Saturday Morning Prayer from Daily Prayer for All Seasons
Opening
Holy God, you are always with us. Open our eyes to your presence.
Prayer
God of faithful surprises, throughout the ages you have made known your love and power in unexpected ways and places: May we daily perceive the joy and wonder of your abiding presence and offer our lives in gratitude for our redemption. Amen.
PraiseBenedicite Omnia Opera
All you works of God, bless your creator; praise her and glorify her for ever.
Let the wide earth bless the creator; let the arching heavens bless the creator; let the whole body of God bless the creator; praise her and glorify her for ever.
You returning daylight, bless your creator; twilight and shadows, bless your creator; embracing darkness, bless your creator; praise her and glorify her for ever.
Let all who live and grow and breathe bless our creator, praise her and glorify her for ever.
Scripture
Matthew 6:19-24
‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
‘No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Meditation
“People say that walking on water is a miracle, but to me, walking peacefully on the earth is the real miracle.” –Thich Nhat Hanh
How will we walk in peace today?
Affirmation
We believe in God,
the creator of all life and beauty,
who blesses our journey.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
who lived as a friend and savior
to all he met as he traveled,
and who ate and laughed,
wept and celebrated with them in love.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who rides on the gentle breeze,
who strengthens our bindings,
and who offers hope eternal.
We believe in the church,
which stands open to all travelers,
and bears witness to the everlasting love of God.
Prayers
As we turn to the tasks before us this day, Fill us, gracious Lord.
In making faithful choices, great and small, Guide us, gracious Lord.
As we seek to notice and serve those in need, Teach us, gracious Lord.
As we offer our lives to you, Hear us, gracious Lord.
With our hearts ready to serve, Accompany us, gracious Lord.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Going Out
Holy God, you are always with us. Open our eyes to your presence.
Sculpture of St. Michael and the Dragon, Provinciaal Hof, Bruges, Belgium. Image by Till Niermann, posted on Wikimedia Commons, and licensed for use under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
The Archangel Michael is revered as a defender of humanity against the forces of evil, typically depicted in iconography as defeating the devil in physical combat. The church further lauds Michael and the other archangels in song as agents of divine protection. The hymn “Christ the Fair Glory” (#282 in the 1982 Hymnal) prays God to “send thine archangel Michael to our succor” along with Gabriel—to “drive every evil” away—and Raphael, to “wisely guide us.”
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
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.
Alleluia!
Jubilate Psalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The Lord himself is God; * he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Psalm 8Domine, Dominus noster
1 O Lord our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children * your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, * to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, * the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? * the son of man that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; * you adorn him with glory and honor;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; * you put all things under his feet:
8 All sheep and oxen, * even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, * and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
Psalm 148Laudate Dominum
1 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; * praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all you angels of his; * praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; * praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, heaven of heavens, * and you waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the Name of the Lord; * for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He made them stand fast for ever and ever; * he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, * you sea-monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and fog, * tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9 Mountains and all hills, * fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Wild beasts and all cattle, * creeping things and winged birds;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, * princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and maidens, * old and young together.
13 Let them praise the Name of the Lord, * for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, * the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah!
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.
Job 38:1-7
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?”
Canticle 12 A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera DominiSong of the Three Young Men
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever. In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, * O heavens and all waters above the heavens. Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, * all winds and fire and heat. Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, * drops of dew and flakes of snow. Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, * O shining light and enfolding dark. Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; * praise him and highly exalt him for ever. In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Hebrews 1:1-14
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again,
“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” But to which of the angels has he ever said, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Canticle 21 You are God Te Deum laudamus
You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord; we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; R. Govern them and uphold them, now and always. V. Day by day we bless you; R. We praise your name for ever. V. Lord, keep us from all sin today; R. Have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy. V. Lord, show us your love and mercy; R. For we put our trust in you. V. In you, Lord, is our hope; R. And we shall never hope in vain.
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Intercessions
At this time we lift to God our prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and the world.
~Petitions may be offered silently or aloud~
Lord, accept our prayers, fulfilling them as you deem best, and grant us grace to follow where you lead us. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom:
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
Daily Morning Prayer for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels was prepared by Mary Cushing, Postulant for the Vocational Diaconate in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Her sending parish is St. Michael’s, Arlington which celebrates its 75th anniversary this week.
Este es el día en que actuó el Señor; regocijémonos y alegrémonos en él. Salmo 118:24
O God, let our mouth proclaim your praise. And your glory all the day long.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
¡Aleluya!
