All Hallows Morning and Evening Prayer for Sunday (November 20, 22)
The order of service for this Sunday's services of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer comes from The Church of England’s service book, Common Worship (2000). The morning readings are different from the evening reading, as are the songs and the homily.
The morning service begins at the top of the page at the Acclamation of Christ at the Dawning of the Day. Scroll down the page for the beginning of the evening service as the Blessing of the Light.
MORNING PRAYER
THE ACCLAMATION OF CHRIST AT THE DAWNING OF THE DAY
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Open this link in a new tab to hear James Quinn’s metrical version of Psalm 100, “Sing All Creation.”
1 Sing, all creation, sing to God in gladness!
Joyously serve him, singing hymns of homage!
Chanting his praises, come before his presence!
Praise the Almighty!
2 Know that our God is Lord of all the ages!
He is our maker; we are all his creatures,
people he fashioned, sheep he leads to pasture!
Praise the Almighty!
3 Enter his temple, ringing out his praises!
Sing in thanksgiving as you come before him!
Blessing his bounty, glorify his greatness!
Praise the Almighty!
4 Great in his goodness is the Lord we worship;
steadfast his kindness, love that knows no ending!
Faithful his word is, changeless, everlasting!
Praise the Almighty!
This prayer of thanksgiving is said.
Blessed are you, creator of all,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your dawn renews the face of the earth
bringing light and life to all creation,
may we rejoice in this day you have made;
as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,
open our eyes to behold your presence
and strengthen our hands to do your will,
that the world may rejoice and give you praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
THE WORD OF GOD
PSALMODY
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s responsorial setting of Psalm 63, “In the Morning I Will Sing.”
In the morning I will sing,
I will sing glad songs to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you.
1 O God you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting
My body pines for you
like a dry weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
To see your strength and your glory.
In the morning I will sing,
I will sing glad songs to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you.
2 For you love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
In the morning I will sing,
I will sing glad songs to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you.
3 On my bed I remember you.
on you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
my soul clings to you;
Your right hand holds me fast.
In the morning I will sing,
I will sing glad songs to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you,
I will sing glad songs of praise to you.
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.
Open this link in a new tab to hear John Michael’s responsorial setting of Psalm 148, “O Bless the Lord.”
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
over all the earth!
1 O bless the Lord, highest heavens above!
Bless the Lord! Glorify his name!
Sun in the day, moon and stars in the night,
worship and praise!
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
1 O bless the Lord, highest heavens above!
Bless the Lord! Glorify his name!
Sun in the day, moon and stars in the night,
worship and praise!
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
over all the earth!
2 Let all the earth sing with joy to the Lord,
all the seas, creatures of the deep!
Mountains and hills, birds and beasts in the field,
worship and praise!
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
2 Let all the earth sing with joy to the Lord,
all the seas, creatures of the deep!
Mountains and hills, birds and beasts in the field,
worship and praise!
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
over all the earth!
3 Let all the nations on earth bless the Lord,
for the Lord governs all the world!
Let all the rulers on earth bless the Lord!
Worship and praise!
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
3 Let all the nations on earth bless the Lord,
for the Lord governs all the world!
Let all the rulers on earth bless the Lord!
Worship and praise!
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
over all the earth!
*4 Let all the people on earth bless the Lord!
Young and old, glorify his name!
Let every voice sing with joy to the Lord:
"Glory and praise!"
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
*4 Let all the people on earth bless the Lord!
Young and old, glorify his name!
Let every voice sing with joy to the Lord:
"Glory and praise!"
O bless the Lord, the God of our salvation,
Rock of strength and refuge sure!
O bless the Lord, the God of every nation,
over all the earth!
Coda
Over all the earth!
*Omitted on the video.
Silence is kept.
O glorious God,
your whole creation sings your marvelous work;
may heaven’s praise so echo in our hearts
that we may be good stewards of the earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Eric Becker’s responsorial setting of “Daniel 3 - Glory and Praise.”
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Blessed are you, O Lord God our Father,
praiseworthy and exalted for ever;
blessed and holy and glorious your name,
exalted for all ages.
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Blessed are you in the temple of your glory,
praiseworthy, glorious, your name for ever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom,
above all for ever.
