooped on the wings of the wind.

12

He wrapped darkness about him; *

he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion.

13

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

burst hailstones and coals of fire.

14

The Lord thundered out of heaven; *

the Most High uttered his voice.

15

He loosed his arrows and scattered them; *

he hurled thunderbolts and routed them.

16

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.

17

He reached down from on high and grasped me; *

he drew me out of great waters.

18

He delivered me from my strong enemies

and from those who hated me; *

for they were too mighty for me.

19

They confronted me in the day of my disaster; *

but the Lord was my support.

20

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons1 Kings 3:16-28

English Standard Version

16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king.

23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Acts 27:27-44

English Standard Version

27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.

33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Mark 14:12-26

English Standard Version

And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Thursday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 119Aleph

Beati immaculati

1

Happy are they whose way is blameless, *

who walk in the law of the Lord!

2

Happy are they who observe his decrees *

and seek him with all their hearts!

3

Who never do any wrong, *

but always walk in his ways.

4

You laid down your commandments, *

that we should fully keep them.

5

Oh, that my ways were made so direct *

that I might keep your statutes!

6

Then I should not be put to shame, *

when I regard all your commandments.

7

I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *

when I have learned your righteous judgments.

8

I will keep your statutes; *

do not utterly forsake me.

Beth

In quo corrigit?

9

How shall a young man cleanse his way? *

By keeping to your words.

10

With my whole heart I seek you; *

let me not stray from your commandments.

11

I treasure your promise in my heart, *

that I may not sin against you.

12

Blessed are you, O Lord; *

instruct me in your statutes.

13

With my lips will I recite *

all the judgments of your mouth.

14

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

than in all manner of riches.

15

I will meditate on your commandments *

and give attention to your ways.

16

My delight is in your statutes; *

I will not forget your word.

Gimel

Retribue servo tuo

17

Deal bountifully with your servant, *

that I may live and keep your word.

18

Open my eyes, that I may see *

the wonders of your law.

19

I am a stranger here on earth; *

do not hide your commandments from me.

20

My soul is consumed at all times *

with longing for your judgments.

21

You have rebuked the insolent; *

cursed are they who stray from your commandments!

22

Turn from me shame and rebuke, *

for I have kept your decrees.

23

Even though rulers sit and plot against me, *

I will meditate on your statutes.

24

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons1 Kings 3:1-15

English Standard Version

3 Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord.

3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Acts 27:9-26

English Standard Version

9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Mark 14:1-11English Standard Version

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Guidance (Wednesday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 5

Verba mea auribus

1

Give ear to my words, O Lord; *

consider my meditation.

2

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

for I make my prayer to you.

3

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

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

4

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

and evil cannot dwell with you.

5

Braggarts cannot stand in your sight; *

you hate all those who work wickedness.

6

You destroy those who speak lies; *

the bloodthirsty and deceitful, O Lord, you abhor.

7

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.

8

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness,

because of those who lie in wait for me; *

make your way straight before me.

9

For there is no truth in their mouth; *

there is destruction in their heart;

10

Their throat is an open grave; *

they flatter with their tongue.

11

Declare them guilty, O God; *

let them fall, because of their schemes.

12

Because of their many transgressions cast them out, *

for they have rebelled against you.

13

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

they will sing out their joy for ever.

14

You will shelter them, *

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

15

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

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

Psalm 6

Domine, ne in furore

1

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; *

do not punish me in your wrath.

2

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

heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked.

3

My spirit shakes with terror; *

how long, O Lord, how long?

4

Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; *

save me for your mercy’s sake.

5

For in death no one remembers you; *

and who will give you thanks in the grave?

6

I grow weary because of my groaning; *

every night I drench my bed

and flood my couch with tears.

7

My eyes are wasted with grief *

and worn away because of all my enemies.

8

Depart from me, all evildoers, *

for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.

9

The Lord has heard my supplication; *

the Lord accepts my prayer.

10

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons1 Kings 1:38-2:4

English Standard Version

38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David's mule and brought him to Gihon. 39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.

41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?” 42 While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” 43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king, 44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king's mule. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Solomon sits on the royal throne. 47 Moreover, the king's servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 And the king also said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.’”

49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”

2 When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Acts 26:24-27:8

English Standard Version

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

27 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Mark 13:28-37

English Standard Version

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Grace (Tuesday)

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 1

Beatus vir qui non abiit

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!

