All Hallows Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer for Sunday (October 2, 2022)
This Sunday All Hallows Murray offers two services—Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. The order of service for both services is adapted from the Order for Daily Morning Prayer and the Order for Daily Evening Prayer found in The Church of England’s service book, Common Worship (2000). The Scripture reading, the homily, the prayers, the closing song, and the conclusion is the same in both services.
MORNING PRAYER
PREPARATION
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Open this link in a new tab to hear John Angotti’s setting of the Benedicite, “Canticle of Daniel.”
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
1 Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord!
you heavens, bless the Lord!
all waters above the heavens, bless the Lord!
all you hosts of the Lord,
sun and moon, stars of heaven,
bless the Lord!
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
2 Ev’ry shower and dew, bless the Lord!
all wind and heat, bless the Lord!
cold and chill, dew and rain, bless the Lord!
ice and snow,
nights and days,
lights and darkness and clouds
bless the Lord!
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
3 Mountains and hills, bless the Lord!
ev’rything growing from the earth, bless the Lord!
springs, seas and rivers, bless the Lord!
all water creatures,
all you birds,
all you beasts, sons of man
bless the Lord!
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
4 O Israel, bless the Lord!
Priests and servants of the Lord, bless the Lord!
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart,
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael,
bless the Lord!
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
God is praised and exalted above all for ever.
This opening prayer is said
The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
PSALMODY
Open this link in a new tab to hear Karen Youg Wimberly's adaptation of Psalm 63, "O God, You Are My God."
O God, you are my God, and I long for you
O God, you are my God, and I long for you
My whole being desires you, like a dry land, like a dry land,
my soul thirsts for you, my soul thirsts for you.
Let me see you in your sanctuary and I will praise,
I’ll be satisfied, I’ll be satisfied as long as I live, as long as I live.
Your steadfast love is better than life and I will praise you
Your steadfast love is better than life and I will praise you
I will lift my hands and I will call to you in
The watches of the night, watches of the night,
My soul clings to you, my soul clings to you
In the shadow of your wings I will sing out for joy
I’ll be satisfied, I’ll be satisfied as long as I live, as long as I live.
[Instrumental reprise]
Silence is kept.
To you we come, radiant Lord,
the goal of all our desiring,
beyond all earthly beauty;
gentle protector, strong deliverer,
in the night you are our confidence;
from first light be our joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OFFICE HYMN
Open this link in a new tab to hear James Quinn’s morning hymn, “This Day God Gives Me.”
This day, God gives me strength of high heaven,
Sun and moon shining, flame in my hearth,
Flashing of lightning, wind in its swiftness,
Deeps of the ocean, firmness of earth,
Deeps of the ocean, firmness of earth.
This day, God sends me strength as my steersman,
Might to uphold me, wisdom as guide.
Your eyes are watchful; your ears are listening;
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side,
This day, God sends me strength as my steersman,
Might to uphold me, wisdom as guide.
Your eyes are watchful; your ears are listening;
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side,
Your lips are speaking, friend at my side.
God's way is my way; God's shield is round me;
God's host defends me, saving from ill.
Angels of heaven, drive from me always
All that would harm me; stand by me still,
God's way is my way; God's shield is round me;
God's host defends me, saving from ill.
Angels of heaven, drive from me always
All that would harm me; stand by me still,
All that would harm me; stand by me still.
[Instrumental interlude]
Rising, I thank you, mighty and strong one,
King of creation, giver of rest;
Firmly confessing threeness of persons,
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed,
Rising, I thank you, mighty and strong one,
King of creation, giver of rest;
Firmly confessing threeness of persons,
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed,
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blessed.
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 17:5–10 Teaching about Faith and Obedience
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!
“When a servant comes in from ploughing or looking after sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Today’s reading, Luke 17: 5-10 follows two passages in Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus teaches the apostles about not causing others to sin and forgiving others. It is followed by a passage in which Jesus heals ten lepers but only one of them, a Samaritan, praises God, prostrates himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanks Jesus. Jesus tells the man he can get up. His faith has saved him. The Greek word used can also be translated “healed.” So what are we to make of today’s reading?