VeniteSalmo 95:1-7
Vengan, cantemos alegremente al Señor; * aclamemos con júbilo a la Roca que nos salva. Lleguemos ante su presencia con alabanza, * vitoreándole con cánticos; Porque el Señor es Dios grande, * y Rey grande sobre todos los dioses. En su mano están las profundidades de la tierra, * y las alturas de los montes son suyas. Suyo el mar, pues él lo hizo, * y sus manos formaron la tierra seca. Vengan, adoremos y postrémonos; * arrodillémosnos delante del Señor nuestro Hacedor; Porque él es nuestro Dios; nosotros el pueblo de su dehesa, y ovejas de su mano. * ¡Ojalá escuchen hoy su voz!
Psalm 34Benedicam Dominum
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord; * let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; * let us exalt his Name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror.
5 Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed.
6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; * happy are they who trust in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, * for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, * but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
11 Come, children, and listen to me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who among you loves life * and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13 Keep your tongue from evil-speaking * and your lips from lying words.
14 Turn from evil and do good; * seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, * and his ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them * and delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted * and will save those whose spirits are crushed.
19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, * but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.
20 He will keep safe all his bones; * not one of them shall be broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked, * and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, * and none will be punished who trust in him.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
2 Kings 9:1-16
Then the prophet Elisha called a member of the company of prophets and said to him, ‘Gird up your loins; take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. When you arrive, look there for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi; go in and get him to leave his companions, and take him into an inner chamber. Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and say, “Thus says the Lord: I anoint you king over Israel.” Then open the door and flee; do not linger.’
So the young man, the young prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. He arrived while the commanders of the army were in council, and he announced, ‘I have a message for you, commander.’ ‘For which one of us?’ asked Jehu. ‘For you, commander.’ So Jehu got up and went inside; the young man poured the oil on his head, saying to him, ‘Thus says the Lord the God of Israel: I anoint you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. You shall strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish; I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah. The dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and no one shall bury her.’ Then he opened the door and fled.
When Jehu came back to his master’s officers, they said to him, ‘Is everything all right? Why did that madman come to you?’ He answered them, ‘You know the sort and how they babble.’ They said, ‘Liar! Come on, tell us!’ So he said, ‘This is just what he said to me: “Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel.” ’ Then hurriedly they all took their cloaks and spread them for him on the bare steps; and they blew the trumpet, and proclaimed, ‘Jehu is king.’
Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. Joram with all Israel had been on guard at Ramoth-gilead against King Hazael of Aram; but King Joram had returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him, when he fought against King Hazael of Aram. So Jehu said, ‘If this is your wish, then let no one slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.’ Then Jehu mounted his chariot and went to Jezreel, where Joram was lying ill. King Ahaziah of Judah had come down to visit Joram.
Canticle D A Song of the Wilderness Isaiah 35:1-7,10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, * the desert shall rejoice and blossom; It shall blossom abundantly, * and rejoice with joy and singing. They shall see the glory of the Lord, * the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weary hands, * and make firm the feeble knees. Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! * Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.” Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, * and the ears of the deaf be unstopped. Then shall the lame leap like a deer, * and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness * and streams in the desert; The burning sand shall become a pool * and the thirsty ground, springs of water. The ransomed of God shall return with singing, * with everlasting joy upon their heads. Joy and gladness shall be theirs, * and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Canticle 19 The Song of the Redeemed Magna et mirabilia Revelation 15:3-4
O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, *
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
Credo de los Apóstoles
Creo en Dios Padre todopoderoso, creador del cielo y de la tierra. Creo en Jesucristo, su único Hijo, nuestro Señor. Fue concebido por obra y gracia del Espíritu Santo y nació de la Virgen María. Padeció bajo el poder de Poncio Pilato. Fue crucificado, muerto y sepultado. Descendió a los infiernos. Al tercer día resucitó de entre los muertos. Subió a los cielos, y está sentado a la diestra de Dios Padre. Desde allí ha de venir a juzgar a vivos y muertos. Creo en el Espíritu Santo, la santa Iglesia católica, la comunión de los santos, el perdón de los pecados, la resurrección de los muertos, y la vida eterna. Amén.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.
