All Hallows Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer for Sunday (November 13, 2022)
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 morning hymn, “God of Light, the Dawning Day.”
1 O God of light, the dawning day
Gives us new promise of your love.
Each fresh beginning is your gift,
Like gentle dew from heav‘n above,
Like gentle dew from heav‘n above.
2 Your blessings, Father, never fail:
Your Son, who is our daily Bread,
The Holy Spirit of your love,
By whom each day your children are led,
By whom each day your children are led.
3 Make us the servant of your peace,
Renew our strength, remove all fear;
Be with us, Lord, throughout this day,
For all is joy if you are near,
For all is joy if you are near.
4 To Father, Son and Spirit blest,
One only God, we humbly pray;
Show us the splendor of your light
In death, the dawn of perfect day,
In death, the dawn of perfect day.
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 Randall DeBruyn’s arrangement of Psalm 63.
As morning breaks I look to you, O God,
to be my strength this day, alleluia.
As morning breaks I look to you, O God,
to be my strength this day, alleluia.
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 temple
to see your strength and your glory.
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.
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.
Glory to the Father and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
As morning breaks I look to you, O God,
to be my strength this day, alleluia.
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.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Paul Inwood’s “Isaiah 12: We Shall Draw Water Joyfully.”
We shall draw water joyfully,
singing joyfully, singing joyfully.
We shall draw water joyfully,
from the wellsprings of salvation.
Truly God is our salvation;
we trust, we shall not fear.
For the Lord is our strength, the Lord is our song,
he became our Saviour.
We shall draw water joyfully,
singing joyfully, singing joyfully.
We shall draw water joyfully,
from the wellsprings of salvation.
Give thanks, O give thanks to the Lord;
give praise to his holy name!
Make his mighty deeds known to all of the nations;
proclaim his greatness.
We shall draw water joyfully,
singing joyfully, singing joyfully.
We shall draw water joyfully,
from the wellsprings of salvation.
Sing a psalm, sing a psalm to the Lord
for he has done glorious deeds.
Make known his works to all of the earth;
people of Zion, sing for joy,
for great in your midst, great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel.
We shall draw water joyfully,
singing joyfully, singing joyfully.
We shall draw water joyfully,
from the wellsprings of salvation.
We shall draw water joyfully,
singing joyfully, singing joyfully.
We shall draw water joyfully,
from the wellsprings of salvation.
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 An Exhortation to Proper Living
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Who are the believers to whom Paul is referring in this morning’s reading, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, and whom he is commanding the church at Thessalonica to shun? This is an important question because the answer is key to understanding and applying this passage.
They were believers who concluded that it was useless to work because the end of the world was at hand. Paul explains elsewhere in his second letter to the Thessalonians that the final day will not arrive until after the Antichrist has appeared and proclaimed himself to be God. They thought that the final day was just around the corner and there was no point in working any more. It was not as some who read this passage incorrectly assume because they were lazy or had a poor work ethic.
This passage does not provide justification for not helping the poor and needy as it has sometime been misapplied. One of the commandments in Deuteronomy is to be generous toward the poor and the needy. “There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.” (Deuteronomy 15: 11, NLT). Throughout the Old Testament oppressing the poor and the needy is condemned.
Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount teaches “Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” (Matthew 5:42 NLT) Among the things that he told the rich young man to do was to sell his possessions and to give the money to the poor (Matthew 19:21; Luke 18: 22).
In the Acts of Apostles Dorcas, Cornelius, and others are commended for their generosity to the poor.
In his letter to the Romans Paul commends the believers in Macedonia and Achaia for taking up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15: 26) In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul quotes a passage from Psalm 112, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:9 NLT). In his letter to the Galatians Paul mentions his own eagerness to help the poor (Galatians 2:10). In this morning’s reading he tells the rest of the church at Thessalonica not to get tired of doing good. It is evident from his other letters doing good includes helping the poor and needy.
What Paul say about not getting tired of doing good also applies to not getting tired of helping those less fortunate than we regardless of whether they are brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the family of faith.
