Evening Prayer

SourceBCP p. 115

Daily Evening Prayer:
Rite Two

November 17, 2024

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Proper 28

The Officiant begins the service with one or more of the following sentences of Scripture;

or with the Service of Light, and continuing with the appointed Psalmody;

or with the versicle “O God, make speed to save us.”

At any Time

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:2

At any Time

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”Psalm 122:1

At any Time

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

At any Time

Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.Psalm 43:3

At any Time

The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.Habakkuk 2:20

At any Time

The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him.John 4:23

At any Time

Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, “I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite.”Isaiah 57:15

Evening

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.Psalm 141:2

Evening

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:2

Evening

Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him.Psalm 96:9

Evening

Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.Psalm 74:15,16

Evening

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall.Psalm 16:7,8

Evening

Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name.Amos 5:8

Evening

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,” darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.Psalm 139:10,11

Evening

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12

The following Confession of Sin may then be said; or the Office may continue at once with “O God make speed to save us.”

Confession of Sin

The Officiant says to the people

Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Officiant and People together, all kneeling

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.

The Priest alone stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

A deacon or lay person using the preceding form remains kneeling, and substitutes “us” for “you” and “our” for “your.”

The Invitatory and Psalter

All stand

OfficiantO God, make speed to save us.

PeopleO Lord, make haste to help us.

Officiant and People

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.

The following, or some other suitable hymn, or an Invitatory Psalm, may be sung or said

O Gracious Light

Phos hilaron

O gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.

Then follows

The Psalm or Psalms Appointed

19

Caeli enarrantBCP p. 606

1The heavens declare the glory of God, *and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2One day tells its tale to another, *and one night imparts knowledge to another.

3Although they have no words or language, *and their voices are not heard,

4Their sound has gone out into all lands, *and their message to the ends of the world.

5In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

7The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; *the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; *the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.

9The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; *the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, *sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.

11By them also is your servant enlightened, *and in keeping them there is great reward.

12Who can tell how often he offends? *cleanse me from my secret faults.

13Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; *then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense.

14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, *O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

46

Deus noster refugiumBCP p. 649

1God is our refuge and strength, *a very present help in trouble.

2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

3Though its waters rage and foam, *and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.

4The Lord of hosts is with us; *the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

5There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *the holy habitation of the Most High.

6God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; *God shall help her at the break of day.

7The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.

8The Lord of hosts is with us; *the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

9Come now and look upon the works of the Lord, *what awesome things he has done on earth.

10It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.

11“Be still, then, and know that I am God; *I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”

12The Lord of hosts is with us; *the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

At the end of the Psalms is sung or said

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 Lessons

The First Lesson

1 Macc. 2:29-43,49-50

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The Word of the Lord.

PeopleThanks be to God.

12

A Song of Creation

Benedicite, omnia opera Domini

Song of the Three Young Men, 35-65

One or more sections of this Canticle may be used. Whatever the selection, it begins with the Invocation and concludes with the Doxology.

Invocation

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.

I The Cosmic Order

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.

II The Earth and its Creatures

Let the earth glorify the Lord, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills, and all that grows upon the earth, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *O whales and all that move in the waters.

All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *and all you flocks and herds.

O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

III The People of God

Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Doxology

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.

The Second Lesson

Matt. 23:13-24

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The Word of the Lord.

PeopleThanks be to God.

18

A Song to the Lamb

Dignus es

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.

The Apostles’ Creed

Officiant and People together, all standing

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 Prayers

The People stand or kneel

OfficiantThe Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

OfficiantLet us pray.

Officiant and People

The Lord’s Prayer

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.

The 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.

Then follows one of these sets of Suffrages

A

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.

B

That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of [___________ and] all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,
We entreat you, O Lord.

The Officiant then says one or more of the following Collects

Proper 28

The Sunday closest to November 16

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Sundays

Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these prayers for mission is added

O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; 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.

O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here may be sung a hymn or anthem.

Authorized intercessions and thanksgivings may follow.

Before the close of the Office one or both of the following may be used

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.

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.

Then may be said

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Officiant may then conclude with one of the following

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

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Romans 15:13

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

✕

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew.

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.’ 19 How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; 21 and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; 22 and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!

A Reading from the First Book of Maccabees.

29 At that time many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to live there, 30 they, their sons, their wives, and their livestock, because troubles pressed heavily upon them. 31 And it was reported to the king’s officers, and to the troops in Jerusalem the city of David, that those who had rejected the king’s command had gone down to the hiding-places in the wilderness. 32 Many pursued them, and overtook them; they encamped opposite them and prepared for battle against them on the sabbath day. 33 They said to them, ‘Enough of this! Come out and do what the king commands, and you will live.’ 34 But they said, ‘We will not come out, nor will we do what the king commands and so profane the sabbath day.’ 35 Then the enemy quickly attacked them. 36 But they did not answer them or hurl a stone at them or block up their hiding-places, 37 for they said, ‘Let us all die in our innocence; heaven and earth testify for us that you are killing us unjustly.’ 38 So they attacked them on the sabbath, and they died, with their wives and children and livestock, to the number of a thousand people. 39 When Mattathias and his friends learned of it, they mourned for them deeply. 40 And all said to their neighbours: ‘If we all do as our kindred have done and refuse to fight with the Gentiles for our lives and for our ordinances, they will quickly destroy us from the earth.’ 41 So they made this decision that day: ‘Let us fight against anyone who comes to attack us on the sabbath day; let us not all die as our kindred died in their hiding-places.’ 42 Then there united with them a company of Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, all who offered themselves willingly for the law. 43 And all who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined them and reinforced them. 49 Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: ‘Arrogance and scorn have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. 50 Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.