We will proclaim the name of the Lord.
Ascribe greatness to our God.
1
Deuteronomy 32:3
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Mercy
God who is rich in mercy:
out of the great love with which he loved us,
Even when we were dead through our trespasses:
made us alive together with Christ,
And raised us up with him:
and made us sit with him
in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
That he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace:
in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.
out of the great love with which he loved us,
Even when we were dead through our trespasses:
made us alive together with Christ,
And raised us up with him:
and made us sit with him
in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
That he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace:
in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
3 The Opening Prayer
The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind.
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence may be kept
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each
1 Alleluia.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious, •
for his faithfulness endures for ever.
2 Who can express the mighty acts of the Lord •
or show forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are those who observe what is right •
and always do what is just.
4 Remember me, O Lord, in the favour you bear for your people; •
visit me in the day of your salvation;
5 That I may see the prosperity of your chosen
and rejoice in the gladness of your people, •
and exult with your inheritance.
6 We have sinned like our forebears; •
we have done wrong and dealt wickedly.
7 In Egypt they did not consider your wonders,
nor remember the abundance of your faithful love; •
they rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea.
8 But he saved them for his name’s sake, •
that he might make his power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea and it was dried up; •
so he led them through the deep as through the wilderness.
10 He saved them from the adversary’s hand •
and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them; •
there was not one of them left.
12 Then they believed his words •
and sang aloud his praise.
13 But soon they forgot his deeds •
and would not wait for his counsel.
14 A craving seized them in the wilderness, •
and they put God to the test in the desert.
15 He gave them their desire, •
but sent a wasting sickness among them.
16 They grew jealous of Moses in the camp •
and of Aaron, the holy one of the Lord.
17 So the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan •
and covered the company of Abiram.
18 A fire was kindled in their company; •
the flame burnt up the wicked.
19 They made a calf at Horeb •
and worshipped the molten image;
20 Thus they exchanged their glory •
for the image of an ox that feeds on hay.
21 They forgot God their saviour, •
who had done such great things in Egypt,
22 Wonderful deeds in the land of Ham •
and fearful things at the Red Sea.
23 So he would have destroyed them,
had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, •
to turn away his wrath from consuming them.
24 Then they scorned the Promised Land •
and would not believe his word,
25 But murmured in their tents •
and would not heed the voice of the Lord.
26 So he lifted his hand against them •
and swore to overthrow them in the wilderness,
27 To disperse their descendants among the nations, •
and to scatter them throughout the lands.
28 They joined themselves to the Baal of Peor •
and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.
29 They provoked him to anger with their evil deeds •
and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and interceded •
and so the plague was stayed.
31 This was counted to him for righteousness •
throughout all generations for ever.
32 They angered him also at the waters of Meribah, •
so that Moses suffered for their sake;
33 For they so embittered his spirit •
that he spoke rash words with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the peoples •
as the Lord had commanded them.
35 They mingled with the nations •
and learned to follow their ways,
36 So that they worshipped their idols, •
which became to them a snare.
37 Their own sons and daughters •
they sacrificed to evil spirits.
38 They shed innocent blood, •
the blood of their sons and daughters,
39 Which they offered to the idols of Canaan, •
and the land was defiled with blood.
40 Thus were they polluted by their actions, •
and in their wanton deeds went whoring after other gods.
41 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord
kindled against his people, •
and he abhorred his inheritance.
42 He gave them over to the hand of the nations, •
and those who hated them ruled over them.
43 So their enemies oppressed them •
and put them in subjection under their hand.
44 Many a time did he deliver them,
but they rebelled through their own devices •
and were brought down through their wickedness.
45 Nevertheless, he saw their adversity, •
when he heard their lamentation.
46 He remembered his covenant with them •
and relented according to the greatness of his faithful love.
47 He made them also to be pitied •
by all who had taken them captive.
48 Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations, •
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
49 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting and to everlasting; •
and let all the people say, Amen.
Alleluia.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious, •
for his faithfulness endures for ever.
2 Who can express the mighty acts of the Lord •
or show forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are those who observe what is right •
and always do what is just.
4 Remember me, O Lord, in the favour you bear for your people; •
visit me in the day of your salvation;
5 That I may see the prosperity of your chosen
and rejoice in the gladness of your people, •
and exult with your inheritance.
6 We have sinned like our forebears; •
we have done wrong and dealt wickedly.
7 In Egypt they did not consider your wonders,
nor remember the abundance of your faithful love; •
they rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea.
8 But he saved them for his name’s sake, •
that he might make his power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea and it was dried up; •
so he led them through the deep as through the wilderness.
10 He saved them from the adversary’s hand •
and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them; •
there was not one of them left.
