MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER: ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY

Transcription

1 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER: ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY A RATIONALE FOR THE OFFICES In the years since the publication of The Book of Alternative Services many Anglicans have found a renewed interest in regular and structured daily prayer as a means of praying without ceasing. This renewed interest, however, was not served well by how Mning and Evening Prayer were laid out in The Book of Alternative Services. A full and satisfying use of the Offices required wshippers to turn numerous times to different pages and then back again. This editial design meant that many of the riches of the Offices in The Book of Alternative Services were not well-used even well-known. Other facts have also influenced Daily Prayer in these first decades of the twenty-first century. First, although The Book of Alternative Services took some steps towards me complementary language f God and me inclusive language f people, many contempary wshippers desired that further strides be made towards language that is faithful and fair. Second, in 1992 the Society of Saint Francis published Celebrating Common Prayer, a daily prayer book that introduced a new way of structuring the Daily Offices around the liturgical year. This innovative approach, along with a wider selection of canticles and prayers, influenced many Anglicans throughout the wld. By 2005 the Church of England published Common Wship: Daily Prayer which provides wshippers with daily prayer f every day of the week in dinary time and daily prayer f the seasons of the liturgical year. This resource has influenced the wk of the Liturgy Task Fce in preparing this resource f trial use in the Anglican Church of Canada. While the structure of Mning and Evening Prayer in The Book of Alternative Services is the foundation of the offices that follow, Common Wship: Daily Prayer has provided both texts and approaches to the offices f Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Each office is designed so that those who use it f prayer need only move page by page through the office. Mning and Evening Prayer may begin with the Penitential Office with the Introducty Sentences. The Liturgy Task Fce The Reign of Christ 2014

2 A PENITENTIAL OFFICE: ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY The Penitential Office may be used as the Gathering of the Community at the discretion of the Presider. The Presider may read one me of the following sentences of scripture. Advent Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke Prepare the way of the Ld, make his paths straight. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3.4, 6 The spirit of the Ld God is upon me, because the Ld has anointed me to bring good news to the oppressed. Isaiah 61.1 A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel. Matthew 1.23 Here I am, the servant of the Ld; let it be with me accding to your wd. Luke 1.38 Christmas Do not be afraid; I am bringing you good news of great joy f all the people: to you is bn this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Ld. Luke Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; let the wd of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3.15, 16 Long ago God spoke to our ancests by the prophets; in these last days God has spoken to us by a Son. Hebrews 1.1, 2 The mystery of our religion is great: Christ was revealed in the flesh, proclaimed among the Gentiles and believed in throughout the wld. 1 Timothy 3.16 Epiphany We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage. Matthew 2.2 This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3.17 My eyes have seen your salvation, a light f revelation to the Gentiles and f gly to your people Israel. Luke 2.30, 32 2

3 The Presider then says, Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbour. Silence is kept. Then the following is said. God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves and in the wld you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done and the evil done on our behalf. Fgive, reste and strengthen us through our Saviour Jesus Christ, so that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen. 1 The Presider says, May the God of love and power fgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by the Holy Spirit and raise us to new life in Jesus Christ. Amen. 2 Mning Prayer continues with the Introducty Responses. Evening Prayer continues with the Thanksgiving. 1 Enriching Our Wship 1 (1998), 19 alt. 2 Common Wship (2000), 135 alt. 3

4 MORNING PRAYER FOR ADVENT FROM THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT TO CHRISTMAS EVE Introducty Responses GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY Reste us, O Creat of the stars of night; show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Will you not give us life again, so that your people may rejoice in your? Show us your mercy, O God, and grant us your salvation. Blessed is the Christ who comes in your name! Peace in heaven and gly in the highest. 3 The Psalm The Reading THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD A Psalm from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is said sung. Mning Prayer continues with the Reading. A Reading from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is read. After a period of silent reflection one of the following is said. The wd of the Ld. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Holy Wd, Holy Wisdom. Mning Prayer continues with the Responsy the Canticle both. If two Readings are read, then the Responsy follows the first Reading and the Canticle the second. 3 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 96 alt. 4