After hearing what Jesus said about repeatedly forgiving someone who asks for forgiveness, the apostles ask Jesus to show them how to increase their faith. Jesus does not do what they ask. Rather he points their attention to a nearby fruit tree, a mulberry tree, and tells them that if they had faith even as tiny as a mustard seed, they would be able to command the tree to uproot itself and replant itself in the sea., I would appear from this remark that he viewed their request as an admission that they lacked faith, presumably faith to believe what he had just told them about tempting others to sin and forgiving others when they asked for forgiveness. Otherwise, this request does not make sense. It sounds like they made the request because they though Jesus expected them to say something.
The prospect of being thrown into the sea with one of the stones from a hand mill tied around their neck to drown may have upset them. Their bodies would have not floated to the surface, and they would not have received a proper burial. They would have not been laid to rest with their ancestors.
The Jews had a dread of the sea. While the Sea of Galilee was not a real sea but a lake, it was quite dangerous. Sudden storms blew up on the Sea of Galilee and those apostles who had been fishermen must have known other fishermen whose did not return from fishing, having been caught in one of these storms, had their boat fill with water and sink, and had drowned. The apostles may also have had people whom they did not want to forgive. We seem to forget that whatever they would become, the apostles were ordinary men like ourselves with their own flaws and shortcomings. Peter would deny Jesus three times. Thomas doubted.
Jesus’ teaching about causing others to sin and forgiving others may have made them uneasy. They may have though of times when they tempted someone else to do the wrong thing or chosen not to forgive someone but what that person had done against them. While Jesus was teaching them, they may have been shifting nervously in their sandals, conveying by their body language that Jesus may have struck a raw nerve. Jesus was very perceptive. One of them was Judas Iscariot who kept the common purse and helped himself to its contents. He would eventually betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
We do not really know how they reacted to Jesus’ teaching. Luke’s narrative does not tell us. However, asking Jesus to show them how to increase their faith does seem like something plucked out of the air.
At first blush what Jesus says next, does not fit with what he just said or with what he said earlier. I must admit to struggling to see its relevance. He seems to be saying that the apostles as his disciples should not expect special treatment from him. A master does not give special treatment to his servant, and he does not thank the servant for doing what he is expected of him. The apostles as his disciples were Jesus’ servants and like the servants that they were, they should obey him. This may be an oblique way of saying that they did not need more faith. They simply needed to take him at his word and do what he taught them.
Disciples in obeying their teacher recognize that they are doing what is expected of them in the same way that servants recognize that they are doing what is expected of them and nothing more. They are doing what they have to do because it is part of their job, and it is the right thing to do.
The inference is that we should have the same attitude toward Jesus. We are not going out of our way to obey him as Lord and to follow his teaching and example although it may seem that way to us. We are not doing Jesus a favor. It is what is expected of us as his disciples, and it is the right thing to do. It is what being a disciple of Jesus is about.
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 17:5–10 Teaching about Faith and Obedience
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!
“When a servant comes in from ploughing or looking after sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Disciple of Jesus, Servant of God
Today’s reading, Luke 17: 5-10 follows two passages in Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus teaches the apostles about not causing others to sin and forgiving others. It is followed by a passage in which Jesus heals ten lepers but only one of them, a Samaritan, praises God, prostrates himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanks Jesus. Jesus tells the man he can get up. His faith has saved him. The Greek word used can also be translated “healed.” So what are we to make of today’s reading?
After hearing what Jesus said about repeatedly forgiving someone who asks for forgiveness, the apostles ask Jesus to show them how to increase their faith. Jesus does not do what they ask. Rather he points their attention to a nearby fruit tree, a mulberry tree, and tells them that if they had faith even as tiny as a mustard seed, they would be able to command the tree to uproot itself and replant itself in the sea., I would appear from this remark that he viewed their request as an admission that they lacked faith, presumably faith to believe what he had just told them about tempting others to sin and forgiving others when they asked for forgiveness. Otherwise, this request does not make sense. It sounds like they made the request because they though Jesus expected them to say something.