During the time of his earthly ministry Jesus went about doing good and generations of his disciples have done the same. They have sought to improve the lot of their fellow human beings, to improve the quality of their fellow human beings’ lives and the experiences that their fellow human beings have. They have not selfishly focused on feathering their own nest. They have not exploited the poor and the needy or left them to their plight. They have recognized them as children of God like themselves, bearers of God’s image, neighbors whom God commanded that they love as they would love themselves and whom Jesus taught that they treat as they themselves would be treated—with compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.
If we are to be faithful to our Lord in our generation, we can do no less and we certainly can do more.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can,” is a quote often mistakenly attributed to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. It sums up the attitude that we as Jesus’ disciples will want to take toward doing good. I believe that Paul himself would agree. He urged the members of the church at Ephesus to use every chance they had to do good as the times were evil (Ephesians 5:16). The times have not changed and will not change until our Lord’s return. But this is not an excuse to do nothing. The good we do can make a difference in someone’s life. And our Lord did say—
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father….” (Matthew 5: 14-16 NLT)
We may be small paper lanterns as Shirley Erena Murray describes God’s people in her hymn, “Fresh as the Morning,” the closing song for this morning’s service. But small paper lanterns can brighten the darkness with their light. As I recall, Mrs. Murray incorporated this image into the hymn after she saw a procession of paper lanterns glowing in the night. As we journey through this life, we can be a light to those around us. We can fill the darkness of their lives with light and with what in his letter to the Romans Paul tells us endures for ever—love, love which is conveyed by the gentle word and the kind deed, love which is an embodiment of God’s love for his children.
As Marty Haugen puts it in his “Song of St. Patrick”—
“Let us be God’s light in the darkness,
let us be God’s kindness;
let us be God’s justice and mercy,
hands and feet of Christ.”
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.
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 God,
you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 Shirley Erena Murray’s “Fresh as the Morning.”
1 God of the Bible, God in the Gospel,
hope seen in Jesus, hope yet to come,
you are our centre, daylight or darkness,
freedom or prison, you are our home.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
2 God in our struggles, God in our hunger,
suffering with us, taking our part,
still you empow’r us, mothering Spirit,
feeding, sustaining, from your own heart.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
3 Those without status, those who are nothing,
you have made royal, gifted with rights,
chosen as partners, midwives of justice,
birthing new systems, lighting new lights.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
4. Not by your finger, not by your anger
will our world order change in a day,
but by your people, fearless and faithful,
small paper lanterns, lighting the way.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
5 Hope we must carry, shining and certain
through all our turmoil, terror and loss,
bonding us gladly one to the other,
till our world changes facing the Cross.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
singing joyfully, singing joyfully.
We shall draw water joyfully,
from the wellsprings of salvation.
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 An Exhortation to Proper Living
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
“Let us be God’s light in the darkness….”
Who are the believers to whom Paul is referring in this morning’s reading, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, and whom he is commanding the church at Thessalonica to shun? This is an important question because the answer is key to understanding and applying this passage.
They were believers who concluded that it was useless to work because the end of the world was at hand. Paul explains elsewhere in his second letter to the Thessalonians that the final day will not arrive until after the Antichrist has appeared and proclaimed himself to be God. They thought that the final day was just around the corner and there was no point in working any more. It was not as some who read this passage incorrectly assume because they were lazy or had a poor work ethic.
This passage does not provide justification for not helping the poor and needy as it has sometime been misapplied. One of the commandments in Deuteronomy is to be generous toward the poor and the needy. “There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.” (Deuteronomy 15: 11, NLT). Throughout the Old Testament oppressing the poor and the needy is condemned.
Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount teaches “Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” (Matthew 5:42 NLT) Among the things that he told the rich young man to do was to sell his possessions and to give the money to the poor (Matthew 19:21; Luke 18: 22).
In the Acts of Apostles Dorcas, Cornelius, and others are commended for their generosity to the poor.
In his letter to the Romans Paul commends the believers in Macedonia and Achaia for taking up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15: 26) In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul quotes a passage from Psalm 112, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:9 NLT). In his letter to the Galatians Paul mentions his own eagerness to help the poor (Galatians 2:10). In this morning’s reading he tells the rest of the church at Thessalonica not to get tired of doing good. It is evident from his other letters doing good includes helping the poor and needy.
What Paul say about not getting tired of doing good also applies to not getting tired of helping those less fortunate than we regardless of whether they are brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the family of faith.
