EVENING PRAYER
The minister may read aloud one or more of these or other suitable sentences of Scripture.
Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4: 11
The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. John 4: 23
The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Habakkuk 2: 20
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Psalm 96: 9
Advent
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God Isaiah 40: 3
Christmas
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10-11
Epiphany
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60: 1
Lent
Thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit. Isaiah 57: 15
Passiontide and Holy Week
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 8
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21: 9
Easter
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1: 3
Ascension
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 4: 14, 16
Pentecost (Whitsunday) and Ember Seasons
God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 5
Trinity Sunday
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6: 3
All Saints and Saints' Days
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.Hebrews 12: 1-2
The minister then reads one or more of these sentences of Scripture.
When a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord; so turn and live. Ezekiel 18: 27,32
I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51: 3
Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Psalm 51: 9
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51: 17
Rend your hearts, and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and relents over disaster. Joel 2: 13
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us. Daniel 9: 9-10
Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.
Jeremiah 10: 24
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3: 2
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15: 18-19
Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
Psalm 143: 2
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 8-9
The minister says this Exhortation. He may omit the second paragraph.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Scriptures encourages us repeatedly to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not try to hide them from Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient hearts, so that we may receive forgiveness through God’s infinite goodness and mercy.
[We ought at all times humbly to admit our sins before God, but chiefly when we meet together to give thanks for the great benefits we have received at his hands, to offer the praise that is due him, to hear his holy word, and to ask what is necessary for our bodies and souls.]
Therefore let us approach the throne of our gracious God and say together:
Or he may omit the Exhortation, saying instead
Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.
All kneeling, this general Confession is said by the whole congregation with the minister.
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have broken your holy laws. We have left undone what we ought to have done, and we have done what we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy on us pitiful sinners. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who truly repent, as you have promised through Jesus Christ our Lord. And grant, O merciful Father, for his sake, that we may live a godly, righteous and sober life, to the praise of your holy name. AMEN.
The Absolution, or declaration of forgiveness is pronounced by the priest alone standing; the congregation still kneeling
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, does not desire the death of sinners but rather that they should turn from their wickedness and live. He has commanded and authorized his ministers to reassure his people that they will be forgiven when they repent of their sins. God pardons and forgives all who truly repent and sincerely believe his holy gospel. Therefore let us implore him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit; so that what we do now may please him, that the rest of our lives may be pure and holy, and that finally we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The congregation answer AMEN.
Or instead of the Absolution the minister may say this prayer
Merciful God, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace; that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Or this Word of Assurance may be said
If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the perfect offering for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1,2
Or a short period of silence may be kept.
The Lord’s Prayer may be said by all, kneeling
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. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. AMEN.
or
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. AMEN.
All stand, and the minister says
Lord, open our lips.
And we shall declare your praise.
God, make speed to save us.
Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s Name be praised.
The Phos hilaron (see pages 49-50) or another suitable hymn may be sung.
The Psalm or Psalms of the day are said or sung. After the last psalm is said or sung
Glory to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now*
and shall be for ever. AMEN.
The First Reading from the Old Testament
The readings are announced, The First/Second Reading from…, chapter…, beginning at verse…. After each reading, the reader says, Here ends the reading.
The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55), or another hymn
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,*
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
he has looked with favor on his lowly servant;*
from this day all generations will call me blessed;
the Almighty has done great things for me*
and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him,*
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm*
and has scattered the proud in their conceit,
casting down the mighty from their thrones*
and lifting up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things*
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel*
to remember his promise of mercy,
The promise made to our ancestors,*
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now*
and shall be for ever. Amen.
Other suitable hymns and canticles for use at Evening Prayer are to be found on pages 47-59.
The Second Reading from the New Testament
The Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32), or another hymn
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace*
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation*
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
A light to reveal you to the nations*
and the glory of your people Israel
Glory to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now*
and shall be for ever. Amen.
The Apostles’ Creed is said or sung by all standing.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.
The Litany may be said or sung here. When this is done, the remainder of Evening Prayer may be omitted.
The Prayers follow. The minister first says
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
All kneel, and the minister continues
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on 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. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. AMEN.
or
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, forever and ever. AMEN.
Lord show us your mercy.
and grant us your salvation.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness.
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people.
and bless your inheritance.
Lord, guide the leaders of our nation;
and mercifully hear us when we call upon you.
Give peace in our time, O Lord.
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us clean hearts, O God.
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Then are said the three Collects.
The first Collect, of the Day
The Second Collect, for Peace
O God, the author of all holy desires, all good purposes, and all just works: give to us your servants that peace which the world cannot give, so that we, obeying your commands, and being delivered from the fear of our enemies, may live in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN.
The Third Collect, for Aid against all Perils
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great mercy defend us from all peril and danger this night; for the love of your only Son our Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN.
An anthem or hymn may be sung here.
On Sunday the following Prayers are said. They may be used on other occasions, and may be omitted when the Holy Communion immediately follows Evening Prayer.
A Prayer for the President of the United States
Lord God, our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; we commend this nation to your merciful care, that being guided by your providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States and all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them mindful of their calling to serve this nation and people in reverence before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN.
A Prayer for the Clergy and People
Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels: send down the health-giving spirit of your grace on all bishops and pastors and the congregations committed to their care. And, so that we may all truly please you, pour on us the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
The minister may use the following Prayer and other authorized prayers and thanksgivings.
Before any of the prayers may be said Let us pray for —, and before any of the thanksgivings, Let us give thanks for —.
The minister may ask the prayers of the congregation for particular persons and needs.
A period of open prayer may follow.
A Prayer for All People
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we pray for people of every race, in every kind of need: make your ways known on earth, your saving health among all nations. We pray for your Church throughout the world: guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace and in righteousness of life. We commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed in body, mind or spirit [especially …]; comfort and relieve them in their need, give them patience in their sufferings, and bring good out of all their troubles; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
This General Thanksgiving may be said by the congregation with the minister.
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us, and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your boundless love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and the hope of glory. Give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The service ends with the Prayer of St. Chrysostom and the Grace.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace to bring before you with one accord our common supplications; and promise that when two or three are gathered together in your name you will grant their requests; fulfill now, Lord, the desires and petitions of your servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. AMEN
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. AMEN. 2 Corinthians 13:14.
A Sermon may be preached here and the offerings of the people received and presented at the Lord's Table. Or the Sermon may be preached immediately after the Hymn or Anthem following the Third Collect. The minister then proceeds to the intercessions and thanksgivings, concluding with the Prayer of St Chrysostom and the Grace.
When The Holy Communion follows Evening Prayer, Evening Prayer may begin at the versicles ‘Lord, open our lips’ and end at the Song of Mary or other hymn; in which case The Holy Communion may begin with the Collect and the Reading from the New Testament.
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