The prospect of being thrown into the sea with one of the stones from a hand mill tied around their neck to drown may have upset them. Their bodies would have not floated to the surface, and they would not have received a proper burial. They would have not been laid to rest with their ancestors.
The Jews had a dread of the sea. While the Sea of Galilee was not a real sea but a lake, it was quite dangerous. Sudden storms blew up on the Sea of Galilee and those apostles who had been fishermen must have known other fishermen whose did not return from fishing, having been caught in one of these storms, had their boat fill with water and sink, and had drowned. The apostles may also have had people whom they did not want to forgive. We seem to forget that whatever they would become, the apostles were ordinary men like ourselves with their own flaws and shortcomings. Peter would deny Jesus three times. Thomas doubted.
Jesus’ teaching about causing others to sin and forgiving others may have made them uneasy. They may have though of times when they tempted someone else to do the wrong thing or chosen not to forgive someone but what that person had done against them. While Jesus was teaching them, they may have been shifting nervously in their sandals, conveying by their body language that Jesus may have struck a raw nerve. Jesus was very perceptive. One of them was Judas Iscariot who kept the common purse and helped himself to its contents. He would eventually betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
We do not really know how they reacted to Jesus’ teaching. Luke’s narrative does not tell us. However, asking Jesus to show them how to increase their faith does seem like something plucked out of the air.
At first blush what Jesus says next, does not fit with what he just said or with what he said earlier. I must admit to struggling to see its relevance. He seems to be saying that the apostles as his disciples should not expect special treatment from him. A master does not give special treatment to his servant, and he does not thank the servant for doing what he is expected of him. The apostles as his disciples were Jesus’ servants and like the servants that they were, they should obey him. This may be an oblique way of saying that they did not need more faith. They simply needed to take him at his word and do what he taught them.
Disciples in obeying their teacher recognize that they are doing what is expected of them in the same way that servants recognize that they are doing what is expected of them and nothing more. They are doing what they have to do because it is part of their job, and it is the right thing to do.
The inference is that we should have the same attitude toward Jesus. We are not going out of our way to obey him as Lord and to follow his teaching and example although it may seem that way to us. We are not doing Jesus a favor. It is what is expected of us as his disciples, and it is the right thing to do. It is what being a disciple of Jesus is about.
It is also what is expected of us as ordinary human beings. When Jesus was raised from the dead, he was made Lord of all!
The attitude of the Samaritan who returned to give glory to God, who fell on the ground and thanked Jesus for what he had done should also be our attitude too. Jesus has done a lot for us, and he continues to do a lot for us. He intercedes for us. He gives us his Spirit. He and the Father make their home with those who love him. He will return again in glory and will judge the living and the dead.
As Jesus told the apostles, when we obey Jesus, do what he taught us, follow the example he set, we should say “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.”
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s adaptation of the Benedictus, “Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Israel.”
1 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who brings the dawn and darkest night dispels,
who raises up a mighty Saviour from the earth,
of David’s line, a son of royal birth.
2 The prophets tell a story just begun
of vanquished foe and glorious victory won,
of promise made to all who keep the law as guide:
God’s faithful love and mercy will abide.
3 This is the oath once sworn to Abraham:
all shall be free to dwell upon the land,
free now to praise, unharmed by the oppressor’s rod,
holy and righteous in the sight of God.
4 And you, my child, this day you shall be called
the promised one, the prophet of our God,
for you will go before the Lord to clear the way,
and shepherd all into the light of day.
5 The tender love God promised from our birth
is soon to dawn upon this shadowed earth,
to shine on those whose sorrows seem to never cease,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.
6 All glory be to God, creator blest,
to Jesus Christ, God’s love made manifest,
and to the Holy Spirit, gentle Comforter,
all glory be , both now and evermore.