5 The Responsy The Canticle The Responsy is said sung. My soul waits f you, O Ld, in your wd is my hope. My soul waits f you, O Ld, in your wd is my hope. Out of the depths have I called to you, O God; O God, hear my voice. In your wd is my hope. There is fgiveness with you; therefe you shall be feared. In your wd is my hope. My soul waits f you, me than sentries f the mning. In your wd is my hope. O Israel, wait f the Holy One, with whom there is mercy. My soul waits f you, O Ld, in your wd is my hope. 4 Mning Prayer continues with [the Second Reading ] the Canticle an Affirmation of Faith. The Song of Zechariah A Song of the Wilderness may be said sung. The Song of Zechariah (Luke ) Blessed are you, Ld, the God of Israel, * you have come to your people and set them free. You have raised up f us a mighty Saviour, * bn of the house of your servant David. Through your holy prophets, * you promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us, * to show mercy to our febears, and to remember your holy covenant. This was the oath you swe to our father Abraham: * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to wship you without fear. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * f you will go befe the Ld to prepare the way, to give God s people knowledge of salvation * 4 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 105 alt. 5

6 by the fgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace. 5 Or A Song of the Wilderness (Isaiah 35.1, 2b-4a, 4c-6, 10) The wilderness and the dry land shall rejoice, * the desert shall blossom and burst into song. They shall the gly of the Ld, * the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weary hands, * and make firm the feeble knees. Say to the anxious, Be strong, fear not, your God is coming with judgement, * coming with judgement to save you. Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, * and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame leap like a hart, * and the tongue of the mute sing f joy. F waters shall break fth in the wilderness, * and streams in the desert; the ransomed of the Ld shall return with singing, * with everlasting joy upon their heads. Joy and gladness shall be theirs, * and srow and sighing shall flee away. 6 Mning Prayer continues with an Affirmation of Faith the Litany. Affirmation of Faith One of the following Affirmations of Faith may be said sung. The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creat of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Ld, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, bn of the virgin Mary, 5 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 200 alt. 6

7 suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the fgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 7 Or Hear, O Israel Hear, O Israel, the Ld our God, the Ld is one. Love the Ld your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. 8 Or We Are Called We are called to proclaim the truth and let us believe: It is not true that this wld and its people are doomed to die and to be lost. This is true: I have come that they may have life in all its abundance. 7 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 53. 7

8 It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction. This is true: The deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the po are hearing the good news. It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last wd and that war and destruction have come to stay fever. This is true: Death shall be no me, neither shall there be mourning n crying n pain any me. It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the wld. This is true: The Ld whom we seek will suddenly come to the temple; and the Ld is like a refining fire. It is not true that our dreams of liberation, of human dignity, are not meant f this earth and f this histy. This is true: It is already time f us to wake from sleep. F the night is far gone, the day is at hand. 9 Mning Prayer continues with the Litany. The Litany The Litany is said sung. THE PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY In joyful expectation let us pray to our Saviour and Redeemer. O Wisdom from the mouth of the Most High, you reign over all things to the ends of the earth: come and teach us how to live. Ld Jesus, come soon. O Head of the house of Israel, you appeared in the fire of the burning bush and you gave the law on Sinai: come with outstretched arm and ransom us. Ld Jesus, come soon. O Branch of Jesse standing as an sign among the nations, 9 Alan Boesak as quoted by Janet Mley, ed., Bread f Tomrow: Prayers f the Church Year (1992), 31. 8

9 all rulers will keep silence befe you and all peoples will summon you to their aid: come, set us free and delay no me. Ld Jesus, come soon. O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel, you open and none can shut; you shut and none can open: come and free the captives from prison. Ld Jesus, come soon. O Mning Star, bright Sun of righteousness: come and enlighten all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Ld Jesus, come soon. O Emmanuel, hope of the nations: come and save us, O Anointed One. Ld Jesus, come soon. 10 Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence aloud. Among these concerns it is appropriate to remember the church, that we may be ready f the coming of Christ; the leaders of the church; the nations, that they may seek peace and reconciliation; those who are wking f justice in the wld and the broken, that they may find God s healing. 11 After a period of silence either the Collect of the Day one of the following collects may be said sung. Advent 1 God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, so that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder befe your marvellous deeds. Raise our heads in expectation, so that we may yearn f the coming of your Christ and stand without blame befe him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit f ever and ever. Amen The Book of Alternative Services (1985), alt. 11 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 364 alt. 12 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 28 alt. 9