12 Then they believed his words •
and sang aloud his praise.
13 But soon they forgot his deeds •
and would not wait for his counsel.
14 A craving seized them in the wilderness, •
and they put God to the test in the desert.
15 He gave them their desire, •
but sent a wasting sickness among them.
16 They grew jealous of Moses in the camp •
and of Aaron, the holy one of the Lord.
17 So the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan •
and covered the company of Abiram.
18 A fire was kindled in their company; •
the flame burnt up the wicked.
19 They made a calf at Horeb •
and worshipped the molten image;
20 Thus they exchanged their glory •
for the image of an ox that feeds on hay.
21 They forgot God their saviour, •
who had done such great things in Egypt,
22 Wonderful deeds in the land of Ham •
and fearful things at the Red Sea.
23 So he would have destroyed them,
had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, •
to turn away his wrath from consuming them.
24 Then they scorned the Promised Land •
and would not believe his word,
25 But murmured in their tents •
and would not heed the voice of the Lord.
26 So he lifted his hand against them •
and swore to overthrow them in the wilderness,
27 To disperse their descendants among the nations, •
and to scatter them throughout the lands.
28 They joined themselves to the Baal of Peor •
and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.
29 They provoked him to anger with their evil deeds •
and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and interceded •
and so the plague was stayed.
31 This was counted to him for righteousness •
throughout all generations for ever.
32 They angered him also at the waters of Meribah, •
so that Moses suffered for their sake;
33 For they so embittered his spirit •
that he spoke rash words with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the peoples •
as the Lord had commanded them.
35 They mingled with the nations •
and learned to follow their ways,
36 So that they worshipped their idols, •
which became to them a snare.
37 Their own sons and daughters •
they sacrificed to evil spirits.
38 They shed innocent blood, •
the blood of their sons and daughters,
39 Which they offered to the idols of Canaan, •
and the land was defiled with blood.
40 Thus were they polluted by their actions, •
and in their wanton deeds went whoring after other gods.
41 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord
kindled against his people, •
and he abhorred his inheritance.
42 He gave them over to the hand of the nations, •
and those who hated them ruled over them.
43 So their enemies oppressed them •
and put them in subjection under their hand.
44 Many a time did he deliver them,
but they rebelled through their own devices •
and were brought down through their wickedness.
45 Nevertheless, he saw their adversity, •
when he heard their lamentation.
46 He remembered his covenant with them •
and relented according to the greatness of his faithful love.
47 He made them also to be pitied •
by all who had taken them captive.
48 Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations, •
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
49 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting and to everlasting; •
and let all the people say, Amen.
Alleluia.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, •
and all that is within me bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, •
and forget not all his benefits;
3 Who forgives all your sins •
and heals all your infirmities;
4 Who redeems your life from the Pit •
and crowns you with faithful love and compassion;
5 Who satisfies you with good things, •
so that your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness •
and judgement for all who are oppressed.
7 He made his ways known to Moses •
and his works to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, •
slow to anger and of great kindness.
9 He will not always accuse us, •
neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, •
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, •
so great is his mercy upon those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, •
so far has he set our sins from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, •
so is the Lord merciful towards those who fear him.
14 For he knows of what we are made; •
he remembers that we are but dust.
15 Our days are but as grass; •
we flourish as a flower of the field;
16 For as soon as the wind goes over it, it is gone, •
and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord is from of old
and endures for ever on those who fear him, •
and his righteousness on children’s children;
18 On those who keep his covenant •
and remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, •
and his kingdom has dominion over all.
20 Bless the Lord, you angels of his, •
you mighty ones who do his bidding
and hearken to the voice of his word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, •
you ministers of his who do his will.
22 Bless the Lord, all you works of his,
in all places of his dominion; •
bless the Lord, O my soul.
and all that is within me bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, •
and forget not all his benefits;
3 Who forgives all your sins •
and heals all your infirmities;
4 Who redeems your life from the Pit •
and crowns you with faithful love and compassion;
5 Who satisfies you with good things, •
so that your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness •
and judgement for all who are oppressed.
7 He made his ways known to Moses •
and his works to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, •
slow to anger and of great kindness.
9 He will not always accuse us, •
neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, •
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, •
so great is his mercy upon those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, •
so far has he set our sins from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, •
so is the Lord merciful towards those who fear him.
14 For he knows of what we are made; •
he remembers that we are but dust.
15 Our days are but as grass; •
we flourish as a flower of the field;
16 For as soon as the wind goes over it, it is gone, •
and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord is from of old
and endures for ever on those who fear him, •
and his righteousness on children’s children;
18 On those who keep his covenant •
and remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, •
and his kingdom has dominion over all.