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Blessed are you who look into the depths
from your throne upon cherubim,
praiseworthy, exalted above all forever.
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Jeremiah 23:1-6 The Righteous Descendant
“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord.
Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them. But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord, have spoken!
“For the time is coming,”
says the Lord,
“when I will raise up a righteous descendant
from King David’s line.
He will be a King who rules with wisdom.
He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
And this will be his name:
‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’
In that day Judah will be saved,
and Israel will live in safety.
Silence is kept.
Colossians 1:11-20 Christ Is Supreme
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme
over all creation,
for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
In the paean to Christ in this morning’s New Testament reading from the apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, Colossians 1:11-20, are several key beliefs that Christians have held since the earliest times. They form the center piece of what is considered an orthodox understanding of Christ, an understanding that has been held by generations of Christians since apostolic times, since the time of Peter, James, John, and Paul. A paean is a song or piece of writing praising someone or something enthusiastically. A number of them praising Christ are found in Paul’s letters.
In his epistles Paul often refers to Jesus as Christ, which is both a title and a name. In Greek it means “anointed” and is the equivalent of the Hebrew word mashiah, from which is derived the English word “messiah.” A key Christian belief is that Jesus is the messiah foretold in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This morning’s Old Testament reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, Jeremiah 23:1-6, is one of several passages in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of the messiah.
Among the things we learn from the paean to Christ in this morning’s New Testament reading is that Christ enables us to picture in our mind the character of God. We cannot see God. However, we can from Jesus’ words and actions form an idea of that particular combination of qualities in God that are typical of God. Jesus was the exact representation of God. He let us see an invisible God.
Christ has always existed and will always exist. He does not have a beginning or an end. He is not finite like us. We are like wildflowers in a grassy meadow. We bloom for a few days and then we are gone.
There is no being who is higher than Christ. He is supreme. There is no being who is superior to him lurking in the background. Christ is not subordinate to God because Christ is God and God is Christ. Jesus would model obedience to God for us, but it was God himself doing the teaching and setting the example.
Christ created everything—what we can see and what we cannot see. Christ not only created everything, but he also keeps it from ceasing to exist. Otherwise, it would return to the nothingness from which it was created. Order would become chaos.
Christ is the head of the church which is his body. Paul explains the relationship between us and Christ in his first letter to the Corinthians. We as Christians and disciples of Jesus are like the parts of a body and Christ is the head of that body. Just as each part of the body has a function or purpose, we have a function or purpose. What unites us to Christ and to each other is the Holy Spirit, God’s presence in our innermost being.
Christ is first in everything. He is not second to anyone or anything. This is something all Christians do need to keep in mind. When we became a believer and a disciple, we said bye-bye to ourselves as number one.
God in his fullness lived in Christ. In other words, while Jesus was fully human, he was also fully divine. He did not take on a human appearance like the gods and goddesses of the Greek and Roman myths. He became a real human being. At the same time, he did not lose his divine nature. He was both a human being and God.
God was in Christ reconciling everything to himself. Through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross God made peace with everything in heaven and on earth. God in the person of the Son suffered and died on the cross. God himself experienced suffering and death. In doing so, he put things right between himself and everything else.
When we consider Christianity’s oldest affirmation of faith, the three simple words, “Jesus is Lord,” in the light of these key beliefs, we realize how a radical a statement to make it was for the earliest Christians who were Jews. To the Pharisees and the teachers of the religious law it was blasphemy. They viewed it with the same outrage as they had Jesus’ close identification of himself with God. The earliest Christians were affirming that Jesus was more than an enlightened sage with a message of love, as he is sometimes viewed in our time. He was indeed what he claimed to be—one with God.
“Jesus is Lord” is still a radical statement to make. We live in a culture that elevates self above all else. But in affirming the lordship of Jesus, we are saying that self must take second place to Jesus. We also live in a society which is becoming deeply polarized, divided into completely opposing groups over a variety of issues. But in affirming Jesus’ lordship, we are saying that our primary loyalty is to him and to no one or nothing else.
This Sunday, this coming week, and the four weeks of Advent is a good time for us to give careful thought to what this ancient affirmation of faith, “Jesus is Lord,” means to us personally, to not only reflect on it but also to pray about it, to ask ourselves what are its implications for us and the way that we are presently living our life, to identify what changes we need to make in how we live, and once we have identified any needed changes, to form a specific plan of action to make them and then carry out the plan. It will be the best Christmas present we can give to ourselves.