10 Advent 2 God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready f the message that prepares the way, so that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the coming your Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and f ever. Amen. 13 Advent 3 Merciful God, your wd, spoken by the prophets, restes your people s life and hope. Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, so that we may hold fast to your great goodness and in our lives proclaim your justice in all the wld, through your Christ who comes among us. Amen. 14 Advent 4 O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the wld s redemption in the coming of the Saviour. Make our hearts leap with joy and fill our mouths with songs of praise, so that we may announce glad tidings of peace and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen. 15 Mning Prayer continues with the Ld s Prayer. The Ld s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Fgive us our sins as we fgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. F the kingdom, the power, and the gly are yours, now and f ever. Amen. Mning Prayer continues with the Dismissal. 13 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 30 alt. 14 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 33 alt. 15 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 34 alt. 10

11 The Dismissal Let us bless the Ld. THE SENDING FORTH OF THE COMMUNITY Mning Prayer may conclude with the following Sentence. May Christ, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 204 alt. 11

12 EVENING PRAYER FOR ADVENT FROM THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT TO CHRISTMAS EVE Introducty Responses Thanksgiving GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY Light and peace in Jesus Christ our hope. Jesus Christ is the light of the wld. A light no darkness can extinguish. 17 A candle candles may be lit during the Thanksgiving. Let us give thanks to God our Creat. It is right to offer thanks and praise. 18 Let us give thanks to the Ld our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Blessed are you, O Holy One, ruler of the universe, creat of light and darkness. In this holy season you renew your promise to reveal among us the splendour of your gly, made known to us in Jesus Christ your Beloved. Through the prophets you teach us to hope f his reign of peace. Through the outpouring of his Spirit, you open our eyes to the gly of his presence. Strengthen us in our weakness. Suppt our stumbling effts to do your will. Free our tongues to sing your praise, f to you all honour and blessing are due. Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God f ever. 17 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), Eucharistic Prayers, Services of the Wd, and Night Prayer: Supplementary to The Book of Alternative Services (2001), 12

13 Blessed be God: Source, Wd and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God f ever. 19 The Psalm The Reading THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD A Psalm from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is said sung. Evening Prayer continues with the Reading. A Reading from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is read. After a period of silent reflection one of the following is said. The wd of the Ld. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Holy Wd, Holy Wisdom. Evening Prayer continues with the Responsy the Canticle both. If two Readings are read, then the Responsy follows the first Reading and the Canticle the second. The Responsy The Responsy is said sung. My soul is waiting f you, Light of my salvation: in your wd is my hope. My soul is waiting f you, Light of my salvation: in your wd is my hope. There is fgiveness with you, so that you shall be held in awe. My soul is waiting f you, Light of my salvation: in your wd is my hope. Reveal among us the light of your presence, 19 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 63 alt. 13

14 so that we may behold your power and gly. My soul is waiting f you, Light of my salvation: in your wd is my hope. 20 The Canticle Evening Prayer continues with [the Second Reading ] the Canticle an Affirmation of Faith. The Song of Mary A Song of the Spirit may be said sung. The Song of Mary (Luke ) My soul proclaims the greatness of the Ld, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, * f you, Ld, have looked with favour on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * you, the Almighty, have done great things f me and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you, * from generation to generation. You have shown strength with your arm * and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones * and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things * and sent the rich away empty. You have come to the aid of your servant Israel, * to remember the promise of mercy, the promise made to our ancests, * to Abraham and his children f ever. 21 Or A Song of the Spirit (Revelation , 16, 17) Behold, I am coming soon, says the Ld and bringing my reward with me, * to give everyone accding to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, * the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who do God s commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, * 20 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 198, 201, 209 alt. 21 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), 315 alt. 14

