Monday, November 28, 2011

Evening Prayer for a small group or household

Vespers
Evening prayers may be prayed between the hours of 6 pm and 10 pm. 
O, God come to my assistance;
O, Lord make haste to help me!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, amen.
Confession
I confess to almighty God, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts, words, and deeds, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; I have not loved you with my whole heart or my neighbors as myself.   Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a poor sinner.  Amen. 
Psalmody One or more Psalms is prayed daily
Sundays:          Psalms 103, 104, 105
Mondays:         Psalms 115, 116,117
Tuesdays:        Psalms 130, 131, 133
Wednesdays:   Psalms  135, 136, 138
Thursdays:       Psalms 139, 140, 141 
Fridays:            Psalms 142, 143, 144
Saturdays:        Psalms 145, 146, 147

Short readings
Week one                                Week two
Romans 12:1-2.                                   Romans 6:3-5
2 Corinthians 5:17-21              1 Corinthians 15:3-7
Ephesians 4:1-5                                   Galatians 5:16-22
Philippians 2:4-11                    Ephesians 2:1-10
Colossians 1:15-20                  Philippians 4:4-7
1 Peter 1:3-9                            Colossians 3:13-17
1 John 1:5-9                            Hebrews 1:1-3

Magnificat Song of Mary, Luke 1
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and 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 the thoughts of their hearts.  He has broght down the powerful from their thrones, and 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 the promise of mercy; a promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.  Glory to the Father and to the son and to the holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.  (or sing)

Litany
Blessed are you O Lord our God.  In your great love you sent your Son Jesus to bring light to our darkness and to show us the way of truth: hear us as we pray.
---For those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Lord, have mercy.
---For those who live in fear, anxiety, depression, and any form of mental illness. Lord, have mercy.
---For those who are sick, suffering, grieving, or dying. Lord, have mercy.
---For those who are hungry, homeless, poor, thirsty, or lack in any daily need. Lord, have mercy.
---For those who suffer the consequences of war, violence, or crime. Lord, have mercy.
---For the end of unjust governments and laws that threaten human dignity and oppress minorities. Lord, have mercy.
---For Christians facing persecution. For Muslims and Jews.  That we pursue peace together with  God’s help.  Lord, have mercy.
---For all who have died, hoping in the life to come.    Lord, have mercy.
---Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:
Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.  Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread and 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 forever. Amen. 
Concluding prayer
We thank you, Lord, for the day that you have given us.  Your goodness and love were made known to us this day. You have mercifully sustained us and provided for our needs.  You have permitted us to serve you and love others.  The day is now ending and we entrust to you this night.  Tend to those who suffer in the darkness. Keep watch over us while we sleep that we may rise in the morning to praise and serve you again.  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.   
Final blessing
May the Lord bless us, keep away all evil, and lead us to eternal life.  Amen.  

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