20 Bless the Lord, you angels of his, •
you mighty ones who do his bidding
and hearken to the voice of his word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, •
you ministers of his who do his will.
22 Bless the Lord, all you works of his,
in all places of his dominion; •
bless the Lord, O my soul.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
Lord, our God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier: we ask you to cleanse us from all hypocrisy, to unite us to our fellow men and women by the bonds of peace and love, and to confirm us in holiness; now and for ever. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
Judges 14 (Listen)
Samson’s Marriage
14:1 Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.” 3 But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
4 His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.
5 Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. 6 Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done. 7 Then he went down and talked with the woman, and she was right in Samson’s eyes.
8 After some days he returned to take her. And he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey. 9 He scraped it out into his hands and went on, eating as he went. And he came to his father and mother and gave some to them, and they ate. But he did not tell them that he had scraped the honey from the carcass of the lion.
10 His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, for so the young men used to do. 11 As soon as the people saw him, they brought thirty companions to be with him. 12 And Samson said to them, “Let me now put a riddle to you. If you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes, 13 but if you cannot tell me what it is, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes.” And they said to him, “Put your riddle, that we may hear it.” 14 And he said to them,
“Out of the eater came something to eat.
Out of the strong came something sweet.”
And in three days they could not solve the riddle.
15 On the fourth1 day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to tell us what the riddle is, lest we burn you and your father’s house with fire. Have you invited us here to impoverish us?” 16 And Samson’s wife wept over him and said, “You only hate me; you do not love me. You have put a riddle to my people, and you have not told me what it is.” And he said to her, “Behold, I have not told my father nor my mother, and shall I tell you?” 17 She wept before him the seven days that their feast lasted, and on the seventh day he told her, because she pressed him hard. Then she told the riddle to her people. 18 And the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down,
“What is sweeter than honey?
What is stronger than a lion?”
And he said to them,
“If you had not plowed with my heifer,
you would not have found out my riddle.”
19 And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house. 20 And Samson’s wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.
Footnotes
[1] 14:15
(ESV)
Luke 18:1–14 (Listen)
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
18:1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed1 thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Footnotes
[1] 18:11
(ESV)
The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
and bear much fruit to your glory.
7 The Canticle, A Song of the Blessed
Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn:
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek:
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful:
for mercy shall be shown to them.
Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn:
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek:
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful:
for mercy shall be shown to them.
Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3-10
8 The Apostles' Creed may be said
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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.
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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.
9 The Prayers
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day
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.
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.
11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
12 The Morning Collect
Lord and heavenly Father,
you have brought us safely to this new day:
keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin,
guard us from every kind of danger,
and in all we do this day
direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
you have brought us safely to this new day:
keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin,
guard us from every kind of danger,
and in all we do this day
direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
13
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May the Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us; the Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace. Amen.
Numbers 6:24-26
1
O sing to the Lord a new song:
sing to the Lord all the earth.
sing to the Lord all the earth.
Psalm 96:1
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
2 The Opening Canticle, The Song of the Three
Blessed are you, the God of our forebears:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed is your holy and glorious name:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you, glorious in your holy temple:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you who behold the depths:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you in the heights of heaven:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed is your holy and glorious name:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you, glorious in your holy temple:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you who behold the depths:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you in the heights of heaven:
worthy to be praised and exalted for ever.
Song of the Three 29-34
3 The Opening Prayer
The day is now passed and the night is at hand.
Let us pray with one heart and mind.
Let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence may be kept
Father of lights, receive the prayer and praise we offer you as our evening sacrifice; make us a light for all the world, delivered by your goodness from all the works of darkness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious, •
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say this, •
those he redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 And gathered out of the lands
from the east and from the west, •
from the north and from the south.
4 Some went astray in desert wastes •
and found no path to a city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, •
their soul was fainting within them.
6 So they cried to the Lord in their trouble •
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He set their feet on the right way •
till they came to a city to dwell in.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
9 For he satisfies the longing soul •
and fills the hungry soul with good.
10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, •
bound fast in misery and iron,
11 For they had rebelled against the words of God •
and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he bowed down their heart with heaviness; •
they stumbled and there was none to help them.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, •
and he delivered them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and out of the shadow of death, •
and broke their bonds asunder.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
16 For he has broken the doors of bronze •
and breaks the bars of iron in pieces.
17 Some were foolish and took a rebellious way, •
and were plagued because of their wrongdoing.
18 Their soul abhorred all manner of food •
and drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, •
and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent forth his word and healed them, •
and saved them from destruction.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
22 Let them offer him sacrifices of thanksgiving •
and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
23 Those who go down to the sea in ships •
and ply their trade in great waters,
24 These have seen the works of the Lord •
and his wonders in the deep.