15 and may enter into the city through the gates. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, * with this testimony f all the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, * I am the bright mning star. Come! say the Spirit and the Bride; * Come! let each hearer reply. Come fward, you who are thirsty, * let those who desire take the water of life as a gift. 22 Evening Prayer continues with an Affirmation of Faith the Litany. Affirmation of Faith One of the following Affirmations of Faith may be said sung. The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creat of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Ld, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, bn of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the fgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 23 Or 22 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 208 alt. 23 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006),

16 Hear, O Israel Hear, O Israel, the Ld our God, the Ld is one. Love the Ld your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. 24 Or We Are Called We are called to proclaim the truth and let us believe: It is not true that this wld and its people are doomed to die and to be lost. This is true: I have come that they may have life in all its abundance. It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction. This is true: The deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the po are hearing the good news. It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last wd and that war and destruction have come to stay fever. This is true: Death shall be no me, neither shall there be mourning n crying n pain any me. It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the wld. This is true: The Ld whom we seek will suddenly come to the temple; and the Ld is like a refining fire. It is not true that our dreams of liberation, of human dignity, are not meant f this earth and f this histy. 24 The Book of Alternative Services (1985),

17 This is true: It is already time f us to wake from sleep. F the night is far gone, the day is at hand. 25 Evening Prayer continues with the Litany. The Litany The Litany is said sung. THE PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY Watchful at all times, let us pray f strength to stand with confidence. God, our Maker and Redeemer, fill the earth with justice and compassion. God of Mary and Joseph, hear and have mercy. Establish righteousness in the nations. God of Mary and Joseph, hear and have mercy. Bind up the broken-hearted, reste the sick and raise up all who have fallen. God of Mary and Joseph, hear and have mercy. Shine the light of Christ on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death. God of Mary and Joseph, hear and have mercy. Empower us, with all the saints in light, to be your witnesses in the wld. God of Mary and Joseph, hear and have mercy. 26 Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence aloud. Among these concerns it is appropriate to remember the church, that we may be ready f the coming of Christ; the leaders of the church; the nations, that they may seek peace and reconciliation; those who are wking f justice in the wld and the broken, that they may find God s healing. 27 After a period of silence either the Collect of the Day one of the following collects may be said sung. 25 Alan Boesak as quoted by Janet Mley, ed., Bread f Tomrow: Prayers f the Church Year (1992), Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 377 alt. 27 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 364 alt. 17

18 Advent 1 God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, so that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder befe your marvellous deeds. Raise our heads in expectation, so that we may yearn f the coming of your Christ and stand without blame befe him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit f ever and ever. Amen. 28 Advent 2 God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready f the message that prepares the way, so that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the coming your Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and f ever. Amen. 29 Advent 3 Merciful God, your wd, spoken by the prophets, restes your people s life and hope. Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, so that we may hold fast to your great goodness and in our lives proclaim your justice in all the wld, through your Christ who comes among us. Amen. 30 Advent 4 O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the wld s redemption in the coming of the Saviour. Make our hearts leap with joy and fill our mouths with songs of praise, so that we may announce glad tidings of peace and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen. 31 Evening Prayer continues with the Ld s Prayer. The Ld s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Fgive us our sins as we fgive those who sin against us. 28 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 28 alt. 29 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 30 alt. 30 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 33 alt. 31 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 34 alt. 18

19 Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. F the kingdom, the power, and the gly are yours, now and f ever. Amen. Evening Prayer continues with the Dismissal. The Dismissal Let us bless the Ld. THE SENDING FORTH OF THE COMMUNITY Evening Prayer may conclude with the following Sentence. May Christ, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 204 alt. 19

