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
105 Your word is a lantern to my feet •
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and will fulfil it, •
to keep your righteous judgements.
107 I am troubled above measure; •
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept the freewill offering of my mouth, O Lord, •
and teach me your judgements.
109 My soul is ever in my hand, •
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, •
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your testimonies have I claimed as my heritage for ever; •
for they are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil your statutes: •
always, even to the end.
113 I hate those who are double-minded, •
but your law do I love.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield •
and my hope is in your word.
115 Away from me, you wicked! •
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, •
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117 Hold me up and I shall be saved, •
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118 You set at nought those who depart from your statutes, •
for their deceiving is in vain.
119 You consider all the wicked as dross; •
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you •
and I am afraid of your judgements.
121 I have done what is just and right; •
O give me not over to my oppressors.
122 Stand surety for your servant’s good; •
let not the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail with watching for your salvation •
and for your righteous promise.
124 O deal with your servant according to your faithful love •
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; O grant me understanding, •
that I may know your testimonies.
126 It is time for you to act, O Lord, •
for they frustrate your law.
127 Therefore I love your commandments •
above gold, even much fine gold.
128 Therefore I direct my steps by all your precepts, •
and all false ways I utterly abhor.
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and will fulfil it, •
to keep your righteous judgements.
107 I am troubled above measure; •
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept the freewill offering of my mouth, O Lord, •
and teach me your judgements.
109 My soul is ever in my hand, •
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, •
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your testimonies have I claimed as my heritage for ever; •
for they are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil your statutes: •
always, even to the end.
113 I hate those who are double-minded, •
but your law do I love.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield •
and my hope is in your word.
115 Away from me, you wicked! •
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, •
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117 Hold me up and I shall be saved, •
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118 You set at nought those who depart from your statutes, •
for their deceiving is in vain.
119 You consider all the wicked as dross; •
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you •
and I am afraid of your judgements.
121 I have done what is just and right; •
O give me not over to my oppressors.
122 Stand surety for your servant’s good; •
let not the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail with watching for your salvation •
and for your righteous promise.
124 O deal with your servant according to your faithful love •
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; O grant me understanding, •
that I may know your testimonies.
126 It is time for you to act, O Lord, •
for they frustrate your law.
127 Therefore I love your commandments •
above gold, even much fine gold.
128 Therefore I direct my steps by all your precepts, •
and all false ways I utterly abhor.
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
Judges 9:22–57 (Listen)
The Downfall of Abimelech
22 Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. 23 And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, 24 that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. 25 And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech.
26 And Gaal the son of Ebed moved into Shechem with his relatives, and the leaders of Shechem put confidence in him. 27 And they went out into the field and gathered the grapes from their vineyards and trod them and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god and ate and drank and reviled Abimelech. 28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? 29 Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say1 to Abimelech, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’”
30 When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. 31 And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly,2 saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up3 the city against you. 32 Now therefore, go by night, you and the people who are with you, and set an ambush in the field. 33 Then in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, rise early and rush upon the city. And when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you may do to them as your hand finds to do.”
34 So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies. 35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush. 36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!” And Zebul said to him, “You mistake4 the shadow of the mountains for men.” 37 Gaal spoke again and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.” 38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them.” 39 And Gaal went out at the head of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech. 40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate. 41 And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem.
42 On the following day, the people went out into the field, and Abimelech was told. 43 He took his people and divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. And he looked and saw the people coming out of the city. So he rose against them and killed them. 44 Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city, while the two companies rushed upon all who were in the field and killed them. 45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed the people who were in it, and he razed the city and sowed it with salt.
46 When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith. 47 Abimelech was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48 And Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. And Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a bundle of brushwood and took it up and laid it on his shoulder. And he said to the men who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do as I have done.” 49 So every one of the people cut down his bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the Tower of Shechem also died, about 1,000 men and women.
50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. 51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. 52 And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53 And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. 54 Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. 55 And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, everyone departed to his home. 56 Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. 57 And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.