PRAYERS
(Let us offer our prayers to the source of all love and all life, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Merciful Lord, we pray for all who call themselves Christians: that we may be faithful disciples of your Son Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for N our pastor, for all pastors, and for all who serve Christ in his Church: that they may remain faithful to their calling and rightly proclaim the word of truth. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, and all in authority: that your people may lead quiet and peaceable lives.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our community and those who live here, the poor and the rich, the elderly and the young, men and women: that you will show your loving kindness to all.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are in trouble or need that you will deliver them from their distress.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for _______________________.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all the saints who have found favor in your sight from earliest times, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and those whose names are known to you alone: and we pray that we too may be counted among your faithful witnesses.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Free Prayer
In silent or spontaneous prayer all bring before God the concerns of the day.
The Collect
Holy God,
holy and strong, holy and immortal,
keep us under the protection of your good providence,
and help us continually
to revere and love your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior taught his disciples,
we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Bruce Harding’s “Spirit God, Be Our Breath.”
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Our world seems inward, defensive, withdrawn…
Spirit God, be our song.
Patient God: soothe our pride, calm our fear.
Comfort us.
When we know you are near
The attitude of the Samaritan who returned to give glory to God, who fell on the ground and thanked Jesus for what he had done should also be our attitude too. Jesus has done a lot for us, and he continues to do a lot for us. He intercedes for us. He gives us his Spirit. He and the Father make their home with those who love him. He will return again in glory and will judge the living and the dead.
As Jesus told the apostles, when we obey Jesus, do what he taught us, follow the example he set, we should say “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.”
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s adaptation of the Benedictus, “Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Israel.”
1 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who brings the dawn and darkest night dispels,
who raises up a mighty Saviour from the earth,
of David’s line, a son of royal birth.
2 The prophets tell a story just begun
of vanquished foe and glorious victory won,
of promise made to all who keep the law as guide:
God’s faithful love and mercy will abide.
3 This is the oath once sworn to Abraham:
all shall be free to dwell upon the land,
free now to praise, unharmed by the oppressor’s rod,
holy and righteous in the sight of God.
4 And you, my child, this day you shall be called
the promised one, the prophet of our God,
for you will go before the Lord to clear the way,
and shepherd all into the light of day.
5 The tender love God promised from our birth
is soon to dawn upon this shadowed earth,
to shine on those whose sorrows seem to never cease,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.
6 All glory be to God, creator blest,
to Jesus Christ, God’s love made manifest,
and to the Holy Spirit, gentle Comforter,
all glory be , both now and evermore.
PRAYERS
(Let us offer our prayers to the source of all love and all life, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Merciful Lord, we pray for all who call themselves Christians: that we may be faithful disciples of your Son Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for N our pastor, for all pastors, and for all who serve Christ in his Church: that they may remain faithful to their calling and rightly proclaim the word of truth. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, and all in authority: that your people may lead quiet and peaceable lives.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our community and those who live here, the poor and the rich, the elderly and the young, men and women: that you will show your loving kindness to all.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are in trouble or need that you will deliver them from their distress.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for _______________________.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all the saints who have found favor in your sight from earliest times, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and those whose names are known to you alone: and we pray that we too may be counted among your faithful witnesses.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Free Prayer
In silent or spontaneous prayer all bring before God the concerns of the day.
The Collect
Holy God,
holy and strong, holy and immortal,
keep us under the protection of your good providence,
and help us continually
to revere and love your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior taught his disciples,
we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Bruce Harding’s “Spirit God, Be Our Breath.”
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Our world seems inward, defensive, withdrawn…
Spirit God, be our song.
Patient God: soothe our pride, calm our fear.
Comfort us.
When we know you are near
we grow more certain, our vision is clear.
Patient God, calm our fear.
Loving God: be our voice, be our prayer.
Reaching out, joining hands as we share,
We seek your guidance through friendship and care.
Loving God, be our prayer.
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn.
Spirit God, be our song.”
THE CONCLUSION
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
EVENING PRAYER
THE BLESSING OF THE LIGHT
A lamp or candle may be lit.
The Lord is my light and my salvation:
my God shall make my darkness to be bright.
The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you
and also with you.
Blessed are you, Lord God, creator of day and night:
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As darkness falls you renew your promise
to reveal among us the light of your presence.
By the light of Christ, your living Word,
dispel the darkness of our hearts
that we may walk as children of light
and sing your praise throughout the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessed be God for ever.
