Download (JSON)Daily Evening Prayer:
Rite Two
December 18, 2024
Wednesday after the Third Sunday of Advent
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.”
Advent
Watch, for you know not when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning; lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.Mark 13:35, 36
Advent
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Isaiah 40:3
Advent
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.Isaiah 40:5
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
49
Audite haec, omnesBCP p. 6521Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all you who dwell in the world, *you of high degree and low, rich and poor together.
2My mouth shall speak of wisdom, *and my heart shall meditate on understanding.
3I will incline my ear to a proverb *and set forth my riddle upon the harp.
4Why should I be afraid in evil days, *when the wickedness of those at my heels surrounds me,
5The wickedness of those who put their trust in their goods, *and boast of their great riches?
6We can never ransom ourselves, *or deliver to God the price of our life;
7For the ransom of our life is so great, *that we should never have enough to pay it,
8In order to live for ever and ever, *and never see the grave.
9For we see that the wise die also; like the dull and stupid they perish *and leave their wealth to those who come after them.
10Their graves shall be their homes for ever, their dwelling places from generation to generation, *though they call the lands after their own names.
11Even though honored, they cannot live for ever; *they are like the beasts that perish.
12Such is the way of those who foolishly trust in themselves, *and the end of those who delight in their own words.
13Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die; Death is their shepherd; *they go down straightway to the grave.
14Their form shall waste away, *and the land of the dead shall be their home.
15But God will ransom my life; *he will snatch me from the grasp of death.
16Do not be envious when some become rich, *or when the grandeur of their house increases;
17For they will carry nothing away at their death, *nor will their grandeur follow them.
18Though they thought highly of themselves while they lived, *and were praised for their success,
19They shall join the company of their forebears, *who will never see the light again.
20Those who are honored, but have no understanding, *are like the beasts that perish.
53
Dixit insipiensBCP p. 6581The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” *All are corrupt and commit abominable acts; there is none who does any good.
2God looks down from heaven upon us all, *to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God.
3Every one has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad; *there is none who does good; no, not one.
4Have they no knowledge, those evildoers *who eat up my people like bread and do not call upon God?
5See how greatly they tremble, such trembling as never was; *for God has scattered the bones of the enemy; they are put to shame, because God has rejected them.
6Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion! *when God restores the fortunes of his people Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
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
Zech. 3:1-10
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The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
12
A Song of Creation
Benedicite, omnia opera DominiSong of the Three Young Men, 35-65
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
Mark 1:1-8
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The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
11
The Third Song of Isaiah
Surge, illuminareIsaiah 60:1-3, 11a, 14c, 18-19
Arise, shine, for your light has come, *and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
For behold, darkness covers the land; *deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.
But over you the Lord will rise, *and his glory will appear upon you.
Nations will stream to your light, *and kings to the brightness of your dawning.
Your gates will always be open; *by day or night they will never be shut.
They will call you, The City of the Lord, *The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Violence will no more be heard in your land, *ruin or destruction within your borders.
You will call your walls, Salvation, *and all your portals, Praise.
The sun will no more be your light by day; *by night you will not need the brightness of the moon.
The Lord will be your everlasting light, *and your God will be your glory.
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 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
Third Sunday of Advent
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
15. For the Ministry (Ember Days)
I. For those to be ordained
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are [now] called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
15. For the Ministry (Ember Days)
II. For the choice of fit persons for the ministry
O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
15. For the Ministry (Ember Days)
III. For all Christians in their vocation
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Sunday of Advent
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Collect for Peace
Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.
A Collect for Aid against Perils
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Collect for Protection
O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. 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