Morning Prayer
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Festivals / Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
O Lord, open our lips:
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
Amen.
Psalmody
Antiphon:
The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice:*
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
Psalm 97.1
Opening
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.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
or a suitable Hymn
(Or from Psalm 97)
1. You are the Lord, most high over all the earth;*
you are exalted far above all gods.
2. The Lord loves those who hate evil;*
preserving the lives of the saints and delivering them from
the hand of the wicked.
3. Light has sprung up for the righteous,*
and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.
4. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous.*
and give thanks to the holy name of the Lord.
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.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
or a suitable hymn
Psalm 139
1. Lord, you have searched me out *
and known me.
2. You know my sitting down and my rising up; *
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3. You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4. Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
5. You press upon me behind and before *
and lay your hand upon me.
6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
7. Where can I go then from your Spirit? *
Where can I flee from your presence?
8. If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
9. If I take the wings of the morning *
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10. even there your hand will lead me *
and your mighty hand hold me fast.
11. If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, *
and the light around me turn to night.”
12. Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; *
darkness and light to you are both alike.
13. For you yourself created my inmost parts; *
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14. I will thank you because I am marvellously made; *
your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
15. My body was not hidden from you, *
while I was being made in secret and woven in the
depths of the earth.
16. Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the
womb; * all of them were written in your book;
they were fashioned day by day, * when as yet there
was none of them.
17. How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *
How great is the sum of them!
18. If I were to count them, * they would be more in number than the sand;
to count them all, *my life span would need to be
like yours.
19. Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! *
You that thirst for blood, depart from me.
20. They speak despitefully against you; *
your enemies take your name in vain.
21. Do I not hate those, O Lord, who hate you? *
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22. I hate them with a perfect hatred; *
they have become my own enemies.
23. Search me out, O God, and know my heart; *
try me and know my restless thoughts.
24. Look well whether there be any wickedness in me *
and lead me in the way that is everlasting.
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.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Conclusion
We praise you, O God - Te Deum
1. We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord;*
all creation worships you, the Father everlasting
2. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, *
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
3. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,*
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
4. The glorious company of apostles*
praise you.
5. The noble fellowship of prophets*
praise you.
6. The white-robed army of martyrs*
praise you.
7. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:*
Father, of majesty unbounded.
8. Your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,*
the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
9. You, Christ, are the king of glory,*
the eternal Son of the Father.
10. When you took our flesh to set us free*
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
11. You overcame the sting of death,*
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
12. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.*
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
13. Come then, Lord, and help your people,*
bought with the price of your own blood.
14. 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 shall be for ever.
Amen.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Antiphon: The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice:* let the multitude of the isles be glad.
Reading(s)
2 Chronicles 24.17-22
Now after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and did obeisance to the king; then the king listened to them. They abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and served the sacred poles and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord; they testified against them, but they would not listen.
Then the spirit of God took possession of Zechariah son of the priest Jehoiada; he stood above the people and said to them, ‘Thus says God: Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has also forsaken you.’ But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him to death in the court of the house of the Lord. King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. As he was dying, he said, ‘May the Lord see and avenge!’
Acts 6.1-7
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Silence
Response (Psalm 89.1)
Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing.
Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing.
My mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
Throughout all generations.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing.
Song of Zechariah
Song of Zechariah Antiphon: You will guide us with your counsel, O God: * and, after, receive us with glory. Their sound* * has gone out through all the world.
1 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel,* for he has come to his people and set them free.
2 He has raised up for us a mighty saviour,* born of the house of his servant David.
3 Through his holy prophets he promised of old* that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us.
4 He promised to show mercy to our forebears,* and to remember his holy covenant.
5 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:* to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
6 free to worship him without fear,* holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
7 You my child shall be called the prophet of the Most High,* for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
8 to give his people knowledge of salvation* by the forgiveness of all their sins.
9 In the tender compassion of our God* the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
10 to shine on those who dwell in darkness and 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 shall be for ever.
Amen.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
(may be said by all)
Song of Zechariah Antiphon: You will guide us with your counsel, O God: * and, after, receive us with glory. Their sound* * has gone out through all the world.
Prayers
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
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.
Do not bring us to the time of trial,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen
Collect of the Day
Grant, O Lord,
that we may learn to love our enemies
by the example of your martyr, Saint Stephen,
who prayed to you for his persecutors;
for you live and reign with the Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
Amen
God most holy, we give you thanks for bringing us out of the shadow of night into the light of morning; and we ask you for the joy of spending this day in your service, so that when evening comes, we may once more give you thanks, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen
Let us bless the Lord:
Thanks be to God!
The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil;
and bring us to life eternal.
Amen.
Evening Prayer
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Festivals / Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
O God make speed to save us;
O Lord make haste to help us.
Glory to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Psalmody
Antiphon: Sing to the Lord a new song;* sing the praises of God in the congregation of the
faithful.