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Ruth Duck’s metrical paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Now Bless the God of Israel.”
1 Now bless the God of Israel who comes in love and power,
who raises from the royal house deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm,
to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2 Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year.
And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy,
that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
Silence is kept.
O glorious God,
your whole creation sings your marvelous work;
may heaven’s praise so echo in our hearts
that we may be good stewards of the earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Eric Becker’s responsorial setting of “Daniel 3 - Glory and Praise.”
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Blessed are you, O Lord God our Father,
praiseworthy and exalted for ever;
blessed and holy and glorious your name,
exalted for all ages.
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Blessed are you in the temple of your glory,
praiseworthy, glorious, your name for ever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom,
above all for ever.
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Blessed are you who look into the depths
from your throne upon cherubim,
praiseworthy, exalted above all forever.
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Glory and praise for ever! For ever!
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Jeremiah 23:1-6 The Righteous Descendant
“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord.
Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them. But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord, have spoken!
“For the time is coming,”
says the Lord,
“when I will raise up a righteous descendant
from King David’s line.
He will be a King who rules with wisdom.
He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
And this will be his name:
‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’
In that day Judah will be saved,
and Israel will live in safety.
Silence is kept.
Colossians 1:11-20 Christ Is Supreme
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme
over all creation,
for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
What Do the Words, “Jesus Is Lord,” Mean to You?
In the paean to Christ in this morning’s New Testament reading from the apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, Colossians 1:11-20, are several key beliefs that Christians have held since the earliest times. They form the center piece of what is considered an orthodox understanding of Christ, an understanding that has been held by generations of Christians since apostolic times, since the time of Peter, James, John, and Paul. A paean is a song or piece of writing praising someone or something enthusiastically. A number of them praising Christ are found in Paul’s letters.
In his epistles Paul often refers to Jesus as Christ, which is both a title and a name. In Greek it means “anointed” and is the equivalent of the Hebrew word mashiah, from which is derived the English word “messiah.” A key Christian belief is that Jesus is the messiah foretold in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This morning’s Old Testament reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, Jeremiah 23:1-6, is one of several passages in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of the messiah.
Among the things we learn from the paean to Christ in this morning’s New Testament reading is that Christ enables us to picture in our mind the character of God. We cannot see God. However, we can from Jesus’ words and actions form an idea of that particular combination of qualities in God that are typical of God. Jesus was the exact representation of God. He let us see an invisible God.
Christ has always existed and will always exist. He does not have a beginning or an end. He is not finite like us. We are like wildflowers in a grassy meadow. We bloom for a few days and then we are gone.
There is no being who is higher than Christ. He is supreme. There is no being who is superior to him lurking in the background. Christ is not subordinate to God because Christ is God and God is Christ. Jesus would model obedience to God for us, but it was God himself doing the teaching and setting the example.
Christ created everything—what we can see and what we cannot see. Christ not only created everything, but he also keeps it from ceasing to exist. Otherwise, it would return to the nothingness from which it was created. Order would become chaos.
Christ is the head of the church which is his body. Paul explains the relationship between us and Christ in his first letter to the Corinthians. We as Christians and disciples of Jesus are like the parts of a body and Christ is the head of that body. Just as each part of the body has a function or purpose, we have a function or purpose. What unites us to Christ and to each other is the Holy Spirit, God’s presence in our innermost being.
Christ is first in everything. He is not second to anyone or anything. This is something all Christians do need to keep in mind. When we became a believer and a disciple, we said bye-bye to ourselves as number one.
God in his fullness lived in Christ. In other words, while Jesus was fully human, he was also fully divine. He did not take on a human appearance like the gods and goddesses of the Greek and Roman myths. He became a real human being. At the same time, he did not lose his divine nature. He was both a human being and God.
God was in Christ reconciling everything to himself. Through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross God made peace with everything in heaven and on earth. God in the person of the Son suffered and died on the cross. God himself experienced suffering and death. In doing so, he put things right between himself and everything else.
