Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
1
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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 Grace
Blessed are you,
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:
for you have blessed us in Christ Jesus
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
You chose us to be yours in Christ
before the foundation of the world:
that we should be holy and blameless before you.
In love you destined us to be your children,
through Jesus Christ:
according to the purpose of your will,
To the praise of your glorious grace:
which you freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:
for you have blessed us in Christ Jesus
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
You chose us to be yours in Christ
before the foundation of the world:
that we should be holy and blameless before you.
In love you destined us to be your children,
through Jesus Christ:
according to the purpose of your will,
To the praise of your glorious grace:
which you freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6
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
57 You only are my portion, O Lord; •
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart, •
be merciful to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways •
and turned my feet back to your testimonies.
60 I made haste and did not delay •
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, •
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, •
because of your righteous judgements.
63 I am a companion of all those who fear you, •
those who keep your commandments.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your faithful love; •
instruct me in your statutes.
65 You have dealt graciously with your servant, •
according to your word, O Lord.
66 O teach me true understanding and knowledge, •
for I have trusted in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, •
but now I keep your word.
68 You are gracious and do good; •
O Lord, teach me your statutes.
69 The proud have smeared me with lies, •
but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70 Their heart has become gross with fat, •
but my delight is in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, •
that I may learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me •
than a hoard of gold and silver.
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; •
give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, •
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right, •
and that in very faithfulness you caused me to be troubled.
76 Let your faithful love be my comfort, •
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live, •
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; •
but I will meditate on your commandments.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, •
even those who know your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, •
that I may not be put to shame.
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart, •
be merciful to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways •
and turned my feet back to your testimonies.
60 I made haste and did not delay •
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, •
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, •
because of your righteous judgements.
63 I am a companion of all those who fear you, •
those who keep your commandments.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your faithful love; •
instruct me in your statutes.
65 You have dealt graciously with your servant, •
according to your word, O Lord.
66 O teach me true understanding and knowledge, •
for I have trusted in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, •
but now I keep your word.
68 You are gracious and do good; •
O Lord, teach me your statutes.
69 The proud have smeared me with lies, •
but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70 Their heart has become gross with fat, •
but my delight is in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, •
that I may learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is dearer to me •
than a hoard of gold and silver.
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; •
give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, •
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right, •
and that in very faithfulness you caused me to be troubled.
76 Let your faithful love be my comfort, •
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live, •
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; •
but I will meditate on your commandments.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, •
even those who know your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, •
that I may not be put to shame.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
We consecrate this day to your service, O Lord; may all our thoughts, words, and actions be well-pleasing to you and serve the good of our brothers and sisters; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
1 Kings 10:1–25 (Listen)
The Queen of Sheba
10:1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her.
6 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king 120 talents1 of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 Moreover, the fleet of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir a very great amount of almug wood and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the almug wood supports for the house of the LORD and for the king’s house, also lyres and harps for the singers. No such almug wood has come or been seen to this day.
13 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.
Solomon’s Great Wealth
14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land. 16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels2 of gold went into each shield. 17 And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; three minas3 of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18 The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and the throne had a round top,4 and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests, 20 while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom. 21 All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver; silver was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon. 22 For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.5
23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh,6 spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.
Footnotes
[1] 10:10
[2] 10:16
[3] 10:17
[4] 10:19
[5] 10:22
[6] 10:25
(ESV)
Acts 17:1–15 (Listen)
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica
17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews1 were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
Paul and Silas in Berea
10 The brothers2 immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
Footnotes
[1] 17:5
[2] 17:10
(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, Te Deum Laudamus
We praise you, O God:
we acclaim you as Lord.
All creation worships you:
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven:
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you:
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you:
Throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded:
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are King of glory:
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free:
you humbly chose the virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death:
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory:
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood:
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
we acclaim you as Lord.
All creation worships you:
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven:
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you:
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you:
Throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded:
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are King of glory:
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free:
you humbly chose the virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death:
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory:
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood:
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
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.