Other candles may be lit as the following is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear William George Storey’s translation of the Phos hilaron, “O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine.”
1 O radiant light, O sun divine,
Of God the Father's deathless face,
O image of the light sublime
That fills the heav'nly dwelling place.
2 O Son of God, the source of life,
Praise is your due by night and day.
Our happy lips must raise the strain
of your esteem'd and splendid name.
3 Lord Jesus Christ, as daylight fades,
As shine the lights of eventide,
We praise the Father with the Son,
The Spirit blest and with them one.
As Psalm 141 — A Song of the Evening Sacrifice ,is sung, incense may be burned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Peter Inwood’s setting of Psalm 141, “O Lord, Let My Prayer Rise Before You Like Incense.”
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
1. Lord, I am calling:
hasten to help me.
Listen to me as I cry to you.
Let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
2. Lord, set a guard at my mouth,
keep watch at the gate of my lips.
Let my heart not turn to things that are wrong,
to sharing the evil deeds done by the sinful.
No, I will never taste their delights.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
3. The good may reprove me,
in kindness chastise me,
but the wicked shall never anoint my head.
Ev’ry day I counter their malice with prayer.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
4 To you, Lord, my God, my eyes are turned:
in you I take refuge;
do not forsake me.
Keep me from the traps they have set for me,
from the snares of those who do evil.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
5 Praise to the Father, praise to the Son,
all praise to the life-giving Spirit.
As it was, is now and shall always be
for ages unending. Amen.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you as incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
This opening prayer is said.
That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
PSALMODY
Open this link in a new tab to hear Karin Young Wimberly’s adaptation of Psalm 121, “I Lift My Eyes Up to the Hills.”
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord of all, the Lord of heaven and earth
The one who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep
The Lord who watches over Israel is your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon harm you by night
The Lord will keep you from all harm and will watch over your life
Watch over you as you come and go now and forevermore
[Instrumental interlude]
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord of all, the Lord of heaven and earth
The one who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep
The Lord who watches over Israel is your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon harm you by night
The Lord will keep you from all harm and will watch over your life
Watch over you as you come and go now and forevermore
Silence is kept.
Lord, ever watchful and faithful,
we look to you to be our defense
and we lift our hearts to know your help;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 17: 5-10 Teaching about Faith and Obedience
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!
“When a servant comes in from ploughing or looking after sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Today’s reading, Luke 17: 5-10, follows two passages in Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus teaches the apostles about not causing others to sin and forgiving others. It is followed by a passage in which Jesus heals ten lepers but only one of them, a Samaritan, praises God, prostrates himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanks Jesus. Jesus tells the man he can get up. His faith has saved him. The Greek word used can also be translated “healed.” So what are we to make of today’s reading?
After hearing what Jesus said about repeatedly forgiving someone who asks for forgiveness, the apostles ask Jesus to show them how to increase their faith. Jesus does not do what they ask. Rather he points their attention to a nearby fruit tree, a mulberry tree, and tells them that if they had faith even as tiny as a mustard seed, they would be able to command the tree to uproot itself and replant itself in the sea., I would appear from this remark that he viewed their request as an admission that they lacked faith, presumably faith to believe what he had just told them about tempting others to sin and forgiving others when they asked for forgiveness. Otherwise, this request does not make sense. It sounds like they made the request because they though Jesus expected them to say something.
The prospect of being thrown into the sea with one of the stones from a hand mill tied around their neck to drown may have upset them. Their bodies would have not floated to the surface, and they would not have received a proper burial. They would have not been laid to rest with their ancestors.
The Jews had a dread of the sea. While the Sea of Galilee was not a real sea but a lake, it was quite dangerous. Sudden storms blew up on the Sea of Galilee and those apostles who had been fishermen must have known other fishermen whose did not return from fishing, having been caught in one of these storms, had their boat fill with water and sink, and had drowned.
Patient God, calm our fear.
Loving God: be our voice, be our prayer.
Reaching out, joining hands as we share,
We seek your guidance through friendship and care.
Loving God, be our prayer.
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn.
Spirit God, be our song.”