20 MORNING PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS FROM CHRISTMAS EVE TO EPIPHANY Introducty Responses GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY Blessed are you, O Christ, Beloved of God, you were befe time began and came into the wld to save us. Blessed are you, Sun of righteousness; you shine with the Creat s love and illumine the whole universe. Blessed are you, Son of Mary; bn a child, you shared our humanity. Let heaven and earth shout their praise. With all the voices of heaven we celebrate the coming of our Saviour. Let heaven and earth shout their praise. With all the creatures on earth we sing and dance at Christ s birth. Let heaven and earth shout their praise. 33 The Psalm The Reading THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD A Psalm from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is said sung. Mning Prayer continues with the Reading. A Reading from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is read. After a period of silent reflection one of the following is said. The wd of the Ld. 33 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), alt. 20

21 Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Holy Wd, Holy Wisdom. Mning Prayer continues with the Responsy the Canticle both. If two Readings are read, then the Responsy follows the first Reading and the Canticle the second. The Responsy The Canticle The Responsy is said sung. Creat of the heavens, your salvation draws near to us; your gly shall dwell in our land. Creat of the heavens, your salvation draws near to us; your gly shall dwell in our land. We shall listen to what you are saying, f you are speaking peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you. Your gly shall dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Your gly shall dwell in our land. Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Your gly shall dwell in our land. Righteousness shall go befe you, and peace shall be a pathway f your feet. Creat of the heavens, your salvation draws near to us; your gly shall dwell in our land. 34 Mning Prayer continues with [the Second Reading ] the Canticle an Affirmation of Faith. The Song of Zechariah A Song of the Messiah may be said sung. The Song of Zechariah (Luke ) Blessed are you, Ld, the God of Israel, * you have come to your people and set them free. You have raised up f us a mighty Saviour, * bn of the house of your servant David. Through your holy prophets, * 34 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 106 alt. 21

22 you promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us, * to show mercy to our febears, and to remember your holy covenant. This was the oath you swe to our father Abraham: * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to wship you without fear. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * f you will go befe the Ld to prepare the way, to give God s people knowledge of salvation * by the fgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace. 35 Or A Song of the Messiah (Isaiah 9.2, 3b, 4a, 6, 7) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; * those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, upon them the light has dawned. You have increased their joy and given them great gladness; * they rejoiced befe you as with joy at the harvest. F you have shattered the yoke that burdened them; * the collar that lay heavy on their shoulders. F to us a child is bn and to us a son is given, * and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called: Wonderful Counsell, the Mighty God; * the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace * there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over his realm, * to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness. From this time fth and f everme; * the zeal of the Ld of hosts will do this. 36 Mning Prayer continues with an Affirmation of Faith the Litany. Affirmation of Faith One of the following Affirmations of Faith may be said sung. 35 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 216 alt. 22

23 The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creat of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Ld, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, bn of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the fgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 37 Or Hear, O Israel Hear, O Israel, the Ld our God, the Ld is one. Love the Ld your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. 38 Or 37 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), The Book of Alternative Services (1985),

24 Jesus Christ the Servant Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Incarnate Wd. Though Christ was in the fm of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the fm of a slave and by becoming fully human. When he found himself in our fm, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefe, God highly honoured him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Ld, to the gly of God the Father. 39 Mning Prayer continues with the Litany. The Litany The Litany is said sung. THE PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY In joy and humility let us pray to the Creat of the heavens. By the good news of our salvation brought to Mary by the angel, Creat of the heavens, hear us and grant us peace. By the mystery of the Wd made flesh, Creat of the heavens, hear us and grant us peace. By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, Creat of the heavens, hear us and grant us peace. By the manifestation of the Wd of life to the shepherds, Creat of the universe, hear us and grant us peace. 39 Philippians (Common English Bible) altered f liturgical use following a model in Common Wship (2000),