Sufragios B
V. Señor, salva a tu pueblo, y bendice a tu heredad; R. Sostennos y guíanos ahora y siempre. V. Día a día te bendecimos; R. Y alabamos tu nombre eternamente. V. De todo pecado guárdanos hoy; R. Ten piedad de nosotros. V. Muéstranos tu amor y tu misericordia; R. Porque en ti ponemos la confianza. V. En ti, Señor, está nuestra esperanza; R. No dejes que esperemos en vano
Christ our true and only Light: receive our morning prayers, and illumine the secrets of our hearts with your healing goodness, that no evil desires may possess us who are made new in the light of your heavenly grace. Amen.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intercessions
We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud
We offer our prayers on behalf of our neighbors whose needs are known to us, and those whose needs are known to God alone:
(we name our prayers and intercessions, silently or aloud)
Loving God, open our ears to hear your word and draw us closer to you, that the whole world may be one with you as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom:
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
The Almighty and merciful Lord grant us absolution and remission of all our sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, open thou our lips. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
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.
Alleluia!
JubilatePsalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands; * serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves; * we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name.
For the Lord is gracious; his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Psalm 119
YodhManus tuæ fecerunt me
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; * give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, * because I trust in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right * and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your loving-kindness be my comfort, * as you have promised to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, * for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; * but I will meditate on your commandments.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, * and also those who know your decrees.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, * that I may not be put to shame.
KaphDefecit in salutare
81 My soul has longed for your salvation; * I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes have failed from watching for your promise, * and I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 I have become like a leather flask in the smoke, * but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How much longer must I wait? * when will you give judgment against those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me; * they do not keep your law.
86 All your commandments are true; * help me, for they persecute me with lies.
87 They had almost made an end of me on earth, * but I have not forsaken your commandments.
88 In your loving-kindness, revive me, * that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
LamedhIn Æternum, Domine
89 O Lord, your word is everlasting; * it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; * you established the earth, and it abides.
91 By your decree these continue to this day, * for all things are your servants.
92 If my delight had not been in your law, * I should have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your commandments, * because by them you give me life.
94 I am yours; oh, that you would save me! * for I study your commandments.
95 Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, * I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96 I see that all things come to an end, * but your commandment has no bounds.
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.
2 Kings 6:1-23
Now the company of prophets said to Elisha, ‘As you see, the place where we live under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, and let us collect logs there, one for each of us, and build a place there for us to live.’ He answered, ‘Do so.’ Then one of them said, ‘Please come with your servants.’ And he answered, ‘I will.’ So he went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his axehead fell into the water; he cried out, ‘Alas, master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. He said, ‘Pick it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.
Once when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he took counsel with his officers. He said, ‘At such and such a place shall be my camp.’ But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, ‘Take care not to pass this place, because the Arameans are going down there.’ The king of Israel sent word to the place of which the man of God spoke. More than once or twice he warned such a place so that it was on the alert.
The mind of the king of Aram was greatly perturbed because of this; he called his officers and said to them, ‘Now tell me who among us sides with the king of Israel?’ Then one of his officers said, ‘No one, my lord king. It is Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber.’ He said, ‘Go and find where he is; I will send and seize him.’ He was told, ‘He is in Dothan.’ So he sent horses and chariots there and a great army; they came by night, and surrounded the city.
When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, ‘Alas, master! What shall we do?’ He replied, ‘Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed: ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. When the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Strike this people, please, with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked. Elisha said to them, ‘This is not the way, and this is not the city; follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.’ And he led them to Samaria.
As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, ‘O Lord, open the eyes of these men so that they may see.’ The Lord opened their eyes, and they saw that they were inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, ‘Father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?’ He answered, ‘No! Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master.’ So he prepared for them a great feast; after they ate and drank, he sent them on their way, and they went to their master. And the Arameans no longer came raiding into the land of Israel.
Canticle 1A Song of CreationBenedicite, omnia opera Domini Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65
O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever. O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord; * O ye waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the Lord; O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord; * O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord; O ye showers and dew, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord; * O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord; O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye dews and frosts, bless ye the Lord; * O ye frost and cold, bless ye the Lord; O ye ice and snow, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord; * O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord; O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye people of God, bless ye the Lord; * O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord; * O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord. Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; * praise him and magnify him for ever.
Matthew 5:38-48
‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Canticle 4 The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus Luke 1:68-79
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, * for he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us * in the house of his servant David, As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, * which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, * and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, * and to remember his holy covenant; To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, * that he would give us, That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies * might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, * all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest, * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people * for the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, * whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. Let us 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; R. And grant us thy salvation. V. Endue thy ministers with righteousness; R. And make thy chosen people joyful. V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; R. For only in thee can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under thy care; R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. V. Let thy way be known upon earth; R. Thy saving health among all nations. V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. V. Create in us clean hearts, O God; R. And sustain us with thy Holy Spirit.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day: Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that we, being ordered by thy governance, may do always what is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray thee so to guide and govern us by thy Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget thee, but may remember that we are ever walking in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
We name our prayers and intercessions silently or aloud, concluding with:
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son’s Name: We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we have asked faithfully according to thy will, may be obtained effectually, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee; and hast promised through thy well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:24
Let us confess our sins to God.