During the time of his earthly ministry Jesus went about doing good and generations of his disciples have done the same. They have sought to improve the lot of their fellow human beings, to improve the quality of their fellow human beings’ lives and the experiences that their fellow human beings have. They have not selfishly focused on feathering their own nest. They have not exploited the poor and the needy or left them to their plight. They have recognized them as children of God like themselves, bearers of God’s image, neighbors whom God commanded that they love as they would love themselves and whom Jesus taught that they treat as they themselves would be treated—with compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.
If we are to be faithful to our Lord in our generation, we can do no less and we certainly can do more.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can,” is a quote often mistakenly attributed to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. It sums up the attitude that we as Jesus’ disciples will want to take toward doing good. I believe that Paul himself would agree. He urged the members of the church at Ephesus to use every chance they had to do good as the times were evil (Ephesians 5:16). The times have not changed and will not change until our Lord’s return. But this is not an excuse to do nothing. The good we do can make a difference in someone’s life. And our Lord did say—
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father….” (Matthew 5: 14-16 NLT)
We may be small paper lanterns as Shirley Erena Murray describes God’s people in her hymn, “Fresh as the Morning,” the closing song for this morning’s service. But small paper lanterns can brighten the darkness with their light. As I recall, Mrs. Murray incorporated this image into the hymn after she saw a procession of paper lanterns glowing in the night. As we journey through this life, we can be a light to those around us. We can fill the darkness of their lives with light and with what in his letter to the Romans Paul tells us endures for ever—love, love which is conveyed by the gentle word and the kind deed, love which is an embodiment of God’s love for his children.
As Marty Haugen puts it in his “Song of St. Patrick”—
“Let us be God’s light in the darkness,
let us be God’s kindness;
let us be God’s justice and mercy,
hands and feet of Christ.”
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.
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 God,
you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 Shirley Erena Murray’s “Fresh as the Morning.”
1 God of the Bible, God in the Gospel,
hope seen in Jesus, hope yet to come,
you are our centre, daylight or darkness,
freedom or prison, you are our home.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
2 God in our struggles, God in our hunger,
suffering with us, taking our part,
still you empow’r us, mothering Spirit,
feeding, sustaining, from your own heart.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
3 Those without status, those who are nothing,
you have made royal, gifted with rights,
chosen as partners, midwives of justice,
birthing new systems, lighting new lights.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
4. Not by your finger, not by your anger
will our world order change in a day,
but by your people, fearless and faithful,
small paper lanterns, lighting the way.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
5 Hope we must carry, shining and certain
through all our turmoil, terror and loss,
bonding us gladly one to the other,
till our world changes facing the Cross.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
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.
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 Susan Briehl’s “Let Evening Fall.”
Let evening fall on field and forest,
on desert mesa, canyon deep;
let coyote prowl and night hawk circle
while solemn owl her wise watch keeps.
*Let mountain now resound with chanting,
and meadow echo antiphon;
let dusky breezes rustle aspen
while lake and land join even-song.
Let those who labor in the daylight
now bring their working to an end;
let others rise to keep the vigil,
the weak to guard, the sick to tend.
Let every heart that harbors hatred
(Let every heart that harbors hatred)
release its hold, receive your grace;
(release its hold, receive your grace;)
let every mouth that spoke in anger
(let every mouth that spoke in anger)
seek pardon’s peace, then sing your praise.
(seek pardon’s peace, then sing your praise.)
Let daylight fade and shadows lengthen
when those we love draw near to death;
Attend our prayers, our weak faith strengthen
as you receive their final breath.
O Maker of creation’s choir,
O Song of love sung out for all,
O Spirit, breath of all our singing,
Let praise arise, let evening fall.
*Omitted on the video.
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 in a new tab to hear the It’s About the Word setting of Psalm 93, “The Lord Is Mighty.”
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
You reign with majesty and strength.
Your throne has always been from eternity.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The seas have lifted up, O Lord.
The seas have lifted up their voice.
The seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
You reign with majesty and strength.
Your throne has always been from eternity.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
Oh Oh.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
Holy for all days.
Silence is kept.
Christ our King,
you put on the apparel of our nature
and raised us to your glory;
reign from your royal throne
above the chaos of this world,
that all may see the victory you have won
and trust in your salvation;
for your glory’s sake. Amen.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Donald Pearson's setting of the Dignus est, “Splendor and Honor.”
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
For you created everything that is,
and by your will they were created
and have their being;
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain,
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation,
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne,
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor,
for ever more and for evermore.
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
For ever more and for evermore.
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 13: 1-9; 18-23 The Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
I have lost count of the number of times that I have heard or read this parable—the Parable of the Famer Scattering Seed, also known as the Parable of the Sower. Each time I hear or read it, the parable gives rise to a different way of thinking about it and its meaning for us. This is one of the ways that Jesus’ parables work. They stimulate our thinking.
One conclusion that we can draw from hearing or reading the parable is that the farmer did not own the best piece of land for planting a crop, presumably wheat or barley based on Jesus’ description of the yield. Both wheat and barley were grown in Jesus’ time and flour made from the grain was used to make bread—the staple of the diet of the people of the time. The kind of yield a field produced would make a serious difference in the life of a farmer and his family. A good crop meant that they would have food to eat, grain to sell, and seed to sow for next year’s crop. A bad crop meant hard times and starvation.
If we are a pastor, ordained or licensed, or an unlicensed lay preacher, who preaches God’s word, we can compare ourselves to the farmer. Like the framer, we may not have the best piece of land for planting a crop. Some members of the congregation to which we preach may be like the footpath in the parable, some like the shallow soil, some like the thorns, and some like the fertile soil. If we have taken time to acquaint ourselves with the members of the congregation, we may have a fair idea of who is which. We must be careful how we use this knowledge because we may be jumping to conclusions based on flimsy evidence and we cannot rule out the power of the Holy Spirit to change people.
If we are a churchgoer, we may have heard this parable before and we may have heard one or more sermons on the parable. We may assume that we have heard all that we need to hear about the parable. There is a danger in making that assumption as we shall see.
I believe that I am safe in concluding that Jesus did not explain the parable to his disciples just so that they would understand what he meant when he used the parable in his teaching.
We have heard the parable and we have heard Jesus’ explanation of it. We may have also heard a preacher or two’s explanation of the parable. In the process our awareness has been raised. We are in one of the groups Jesus describes in his explanation of the parable to the disciples. We may have thought about which group we are in—the footpath, the shallow soil, the thorns, or the fertile soil. The realization that we are in a particular group is a good sign. God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, is working in us to draw our attention to our spiritual condition and how we may need to change.
Upon coming to this realization, we may think to ourselves, “I can’t do anything about it.” However, the Holy Spirit is not going to bring us to that point and then leave us there, utterly helpless to do anything about our predicament. God has provided us with help in the form of the means of grace—worshiping God with a particular family of the faith, hearing and reading the Scriptures and meditating upon them, prayer, fasting and abstinence, and the Lord’s Supper, and the individual members of the family of faith. When we employ the means of grace, we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, which can transform the soil of our hearts. “What is impossible for people,” Jesus pointed to his disciples’ attention, “is not impossible with God.”
In the parable Jesus has identified a number of obstacles to our spiritual growth—lack of understanding, absence of deep roots, the worries of this life, and the lure of wealth. Our emotions and feelings can keep us from fully grasping something. They can interfere with our ability to make sense of what we are hearing and to apply it to ourselves. They can misdirect and mislead us. This leaves us vulnerable to all kinds of negative influences in our environment.
For us to put down deep roots, we must accept or absorb what we are hearing so that it becomes part of us, part of the different qualities in us that make us different from others. This is what Jesus is telling us in the Bread of Life Discourse in the Gospel of John: we must chew him up like a piece of bread, swallow him down, and digest him so that he, his identity, his character, and his teachings become a part of us.
We are prone to let all kinds of things dominate our thoughts and we may see the accumulation of money and possessions as the key to happiness.
Concluding that we have learned all we can learn from the parable, and we cannot learn anything more falls into one of these categories.
When we employ the means of grace, we make more room for God in our lives. We experience a shift in attention away from the things of this world to the things of God. Jesus becomes the strongest influence in our lives.
For those whose hearts are good soil, the means of grace are like manure, fertilizer. They enable us to yield more fruit than we might otherwise yield.