25 By the submission of the maker of the wld to Mary and Joseph, Creat of the heavens, hear us and grant us peace. 40 Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence aloud. Among these concerns it is appropriate to remember the church, especially in places of conflict; the Holy Land, f peace with justice and reconciliation; refugees and asylum seekers; homeless people and families with young children. 41 After a period of silence either the Collect of the Day one of the following collects may be said sung. O Holy One, heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem. Through the telling of the Christmas sty, may our earthly lives be caught up in the heavenly in that same child, so that we might join shepherds and all the angelic host in praising the coming of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 42 God of gly, your splendour shines from a manger in Bethlehem, where the Light of the wld is humbly bn into the darkness of human night. Open our eyes to Christ s presence in the shadows of our wld, so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice and defenders of all f whom there is no room. Amen. 43 Light of life, you came in flesh, bn into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children. Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us, so that all creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace. Amen. 44 Mning Prayer continues with the Ld s Prayer. The Ld s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 40 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), alt. 41 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 38 alt. 43 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 38 alt. 44 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002),

26 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Fgive us our sins as we fgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. F the kingdom, the power, and the gly are yours, now and f ever. Amen. Mning Prayer continues with the Dismissal. The Dismissal Let us bless the Ld. THE SENDING FORTH OF THE COMMUNITY Mning Prayer may conclude with the following Sentence. May God, who has called us out of darkness into the marvellous light of Christ, bless us and fill us with peace. Amen Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 219 alt. 26

27 EVENING PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS FROM CHRISTMAS EVE TO EPIPHANY Introducty Responses Thanksgiving GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY Light and peace in Jesus Christ our hope. Jesus Christ is the light of the wld. A light no darkness can extinguish. 46 A candle candles may be lit during the Thanksgiving. Let us give thanks to God our Creat. It is right to offer thanks and praise. 47 Let us give thanks to the Ld our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Blessed are you, Sovereign God, our light and our salvation, to you be gly and praise f ever. To dispel the darkness of our night you sent fth your Son, the firstbn of all creation, to be the Christ, the light of the wld. Rejoicing in the mystery of the Wd made flesh, we acclaim him Emmanuel, as all creation sings to you. Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God f ever. Blessed be God: Source, Wd and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God f ever The Book of Alternative Services (1985), Eucharistic Prayers, Services of the Wd, and Night Prayer: Supplementary to The Book of Alternative Services (2001), 48 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005) 220 alt. 27

28 The Psalm The Reading THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD A Psalm from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is said sung. Evening Prayer continues with the Reading. A Reading from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is read. After a period of silent reflection one of the following is said. The wd of the Ld. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Holy Wd, Holy Wisdom. Evening Prayer continues with the Responsy the Canticle both. If two Readings are read, then the Responsy follows the first Reading and the Canticle the second. The Responsy The Responsy is said sung. The Wd of life which was from the beginning we proclaim to you. The Wd of life which was from the beginning we proclaim to you. The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. The Wd of life which was from the beginning we proclaim to you. That which we heard, which we saw with our eyes and touched with our hands. The Wd of life which was from the beginning we proclaim to you. F our fellowship is with the Creat of all and with the Wd made flesh, Jesus the Christ. The Wd of life which was from the beginning 28

29 The Canticle we proclaim to you. 49 Evening Prayer continues with [the Second Reading ] the Canticle an Affirmation of Faith. The Song of Mary A Song of Redemption may be said sung. The Song of Mary (Luke ) My soul proclaims the greatness of the Ld, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, * f you, Ld, have looked with favour on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * you, the Almighty, have done great things f me and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you, * from generation to generation. You have shown strength with your arm * and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones * and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things * and sent the rich away empty. You have come to the aid of your servant Israel, * to remember the promise of mercy, the promise made to our ancests, * to Abraham and his children f ever. 50 Or A Song of Redemption (Colossians a, 19, 20a) O Source of all life and love, you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness * and transferred us to the commonwealth of your Beloved; in whom we have redemption, * the fgiveness of our sins. Christ is your very image, O invisible God, * the firstbn of all creation. F in the Wd all things were created, * in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. All things were created through and f the Wd, * 49 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 217 alt. 50 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), 315 alt. 29

30 who is befe all things and in whom all things hold together. Christ is the head of the church, * Christ the beginning, the firstbn from the dead. In Christ all your fullness, O God, was pleased to dwell; * and through Christ you were pleased to reconcile all things. 51 Evening Prayer continues with an Affirmation of Faith the Litany. Affirmation of Faith One of the following Affirmations of Faith may be said sung. The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creat of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Ld, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, bn of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the fgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 52 Or Hear, O Israel Hear, O Israel, the Ld our God, the Ld is one. Love the Ld your God with all your heart, with all your soul, 51 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 222 alt. 52 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006),

