Category Archives: Compline

Order for Compline January 19

January 19

The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.

Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
The maker of heaven and earth.

Let us confess our sins to God.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father:
We have sinned against you,
through our own fault,
in thought, and word, and deed,
and in what we have left undone.
For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
forgive us all our offenses;
and grant that we may serve you
in newness of life,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins,
and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. 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 will be for ever. Amen.

Alleluia.

Psalm 4 Cum invocarem

1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 “You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols
and run after false gods?”
3 Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; *
when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me.
4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5 Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the LORD.
6 Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 134 Ecce nunc

1 Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

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.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Gen. 7:1-10,17-23

Eph. 4:1-16

Mark 3:7-19  

Thanks be to God.

V. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit;
R. For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
V. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye;
R. Hide us under the shadow of your wings.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

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.

Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come to you
Let us pray

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours
of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and
chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Let us bless the Lord
Thanks be to God

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us. Amen.

Vespers for Sunday January 12

January 12

Opening

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Prayer

God our Savior: Meet us in this time and place;
focus our hearts on your love,
feed the hungry places of our souls,
release us from all that resists your grace,
and renew our bodies to serve your world. Amen.

Praise

Scripture

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him;
yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God. –John 1:9-12 35

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Gen. 1:1-2:3

Eph. 1:3-14

John 1:29-34

Meditation

Holiness is not an attainment, in any sense of the term, but is a gift of the Word of God. Holiness is not a badge of achievement for a saint, but is wrought in the life, in the very being, of an ordinary person by the will of the Word of God. Holiness … is the restoration of integrity and wholeness to a person. William Stringfellow

What do we, needing wholeness, present to God at this hour?

Confession

Word of God, we confess that we need your wholeness.
We have often looked to outward gifts and measures
when what we need is your love in our hearts.
We have often aimed toward what we can achieve
or where we stand in relation to others,
when what we desire is the integrity your love bestows.
We confess our need for your illumination.
Be our light, O Christ.

Assurance of Pardon

God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities.
God lifts us from the low places and sets mercy and love upon us.
God fills us with goodness and renews our lives.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers

For all who are oppressed,
May we proclaim the justice of God’s Kingdom.
For all who hunger,
May we, the Body of Christ, be bread.
For all who weep,
May we offer comfort and joy.
For all who are outcast or in any need or trouble:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.



As we yearn to be the faithful people of God,
May we be people of true and gracious welcome to all.

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

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Going Out

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Sunday Vespers January 5

January 5

Eve of the Epiphany

Sunday Evening Vespers for Christmastide and Epiphany

from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Prayer

God our Savior: Meet us in this time and place;
focus our hearts on your love,
feed the hungry places of our souls,
release us from all that resists your grace,
and renew our bodies to serve your world. Amen.

Praise

Scripture

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him;
yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God. –John 1:9-12 35

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (Eve of the Epiphany)

Psalm 29, 98

Isa. 66: 18-23

Rom. 15:7-13

Meditation

Confession

Word of God, we confess that we need your wholeness.
We have often looked to outward gifts and measures
when what we need is your love in our hearts.
We have often aimed toward what we can achieve
or where we stand in relation to others,
when what we desire is the integrity your love bestows.
We confess our need for your illumination.
Be our light, O Christ.

Assurance of Pardon

God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities.
God lifts us from the low places and sets mercy and love upon us.
God fills us with goodness and renews our lives.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers

For all who are oppressed,
May we proclaim the justice of God’s Kingdom.
For all who hunger,
May we, the Body of Christ, be bread.
For all who weep,
May we offer comfort and joy.
For all who are outcast or in any need or trouble:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.



As we yearn to be the faithful people of God,
May we be people of true and gracious welcome to all.

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

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Going Out

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Sunday Vespers December 29

December 29

Vespers from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Sundays throughout Christmastide and Epiphany

Opening

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Prayer

God our Savior: Meet us in this time and place;
focus our hearts on your love,
feed the hungry places of our souls,
release us from all that resists your grace,
and renew our bodies to serve your world. Amen.

Praise

Scripture

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him;
yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God. –John 1:9-12 35

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

1 Samuel 1:1-2,7b-28

Heb 2:10-18

Matt. 1:18-25

Meditation

Holiness is not an attainment, in any sense of the term, but is a gift of the Word of God. Holiness is not a badge of achievement for a saint, but is wrought in the life, in the very being, of an ordinary person by the will of the Word of God. Holiness … is the restoration of integrity and wholeness to a person. William Stringfellow

What do we, needing wholeness, present to God at this hour?