When we consider Christianity’s oldest affirmation of faith, the three simple words, “Jesus is Lord,” in the light of these key beliefs, we realize how a radical a statement to make it was for the earliest Christians who were Jews. To the Pharisees and the teachers of the religious law it was blasphemy. They viewed it with the same outrage as they had Jesus’ close identification of himself with God. The earliest Christians were affirming that Jesus was more than an enlightened sage with a message of love, as he is sometimes viewed in our time. He was indeed what he claimed to be—one with God.
“Jesus is Lord” is still a radical statement to make. We live in a culture that elevates self above all else. But in affirming the lordship of Jesus, we are saying that self must take second place to Jesus. We also live in a society which is becoming deeply polarized, divided into completely opposing groups over a variety of issues. But in affirming Jesus’ lordship, we are saying that our primary loyalty is to him and to no one or nothing else.
This Sunday, this coming week, and the four weeks of Advent is a good time for us to give careful thought to what this ancient affirmation of faith, “Jesus is Lord,” means to us personally, to not only reflect on it but also to pray about it, to ask ourselves what are its implications for us and the way that we are presently living our life, to identify what changes we need to make in how we live, and once we have identified any needed changes, to form a specific plan of action to make them and then carry out the plan. It will be the best Christmas present we can give to ourselves.
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Ruth Duck’s metrical paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Now Bless the God of Israel.”
1 Now bless the God of Israel who comes in love and power,
who raises from the royal house deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm,
to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2 Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year.
And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy,
that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
[Instrumental interlude]
3 In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high,
our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Make your ways known upon earth, O God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness,
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy, O God, be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Silence may be kept, and free intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.
THE COLLECTS
Almighty and everlasting God,
whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son,
the King of kings and Lord of lords:
Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
3 In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high,
our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Make your ways known upon earth, O God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness,
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy, O God, be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Silence may be kept, and free intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.
THE COLLECTS
Almighty and everlasting God,
whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son,
the King of kings and Lord of lords:
Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Holy and everliving God,
by your power we are created
and by your love we are redeemed;
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live each day in love to one another and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, 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 Marty Haugen’s arrangement of the Te Deum, “You Are God, We Praise You.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
1 With the angels in heaven:
We praise you, we praise you!
With the cherubim and seraphim:
We praise you, we praise you!
With apostles and prophets:
We praise you, we praise you!
With martyrs and your holy Church:
We sing in endless praise!
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
2 Creator of all things:
We praise you, we praise you!
O Jesus Christ, Redeemer:
We praise you, we praise you!
O Spirit most holy:
We praise you, we praise you!
To the Trinity most blessed:
We sing in endless praise!
Holy and everliving God,
by your power we are created
and by your love we are redeemed;
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live each day in love to one another and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, 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 Marty Haugen’s arrangement of the Te Deum, “You Are God, We Praise You.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
1 With the angels in heaven:
We praise you, we praise you!
With the cherubim and seraphim:
We praise you, we praise you!
With apostles and prophets:
We praise you, we praise you!
With martyrs and your holy Church:
We sing in endless praise!
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
2 Creator of all things:
We praise you, we praise you!
O Jesus Christ, Redeemer:
We praise you, we praise you!
O Spirit most holy:
We praise you, we praise you!
To the Trinity most blessed:
We sing in endless praise!
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
3 O Christ, King of glory:
We praise you, we praise you!
You became like us to set u free:
We praise you, we praise you!
You have risen to free us:
We praise you, we praise you!
You have hallowed our humanity:
We sing in endless praise!
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
Coda
all creation offers praise,
all creation offers praise.
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
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.
Blessèd are you, Christ our King,
enthroned in highest heaven.
Blessèd are you to whom the Father has given a kingdom
which shall never be destroyed.
All nations will come and bow down before you.
All people on earth will see the glory of your majesty.
The heavens proclaim your eternal reign;
your servants here below join in your praise,
with all the hosts of heaven.
Light of all who are on the side of truth,
hope of all believers,
ruler of your faithful people,
Blessèd are you, O Christ, our Lord and our King. Amen.
Other candles may be lit as the following is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Alan G. McDougall’s translation and Anne Le Croy’s revision of the evening hymn, “Christ, Mighty Savior.”
1 Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation,
you make the daytime radiant with the sunlight
and to the night give glittering adornment,
stars in the heavens.