O God, our heavenly Father,
who raised up your faithful servant N
to be a bishop in your Church
and to feed your flock:
give abundantly to all bishops and other pastors
the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
so that they may minister in your household
as true servants of Christ,
and stewards of your holy mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
who raised up your faithful servant N
to be a bishop in your Church
and to feed your flock:
give abundantly to all bishops and other pastors
the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
so that they may minister in your household
as true servants of Christ,
and stewards of your holy mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God,
we thank you for your servant N,
whom you called to bring the gospel
to the people of...(to the...people):
raise up in this and every land
evangelists and heralds of your loving reign,
so that the whole world may know
the unsearchable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
we thank you for your servant N,
whom you called to bring the gospel
to the people of...(to the...people):
raise up in this and every land
evangelists and heralds of your loving reign,
so that the whole world may know
the unsearchable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
12 The Morning Collect
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; 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 God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that we may with one voice glorify our God and Father. Amen.
Romans 15:5-6
1
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed;
and all people shall see it together.
and all people shall see it together.
Isaiah 40:5
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 Praise
God be gracious to us and bless us:
and make your face to shine upon us,
That your way may be known upon the earth:
your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God:
let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy:
for you judge the peoples with equity
and govern the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God:
let all the peoples praise you.
Then the earth will bring forth its increase:
and God, our own God, will bless us.
You, O God, will bless us:
and all the ends of the earth will fear you.
and make your face to shine upon us,
That your way may be known upon the earth:
your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God:
let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy:
for you judge the peoples with equity
and govern the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God:
let all the peoples praise you.
Then the earth will bring forth its increase:
and God, our own God, will bless us.
You, O God, will bless us:
and all the ends of the earth will fear you.
Psalm 67
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 Rescue me from my enemies, O my God; •
set me high above those that rise up against me.
2 Save me from the evildoers •
and from murderous foes deliver me.
3 For see how they lie in wait for my soul •
and the mighty stir up trouble against me.
4 Not for any fault or sin of mine, O Lord; •
for no offence, they run and prepare themselves for war.
5 Rouse yourself, come to my aid and see; •
for you are the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel.
6 Awake, and judge all the nations; •
show no mercy to the evil traitors.
7 They return at nightfall and snarl like dogs •
and prowl about the city.
8 They pour out evil words with their mouths;
swords are on their lips; •
‘For who’, they say, ‘can hear us?’
9 But you laugh at them, O Lord; •
you hold all the nations in derision.
10 For you, O my strength, will I watch; •
you, O God, are my strong tower.
11 My God in his steadfast love will come to me; •
he will let me behold the downfall of my enemies.
12 Slay them not, lest my people forget; •
send them reeling by your might
and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
13 For the sins of their mouth, for the words of their lips, •
let them be taken in their pride.
14 For the cursing and falsehood they have uttered, •
consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more.
15 And they shall know that God rules in Jacob, •
and to the ends of the earth.
16 And still they return at nightfall and snarl like dogs •
and prowl about the city.
17 Though they forage for something to devour, •
and howl if they are not filled,
18 Yet will I sing of your strength •
and every morning praise your steadfast love;
19 For you have been my stronghold, •
my refuge in the day of my trouble.
20 To you, O my strength, will I sing; •
for you, O God, are my refuge,
my God of steadfast love.
set me high above those that rise up against me.
2 Save me from the evildoers •
and from murderous foes deliver me.
3 For see how they lie in wait for my soul •
and the mighty stir up trouble against me.
4 Not for any fault or sin of mine, O Lord; •
for no offence, they run and prepare themselves for war.
5 Rouse yourself, come to my aid and see; •
for you are the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel.
6 Awake, and judge all the nations; •
show no mercy to the evil traitors.
7 They return at nightfall and snarl like dogs •
and prowl about the city.
8 They pour out evil words with their mouths;
swords are on their lips; •
‘For who’, they say, ‘can hear us?’
9 But you laugh at them, O Lord; •
you hold all the nations in derision.
10 For you, O my strength, will I watch; •
you, O God, are my strong tower.
11 My God in his steadfast love will come to me; •
he will let me behold the downfall of my enemies.
12 Slay them not, lest my people forget; •
send them reeling by your might
and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
13 For the sins of their mouth, for the words of their lips, •
let them be taken in their pride.
14 For the cursing and falsehood they have uttered, •
consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more.
15 And they shall know that God rules in Jacob, •
and to the ends of the earth.
16 And still they return at nightfall and snarl like dogs •
and prowl about the city.
17 Though they forage for something to devour, •
and howl if they are not filled,
18 Yet will I sing of your strength •
and every morning praise your steadfast love;
19 For you have been my stronghold, •
my refuge in the day of my trouble.
20 To you, O my strength, will I sing; •
for you, O God, are my refuge,
my God of steadfast love.