2

Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *

and they meditate on his law day and night.

3

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.

4

It is not so with the wicked; *

they are like chaff which the wind blows away.

5

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

nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.

6

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *

but the way of the wicked is doomed.

Psalm 2

Quare fremuerunt gentes?

1

Why are the nations in an uproar? *

Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?

2

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

and the princes plot together, *

against the Lord and against his Anointed?

3

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

“let us cast off their bonds from us.”

4

He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *

the Lord has them in derision.

5

Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *

and his rage fills them with terror.

6

“I myself have set my king *

upon my holy hill of Zion.”

7

Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *

he said to me, “You are my Son;

this day have I begotten you.

8

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

and the ends of the earth for your possession.

9

You shall crush them with an iron rod *

and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”

10

And now, you kings, be wise; *

be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11

Submit to the Lord with fear, *

and with trembling bow before him;

12

Lest he be angry and you perish; *

for his wrath is quickly kindled.

13

Happy are they all *

who take refuge in him!

Psalm 3

Domine, quid multiplicati

1

Lord, how many adversaries I have! *

how many there are who rise up against me!

2

How many there are who say of me, *

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

3

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

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

4

I call aloud upon the Lord, *

and he answers me from his holy hill;

5

I lie down and go to sleep; *

I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

6

I do not fear the multitudes of people *

who set themselves against me all around.

7

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.

8

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons1 Kings 1:5-31

English Standard Version

5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David's mighty men were not with Adonijah.

9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent's Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.

11 Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord does not know it? 12 Now therefore come, let me give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ 14 Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.”

15 So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber (now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king). 16 Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, “What do you desire?” 17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the Lord your God, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. 19 He has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army, but Solomon your servant he has not invited. 20 And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will come to pass, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted offenders.”

22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 And they told the king, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed before the king, with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king's sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me, your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he has not invited. 27 Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not told your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”

28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king's presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king swore, saying, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, 30 as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and paid homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Acts 26:1-23

English Standard Version

26 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

Mark 13:14-27

English Standard Version

“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Peace (Monday)

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

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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 146

Lauda, anima mea

1

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.

2

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

for there is no help in them.

3

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

and in that day their thoughts perish.

4

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

whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5

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

who keeps his promise for ever;

6

Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *

and food to those who hunger.

7

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8

The Lord loves the righteous;

the Lord cares for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way of the wicked.

9

The Lord shall reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

Hallelujah!

Psalm 147

Laudate Dominum

1

Hallelujah!

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

how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!

2

The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *

he gathers the exiles of Israel.

3

He heals the brokenhearted *

and binds up their wounds.

4

He counts the number of the stars *

and calls them all by their names.

5

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *

there is no limit to his wisdom.

6

The Lord lifts up the lowly, *

but casts the wicked to the ground.

7

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *

make music to our God upon the harp.

8

He covers the heavens with clouds *

and prepares rain for the earth;

9

He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *

and green plants to serve mankind.

10

He provides food for flocks and herds *

and for the young ravens when they cry.

11

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

he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;

12

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

in those who await his gracious favor.

13

Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *

praise your God, O Zion;

14

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *

he has blessed your children within you.

15

He has established peace on your borders; *

he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

16

He sends out his command to the earth, *

and his word runs very swiftly.

17

He gives snow like wool; *

he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

18

He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *

who can stand against his cold?

19

He sends forth his word and melts them; *

he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.

20

He declares his word to Jacob, *

his statutes and his judgments to Israel.

21

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons2 Samuel 24:1-2

English Standard Version

24 Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” 2 So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people.”

2 Samuel 24:10-25

English Standard Version

10 But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” 11 And when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, 12 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” 13 So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” 14 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”

15 So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning until the appointed time. And there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba 70,000 men. 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was working destruction among the people, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17 Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house.”

18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David went up at Gad's word, as the Lord commanded. 20 And when Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming on toward him. And Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground. 21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.” 22 Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. 23 All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” 24 But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.

Galatians 3:23-4:7

English Standard Version

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Matthew 16:13-20

English Standard Version

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks Be To God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Sundays

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 137

Super flumina

1

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

when we remembered you, O Zion.

2

As for our harps, we hung them up *

on the trees in the midst of that land.

3

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.”

4

How shall we sing the Lord’s song *

upon an alien soil?

5

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, *

let my right hand forget its skill.