THE CONCLUSION
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
EVENING PRAYER
THE BLESSING OF THE LIGHT
A lamp or candle may be lit.
The Lord is my light and my salvation:
my God shall make my darkness to be bright.
The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you
and also with you.
Blessed are you, Lord God, creator of day and night:
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As darkness falls you renew your promise
to reveal among us the light of your presence.
By the light of Christ, your living Word,
dispel the darkness of our hearts
that we may walk as children of light
and sing your praise throughout the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessed be God for ever.
Other candles may be lit as the following is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear William George Storey’s translation of the Phos hilaron, “O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine.”
1 O radiant light, O sun divine,
Of God the Father's deathless face,
O image of the light sublime
That fills the heav'nly dwelling place.
2 O Son of God, the source of life,
Praise is your due by night and day.
Our happy lips must raise the strain
of your esteem'd and splendid name.
3 Lord Jesus Christ, as daylight fades,
As shine the lights of eventide,
We praise the Father with the Son,
The Spirit blest and with them one.
As Psalm 141 — A Song of the Evening Sacrifice ,is sung, incense may be burned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Peter Inwood’s setting of Psalm 141, “O Lord, Let My Prayer Rise Before You Like Incense.”
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
1. Lord, I am calling:
hasten to help me.
Listen to me as I cry to you.
Let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
2. Lord, set a guard at my mouth,
keep watch at the gate of my lips.
Let my heart not turn to things that are wrong,
to sharing the evil deeds done by the sinful.
No, I will never taste their delights.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
3. The good may reprove me,
in kindness chastise me,
but the wicked shall never anoint my head.
Ev’ry day I counter their malice with prayer.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
4 To you, Lord, my God, my eyes are turned:
in you I take refuge;
do not forsake me.
Keep me from the traps they have set for me,
from the snares of those who do evil.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
5 Praise to the Father, praise to the Son,
all praise to the life-giving Spirit.
As it was, is now and shall always be
for ages unending. Amen.
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you as incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
This opening prayer is said.
That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
PSALMODY
Open this link in a new tab to hear Karin Young Wimberly’s adaptation of Psalm 121, “I Lift My Eyes Up to the Hills.”
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord of all, the Lord of heaven and earth
The one who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep
The Lord who watches over Israel is your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon harm you by night
The Lord will keep you from all harm and will watch over your life
Watch over you as you come and go now and forevermore
[Instrumental interlude]
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord of all, the Lord of heaven and earth
The one who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep
The Lord who watches over Israel is your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon harm you by night
The Lord will keep you from all harm and will watch over your life
Watch over you as you come and go now and forevermore
Silence is kept.
Lord, ever watchful and faithful,
we look to you to be our defense
and we lift our hearts to know your help;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 17: 5-10 Teaching about Faith and Obedience
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!
“When a servant comes in from ploughing or looking after sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Disciple of Jesus, Servant of God
Today’s reading, Luke 17: 5-10, follows two passages in Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus teaches the apostles about not causing others to sin and forgiving others. It is followed by a passage in which Jesus heals ten lepers but only one of them, a Samaritan, praises God, prostrates himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanks Jesus. Jesus tells the man he can get up. His faith has saved him. The Greek word used can also be translated “healed.” So what are we to make of today’s reading?
After hearing what Jesus said about repeatedly forgiving someone who asks for forgiveness, the apostles ask Jesus to show them how to increase their faith. Jesus does not do what they ask. Rather he points their attention to a nearby fruit tree, a mulberry tree, and tells them that if they had faith even as tiny as a mustard seed, they would be able to command the tree to uproot itself and replant itself in the sea., I would appear from this remark that he viewed their request as an admission that they lacked faith, presumably faith to believe what he had just told them about tempting others to sin and forgiving others when they asked for forgiveness. Otherwise, this request does not make sense. It sounds like they made the request because they though Jesus expected them to say something.
The prospect of being thrown into the sea with one of the stones from a hand mill tied around their neck to drown may have upset them. Their bodies would have not floated to the surface, and they would not have received a proper burial. They would have not been laid to rest with their ancestors.