2 Now comes the day's end as the sun is setting:
mirror of daybreak, pledge of resurrection;
while in the heavens choirs of stars appearing
hallow the nightfall.
3 Therefore we come now evening rites to offer,
joyfully chanting holy hymns to praise you,
with all creation joining hearts and voices
singing your glory.
4 Give heed, we pray you, to our supplication:
that you may grant us pardon for offenses,
strength for our weak hearts, rest for aching bodies,
soothing the weary.
5 Though bodies slumber, hearts shall keep their vigil,
forever resting in the peace of Jesus,
in light or darkness worshiping our Savior
now and for ever.
As Psalm 141 — A Song of the Evening Sacrifice, is sung, incense may be burned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tony Alonso’s responsorial setting of the evening psalm, “Psalm 141—Like Burning Incense, O Lord.”
Like burning incense, O Lord,
let my rise to you.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
let my prayer rise to you.
1 I call out to you,
Come quickly to my aid.
My song cries out to you,
O listen to me now.
I raise my hands in off’ring to you.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
2 Let me speak your truth;
watch over all I say.
Keep my thoughts on you;
let goodness rule my heart.
Keep me far from those who do harm.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
3 Never let me dine
with those who seek to harm.
Keep your holy ones
always at my side.
Plant your wisdom deep in my soul.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
4 I look to you for help;
I seek your loving eyes.
Guard my life for you;
Spare me from all wrong.
Keep all evil far from my heart.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
5 Glory be to God
and to God’s only Son,
glory to the Spirit,
three in one,
now and for ever. Amen.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
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 to hear Michael Joncas’ responsorial setting of Psalm 72, “Every Nation on Earth."
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation o earth will adore you, Lord.
1 O God, with your judgment endow the king;
with your justice endow the king’s son
With justice he will govern the people.
your afflicted ones with right judgment.
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation o earth will adore you, Lord.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
3 O Christ, King of glory:
We praise you, we praise you!
You became like us to set u free:
We praise you, we praise you!
You have risen to free us:
We praise you, we praise you!
You have hallowed our humanity:
We sing in endless praise!
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
You are God, we praise you.
You are Lord, we acclaim you.
To you, Creator holy,
all creation offers praise.
Coda
all creation offers praise,
all creation offers praise.
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
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.
Blessèd are you, Christ our King,
enthroned in highest heaven.
Blessèd are you to whom the Father has given a kingdom
which shall never be destroyed.
All nations will come and bow down before you.
All people on earth will see the glory of your majesty.
The heavens proclaim your eternal reign;
your servants here below join in your praise,
with all the hosts of heaven.
Light of all who are on the side of truth,
hope of all believers,
ruler of your faithful people,
Blessèd are you, O Christ, our Lord and our King. Amen.
Other candles may be lit as the following is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Alan G. McDougall’s translation and Anne Le Croy’s revision of the evening hymn, “Christ, Mighty Savior.”
1 Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation,
you make the daytime radiant with the sunlight
and to the night give glittering adornment,
stars in the heavens.
2 Now comes the day's end as the sun is setting:
mirror of daybreak, pledge of resurrection;
while in the heavens choirs of stars appearing
hallow the nightfall.
3 Therefore we come now evening rites to offer,
joyfully chanting holy hymns to praise you,
with all creation joining hearts and voices
singing your glory.
4 Give heed, we pray you, to our supplication:
that you may grant us pardon for offenses,
strength for our weak hearts, rest for aching bodies,
soothing the weary.
5 Though bodies slumber, hearts shall keep their vigil,
forever resting in the peace of Jesus,
in light or darkness worshiping our Savior
now and for ever.
As Psalm 141 — A Song of the Evening Sacrifice, is sung, incense may be burned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tony Alonso’s responsorial setting of the evening psalm, “Psalm 141—Like Burning Incense, O Lord.”
Like burning incense, O Lord,
let my rise to you.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
let my prayer rise to you.
1 I call out to you,
Come quickly to my aid.
My song cries out to you,
O listen to me now.
I raise my hands in off’ring to you.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
2 Let me speak your truth;
watch over all I say.
Keep my thoughts on you;
let goodness rule my heart.
Keep me far from those who do harm.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
3 Never let me dine
with those who seek to harm.