Confession

Word of God, we confess that we need your wholeness.
We have often looked to outward gifts and measures
when what we need is your love in our hearts.
We have often aimed toward what we can achieve
or where we stand in relation to others,
when what we desire is the integrity your love bestows.
We confess our need for your illumination.
Be our light, O Christ.

Assurance of Pardon

God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities.
God lifts us from the low places and sets mercy and love upon us.
God fills us with goodness and renews our lives.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers

For all who are oppressed,
May we proclaim the justice of God’s Kingdom.
For all who hunger,
May we, the Body of Christ, be bread.
For all who weep,
May we offer comfort and joy.
For all who are outcast or in any need or trouble:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.



As we yearn to be the faithful people of God,
May we be people of true and gracious welcome to all.

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

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Going Out

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Evening Prayer for December 15 (3rd Sunday of Advent)

December 15

Evening Prayer for the Sundays of Advent: from Daily Prayer for All Seasons and Prayer as Night Falls: Experiencing Compline

Opening

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Prayer

Holy One, whose coming we await,
we lift our hearts to you:
Remind us of your faithfulness,
that we may trust ever more deeply in your grace.
We set down the tasks of the day
so that we may arise renewed,
to love and serve you. Amen.

Praise

Canticle 15
The Song of Mary Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in you, O God my Savior, *
for you have looked with favor on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you *
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm *
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones *
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things *
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel, *
for you have remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears, *
to Abraham and his children for ever

Scripture

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Amos 9:11-15

2 Thess. 2:1-3,13-17

John 5:30-47

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Isaiah 61:1-2a 18

Meditation

Advent Calendar by Rowan Williams

He will come like last leaf’s fall.
One night when the November wind
has flayed the trees to bone, and earth
wakes choking on the mould,
the soft shroud’s folding.

He will come like frost.
One morning when the shrinking earth
opens on mist, to find itself
arrested in the net
of alien, sword-set beauty.

He will come like dark.
One evening when the bursting red
December sun draws up the sheet
and penny-masks its eye to yield
the star-snowed fields of sky.

He will come, will come,
will come like crying in the night,
like blood, like breaking,
as the earth writhes to toss him free.
He will come like child.

Prayers

God of grace and hope:
Help us to move from fear to trust.
Your grace surrounds and fills us:
Remind us that you provide all we need.
Your healing love is offered to all:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

May we be full of peace in our waiting
And full of joy in our praise of you. Amen.

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

Merciful God of peace, your word, spoken by the prophets, restores your people’s life and hope: Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, that we may hold fast to your great goodness and proclaim your justice in all the world. Amen.

Closing

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Evening Prayer for December 8 (2nd Sunday of Advent)

December 8

Evening Prayer for the Sundays of Advent: from Daily Prayer for All Seasons and Prayer as Night Falls: Experiencing Compline

Opening

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Prayer

Holy One, whose coming we await,
we lift our hearts to you:
Remind us of your faithfulness,
that we may trust ever more deeply in your grace.
We set down the tasks of the day
so that we may arise renewed,
to love and serve you. Amen.

Praise

The Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-2,8)

My heart exults in you, O God; *
My triumph song is lifted in you.
For I rejoice in your salvation: *
There is none holy like you.
God raises the poor from the dust; *
And lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers *
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God’s *
on which the whole earth is founded.

Scripture

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Amos 6:1-14

2 Thess. 1:5-12

Luke 1:57-68  

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Isaiah 61:1-2a 18

Meditation

A Reflection on Finding your Way: What To Do in the Darkness

Go slowly
Consent to it
But don’t wallow in it
Know it as a place of germination
And growth
Remember the light
Take an outstretched hand if you find one
Exercise unused senses
Find the path by walking in it
Practice trust
Watch for dawn

–Marilyn Chandler McEntyre

Prayers

God of grace and hope:
Help us to move from fear to trust.
Your grace surrounds and fills us:
Remind us that you provide all we need.
Your healing love is offered to all:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

May we be full of peace in our waiting
And full of joy in our praise of you. Amen.

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

Merciful God of peace, your word, spoken by the prophets, restores your people’s life and hope: Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, that we may hold fast to your great goodness and proclaim your justice in all the world. Amen.