Psalm 149.1
Opening (from Psalm 149)
1. Let Israel rejoice in their maker;*
let the children of Zion be joyful in their sovereign.
2. For the Lord takes pleasure in this people*
and adorns the poor with victory.
3. Let the faithful rejoice in triumph;*
let them be joyful on their beds.
4. Let the praises of God be in their throat*
and a two-edged sword in their hand.
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.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
or a suitable Hymn
Psalm 140
1. Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers; *
protect me from the violent,
2. who devise evil in their hearts *
and stir up strife all day long.
3. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; *
adder’s poison is under their lips.
4. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; *
protect me from the violent, who are determined to
trip me up.
5. The proud have hidden a snare for me and stretched out a net of cords; *
they have set traps for me along the path.
6. I have said to the Lord, ”You are my God; *
listen, O Lord, to my supplication.”
7. O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, *
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8. Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O Lord, *
nor let their evil plans prosper.
9. Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; *
let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.
10. Let hot burning coals fall upon them; *
let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up
again.
11. A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, *
and evil shall hunt down the lawless.
12. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the
poor *
and render justice to the needy.
13. Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your name, *
and the upright shall continue in your sight.
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.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Conclusion
Revelation 4 and 5
1. Glory and honour and power*
are yours by right, O Lord our God;
2. For you created all things*
and by your will they have their being.
3. Glory and honour and power*
are yours by right, O Lamb who was slain;
4. For by your blood you ransomed us for God,*
from every race and language, from every people and
nation.
5. To make us a kingdom of priests*
to stand and serve before our God.
6. To God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb*
be praise and honour, glory and might, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Antiphon: Sing to the Lord a new song;* sing the praises of God in the congregation of the faithful.
Reading(s)
Wisdom of Solomon 4.7-15
But the righteous, though they die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honoured for length of time, or measured by number of years; but understanding is grey hair for anyone, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There were some who pleased God and were loved by him, and while living among sinners were taken up. They were caught up so that evil might not change their understanding or guile deceive their souls. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years; for their souls were pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took them quickly from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, or take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect, and that he watches over his holy ones.
Silence
Response Psalm 147.12
You delight, Lord, in those who fear you.
You delight, Lord, in those who fear you.
Who wait in hope for your mercy.
Those who fear you.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
You delight, Lord, in those who fear you.
Song of Mary
Song of Mary Antiphon: Those that sow in tears* shall reap with songs of joy.
1 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
*my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
2 for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant;*
from this day all generations will call me blessed.
3 The Almighty has done great things for me*
and holy is his name.
4 He has mercy on those who fear him*
in every generation.
5 He has shown the strength of his arm;*
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
6 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones*
and has lifted up the lowly.
7 He has filled the hungry with good things,*
and the rich he has sent away empty.
8 He has come to the help of his servant Israel,*
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
9 the promise he made to our forebears,*
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 shall be for ever.
Amen.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
(may be said by all)
Song of Mary Antiphon: Those that sow in tears* shall reap with songs of joy.
Prayers
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
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.
Do not bring us to the time of trial,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Collect of the Day
Grant, O Lord,
that we may learn to love our enemies
by the example of your martyr, Saint Stephen,
who prayed to you for his persecutors;
for you live and reign with the Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
Amen
Lord God almighty, come and dispel the darkness from our hearts, that in the radiance of your brightness we may know you, the only unfading light, glorious in all eternity.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord:
Thanks be to God!
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing:
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Night Prayer
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Festivals / Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
Amen.
O God, make speed to save us;
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God, source of all being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Alleluia!
Psalmody
Opening This or another suitable opening hymn may be sung.
"Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death."
Antiphon: Have mercy on me, O God,* and hear my prayer.
Psalm: Psalm 4
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.
“You mortals, how long will you dishonour my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols and run after false gods?”
Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful *
and will hear me when I call.
Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the Lord.
Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.
You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
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 shall be for ever.
Amen.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Psalm: 134
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;
3. 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 shall be for ever.
Amen.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Antiphon: Have mercy on me, O God,* and hear my prayer.
Reading(s)
Isaiah 30.15
Thus says the Lord God: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength. The Lord waits to be gracious to you; blessed are all those who wait for the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Silence
Response Psalm 31.5
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Song of Simeon
Antiphon:
Preserve us, O Lord,* while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
1. Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace;*
your word has been fulfilled.
2. My own eyes have seen the salvation*
which you have prepared in the sight of every
people;
3. A light to reveal you to 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 shall be for ever.
Amen.
or
Glory be to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Antiphon: Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Prayers
Collect
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world may rest in your eternal
changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Conclusion
The Lord be with you;
and also with you.
Let us bless the Lord;
Thanks be to God.
May the almighty and merciful God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.
Amen.
or
May we be hidden under the shadow of God’s wings, this night and for ever.
Amen.