1 O God, you have cast us off and broken us; •
you have been angry; restore us to yourself again.
2 You have shaken the earth and torn it apart; •
heal its wounds, for it trembles.
3 You have made your people drink bitter things; •
we reel from the deadly wine you have given us.
4 You have made those who fear you to flee, •
to escape from the range of the bow.
5 That your beloved may be delivered, •
save us by your right hand and answer us.
6 God has spoken in his holiness: •
‘I will triumph and divide Shechem,
and share out the valley of Succoth.
7 ‘Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; •
Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my sceptre.
8 ‘Moab shall be my washpot;
over Edom will I cast my sandal; •
across Philistia will I shout in triumph.’
9 Who will lead me into the strong city? •
Who will bring me into Edom?
10 Have you not cast us off, O God? •
Will you no longer go forth with our troops?
11 Grant us your help against the enemy, •
for earthly help is in vain.
12 Through God will we do great acts, •
for it is he that shall tread down our enemies.
you have been angry; restore us to yourself again.
2 You have shaken the earth and torn it apart; •
heal its wounds, for it trembles.
3 You have made your people drink bitter things; •
we reel from the deadly wine you have given us.
4 You have made those who fear you to flee, •
to escape from the range of the bow.
5 That your beloved may be delivered, •
save us by your right hand and answer us.
6 God has spoken in his holiness: •
‘I will triumph and divide Shechem,
and share out the valley of Succoth.
7 ‘Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; •
Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my sceptre.
8 ‘Moab shall be my washpot;
over Edom will I cast my sandal; •
across Philistia will I shout in triumph.’
9 Who will lead me into the strong city? •
Who will bring me into Edom?
10 Have you not cast us off, O God? •
Will you no longer go forth with our troops?
11 Grant us your help against the enemy, •
for earthly help is in vain.
12 Through God will we do great acts, •
for it is he that shall tread down our enemies.
1 God be gracious to us and bless us •
and make his face to shine upon us,
2 That your way may be known upon earth, •
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; •
let all the peoples praise you.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad, •
for you will judge the peoples righteously
and govern the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; •
let all the peoples praise you.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, •
and God, our own God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us, •
and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
and make his face to shine upon us,
2 That your way may be known upon earth, •
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; •
let all the peoples praise you.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad, •
for you will judge the peoples righteously
and govern the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; •
let all the peoples praise you.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, •
and God, our own God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us, •
and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
God of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
Zechariah 12:1–10 (Listen)
The Lord Will Give Salvation
12:1 The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. 3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. 4 On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’
6 “On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.
7 “And the LORD will give salvation to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not surpass that of Judah. 8 On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD, going before them. 9 And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
Him Whom They Have Pierced
10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
(ESV)
Mark 11:27–33 (Listen)
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
(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 Mary (Magnificat)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord:
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
Who has looked with favour 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
God has mercy on those who fear him:
from generation to generation.
The Lord has shown strength with his arm:
and scattered the proud in the conceit
Casting down the mighty from their thrones:
and lifting up the lowly.
God has filled the hungry with good things:
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel:
to remember the promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears:
to Abraham and his children for ever.
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
Who has looked with favour 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
God has mercy on those who fear him:
from generation to generation.
The Lord has shown strength with his arm:
and scattered the proud in the conceit
Casting down the mighty from their thrones:
and lifting up the lowly.
God has filled the hungry with good things:
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel:
to remember the promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears:
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Luke 1:47-55
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.
O God, our heavenly Father,
who raised up your faithful servant N
to be a bishop in your Church
and to feed your flock:
give abundantly to all bishops and other pastors
the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
so that they may minister in your household
as true servants of Christ,
and stewards of your holy mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
who raised up your faithful servant N
to be a bishop in your Church
and to feed your flock:
give abundantly to all bishops and other pastors
the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
so that they may minister in your household
as true servants of Christ,
and stewards of your holy mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God,
we thank you for your servant N,
whom you called to bring the gospel
to the people of...(to the...people):
raise up in this and every land
evangelists and heralds of your loving reign,
so that the whole world may know
the unsearchable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
we thank you for your servant N,
whom you called to bring the gospel
to the people of...(to the...people):
raise up in this and every land
evangelists and heralds of your loving reign,
so that the whole world may know
the unsearchable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
10 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
11 The Evening Collect
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. 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 our Lord Jesus Christ, and God our Father, comfort our hearts and establish them in every good work and word. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17