31 with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. 53 Or Jesus Christ the Servant Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Incarnate Wd. Though Christ was in the fm of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the fm of a slave and by becoming fully human. When he found himself in our fm, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefe, God highly honoured him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Ld, to the gly of God the Father. 54 Evening Prayer continues with the Litany. THE PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY The Litany The Litany is said sung. Let us pray to the Source of all life and love. 53 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), Philippians (Common English Bible) altered f liturgical use following a model in Common Wship (2000),

32 Source of all life and love, help the church reveal the mystery of your love and fill us with the Spirit of truth. God of compassion, dwell in us. Guide the leaders of the nations and fill the wld with your justice and righteousness. God of compassion, dwell in us. Protect all your children by your mercy, bless our families and renew our communities. God of compassion, dwell in us. Give to all who suffer your gift of wholeness and peace. God of compassion, dwell in us. 55 Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence aloud. Among these concerns it is appropriate to remember the church, especially in places of conflict; the Holy Land, f peace with justice and reconciliation; refugees and asylum seekers; homeless people and families with young children. 56 After a period of silence either the Collect of the Day one of the following collects may be said sung. O Holy One, heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem. Through the telling of the Christmas sty, may our earthly lives be caught up in the heavenly in that same child, so that we might join shepherds and all the angelic host in praising the coming of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 57 God of gly, your splendour shines from a manger in Bethlehem, where the Light of the wld is humbly bn into the darkness of human night. Open our eyes to Christ s presence in the shadows of our wld, so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice and defenders of all f whom there is no room. Amen Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 378 alt. 56 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 38 alt. 58 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 38 alt. 32

33 Light of life, you came in flesh, bn into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children. Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us, so that all creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace. Amen. 59 Evening Prayer continues with the Ld s Prayer. The Ld s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Fgive us our sins as we fgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. F the kingdom, the power, and the gly are yours, now and f ever. Amen. Evening Prayer continues with the Dismissal. The Dismissal Let us bless the Ld. THE SENDING FORTH OF THE COMMUNITY Evening Prayer may conclude with the following Sentence. May God, who has called us out of darkness into the marvellous light of Christ, bless us and fill us with peace. Amen Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 219 alt. 33

34 MORNING PRAYER FOR EPIPHANY FROM EPIPHANY TO PRESENTATION INCLUSIVE Introducty Responses GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY Blessed are you, heir of David, bn to lead your people, you received gifts from the magi. Blessed are you, incarnate Wd; baptized by John, you saved us from ourselves. Blessed are you, servant Ld; teaching and preaching, healing and comfting, you proclaimed God s gracious reign. Let heaven and earth shout their praise. With all the voices of heaven we celebrate the revelation of our Saviour. Let heaven and earth shout their praise. With all the creatures on earth we sing and dance at the coming of Christ. Let heaven and earth shout their praise. 61 The Psalm The Reading THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD A Psalm from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is said sung. Mning Prayer continues with the Reading. A Reading from the Daily Office Lectionary, the Weekday Eucharistic Lectionary the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings is read. After a period of silent reflection one of the following is said. The wd of the Ld. 61 The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 97 alt. 34

35 Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Holy Wd, Holy Wisdom. Mning Prayer continues with the Responsy the Canticle both. If two Readings are read, then the Responsy follows the first Reading and the Canticle the second. The Responsy The Canticle The Responsy is said sung. O wship our God in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble befe the Holy One. Tell it out among the nations that God is sovereign. O wship our God in the beauty of holiness. Tell out the promise of salvation from day to day. Let the whole earth tremble befe the Holy One. Declare the gly of God among the nations and the wonders of the Holy One among all peoples. O wship our God in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble befe the Holy One. 62 Mning Prayer continues with [the Second Reading ] the Canticle an Affirmation of Faith. The Song of Zechariah A Song of the New Jerusalem may be said sung. The Song of Zechariah (Luke ) Blessed are you, Ld, the God of Israel, * you have come to your people and set them free. You have raised up f us a mighty Saviour, * bn of the house of your servant David. Through your holy prophets, * you promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us, * to show mercy to our febears, and to remember your holy covenant. This was the oath you swe to our father Abraham: * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to wship you without fear. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * 62 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 229 alt. 35