Keep your holy ones
always at my side.
Plant your wisdom deep in my soul.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
4 I look to you for help;
I seek your loving eyes.
Guard my life for you;
Spare me from all wrong.
Keep all evil far from my heart.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
5 Glory be to God
and to God’s only Son,
glory to the Spirit,
three in one,
now and for ever. Amen.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
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 to hear Michael Joncas’ responsorial setting of Psalm 72, “Every Nation on Earth."
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation o earth will adore you, Lord.
1 O God, with your judgment endow the king;
with your justice endow the king’s son
With justice he will govern the people.
your afflicted ones with right judgment.
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation o earth will adore you, Lord.
2 Justice shall flow’r in his days,
lasting peace ‘til the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
from the river to the ends of the earth.
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
*3 The kings of Tarshish and the Isles offer gifts,
those from Seba and Arabia bring tribute.
All kings shall pay their homage,
all nations shall serve him.
lasting peace ‘til the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
from the river to the ends of the earth.
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
*3 The kings of Tarshish and the Isles offer gifts,
those from Seba and Arabia bring tribute.
All kings shall pay their homage,
all nations shall serve him.
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
4 He rescues the poor when they cry out,
the afflicted with no one to help.
The lowly and the poor he shall pity,
the lives of the poor he will save.
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord;
Ev’ry nation on earth will adore you, Lord.
Silence is kept.
May your kingdom come, O God,
with deliverance for the needy,
with peace for the righteous,
with overflowing blessing for all nations,
with glory, honour and praise
for Christ, the only Saviour.
HYMN
Open this link in a new tab to hear Elizabeth Christopher’s “Worthy Is the Lamb.”
You are holy,
You are worthy,
Holy Lamb of God
You are righteous,
You are precious,
Holy Lamb of God
You are Lord,
You are Lord,
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb of God
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb of God
[Instrumental interlude]
You are Lord,
You are Lord,
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb of God
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb of God
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Samuel 8:4-20 Samuel Warns against a Kingdom
Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”
Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.”
So Samuel passed on the Lord’s warning to the people who were asking him for a king. “This is how a king will reign over you,” Samuel said. “The king will draft your sons and assign them to his chariots and his charioteers, making them run before his chariots. Some will be generals and captains in his army, some will be forced to plow in his fields and harvest his crops, and some will make his weapons and chariot equipment. The king will take your daughters from you and force them to cook and bake and make perfumes for him. He will take away the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his own officials. He will take a tenth of your grain and your grape harvest and distribute it among his officers and attendants. He will take your male and female slaves and demand the finest of your cattle and donkeys for his own use. He will demand a tenth of your flocks, and you will be his slaves. When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.”
But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.”
Silence is kept.
John 18:33-37 Jesus Before Pilate
Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
All Decisions Have Consequences
We all make bad decisions. I don’t believe that I am wrong in making that assumption. We will do our best to avoid making bad decisions, but we will experience times when we do make them. We may judge a situation wrongly. We may let our feelings get the best of us. We become so obsessed with a particular idea that it influences our thinking to the point that we may draw the wrong conclusions. We may think a situation is far worse than it really is, or we may not take a situation with the seriousness that it deserves.
All decisions have consequences. Bad decisions have unpleasant or unwanted consequences. In demanding that Samuel give them a king, the elders of Israel make one of the worst decisions of their lives. So do the people of Israel when they refuse to listen Samuel’s warning.
All decisions have consequences. Bad decisions have unpleasant or unwanted consequences. In demanding that Samuel give them a king, the elders of Israel make one of the worst decisions of their lives. So do the people of Israel when they refuse to listen Samuel’s warning.
God would give them what they wanted—a king, Saul, but their bad decision would have disastrous consequences for them and generations of Israelites to come. As God told Samuel, it was he that people of Israel were rejecting, not Samuel. They had God as their King to guide and lead them, but they wanted an earthly king. They wanted to be like the nations around them.
A lot of the Old Testament narrative it about the consequences that the people of Israel suffered as a result of this decision. The kingdom of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The Assyrians would conqueror Israel and disperse a large segment of its population among the various territories of their empire. Judah and Jerusalem would fall to the Babylonians and its people taken into captivity. While the Judeans would eventually be permitted to return to Judah and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, their land continue to would suffer foreign invasions. The Greeks would take Jerusalem and erect pagan idols in the Temple. The Judeans would successfully expel the Greeks, but Judah subsequently became a part of the Roman Empire. The Romans would eventually destroy the Temple and raze Jerusalem to the ground.