25 For at his word the stormy wind arose •
and lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They were carried up to the heavens
and down again to the deep; •
their soul melted away in their peril.
27 They reeled and staggered like a drunkard •
and were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, •
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He made the storm be still •
and the waves of the sea were calmed.
30 Then were they glad because they were at rest, •
and he brought them to the haven they desired.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people •
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33 The Lord turns rivers into wilderness •
and water springs into thirsty ground;
34 A fruitful land he makes a salty waste, •
because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35 He makes the wilderness a pool of water •
and water springs out of a thirsty land.
36 There he settles the hungry •
and they build a city to dwell in.
37 They sow fields and plant vineyards •
and bring in a fruitful harvest.
38 He blesses them, so that they multiply greatly; •
he does not let their herds of cattle decrease.
39 He pours contempt on princes •
and makes them wander in trackless wastes.
40 They are diminished and brought low, •
through stress of misfortune and sorrow,
41 But he raises the poor from their misery •
and multiplies their families like flocks of sheep.
42 The upright will see this and rejoice, •
but all wickedness will shut its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise will ponder these things •
and consider the loving-kindness of the Lord.
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say this, •
those he redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 And gathered out of the lands
from the east and from the west, •
from the north and from the south.
4 Some went astray in desert wastes •
and found no path to a city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, •
their soul was fainting within them.
6 So they cried to the Lord in their trouble •
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He set their feet on the right way •
till they came to a city to dwell in.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
9 For he satisfies the longing soul •
and fills the hungry soul with good.
10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, •
bound fast in misery and iron,
11 For they had rebelled against the words of God •
and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he bowed down their heart with heaviness; •
they stumbled and there was none to help them.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, •
and he delivered them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and out of the shadow of death, •
and broke their bonds asunder.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
16 For he has broken the doors of bronze •
and breaks the bars of iron in pieces.
17 Some were foolish and took a rebellious way, •
and were plagued because of their wrongdoing.
18 Their soul abhorred all manner of food •
and drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, •
and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent forth his word and healed them, •
and saved them from destruction.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
22 Let them offer him sacrifices of thanksgiving •
and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
23 Those who go down to the sea in ships •
and ply their trade in great waters,
24 These have seen the works of the Lord •
and his wonders in the deep.
25 For at his word the stormy wind arose •
and lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They were carried up to the heavens
and down again to the deep; •
their soul melted away in their peril.
27 They reeled and staggered like a drunkard •
and were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, •
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He made the storm be still •
and the waves of the sea were calmed.
30 Then were they glad because they were at rest, •
and he brought them to the haven they desired.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness •
and the wonders he does for his children.
32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people •
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33 The Lord turns rivers into wilderness •
and water springs into thirsty ground;
34 A fruitful land he makes a salty waste, •
because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35 He makes the wilderness a pool of water •
and water springs out of a thirsty land.
36 There he settles the hungry •
and they build a city to dwell in.
37 They sow fields and plant vineyards •
and bring in a fruitful harvest.
38 He blesses them, so that they multiply greatly; •
he does not let their herds of cattle decrease.
39 He pours contempt on princes •
and makes them wander in trackless wastes.
40 They are diminished and brought low, •
through stress of misfortune and sorrow,
41 But he raises the poor from their misery •
and multiplies their families like flocks of sheep.
42 The upright will see this and rejoice, •
but all wickedness will shut its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise will ponder these things •
and consider the loving-kindness of the Lord.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
God of grace, we thank you for all your gifts to us; grant us to accept both pain and joy in faith and hope, and never to fail in love to you and to our sisters and brothers; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
Nehemiah 5 (Listen)
Nehemiah Stops Oppression of the Poor
5:1 Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. 2 For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.” 3 There were also those who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.” 4 And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards. 5 Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.”
6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. 7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them 8 and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say. 9 So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? 10 Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. 11 Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.” 12 Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised. 13 I also shook out the fold1 of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.
Nehemiah’s Generosity
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration2 forty shekels3 of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense4 for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
Footnotes
[1] 5:13
[2] 5:15
[3] 5:15
[4] 5:18
(ESV)
Romans 15:1–13 (Listen)
The Example of Christ
15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”
10 And again it says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
(ESV)
The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
and bear much fruit to your glory.
7 The Canticle, The Song of Simeon (Nunc dimittis)
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation:
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
A light to reveal you to the nations:
and the glory of your people Israel.
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation:
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
A light to reveal you to the nations:
and the glory of your people Israel.
8 The Prayers
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
9 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day
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.
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.
10 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
11 The Evening Collect
Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night: that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest on your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
12
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May Jesus, the Lord of peace, give us peace at all times and in all ways. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 3:16