36 f you will go befe the Ld to prepare the way, to give God s people knowledge of salvation * by the fgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace. 63 Or A Song of the New Jerusalem (Isaiah , 11a, 18, 19, 14b) Arise, shine, f your light has come, * and the gly of the Ld is rising upon you. Though night still covers the earth, * and darkness the peoples; above you the Holy One arises, * and above you the divine gly appears. The nations will come to your light, * and rulers to your dawning brightness. Your gates will lie open continually, * shut neither by day n by night. The sound of violence shall be heard no longer in your land, * ruin and devastation within your bders. You will call your walls, Salvation, * and your gates, Praise. No me will the sun give you daylight, * n moonlight shine upon you; but the Ld will be your everlasting light, * your God will be your splendour. F you shall be called the city of God, * the dwelling of the Holy One of Israel. 64 Mning Prayer continues with an Affirmation of Faith the Litany. Affirmation of Faith One of the following Affirmations of Faith may be said sung. The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creat of heaven and earth. 63 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), 228 alt. 36

37 I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Ld, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, bn of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the fgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 65 Or Hear, O Israel Hear, O Israel, the Ld our God, the Ld is one. Love the Ld your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. 66 Or God s Plan of Salvation Blessed be the God of our Ld Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. 65 Evangelical Lutheran Wship (2006), The Book of Alternative Services (1985),

38 God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless and destined us to be beloved adopted children. God revealed the divine hidden design to us: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. 67 Mning Prayer continues with the Litany. The Litany The Litany is said sung. THE PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY Let us present befe the God of gly our gift of prayer. F all who walk in the darkness of violence and oppression, and f all who by their life and preaching cast into that darkness the light of God s peace and justice: God of gly, hear and have mercy. F all who carry on the teaching of prophets and apostles, and f the full communion in life and wship of those who receive God s wd: God of gly, hear and have mercy. F all who have at their disposal this wld s riches, and f all who call out to them: God of gly, hear and have mercy. F all who raise their eyes to the heavens looking f healing and deliverance: God of gly, hear and have mercy. F the rulers of the earth, and f every child that stands in need of their protection: God of gly, hear and have mercy. 68 Additional intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings may be offered in silence aloud. Among these concerns it is appropriate to remember the unity of the church; 67 Ephesians 1.3, 4a, 5a, 9a, 10b (Common English Bible) alt. 68 Intercessions f the Christian People (1988, 1990), 11 alt. 38

39 the peace of the wld; the healing of the sick; the revelation of Christ to those from whom his gly is hidden and f all who travel. 69 After a period of silence either the Collect of the Day one of the following collects may be said sung. Epiphany O God of light and peace, whose gly, shining in the child of Bethlehem, still draws the nations to yourself: dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, so that we may come to kneel befe Christ in true wship, offer him our hearts and souls and return from his presence to live as he has taught. Amen. 70 Baptism of Christ God, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse us in your grace, mark us with your image and raise us to live our baptismal vows empowered by the Holy Spirit and the example of Christ our Ld, in whose name we pray. Amen. 71 Epiphany to Presentation Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, so that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen. 72 Presentation God of steadfast love, you sent your Son to be the light of the wld, saving people everywhere from sin and death. As Anna gave thanks f the freedom he would bring and Simeon saw in him the dawn of redemption, complete your purpose once made known in him. Make us the vessels of his light, so that all the wld may gly in the splendour of your peace. Amen. 73 Mning Prayer continues with the Ld s Prayer. The Ld s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us, 69 Common Wship: Daily Prayer (2005), Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 52 alt. 71 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 50 alt. 73 Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002), 222 alt. 39