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
O God, let our mouth proclaim your praise. And your glory all the day long.
Praise to the holy and undivided Trinity, one God: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Alleluia!
Invitatory: Psalm 67:1-5 Deus misereatur
O God, be merciful to us and bless us, * show us the light of your countenance and come to us.
Let your ways be known upon earth, * your saving health among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, * for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.
Psalm 78
Part IAttendite, popule
1 Hear my teaching, O my people; * incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; * I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3 That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, * we will not hide from their children.
4 We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, * and the wonderful works he has done.
5 He gave his decrees to Jacob and established a law for Israel, * which he commanded them to teach their children;
6 That the generations to come might know, and the children yet unborn; * that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7 So that they might put their trust in God, * and not forget the deeds of God, but keep his commandments;
8 And not be like their forefathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, * a generation whose heart was not steadfast, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
9 The people of Ephraim, armed with the bow, * turned back in the day of battle;
10 They did not keep the covenant of God, * and refused to walk in his law;
11 They forgot what he had done, * and the wonders he had shown them.
12 He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, * in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 He split open the sea and let them pass through; * he made the waters stand up like walls.
14 He led them with a cloud by day, * and all the night through with a glow of fire.
15 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness * and gave them drink as from the great deep.
16 He brought streams out of the cliff, * and the waters gushed out like rivers.
17 But they went on sinning against him, * rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18 They tested God in their hearts, * demanding food for their craving.
19 They railed against God and said, * “Can God set a table in the wilderness?
20 True, he struck the rock, the waters gushed out, and the gullies overflowed; * but is he able to give bread or to provide meat for his people?”
21 When the Lord heard this, he was full of wrath; * a fire was kindled against Jacob, and his anger mounted against Israel;
22 For they had no faith in God, * nor did they put their trust in his saving power.
23 So he commanded the clouds above * and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained down manna upon them to eat * and gave them grain from heaven.
25 So mortals ate the bread of angels; * he provided for them food enough.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens * and led out the south wind by his might.
27 He rained down flesh upon them like dust * and wingèd birds like the sand of the sea.
28 He let it fall in the midst of their camp * and round about their dwellings.
29 So they ate and were well filled, * for he gave them what they craved.
30 But they did not stop their craving, * though the food was still in their mouths.
31 So God’s anger mounted against them; * he slew their strongest men and laid low the youth of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they went on sinning * and had no faith in his wonderful works.
33 So he brought their days to an end like a breath * and their years in sudden terror.
34 Whenever he slew them, they would seek him, * and repent, and diligently search for God.
35 They would remember that God was their rock, * and the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths * and lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him, * and they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins and did not destroy them; * many times he held back his anger and did not permit his wrath to be roused.
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh, * a breath that goes forth and does not return.
Praise to the holy and undivided Trinity, one God: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
2 Kings 5:19-27
He said to him, ‘Go in peace.’
But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, ‘My master has let that Aramean Naaman off too lightly by not accepting from him what he offered. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something out of him.’ So Gehazi went after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he jumped down from the chariot to meet him and said, ‘Is everything all right?’ He replied, ‘Yes, but my master has sent me to say, “Two members of a company of prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim; please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.” ’ Naaman said, ‘Please accept two talents.’ He urged him, and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them in front of Gehazi. When he came to the citadel, he took the bags from them, and stored them inside; he dismissed the men, and they left.
He went in and stood before his master; and Elisha said to him, ‘Where have you been, Gehazi?’ He answered, ‘Your servant has not gone anywhere at all.’ But he said to him, ‘Did I not go with you in spirit when someone left his chariot to meet you? Is this a time to accept money and to accept clothing, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, and male and female slaves? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you, and to your descendants for ever.’ So he left his presence leprous, as white as snow.