Footnotes
[1] 9:29
[2] 9:31
[3] 9:31
[4] 9:36
(ESV)
Luke 16:1–18 (Listen)
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
16:1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ 3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred measures1 of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures2 of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world3 are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth,4 so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
The Law and the Kingdom of God
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
16 “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.5 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
Divorce and Remarriage
18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
Footnotes
[1] 16:6
[2] 16:7
[3] 16:8
[4] 16:9
[5] 16:16
(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.
Almighty God,
by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way for your Son our Saviour
by preaching a baptism of repentance:
make us so to follow his teaching and holy life,
that we may truly repent,
and, following his example, may constantly speak the truth,
boldly rebuke vice,
and patiently suffer for the truth's sake;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way for your Son our Saviour
by preaching a baptism of repentance:
make us so to follow his teaching and holy life,
that we may truly repent,
and, following his example, may constantly speak the truth,
boldly rebuke vice,
and patiently suffer for the truth's sake;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
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 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High •
and abides under the shadow of the Almighty,
2 Shall say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my stronghold, •
my God, in whom I put my trust.’
3 For he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler •
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with his wings
and you shall be safe under his feathers; •
his faithfulness shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, •
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, •
nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand, •
yet it shall not come near you.
8 Your eyes have only to behold •
to see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge •
and the Most High your stronghold,
10 There shall no evil happen to you, •
neither shall any plague come near your tent.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, •
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, •
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; •
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 Because they have set their love upon me,
therefore will I deliver them; •
I will lift them up, because they know my name.
15 They will call upon me and I will answer them; •
I am with them in trouble,
I will deliver them and bring them to honour.
16 With long life will I satisfy them •
and show them my salvation.
and abides under the shadow of the Almighty,
2 Shall say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my stronghold, •
my God, in whom I put my trust.’
3 For he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler •
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with his wings
and you shall be safe under his feathers; •
his faithfulness shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, •
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, •
nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand, •
yet it shall not come near you.
8 Your eyes have only to behold •
to see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge •
and the Most High your stronghold,
10 There shall no evil happen to you, •
neither shall any plague come near your tent.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, •
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, •
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; •
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 Because they have set their love upon me,
therefore will I deliver them; •
I will lift them up, because they know my name.
15 They will call upon me and I will answer them; •
I am with them in trouble,
I will deliver them and bring them to honour.
16 With long life will I satisfy them •
and show them my salvation.
1 The Lord is king and has put on glorious apparel; •
the Lord has put on his glory
and girded himself with strength.
2 He has made the whole world so sure •
that it cannot be moved.
3 Your throne has been established from of old; •
you are from everlasting.
4 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice; •
the floods lift up their pounding waves.
5 Mightier than the thunder of many waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea, •
the Lord on high is mightier.
6 Your testimonies are very sure; •
holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever.
the Lord has put on his glory
and girded himself with strength.
2 He has made the whole world so sure •
that it cannot be moved.
3 Your throne has been established from of old; •
you are from everlasting.
4 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice; •
the floods lift up their pounding waves.
5 Mightier than the thunder of many waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea, •
the Lord on high is mightier.
6 Your testimonies are very sure; •
holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever.
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
Ezra 9 (Listen)
Ezra Prays About Intermarriage
9:1 After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2 For they have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race1 has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.” 3 As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled. 4 Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. 5 And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God, 6 saying:
“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. 7 From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as it is today. 8 But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold2 within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. 9 For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection3 in Judea and Jerusalem.
10 “And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, 11 which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. 12 Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, 14 shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape? 15 O LORD, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this.”
(ESV)
Romans 12:9–21 (Listen)
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,1 serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.2 Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it3 to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Footnotes
[1] 12:11
[2] 12:16
[3] 12:19
(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.
Almighty God,
by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way for your Son our Saviour
by preaching a baptism of repentance:
make us so to follow his teaching and holy life,
that we may truly repent,
and, following his example, may constantly speak the truth,
boldly rebuke vice,
and patiently suffer for the truth's sake;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way for your Son our Saviour
by preaching a baptism of repentance:
make us so to follow his teaching and holy life,
that we may truly repent,
and, following his example, may constantly speak the truth,
boldly rebuke vice,
and patiently suffer for the truth's sake;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
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