The people of Israel not only did not listen to Samuel’s warning, but they also paid no attention to the prophetic warning in Psalm 146:
"Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever." (Psalm 146: 3-6 NLT)
They did not listen to the prophets that God sent to warn them . When God sent his own Son, they rejected him and killed him. As in Samuel’s time they wanted a king to lead them into battle. Instead of the war leader that they had hoped for, God himself, their true King, came in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son as the people of Nazareth called him.
In this evening’s New Testament reading we have an account of Jesus’ trial in the praetorium before Pontius Pilate. When Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king, Jesus' answer is a cryptic one. He acknowledges in a roundabout way that he is a king, telling Pilate that his kingdom is not an earthly one. The narrative does not tell us what Pilate made of Jesus’ words. But he would order that a sign in several languages should be nailed above Jesus’ head on the cross identifying him as the king of the Jews much to the chagrin of the Jewish religious authorities.
A lot of the Old Testament narrative it about the consequences that the people of Israel suffered as a result of this decision. The kingdom of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The Assyrians would conqueror Israel and disperse a large segment of its population among the various territories of their empire. Judah and Jerusalem would fall to the Babylonians and its people taken into captivity. While the Judeans would eventually be permitted to return to Judah and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, their land continue to would suffer foreign invasions. The Greeks would take Jerusalem and erect pagan idols in the Temple. The Judeans would successfully expel the Greeks, but Judah subsequently became a part of the Roman Empire. The Romans would eventually destroy the Temple and raze Jerusalem to the ground.
The people of Israel not only did not listen to Samuel’s warning, but they also paid no attention to the prophetic warning in Psalm 146:
"Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever." (Psalm 146: 3-6 NLT)
They did not listen to the prophets that God sent to warn them . When God sent his own Son, they rejected him and killed him. As in Samuel’s time they wanted a king to lead them into battle. Instead of the war leader that they had hoped for, God himself, their true King, came in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son as the people of Nazareth called him.
In this evening’s New Testament reading we have an account of Jesus’ trial in the praetorium before Pontius Pilate. When Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king, Jesus' answer is a cryptic one. He acknowledges in a roundabout way that he is a king, telling Pilate that his kingdom is not an earthly one. The narrative does not tell us what Pilate made of Jesus’ words. But he would order that a sign in several languages should be nailed above Jesus’ head on the cross identifying him as the king of the Jews much to the chagrin of the Jewish religious authorities.
Throughout his Gospel John repeatedly invites his readers to think about what Jesus is saying. This is one of Jesus' own teaching techniques. What John is doing is calling for us to make a decision about Jesus, a decision that will for us have eternal consequences.
As Jesus himself says, those who are his will recognize the truth of his words. They will recognize him for whom he claims to be. They are the sheep that the Father has given him. They know his voice and they follow him as sheep followed their shepherd in the ancient Mid-East and follow their shepherd in the Mid-East today. God's grace working in their lives will have opened their eyes to his real identity. He is not just wandering preacher, a prophet, or a miracle worker. He is God enrobed in human flesh, Israel's true King.
This coming spring Charles Windsor will be crowned king of England and all other countries who recognize him as their head of state. After the presidential election in 2024 a new president may occupy the White House. As a king Charles III has very little power beyond whatever moral authority he can exercise. The new occupant of the White House will be able to start a nuclear war and destroy the planet. But they do have one thing in common. Both must bend their knee to Jesus. He is not just Israel's true King. Jesus is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He is supreme over all creation. The most powerful people on the earth must prostrate themselves before him. So must the least powerful.
We may not recognize his authority over us. We may choose not to believe that he is whom he is. But that decision like all the decisions we make will have consequences.
On the other hand, to those who believe in him and evidence their belief in him through the way they live, to those in whose hearts, their innermost thoughts and feelings, he is enthroned, to them Jesus has promised to give eternal life. They will know the Son and the Father who sent him. They will enjoy a relationship with God that will last for all eternity. It is a relationship that begins in this life and continues in the life to come.