Closing

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Evening Prayer for December 1 (First Sunday of Advent)

December 1

Evening Prayer for the Sundays of Advent: from Daily Prayer for All Seasons and Prayer as Night Falls: Experiencing Compline

Opening

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Prayer

Holy One, whose coming we await,
we lift our hearts to you:
Remind us of your faithfulness,
that we may trust ever more deeply in your grace.
We set down the tasks of the day
so that we may arise renewed,
to love and serve you. Amen.

Praise

The Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-2,8)

My heart exults in you, O God; *
My triumph song is lifted in you.
For I rejoice in your salvation: *
There is none holy like you.
God raises the poor from the dust; *
And lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers *
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God’s *
on which the whole earth is founded.

Scripture

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Amos 1:1-5,13-2:8

1 Thess. 5:1-11

Luke 21:5-19  

Scripture Reflection for Sundays:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Isaiah 61:1-2a 18

Meditation

A Reflection on Finding your Way: What To Do in the Darkness

Go slowly
Consent to it
But don’t wallow in it
Know it as a place of germination
And growth
Remember the light
Take an outstretched hand if you find one
Exercise unused senses
Find the path by walking in it
Practice trust
Watch for dawn

–Marilyn Chandler McEntyre

Prayers

God of grace and hope:
Help us to move from fear to trust.
Your grace surrounds and fills us:
Remind us that you provide all we need.
Your healing love is offered to all:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

May we be full of peace in our waiting
And full of joy in our praise of you. Amen.

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

Merciful God of peace, your word, spoken by the prophets, restores your people’s life and hope: Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, that we may hold fast to your great goodness and proclaim your justice in all the world. Amen.

Closing

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Sunday Vespers November 24

November 24

Vespers from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

As we turn on lamps at dusk, we greet the evening by welcoming God to abide with us anew.

Opening

If anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation.

Prayer

Creating God, your reign of love makes all things new: Plant seeds of confidence and gladness in our hearts, so that, trusting your word, we may live no longer for ourselves but for him who died and was raised for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Praise

May none of God’s wonderful works keep silence,
night or morning.
Bright stars, high mountains, the depths of the seas,
sources of rushing rivers:
May all these break into song as we sing
to Creator, Savior and Holy Spirit.
May all the angels in the heavens reply:
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Power, praise, honor and eternal glory to God,
the only giver of grace.
Amen! Amen! Amen!

Scripture

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Isa. 19:19-25

Rom. 15:5-13

Luke 19:11-27

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Meditation

We should be clear about what happens when we destroy the living forms of this planet. The first consequence is that we destroy modes of divine presence. –Thomas Berry

What will we do today to preserve God’s work in creation?

Confession

We confess
that we have considered the earth to be our own,
believing God gave us dominion and, thus, absolute
control over it.
We affirm that
“the earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it,
for he has founded it on the seas and established
it on the rivers.” (Psalm 24:1-2)
We repent.
We know we need to change our understanding
of creation,
taking our share of responsibility
for its care and protection.
We believe that the Spirit, God’s recreating power,
is active in us and in the world.
God, Creator of all, may humankind be freed from greed,
which is destroying the earth;
and may your courageous churches take up causes
against the forces that threaten life. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us by the measure of our failings. As vast as the distance from one end of creation to another, God’s love for us is even greater. As far as east is from west, from greater than this distance does God remove our sin from us.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers

Holy One, we praise you for the wonders of your creation:
Make us joyful and faithful stewards.

As the day grows long,
Bless us with the gift of laying down our burdens.

And not ours only:
Help us lift the weights we have placed
on others and on your creation.

We offer these prayers of our hearts:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

Create in us, again and always, your heart of grace.
May we rest on the sure foundation of your love.

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

Give us strength to understand and eyes to see;
teach us to walk the soft earth as related to all that lives. Amen.

If anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation.


Compline for Sunday November 17

November 17

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows
lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is
hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen.

The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.

Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
The maker of heaven and earth.

Let us confess our sins to God.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father:
We have sinned against you,
through our own fault,
in thought, and word, and deed,
and in what we have left undone.
For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
forgive us all our offenses;
and grant that we may serve you
in newness of life,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins,
and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. 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 will be for ever. Amen.

Alleluia.

Psalm 4 Cum invocarem

1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 “You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols
and run after false gods?”

3 Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; *
when I call upon the LORD, he will hear me.

4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.

5 Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the LORD.

6 Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.

8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

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.

May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21

Thanks be to God.

V. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit;
R. For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
V. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye;
R. Hide us under the shadow of your wings.

Those gathered are invited to share their prayers and hopes at this time, concluding with:

O God of Elizabeth and Mary,
you visited your servants with news of the world’s redemption
in the coming of the Savior.
Make our hearts leap with joy,
and fill our mouths with songs of praise,
that we may announce glad tidings of peace,
and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

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.

Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come to you
Let us pray

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours
of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and
chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Let us bless the Lord
Thanks be to God

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us. Amen.

Night Prayer Sunday November 10

November 10

Night Prayer from A New Zealand Prayer Book

Approach

The angels of God guard us through the night,
and quieten the powers of darkness.

The Spirit of God be our guide
to lead us to peace and to glory.

It is but lost labour that we haste to rise up early,
and so late take rest, and eat the bread of anxiety.
For those beloved of God are given gifts even while they sleep.

(silence)

My brothers and sisters,
our help is in the name of the eternal God,
who is making the heavens and the earth.

Dear God,
thank you for all that is good,
for our creation and our humanity,
for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth,
for the gifts of life and of one another,
for your love which is unbounded and eternal.

O thou, most holy and beloved,
my Companion, my guide upon the way
my bright evening star.

We repent the wrongs we have done:

(silence)

We have wounded your love.
O God, heal us.

We stumble in the darkness.
Light of the world transfigure us.

We forget that we are your home.
Spirit of God, dwell in us.

Eternal Spirit, living God,
in whom we live and move and have our being,
all that we are, have been, and shall be is known to you,
to the very secret of our hearts
and all that rises to trouble us.
Living flame, burn into us,
cleansing wind, blow through us,
fountain of water, well up within us,
that we may love and praise in deed and in truth.

Invocation

Eternal Spirit,
flow through our being and open our lips,
that our mouths may proclaim your praise.

Let us worship the God of love.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 23

Dear God, you sustain me and feed me:
like a shepherd you guide me.

You lead me to an oasis of green,
to lie down by restful waters.

You refresh my soul for the journey,
and guide me along trusted roads.

The God of justice is your name.
Though I must enter the darkness of death,
I will fear no evil.

For you are with me,
your rod and staff comfort me.

You prepare a table before my very eyes,
in the presence of those who trouble me.

You anoint my head with oil,
and you fill my cup to the brim.

Your loving kindness and mercy will meet me
every day of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of my God for ever.

Scripture

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Ezra 10:1-17

Acts 24:10-21

Luke 14:12-24

Sunday’s Meditation:

According to the riches of God’s glory, may you be strengthened with the might through the Holy Spirit in your inner being, and may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

Hymn

Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world we pray,
that you, with love and lasting light,
would guard us through the hours of night.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
from nightly fears and fantasies;
redeem through us our evil foe,
that we no lasting harm may know.

O wisest Guide, grant all we ask,
fulfill in us your holy task,
surround us with your love and care,
and lead us on, your life to share.

All praise to God, sustaining us,
redeeming and transforming us,
thanksgiving in eternity,
all praise, beloved Trinity.

Prayers

Into your hands, O God, I commend my spirit,
for you have redeemed me, O God of truth and love.

Keep me, O God, as the apple of an eye;
hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Preserve us, O God, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ,
and asleep may rest in your peace.

Song of Simeon

Praise be to God, I have lived to see this day.
God’s promise is fulfilled, and my duty done.
At last you have given me peace,
for I have seen with my own eyes
the salvation you have prepared for all nations –
a light to the world in its darkness
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory be to God, sustaining, redeeming, sanctifying,
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.

Preserve us, O God, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ,
and asleep may rest in your peace.

Lord, have mercy.
E te Ariki kia aroha mai.
Kyrie eleison.

Christ, have mercy.
E te Karaiti kia aroha mai.
Christe eleison.

Lord, have mercy.
E te Ariki kia aroha mai.
Kyrie eleison.

The Lord’s Prayer

Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.

I will lie down in peace and take my rest,
for it is in God alone that I dwell unafraid.

Let us bless the Earth-maker, the Pain-bearer, the Life-giver,
let us praise and exalt God above all for ever.

May God’s name be praised beyond the furthest star,
glorified and exalted above all for ever.

Prayer

Lord,
it is night.

The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.

In your name we pray.
Amen.

Sentence of the Day

O God of love and mercy,
grant us, with all your people, rest and peace.

Final Versicle

The divine Spirit dwells in us.
Kia noho te Wairua o te Runga Rawa ki a tatou.

Thanks be to God.
Whakamoemititia a Ihowa.++