Among my favorite images of God in Jesus’ parables is the shepherd who goes in search of the sheep that has wandered off, the gardener who pleads with his master to give a fig tree a second chance and digs around the roots of the fig tree and manures it, the farmer who refuses to let his fieldhands uproot the darnel an enemy has sown in his field lest they mistakenly uproot the young wheat.
Each image reveals a God who is in the words of the reluctant prophet Jonah “a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (Jonah 4:2 NLT), a God who is willing to go the extra mile for us. It was the same God who was in Jesus reconciling humankind to himself, who suffered and died for us on the cross to close the rift between humanity and himself.
What have you gleaned from the parable in this evening’s reading? How did God speak to you?
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...
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.
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 Susan Briehl’s “Let Evening Fall.”
Let evening fall on field and forest,
on desert mesa, canyon deep;
let coyote prowl and night hawk circle
while solemn owl her wise watch keeps.
*Let mountain now resound with chanting,
and meadow echo antiphon;
let dusky breezes rustle aspen
while lake and land join even-song.
Let those who labor in the daylight
now bring their working to an end;
let others rise to keep the vigil,
the weak to guard, the sick to tend.
Let every heart that harbors hatred
(Let every heart that harbors hatred)
release its hold, receive your grace;
(release its hold, receive your grace;)
let every mouth that spoke in anger
(let every mouth that spoke in anger)
seek pardon’s peace, then sing your praise.
(seek pardon’s peace, then sing your praise.)
Let daylight fade and shadows lengthen
when those we love draw near to death;
Attend our prayers, our weak faith strengthen
as you receive their final breath.
O Maker of creation’s choir,
O Song of love sung out for all,
O Spirit, breath of all our singing,
Let praise arise, let evening fall.
*Omitted on the video.
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 in a new tab to hear the It’s About the Word setting of Psalm 93, “The Lord Is Mighty.”
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
You reign with majesty and strength.
Your throne has always been from eternity.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The seas have lifted up, O Lord.
The seas have lifted up their voice.
The seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
You reign with majesty and strength.
Your throne has always been from eternity.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
Oh Oh.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
The Lord is mighty and holy for all days.
Holy for all days.
Silence is kept.
Christ our King,
you put on the apparel of our nature
and raised us to your glory;
reign from your royal throne
above the chaos of this world,
that all may see the victory you have won
and trust in your salvation;
for your glory’s sake. Amen.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Donald Pearson's setting of the Dignus est, “Splendor and Honor.”
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
For you created everything that is,
and by your will they were created
and have their being;
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain,
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation,
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne,
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor,
for ever more and for evermore.
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God.
For ever more and for evermore.
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 13: 1-9; 18-23 The Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Fresh Gleanings from the Parable of the Sower
I have lost count of the number of times that I have heard or read this parable—the Parable of the Famer Scattering Seed, also known as the Parable of the Sower. Each time I hear or read it, the parable gives rise to a different way of thinking about it and its meaning for us. This is one of the ways that Jesus’ parables work. They stimulate our thinking.
One conclusion that we can draw from hearing or reading the parable is that the farmer did not own the best piece of land for planting a crop, presumably wheat or barley based on Jesus’ description of the yield. Both wheat and barley were grown in Jesus’ time and flour made from the grain was used to make bread—the staple of the diet of the people of the time. The kind of yield a field produced would make a serious difference in the life of a farmer and his family. A good crop meant that they would have food to eat, grain to sell, and seed to sow for next year’s crop. A bad crop meant hard times and starvation.
If we are a pastor, ordained or licensed, or an unlicensed lay preacher, who preaches God’s word, we can compare ourselves to the farmer. Like the framer, we may not have the best piece of land for planting a crop. Some members of the congregation to which we preach may be like the footpath in the parable, some like the shallow soil, some like the thorns, and some like the fertile soil. If we have taken time to acquaint ourselves with the members of the congregation, we may have a fair idea of who is which. We must be careful how we use this knowledge because we may be jumping to conclusions based on flimsy evidence and we cannot rule out the power of the Holy Spirit to change people.
If we are a churchgoer, we may have heard this parable before and we may have heard one or more sermons on the parable. We may assume that we have heard all that we need to hear about the parable. There is a danger in making that assumption as we shall see.