The decision is ours to make.
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s setting of the Magnificat, “My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord.”
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
My spirit sings to God, my saving God,
Who on this day above all others favored me
And raised me up, a light for all to see.
Through me great deeds will God make manifest,
And all the earth will come to call me blest.
Unbounded love and mercy sure will I proclaim
For all who know and praise God's holy name.
God's mighty arm, protector of the just,
Will guard the weak and raise them from the dust.
But mighty kings will swiftly fall from thrones corrupt.
The strong brought low, the lowly lifted up.
Soon will the poor and hungry of the earth
Be richly blest, be given greater worth.
And Israel, as once foretold to Abraham,
Will live in peace throughout the promised land.
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 ever more.
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Particular intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered before any section.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Blessed are you eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for ever.
Heavenly Father, hear us as we pray for the unity of the Church.
May we all be one that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve you,
that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
We remember those who have died.
Father, into your hands we commend them.
(Remembering N)
We praise you for all your saints
who have entered your eternal glory.
May we also come to share your heavenly kingdom.
Have compassion on those who suffer from sickness,
grief or trouble.
In your presence may they find strength.
Look with your kindness on our homes and families.
Grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Make us alive to the needs of our community.
Help us to share one another’s joys and burdens.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority
in the nations of the world.
Guide us and all people in the way of justice and peace.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name.
Give us courage to proclaim your Gospel.
We pray in silence for our own needs and the needs of others...
Praise to you, abundant God,
for when we ask, you give;
when we seek, you show the way.
When we knock, you answer.
Praise to you for your unfailing grace.
Make us now your faithful people.
Amen.
THE COLLECTS
Almighty and everlasting God,
whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son,
the King of kings and Lord of lords:
Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s setting of the Magnificat, “My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord.”
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
My spirit sings to God, my saving God,
Who on this day above all others favored me
And raised me up, a light for all to see.
Through me great deeds will God make manifest,
And all the earth will come to call me blest.
Unbounded love and mercy sure will I proclaim
For all who know and praise God's holy name.
God's mighty arm, protector of the just,
Will guard the weak and raise them from the dust.
But mighty kings will swiftly fall from thrones corrupt.
The strong brought low, the lowly lifted up.
Soon will the poor and hungry of the earth
Be richly blest, be given greater worth.
And Israel, as once foretold to Abraham,
Will live in peace throughout the promised land.
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 ever more.
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Particular intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered before any section.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Blessed are you eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for ever.
Heavenly Father, hear us as we pray for the unity of the Church.
May we all be one that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve you,
that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
We remember those who have died.
Father, into your hands we commend them.
(Remembering N)
We praise you for all your saints
who have entered your eternal glory.
May we also come to share your heavenly kingdom.
Have compassion on those who suffer from sickness,
grief or trouble.
In your presence may they find strength.
Look with your kindness on our homes and families.
Grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Make us alive to the needs of our community.
Help us to share one another’s joys and burdens.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority
in the nations of the world.
Guide us and all people in the way of justice and peace.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name.
Give us courage to proclaim your Gospel.
We pray in silence for our own needs and the needs of others...
Praise to you, abundant God,
for when we ask, you give;
when we seek, you show the way.
When we knock, you answer.
Praise to you for your unfailing grace.
Make us now your faithful people.
Amen.
THE COLLECTS
Almighty and everlasting God,
whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son,
the King of kings and Lord of lords:
Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, 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
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, 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
All good gifts come from God,
every blessing from above.
All good gifts come from God,
gracious Lord of Love.
1 All praise be to God whose love freely given,
calls us to walk in holiness.
In God we are chosen that we may respond to
the hope to which we're called.
All good gifts come from God,
every blessing from above.
All good gifts come from God,
gracious Lord of Love.
2 The love of God is lavished on us--
the Spirit of peace and wisdom!
All heaven and earth are one in God's glory,
whose love has saved the world.
All good gifts come from God,
every blessing from above.
All good gifts come from God,
gracious Lord of Love.
3 With hearts full of praise we offer our thanks
for treasures of grace and mercy.
May our lives reflect all the love you've given
by serving those in need.
All good gifts come from God,
every blessing from above.
All good gifts come from God,
gracious Lord of Love.
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment