Morning Prayer
Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost
Week A / Week of Proper 8
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:
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;*
I will praise my God while I have my being.
Psalm 104.33
Opening
Come, let us sing
1 Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before the presence of the Lord with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to God with psalms.
3 For you, O Lord, are a great God, * and a great sovereign above all gods.
4 In your hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are yours also.
5 The sea is yours, for you made it, *
and your hands have moulded the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For you are our God, and we are the people of your pasture and the sheep of your hand. *
Oh, that today we would hearken to your voice!
8 “Harden not your hearts, *
as your forebears did in the wilderness.
9 They put me to the test, * though they had seen my works.
10 So I swore in my wrath, *
‘They shall not enter into my rest.’”
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 104)
1. You spread out the heavens like a curtain;*
you lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above;
2. You make the clouds your chariot;*
you ride on the wings of the wind;
3. You make the winds your messengers*
and flames of fire your servants.
4. You have set the earth upon its foundations,*
so that it never shall move at any time.
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 71
1. In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; *
let me never be ashamed.
2. In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
incline your ear to me and save me.
3. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
you are my crag and my stronghold.
4. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5. For you are my hope, O Lord God, *
my confidence since I was young.
6. I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother’s womb you have been my strength;*
my praise shall be always of you.
7. I have become a portent to many; *
but you are my refuge and my strength.
8. Let my mouth be full of your praise *
and your glory all the day long.
9. Do not cast me off in my old age; *
forsake me not when my strength fails.
10. For my enemies are talking against me, *
and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel
together.
11. They say, “Go after and seize the one whom God has
forsaken; *
because there is no one who will save.”
12. O God, be not far from me; *
come quickly to help me, O my God.
13. Let those who set themselves against me be put to
shame and be disgraced; *
let those who seek to do me evil be covered with
scorn and reproach.
14. But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.
15. My mouth shall recount your mighty acts and saving deeds all day long; *
though I cannot know the number of them.
16. I will begin with your mighty works, Lord God; *
I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17. O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
18. And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, *
till I make known your strength to this generation and
your power to all who are to come.
19. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; *
you have done great things; who is like you, O God?
20. You have showed me great troubles and adversities, *
but you will restore my life and bring me up again
from the deep places of the earth.
21. You strengthen me more and more; *
you enfold and comfort me,
22. Therefore, I will praise you upon the lyre for your
faithfulness, O my God; *
I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23. My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, *
and so will my soul, which you have redeemed.
24. My tongue will proclaim your righteousness all day long, *
for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought to do
me harm.
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
Isaiah 45
1. Thus says the Lord who created the heavens,*
who formed the earth and made it;
2. who did not create it a chaos,*
but formed it to be inhabited -
3. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth;*
for I am God: there is no other.
4. From my mouth has gone forth in righteousness*
a word that shall not return:
5 "To me every knee shall bow,*
every tongue shall swear".'
6. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel*
shall triumph and glory.
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: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;* I will praise my God while I have my being.
Reading(s)
Proverbs 17.1-20
Better is a dry morsel with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.
A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully,
and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
but the Lord tests the heart.
An evildoer listens to wicked lips;
and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their parents.
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a ruler.
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it;
wherever they turn they prosper.
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.
A rebuke strikes deeper into a discerning person
than a hundred blows into a fool.
Evil people seek only rebellion,
but a cruel messenger will be sent against them.
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs
than to confront a fool immersed in folly.
Evil will not depart from the house
of one who returns evil for good.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water;
so stop before the quarrel breaks out.
One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
Why should fools have a price in hand
to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn?
A friend loves at all times,
and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.
It is senseless to give a pledge,
to become surety for a neighbour.
One who loves transgression loves strife;
one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones.
The crooked of mind do not prosper,
and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity.
1 Timothy 3.1-16
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.
Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great:
He was revealed in flesh,
vindicated in spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.
Silence
Response (Psalm 92.4)
In all you have done, O Lord, you have made me glad.
In all you have done, O Lord, you have made me glad.
I will sing for joy because of the works of your hands.
You have made me glad.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
In all you have done, O Lord, you have made me glad.
Song of Zechariah
Song of Zechariah Antiphon: You will guide us with your counsel, O God: * and, after, receive us with glory. The dawn from on high shall break upon us: * * to shine on those who dwell in darkness.
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. The dawn from on high shall break upon us: * * to shine on those who dwell in darkness.
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
Almighty and eternal God:
direct our lives according to your gracious will;
that, in the name of your beloved Son,
we may be strengthened to abound in good works;
who lives and reigns with you,
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
Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost
Week A / Week of Proper 8
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: O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!* you are clothed with majesty and splendour.
Psalm 104.1
Opening (from Psalm 104.1)
1. You appointed the moon to mark the seasons,*
and the sun knows the time of its setting.
2. You make darkness that it may be night,*
in which all the beasts of the forest prowl.
3. May your glory, O Lord, endure for ever;*
may you rejoice in all his works.
4. May these words of mine please you;*
I will rejoice in 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 73
1. Truly, God is good to Israel, *
to those who are pure in heart.
2. But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; *
I had almost tripped and fallen;
3. because I envied the proud *
and saw the prosperity of the wicked:
4. For they suffer no pain, *
and their bodies are sleek and sound;
5. in the misfortunes of others they have no share; *
they are not afflicted as others are;
6. therefore they wear their pride like a necklace *
and wrap their violence about them like a cloak.
7. Their iniquity comes from gross minds, *
and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.
8. They scoff and speak maliciously; *
out of their haughtiness they plan oppression.
9. They set their mouths against the heavens, *
and their evil speech runs through the world.
10. And so the people turn to them *
and find in them no fault.
11. They say, ”How should God know? *
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12. So then, these are the wicked; *
always at ease, they increase their wealth.
13. In vain have I kept my heart clean, *
and washed my hands in innocence.
14. I have been afflicted all day long, *
and punished every morning.
15. Had I gone on speaking this way, *
I should have betrayed the generation of your
children.
16. When I tried to understand these things, *
it was too hard for me;
17. Until I entered the sanctuary of God *
and discerned the end of the wicked.
18. Surely, you set them in slippery places; *
you cast them down in ruin.
19. Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, *
come to an end, and perish from terror!
20. Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, *
when you arise you will make their image vanish.
21. When my mind became embittered, *
I was sorely wounded in my heart.
22. I was stupid and had no understanding; *
I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23. Yet I am always with you; *
you hold me by my hand.
24. You will guide me by your counsel, *
and afterwards receive me with glory.
25. Whom have I in heaven but you? *
and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
26. Though my flesh and my heart should waste away, *
you are the strength of my heart and my portion for
ever.
27. Truly, those who forsake you will perish; *
you destroy all who are unfaithful.
28. But it is good for me to be near you; I have made you, Lord God, my refuge. *
I will speak of all your works in the gates of the city
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.
Conclusion
1 John 4
1. Beloved let us love one another,*
for love is of God;
2. And those who love are born of God*
and know God.
3. Those who do not love do not know God,*
for God is love.
4. In this the love of God was made manifest among us,*
that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might
live through him.
5 In this is love: not that we loved God,*
but that God loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation
for our sins.
6. Beloved, if God so loved us,*
we also ought to love one another.
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: O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!* you are clothed with majesty and splendour.
Reading(s)
Matthew 12.43-50
‘When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting-place, but it finds none. Then it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.’ While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’
Silence
Response Psalm 119.105
Your word is a lantern to my feet.
Your word is a lantern to my feet.
A light upon my path.
A lantern to my feet.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Your word is a lantern to my feet.
Song of Mary
Song of Mary Antiphon: Give peace in our time, O Lord: * for you alone protect us.
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: Give peace in our time, O Lord: * for you alone protect us.
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
Almighty and eternal God:
direct our lives according to your gracious will;
that, in the name of your beloved Son,
we may be strengthened to abound in good works;
who lives and reigns with you,
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
Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost
Week A / Week of Proper 8
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: Make haste, O Lord, to deliver me,* for you are my tower of strength.
Psalm: Psalm 31.1-5
1. In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame;*
deliver me in your righteousness.
2. Incline your ear to me;*
make haste to deliver me.
3. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold;*
for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.
4. Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me,*
for you are my tower of strength.
5. Into your hands I commend my spirit,*
for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
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: Psalm 130
1. Out of the depths have I called you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice;*
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2. If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss,*
O Lord, who could stand?
3. For there is forgiveness with you;*
therefore you shall be feared.
4. I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him;*
in his word is my hope.
5. My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning,*
more than watchmen for the morning.
6. O Israel, wait for the Lord,*
for with the Lord there is mercy;
7. With him there is plenteous redemption,*
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
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: Make haste, O Lord, to deliver me,
for you are my tower of strength.
Reading(s)
Ephesians 4.26
Do not let anger lead you into sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
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
Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, illuminate the darkness of this night with your celestial brightness; and from the children of light banish the deeds of darkness; 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.