Canticle D A Song of the Wilderness Isaiah 35:1-7,10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, * the desert shall rejoice and blossom; It shall blossom abundantly, * and rejoice with joy and singing. They shall see the glory of the Lord, * the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weary hands, * and make firm the feeble knees. Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! * Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.” Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, * and the ears of the deaf be unstopped. Then shall the lame leap like a deer, * and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness * and streams in the desert; The burning sand shall become a pool * and the thirsty ground, springs of water. The ransomed of God shall return with singing, * with everlasting joy upon their heads. Joy and gladness shall be theirs, * and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Praise to the holy and undivided Trinity, one God: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Matthew 5:27-37
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
Canticle M A Song of Faith, 1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, * by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope; Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, * we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven. The ransom that was paid to free us * was not paid in silver or gold, But in the precious blood of Christ, * the Lamb without spot or stain. God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory * so that we might have faith and hope in God.
Praise to the holy and undivided Trinity, one God: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
An Affirmation of Faith (Northumbria Community)
Lord, You have always given bread for the coming day; and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given strength for the coming day; and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, You have always given peace for the coming day; and though of anxious heart, today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept me safe in trials; and now, tried as I am, today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine; and though I cannot yet see, today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe; and though you be silent now, today I believe.
Hear our cry, O God. And listen to our prayer. Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
V. Help us, O God our Savior; R. Deliver us and forgive us our sins. V. Look upon your congregation; R. Give to your people the blessing of peace. V. Declare your glory among the nations; R. And your wonders among all peoples. V. Do not let the oppressed be shamed and turned away; R. Never forget the lives of your poor. V. Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you; R. And your favor to those who are true of heart. V. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; R. So shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy; open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us to use all things for good, to the honor of your glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, you are the way through the wilderness: show us your truth in which we journey, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit be in us the life that draws us to God. Amen.
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intercessions
We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
We name our prayers and intercessions, concluding with:
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom:
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
Photo: Deaconess Anna Alexander died on September 24, 1947 and was buried at the cemetery at Camp Reese, a diocesan camp on St. Simons where she had worked. In 2004, she was reinterred at Good Shepherd Church in Pennick, which she had founded and where she had worked for many years. Her grave is in front of the original school, which is one of only a handful of remaining schools built for African-American students. The church beside it is active today with a small congregation.
Today we commemorate Deaconess Anna Ellison Butler Alexander (1865- 1947) Anna Alexander was the first African-American set aside as a deaconess in The Episcopal Church. She founded Good Shepherd Church in Pennick, Georgia, a rural community in Glynn County, where she established a small one-room schoolhouse and taught children to read and write using the Book of Common Prayer. She was set aside as deaconess in 1907, the same year the Diocese of Georgia segregated its congregations and black congregations were not welcomed back into diocesan conventions until the year of her death, 1947. Although women deaconesses were not recognized as part of the Order of Deacons until the 1950s, Deaconess Alexander wore the distinctive clothing of a deacon and traveled throughout her region in Georgia spreading love and care, and shining a light on the needs of the African-American community, particularly education for the children.
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
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.
Alleluia!
Jubilate Psalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The Lord himself is God; * he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Psalm 78
1 Hear my teaching, O my people; * incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; * I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3 That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, * we will not hide from their children.
4 We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD, * and the wonderful works he has done.
5 He gave his decrees to Jacob and established a law for Israel, * which he commanded them to teach their children;
6 That the generations to come might know, and the children yet unborn; * that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7 So that they might put their trust in God, * and not forget the deeds of God, but keep his commandments;
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.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 20-25
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
When your children ask you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees and the statutes and the ordinances that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your children, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. The Lord displayed before our eyes great and awesome signs and wonders against Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his household. He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land that he promised on oath to our ancestors. Then the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our lasting good, so as to keep us alive, as is now the case. If we diligently observe this entire commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, we will be in the right.’
Canticle 9 The First Song of Isaiah Ecce, Deus Isaiah 12:2-6
Surely, it is God who saves me; * I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, * and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing * from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, * Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; * see that they remember that his Name is exalted. Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, * and this is known in all the world. Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, * for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
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.
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
Canticle 21 You are God Te Deum laudamus
You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord; we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
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.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
V. Show us your mercy, O Lord; R. And grant us your salvation. V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy. V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care; R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. V. Let your way be known upon earth; R. Your saving health among all nations. V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. V. Create in us clean hearts, O God; R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
O God, you called Anna Alexander as a deaconess in your Church, and sent her as teacher and evangelist to the people of Georgia: Grant us the humility to go wherever you send us, and the wisdom to teach the word of Christ to whoever we meet, that all may come to the enlightenment which you intend for your people; through Jesus Christ, our Teacher and Savior. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, we may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
A Time of Intercessions God of salvation, who sent your Son to seek out and save what is lost, hear our prayers on behalf of the world and ourselves, receiving these petitions and thanksgivings with your unending compassion.
(we name our prayers and intercessions, silently or aloud)
Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.
The General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
Daily Morning Prayer for the Commemoration of Deaconness Anna Alexander was prepared by the Rev. Deacon Hope Laingen
Join St. Phoebe School at 8 p.m. ET Sunday-Thursday to pray Compline: Zoom Link for Compline
This service is An Order of Night Prayer during Creationtide from the Church of England. It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. In this service we rejoice in the world that God has created and move towards a more appreciative understanding of our place in creation. This service may be said inside by candle light or in an outdoor space.
In Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible- all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
(A period of silence for reflection may follow calling to mind the fragile earth, our home and our calling to be stewards of God’s creation.)
We confess to you our lack of care for the world you have given us. Lord have mercy.
We confess to you our selfishness in not sharing the earth’s bounty fairly. Christ have mercy.
We confess to you our failure to protect resources for others, Lord have mercy.
May God who loved the world so much that he sent his Son to be our Saviour forgive us our sins and make us holy to serve him in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
A Canticle of God’s Glory Psalm 8
Lord our God, the whole world tells the greatness of your name. Your glory reaches beyond the stars.
Even the babble of infants declares your strength, your power to halt the enemy and avenger. Your glory reaches beyond the stars.
I see your handiwork in the heavens: the moon and the stars you set in place. Your glory reaches beyond the stars.
What is humankind that you remember them, the human race that you care for them? Your glory reaches beyond the stars.
You treat them like gods, dressing them in glory and splendour. You give them charge of the earth, laying all at their feet: cattle and sheep, wild beasts, birds of the sky, fish of the sea, every swimming creature. Your glory reaches beyond the stars.
Lord our God, the whole world tells the greatness of your name. Your glory reaches beyond the stars.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 65
1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; to you that answer prayer shall vows be paid.
2 To you shall all flesh come to confess their sins; when our misdeeds prevail against us, you will purge them away.
3 Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there. We shall be satisfied with the blessings of your house, even of your holy temple.
4 With wonders you will answer us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, O hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
5 In your strength you set fast the mountains and are girded about with might.
6 You still the raging of the seas, the roaring of their waves and the clamour of the peoples.
7 Those who dwell at the ends of the earth tremble at your marvels; the gates of the morning and evening sing your praise.
8 You visit the earth and water it; you make it very plenteous.
9 The river of God is full of water; you prepare grain for your people, for so you provide for the earth.
10 You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; you soften the ground with showers and bless its increase.
11 You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths overflow with plenty.
12 May the pastures of the wilderness flow with goodness and the hills be girded with joy.
13 May the meadows be clothed with flocks of sheep and the valleys stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Scripture:
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. Genesis 1:31
Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray, Your grace and peace to us allow And be our guard and keeper now.
The Nunc dimittis Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:29-32
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray, Your grace and peace to us allow And be our guard and keeper now.
Intercessions
The Creator of all is the Lover and Keeper of all. We bring our joys and sorrows to the One who weaves tapestry out of tears, and paints masterpieces from our laughter.
We offer our prayers and petitions silently or aloud.
God our Father, you never cease the work you have begun, and prosper with your blessing all human labour: make us wise and faithful stewards of your gifts that we may serve the common good, maintain the fabric of our world and seek that justice where all may share the good things you pour upon us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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.
An Act of Praise Based on Psalm 145
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised: there is no end to his greatness. One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your power.
All creation praises you, Lord, and your faithful servants bless you. They declare the glory of your kingdom and tell of your mighty power.
My mouth shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. Let every living thing bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
Compline for the week of September 24 was prepared by the Rev. Deacon Hope Laingen
Saturday Morning Prayer from Daily Prayer for All Seasons
Terce: Mid-Morning Prayer
Opening
Let all who desire wisdom walk in love.
Prayer
Holy Lord, giver of all wisdom: Set for us this day the banquet of your word; invite us to feast on the genius and beauty all around us. Then, turn us in humility toward the poor, the oppressed and the weak; we ask this in the name of Jesus, who is Wisdom for ever and ever. Amen.
Praise
A Song of Pilgrimage (Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16, 20b-22)
Before I ventured forth, even while I was very young, * I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, * and I will seek her to the end. From first blossom to early fruit, * she has been the delight of my heart. My foot has kept firmly to the true path, * diligently from my youth have I pursued her. I inclined my ear a little and received her; * I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her. To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, * for I have resolved to live according to her way. From the beginning I gained courage from her; * therefore I will not be forsaken. In my inmost being, I have been stirred to seek her; * therefore have I gained a good possession. As my reward, the Almighty has given me the gift of language,* and with it will I offer praise to God.
Scripture : Daily Office Lectionary
1 Corinthians 4:1-7
Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgement before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.
I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, ‘Nothing beyond what is written’, so that none of you will be puffed up in favour of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?
Meditation
Focus on Wisdom and do not be distracted. Watch the patterns of creation, and you will awaken to grace and tranquility. Proverbs 3:19-22 122
How will we remain focused today so as to receive wisdom from creation?
Prayers
O God, in peace, you have prepared our path for today. Help us to trace it in peace. If we speak, Remove lies from our lips. If we are hungry, Rid us of complaint. If we have plenty, Flatten the pride in us.
We offer these prayers of our hearts to your wise guidance:
Intercessions
We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud
May we pass through the day, calling on you, O Lord, who knows no other Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Ember Days:
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer
Holy One, in love you created us and called it good: Grant us the deep wisdom of your love that, wherever this day leads, our lives may remain rooted in your goodness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
“The Episcopal deaconess movement describes a ministry of women who were set apart for service by their bishops, beginning in 1857 and ending with the ordination of women as deacons, authorized by General Convention in 1970. Episcopal deaconesses joined a wider, multi-denominational movement that began in Europe in the 19th century. Deaconesses ministered as nurses, teachers, chaplains, caregivers, administrators, fundraisers and missionaries; both within the U.S. and around the world. Episcopal deaconesses ministered both as individuals and as communities. They often served under difficult conditions, with little compensation, and always under gendered definitions. They ministered in times of peace and in times of war.
The bishop of Maryland set apart the first six deaconesses in the Episcopal Church on September 21, 1857. Four of their names are known: Adeline Blanchard Tyler, Evaline Black, Carrie Guild, and Catherine Minard. Other bishops soon followed suit. Thirty-two years later, the General Convention recognized the ministry of deaconesses canonically thanks to the efforts of Mary Abbot Emery Twing and William Reed Huntington.”
The Commemoration of Episcopal Deaconnesses was approved at the 2022 General Convention of The Episcopal Church
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
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.
Alleluia!
Jubilate Psalm 100
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The Lord himself is God; * he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Psalm 34Benedicam Dominum
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord; * let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; * let us exalt his Name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror.
5 Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed.
6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; * happy are they who trust in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, * for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, * but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
11 Come, children, and listen to me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who among you loves life * and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13 Keep your tongue from evil-speaking * and your lips from lying words.
14 Turn from evil and do good; * seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, * and his ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them * and delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted * and will save those whose spirits are crushed.
19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, * but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.
20 He will keep safe all his bones; * not one of them shall be broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked, * and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, * and none will be punished who trust in him.
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.
1 Corinthians 12:1-13
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Canticle 15 The Song of Mary Magnificat Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Mark 9:33-41
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
Canticle L A Song of Christ’s Humility Philippians 2:6-11
Though in the form of God, * Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God, But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, * and was born in human likeness. Being found in human form, he humbled himself * and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him * and given him the name above every name, That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, * in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, * to the glory of God the Father.
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.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
V. Show us your mercy, O Lord; R. And grant us your salvation. V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy. V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care; R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. V. Let your way be known upon earth; R. Your saving health among all nations. V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. V. Create in us clean hearts, O God; R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
O God of love, we bless you for calling and equipping the deaconesses of the Episcopal Church, who served your people at risk or in need, at home and throughout the world. With grateful hearts we honor their hard work, perseverance, and leadership in following Jesus into places of suffering or hardship, injustice or unchampioned hope. May we, like them, bear the light of Christ to all people with humility and grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
Intercessions
We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud
Lord God, friend of those in need, your Son Jesus has untied our burdens and healed our spirits. We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world.
(we name our prayers and intercessions, silently or aloud)
Hear our prayers that we may love you with our whole being and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.
Prayer For Ember Days: O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom:
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
Matthew (means gift of the Lord) was a tax collector when Jesus called him. Tax collectors were seen as a traitor to fellow Jews as they were usually dishonest. The Gospels portray tax collectors as a sinful and despised outcast. They received “their salary” by the extra they charged when collecting taxes. Matthew brought many of his former associates to experience the love of Jesus. There is no record of his death. Some say he died of natural causes; others say he died as a martyr.
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
¡Aleluya!
VeniteSalmo 95:1-7
Vengan, cantemos alegremente al Señor; * aclamemos con júbilo a la Roca que nos salva. Lleguemos ante su presencia con alabanza, * vitoreándole con cánticos; Porque el Señor es Dios grande, * y Rey grande sobre todos los dioses. En su mano están las profundidades de la tierra, * y las alturas de los montes son suyas. Suyo el mar, pues él lo hizo, * y sus manos formaron la tierra seca. Vengan, adoremos y postrémonos; * arrodillémosnos delante del Señor nuestro Hacedor; Porque él es nuestro Dios; nosotros el pueblo de su dehesa, y ovejas de su mano. * ¡Ojalá escuchen hoy su voz!
Psalm 119: 25-48
25 My soul cleaves to the dust; * give me life according to your word.
26 I have confessed my ways, and you answered me; * instruct me in your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of your commandments, * that I may meditate on your marvelous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow; * strengthen me according to your word.
29 Take from me the way of lying; * let me find grace through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; * I have set your judgments before me.
31 I hold fast to your decrees; * O Lord, let me not be put to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commandments, * for you have set my heart at liberty. 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, * and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; * I shall keep it with all my heart.
35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, * for that is my desire.
36 Incline my heart to your decrees * and not to unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; * give me life in your ways.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, * which you make to those who fear you.
39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, * because your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for your commandments; * in your righteousness preserve my life. 41 Let your loving-kindness come to me, O Lord, * and your salvation, according to your promise.
42 Then shall I have a word for those who taunt me, * because I trust in your words.
43 Do not take the word of truth out of my mouth, * for my hope is in your judgments.
44 I shall continue to keep your law; * I shall keep it for ever and ever.
45 I will walk at liberty, * because I study your commandments.
46 I will tell of your decrees before kings * and will not be ashamed.
47 I delight in your commandments, * which I have always loved.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments, * and I will meditate on your statutes.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
Isaiah 8:11-20
For the Lord spoke thus to me while his hand was strong upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what it fears, or be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall regard as holy; let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. He will become a sanctuary, a stone one strikes against; for both houses of Israel he will become a rock one stumbles over—a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.
Bind up the testimony, seal the teaching among my disciples. I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. See, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. Now if people say to you, ‘Consult the ghosts and the familiar spirits that chirp and mutter; should not a people consult their gods, the dead on behalf of the living, for teaching and for instruction?’ surely, those who speak like this will have no dawn!
Canticle 10The Second Song of Isaiah Isaiah 55:6-11
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; * call upon him when he draws near. Let the wicked forsake their ways * and the evil ones their thoughts; And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, * and to our God, for he will richly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, * nor your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, * so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens * and return not again, but water the earth, Bringing forth life and giving growth, * seed for sowing and bread for eating, So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; * it will not return to me empty; But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, * and prosper in that for which I sent it.
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: * como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
Romans 10:1-15
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’ (That is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?”’ (That is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Canticle 18A Song to the Lamb Revelation 4:11, 5:9-10, 13
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;
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.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne, * and to Christ the Lamb, Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, * for ever and for evermore.
Credo de los Apóstoles
Creo en Dios Padre todopoderoso, creador del cielo y de la tierra. Creo en Jesucristo, su único Hijo, nuestro Señor. Fue concebido por obra y gracia del Espíritu Santo y nació de la Virgen María. Padeció bajo el poder de Poncio Pilato. Fue crucificado, muerto y sepultado. Descendió a los infiernos. Al tercer día resucitó de entre los muertos. Subió a los cielos, y está sentado a la diestra de Dios Padre. Desde allí ha de venir a juzgar a vivos y muertos. Creo en el Espíritu Santo, la santa Iglesia católica, la comunión de los santos, el perdón de los pecados, la resurrección de los muertos, y la vida eterna. Amén.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.
Sufragios B
V. Señor, salva a tu pueblo, y bendice a tu heredad; R. Sostennos y guíanos ahora y siempre. V. Día a día te bendecimos; R. Y alabamos tu nombre eternamente. V. De todo pecado guárdanos hoy; R. Ten piedad de nosotros. V. Muéstranos tu amor y tu misericordia; R. Porque en ti ponemos la confianza. V. En ti, Señor, está nuestra esperanza; R. No dejes que esperemos en vano
We thank you, heavenly Father, for the witness of your apostle and evangelist Matthew to the Gospel of your Son our Savior; and we pray that, after his example, we may with ready wills and hearts obey the calling of our Lord to follow him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intercessions
Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world.
(we name our prayers and intercessions, silently or aloud)
Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom:
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 3:20,21