6

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

1

Blessed be the Lord my rock! *

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

2

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

my shield in whom I trust,

who subdues the peoples under me.

3

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

mere mortals that you should think of us?

4

We are like a puff of wind; *

our days are like a passing shadow.

5

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

touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

6

Hurl the lightning and scatter them; *

shoot out your arrows and rout them.

7

Stretch out your hand from on high; *

rescue me and deliver me from the great waters,

from the hand of foreign peoples,

8

Whose mouths speak deceitfully *

and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.

9

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

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

10

You give victory to kings *

and have rescued David your servant.

11

Rescue me from the hurtful sword *

and deliver me from the hand of foreign peoples,

12

Whose mouths speak deceitfully *

and whose right hand is raised in falsehood.

13

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

and our daughters like sculptured corners of a palace.

14

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.

15

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

no wailing in the public squares.

16

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons2 Samuel 23:1-7

English Standard Version

23 Now these are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,

the oracle of the man who was raised on high,

the anointed of the God of Jacob,

the sweet psalmist of Israel:

2 “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;

his word is on my tongue.

3 The God of Israel has spoken;

the Rock of Israel has said to me:

When one rules justly over men,

ruling in the fear of God,

4 he dawns on them like the morning light,

like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,

like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

5 “For does not my house stand so with God?

For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,

ordered in all things and secure.

For will he not cause to prosper

all my help and my desire?

6 But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,

for they cannot be taken with the hand;

7 but the man who touches them

arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,

and they are utterly consumed with fire.”

2 Samuel 23:13-17

English Standard Version

13 And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 15 And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord 17 and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Acts 25:13-27

English Standard Version

13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Mark 13:1-13

English Standard Version

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 15 August 17th - 23rd

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 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.

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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13

Opening Words

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Confession

The Officiant says to the people 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Silence may be kept. 

Officiant and People together

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

The Leader or Individual says:

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: Lord, open our lips. 

People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and 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. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Deus Misereatur (Psalm 67:1-5) 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The Psalms & Lessons AppointedPsalm 140

Eripe me, Domine

1

Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers; *

protect me from the violent,

2

Who devise evil in their hearts *

and stir up strife all day long.

3

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *

adder’s poison is under their lips.

4

Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; *

protect me from the violent,

who are determined to trip me up.

5

The proud have hidden a snare for me

and stretched out a net of cords; *

they have set traps for me along the path.

6

I have said to the Lord, “You are my God; *

listen, O Lord, to my supplication.

7

O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, *

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8

Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O Lord, *

Nor let their evil plans prosper.

9

Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; *

let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.

10

Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *

let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again.”

11

A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, *

and evil shall hunt down the lawless.

12

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor *

and render justice to the needy.

13

Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, *

and the upright shall continue in your sight.

Psalm 142

Voce mea ad Dominum

1

I cry to the Lord with my voice; *

to the Lord I make loud supplication.

2

I pour out my complaint before him *

and tell him all my trouble.

3

When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; *

in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

4

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.

5

I cry out to you, O Lord; *

I say, “You are my refuge,

my portion in the land of the living.”

6

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.

7

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 forever. Amen.

Lessons2 Samuel 19:24-43

English Standard Version

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. 25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. 27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. 28 For all my father's house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?” 29 And the king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”

31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.” 38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you.” 39 Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home. 40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. All the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king on his way.

41 Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?” 42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Acts 24:24-25:12

English Standard Version

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

25 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Mark 12:35-44

English Standard Version

And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

until I put your enemies under your feet.”’

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.

And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

A Song of Our Adoption (Ephesians 1:3-10) 

Blessed are you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *

for you have blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Before the world was made, you chose us to be yours in Christ, *

that we should be holy and blameless before you.

You destined us for adoption as your children through Jesus Christ, *

according to the good pleasure of your will,

To the praise of your glorious grace, *

that you have freely given us in the Beloved.

In you, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, *

the forgiveness of our sins,

According to the riches of your grace *

which you have lavished upon us.

You have made known to us, in all wisdom and insight, *

the mystery of your will,

According to your good pleasure which you set forth in Christ, *

as a plan for the fullness of time,

To gather together all things in Christ, *

things in heaven and things on earth.

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 Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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 Collects

Proper 15 August 17th - 23rd

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 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.

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) 

This prayer for mission may be used to conclude the intercessions. 

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. 

The Dismissal

Then may be said 

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13