I believe that I am safe in concluding that Jesus did not explain the parable to his disciples just so that they would understand what he meant when he used the parable in his teaching.
We have heard the parable and we have heard Jesus’ explanation of it. We may have also heard a preacher or two’s explanation of the parable. In the process our awareness has been raised. We are in one of the groups Jesus describes in his explanation of the parable to the disciples. We may have thought about which group we are in—the footpath, the shallow soil, the thorns, or the fertile soil. The realization that we are in a particular group is a good sign. God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, is working in us to draw our attention to our spiritual condition and how we may need to change.
Upon coming to this realization, we may think to ourselves, “I can’t do anything about it.” However, the Holy Spirit is not going to bring us to that point and then leave us there, utterly helpless to do anything about our predicament. God has provided us with help in the form of the means of grace—worshiping God with a particular family of the faith, hearing and reading the Scriptures and meditating upon them, prayer, fasting and abstinence, and the Lord’s Supper, and the individual members of the family of faith. When we employ the means of grace, we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, which can transform the soil of our hearts. “What is impossible for people,” Jesus pointed to his disciples’ attention, “is not impossible with God.”
In the parable Jesus has identified a number of obstacles to our spiritual growth—lack of understanding, absence of deep roots, the worries of this life, and the lure of wealth. Our emotions and feelings can keep us from fully grasping something. They can interfere with our ability to make sense of what we are hearing and to apply it to ourselves. They can misdirect and mislead us. This leaves us vulnerable to all kinds of negative influences in our environment.
For us to put down deep roots, we must accept or absorb what we are hearing so that it becomes part of us, part of the different qualities in us that make us different from others. This is what Jesus is telling us in the Bread of Life Discourse in the Gospel of John: we must chew him up like a piece of bread, swallow him down, and digest him so that he, his identity, his character, and his teachings become a part of us.
We are prone to let all kinds of things dominate our thoughts and we may see the accumulation of money and possessions as the key to happiness.
Concluding that we have learned all we can learn from the parable, and we cannot learn anything more falls into one of these categories.
When we employ the means of grace, we make more room for God in our lives. We experience a shift in attention away from the things of this world to the things of God. Jesus becomes the strongest influence in our lives.
For those whose hearts are good soil, the means of grace are like manure, fertilizer. They enable us to yield more fruit than we might otherwise yield.
Among my favorite images of God in Jesus’ parables is the shepherd who goes in search of the sheep that has wandered off, the gardener who pleads with his master to give a fig tree a second chance and digs around the roots of the fig tree and manures it, the farmer who refuses to let his fieldhands uproot the darnel an enemy has sown in his field lest they mistakenly uproot the young wheat.
Each image reveals a God who is in the words of the reluctant prophet Jonah “a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (Jonah 4:2 NLT), a God who is willing to go the extra mile for us. It was the same God who was in Jesus reconciling humankind to himself, who suffered and died for us on the cross to close the rift between humanity and himself.
What have you gleaned from the parable in this evening’s reading? How did God speak to you?
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...
Silence is kept.
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 God,
you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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
Open this link in a new ta to hear Handt Hanson’s “Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil.”
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
open to the seed of your Word.
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
where love can grow and peace is understood.
When my heart is hard,
break the stone away.
When my heart is cold,
warm it with the day.
When my heart is lost,
lead me on your way.
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart be good soil.
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
open to the seed of your Word.
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
where love can grow and peace is understood.
When my heart is hard,
break the stone away.
When my heart is cold,
warm it with the day.
When my heart is lost,
lead me on your way.
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart be good soil.
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.
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 God,
you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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
Open this link in a new ta to hear Handt Hanson’s “Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil.”
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
open to the seed of your Word.
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
where love can grow and peace is understood.
When my heart is hard,
break the stone away.
When my heart is cold,
warm it with the day.
When my heart is lost,
lead me on your way.
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart be good soil.
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
open to the seed of your Word.
Lord, let my heart be good soil,
where love can grow and peace is understood.
When my heart is hard,
break the stone away.
When my heart is cold,
warm it with the day.
When my heart is lost,
lead me on your way.
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart,
Lord, let my heart be good soil.
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.
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