The Jews had a dread of the sea. While the Sea of Galilee was not a real sea but a lake, it was quite dangerous. Sudden storms blew up on the Sea of Galilee and those apostles who had been fishermen must have known other fishermen whose did not return from fishing, having been caught in one of these storms, had their boat fill with water and sink, and had drowned.
The apostles may also have had people whom they did not want to forgive. We seem to forget that whatever they would become, the apostles were ordinary men like ourselves with their own flaws and shortcomings. Peter would deny Jesus three times. Thomas doubted.
Jesus’ teaching about causing others to sin and forgiving others may have made them uneasy. They may have though of times when they tempted someone else to do the wrong thing or chosen not to forgive someone but what that person had done against them. While Jesus was teaching them, they may have been shifting nervously in their sandals, conveying by their body language that Jesus may have struck a raw nerve. Jesus was very perceptive. One of them was Judas Iscariot who kept the common purse and helped himself to its contents. He would eventually betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
We do not really know how they reacted to Jesus’ teaching. Luke’s narrative does not tell us. However, asking Jesus to show them how to increase their faith does seem like something plucked out of the air.
At first blush what Jesus says next, does not fit with what he just said or with what he said earlier. I must admit to struggling to see its relevance. He seems to be saying that the apostles as his disciples should not expect special treatment from him. A master does not give special treatment to his servant, and he does not thank the servant for doing what he is expected of him. The apostles as his disciples were Jesus’ servants and like the servants that they were, they should obey him. This may be an oblique way of saying that they did not need more faith. They simply needed to take him at his word and do what he taught them.
Disciples in obeying their teacher recognize that they are doing what is expected of them in the same way that servants recognize that they are doing what is expected of them and nothing more. They are doing what they have to do because it is part of their job, and it is the right thing to do.
The inference is that we should have the same attitude toward Jesus. We are not going out of our way to obey him as Lord and to follow his teaching and example although it may seem that way to us. We are not doing Jesus a favor. It is what is expected of us as his disciples, and it is the right thing to do. It is what being a disciple of Jesus is about.
Jesus’ teaching about causing others to sin and forgiving others may have made them uneasy. They may have though of times when they tempted someone else to do the wrong thing or chosen not to forgive someone but what that person had done against them. While Jesus was teaching them, they may have been shifting nervously in their sandals, conveying by their body language that Jesus may have struck a raw nerve. Jesus was very perceptive. One of them was Judas Iscariot who kept the common purse and helped himself to its contents. He would eventually betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
We do not really know how they reacted to Jesus’ teaching. Luke’s narrative does not tell us. However, asking Jesus to show them how to increase their faith does seem like something plucked out of the air.
At first blush what Jesus says next, does not fit with what he just said or with what he said earlier. I must admit to struggling to see its relevance. He seems to be saying that the apostles as his disciples should not expect special treatment from him. A master does not give special treatment to his servant, and he does not thank the servant for doing what he is expected of him. The apostles as his disciples were Jesus’ servants and like the servants that they were, they should obey him. This may be an oblique way of saying that they did not need more faith. They simply needed to take him at his word and do what he taught them.
Disciples in obeying their teacher recognize that they are doing what is expected of them in the same way that servants recognize that they are doing what is expected of them and nothing more. They are doing what they have to do because it is part of their job, and it is the right thing to do.
The inference is that we should have the same attitude toward Jesus. We are not going out of our way to obey him as Lord and to follow his teaching and example although it may seem that way to us. We are not doing Jesus a favor. It is what is expected of us as his disciples, and it is the right thing to do. It is what being a disciple of Jesus is about.
It is also what is expected of us as ordinary human beings. When Jesus was raised from the dead, he was made Lord of all!
The attitude of the Samaritan who returned to give glory to God, who fell on the ground and thanked Jesus for what he had done should also be our attitude too. Jesus has done a lot for us, and he continues to do a lot for us. He intercedes for us. He gives us his Spirit. He and the Father make their home with those who love him. He will return again in glory and will judge the living and the dead.
As Jesus told the apostles, when we obey Jesus, do what he taught us, follow the example he set, we should say “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.”
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s “Luke 1: My Soul Rejoices.”
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
My soul proclaims your mighty deeds.
My spirit sings the greatness of your name.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
Your mercy flows throughout the land
and ev’ry generation knows your love.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
You cast the mighty from their thrones
and raise the poor and lowly to new life.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
You fill the hungry with good things.
With empty hands you send the rich away.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
Just as you promised Abraham,
You come to free your people, Israel.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
PRAYERS
(Let us offer our prayers to the source of all love and all life, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Merciful Lord, we pray for all who call themselves Christians: that we may be faithful disciples of your Son Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for N our pastor, for all pastors, and for all who serve Christ in his Church: that they may remain faithful to their calling and rightly proclaim the word of truth. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, and all in authority: that your people may lead quiet and peaceable lives.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our community and those who live here, the poor and the rich, the elderly and the young, men and women: that you will show your loving kindness to all.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are in trouble or need that you will deliver them from their distress.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for _______________________.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all the saints who have found favor in your sight from earliest times, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and those whose names are known to you alone: and we pray that we too may be counted among your faithful witnesses.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Free Prayer
In silent or spontaneous prayer all bring before God the concerns of the day.
The Collect
Holy God,
holy and strong, holy and immortal,
keep us under the protection of your good providence,
and help us continually
to revere and love your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior taught his disciples,
we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Bruce Harding’s “Spirit God, Be Our Breath.”
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Our world seems inward, defensive, withdrawn…
Spirit God, be our song.
Patient God: soothe our pride, calm our fear.
Comfort us.
When we know you are near
The attitude of the Samaritan who returned to give glory to God, who fell on the ground and thanked Jesus for what he had done should also be our attitude too. Jesus has done a lot for us, and he continues to do a lot for us. He intercedes for us. He gives us his Spirit. He and the Father make their home with those who love him. He will return again in glory and will judge the living and the dead.
As Jesus told the apostles, when we obey Jesus, do what he taught us, follow the example he set, we should say “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.”
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s “Luke 1: My Soul Rejoices.”
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
My soul proclaims your mighty deeds.
My spirit sings the greatness of your name.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
Your mercy flows throughout the land
and ev’ry generation knows your love.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
You cast the mighty from their thrones
and raise the poor and lowly to new life.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
You fill the hungry with good things.
With empty hands you send the rich away.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
Just as you promised Abraham,
You come to free your people, Israel.
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour.
My spirit finds joy in God, the living God.
PRAYERS
(Let us offer our prayers to the source of all love and all life, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Merciful Lord, we pray for all who call themselves Christians: that we may be faithful disciples of your Son Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for N our pastor, for all pastors, and for all who serve Christ in his Church: that they may remain faithful to their calling and rightly proclaim the word of truth. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, and all in authority: that your people may lead quiet and peaceable lives.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our community and those who live here, the poor and the rich, the elderly and the young, men and women: that you will show your loving kindness to all.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are in trouble or need that you will deliver them from their distress.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for _______________________.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all the saints who have found favor in your sight from earliest times, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and those whose names are known to you alone: and we pray that we too may be counted among your faithful witnesses.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Free Prayer
In silent or spontaneous prayer all bring before God the concerns of the day.
The Collect
Holy God,
holy and strong, holy and immortal,
keep us under the protection of your good providence,
and help us continually
to revere and love your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior taught his disciples,
we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Bruce Harding’s “Spirit God, Be Our Breath.”
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Our world seems inward, defensive, withdrawn…
Spirit God, be our song.
Patient God: soothe our pride, calm our fear.
Comfort us.
When we know you are near
we grow more certain, our vision is clear.
Patient God, calm our fear.
Loving God: be our voice, be our prayer.
Reaching out, joining hands as we share,
We seek your guidance through friendship and care.
Loving God, be our prayer.
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn.
Spirit God, be our song.”
THE CONCLUSION
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Patient God, calm our fear.
Loving God: be our voice, be our prayer.
Reaching out, joining hands as we share,
We seek your guidance through friendship and care.
Loving God, be our prayer.
Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn.
Spirit God, be our song.”
THE CONCLUSION
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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