Daily Prayer with ContemplationThursday

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IndexService PageMorning Meditation 4Morning Prayer: Common Worship 5Morning Prayer: Celtic Worship – Community 10Morning Prayer: Iona Mission Worship – Diversity and Inclusive Community

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Morning Prayer: A Fragrant Offering: Led to a pleasant land

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Midday Prayer: Common Worship 27Midday Prayer: Celtic Worship 31Midday Prayer: Lindisfarne Worship 35Midday Prayer: A Fragrant Offering 39

Lectio Divina 44Evening Prayer: Common Worship 45Evening Prayer: Celtic Worship 49Evening Prayer: Taize Mission Worship 53Evening Prayer: A Fragrant Offering 57

Evening Meditation 61Night Prayer: Common Worship 62Night Prayer: Celtic Compline 66Night Prayer: Northumbrian Compline 70Night Prayer: Maine Eventide Compline 74

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ThursdayMorning Prayer

“The Lord is my strength and my song, He has become my salvation.”

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Meditations for ThursdayOptional introductions to 10 - 20 minute meditation. (Together, led or silently) Follow the Breathing Prayer and Abiding in the Vine to bring yourself into Gods presence. As a symbol of your consent to God’s presence, use the sacred word, contemplate on one of the phrases, use your own word or phrase, or sit or walk in silence.

The Breathing Prayero Close your eyes. Take long, deep, slow breaths (if it helps, count 4 in, 4

wait, 4 out, repeat). Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

o Start to pay attention to your breathing. Just “watch” your breath go in and out.

o Release the constant chatter in your mind. Your mind will seize this opportunity to run wild with thoughts, feelings, memories, to do’s and distractions. That’s okay. Let each thought go as quickly as it comes. Just re-centre with a quick prayer, like, “Father…” or another sacred word from below, and come back to your breathing.

Abiding in the Vineo Gently move from your breathing prayer to “the practice of the presence

of God.”o Notice God’s presence all around you, in you. For some people it’s

helpful to imagine the Father is sitting in the chair across from you or on a throne. Some people feel the “weight” of the presence of the Holy Spirit, or tingling sensations.

o Welcome His love, joy and peace from the Holy Spirit.o If you want, open your mind and imagination to listen for God’s voice, or

get something off your chest in prayer, or just relax and enjoy His presence.

Sacred WordBe strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouragedBe strong and courageous, do not be afraid, Be strong and courageous, StrongJesus came that we may have life, and have it to the full.That we may have life, and have it to the full.That we may have life,LifeThe Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who savesGod is with you, the Mighty Warrior who savesMighty Warrior who savesSaves

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God is faithful, God is faithful, is faithful, is faithful, faithful …….Fix my eyes on Jesus, fix my eyes, fix my eyes, eyes, eyes …..Father, Father, Father, Father, Father, Father, Father, Father, …..Phrase“Love is patient, love is kind”“I am a new creation.”“In all your ways submit to him.”Common Worship Morning PrayerThursday

Preparation

O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.A Song of God’s Blessing1 God be gracious to me and bless me; ♦ and make your face to shine upon me.2 That your way may be known upon the 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, my own God, will bless me.

7 God will bless me; ♦ and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.This opening prayer may be said

The night has passed, and the day lies open before me; let me pray with one heart and mind.

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Silence is kept.

As I rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set my hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

The Word of God

Reading

Wonder is a precious gift; it is our response to the amazing work and presence of God in creation and community. Why are we so quick to walk away from it, and turn instead to the adoration of the idols of self-expression, celebrity, lifestyle, sexuality and the next new gadget?

Scripture

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Psalm 133

Canticle

A Song of the Covenant,

I have given you as a light to the nations, and I have called you in righteousness.1 Thus says God, who created the heavens ♦ who fashioned the earth and all who dwell in it;2 Who gives breath to the people upon it ♦ and spirit to those who walk on it,3 “I am the Lord, and I have called you in righteousness, ♦ I have taken you by the hand and kept you;4 “I have given you as a covenant to the people; ♦ a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind,

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5 “To bring out the captives from the dungeon, ♦ from the prison, those who sit in darkness.6 ‘I am the Lord, that is my name; ♦ my glory I give to no other,” Isaiah 42: 5-8a

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. I have given you as a light to the nations, and I have called you in righteousness.

Meditation

Do you wish to honour the body of the Saviour? Do not despise it when it is naked. Do not honour it in church with silk vestments, while outside you are leaving it numb with cold and naked. He who said, "This is my body," and made it so by his word, is the same that said, "You saw me hungry and you gave me no food. As you did it not to the least of these, you did it not to me." Honour him then by sharing your property with the poor, for what God needs is not golden chalices, but golden souls.

John Chrysostrom

Who are the hungry and naked in my daily world, and how will I relieve their suffering?

A suitable song or chant, or a responsory in this or another form, may follow

Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned. Glory to the Father and to the Son And to the Holy Spirit Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Gospel Canticle

The Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah) is normally said

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You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.1 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, ♦ who has come to his people and set them free.2 He has raised up for me a mighty Saviour, ♦ born of the house of his servant David.3 Through his holy prophets God promised of old ♦ to save me from my enemies, from the hands of all that hate me,4 To show mercy to my ancestors, ♦ and to remember his holy covenant.5 This was the oath God swore to the Patriarch Abraham: ♦ to set me free from the hands of my enemies,6 Free to worship him without fear, ♦ holy and righteous in his sight all the days of my life.7 And I, as his child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, ♦ for I will go before the Lord to prepare his way,8 To give his people knowledge of salvation ♦ by the forgiveness of all their sins.9 In the tender compassion of our God ♦ the dawn from on high shall break upon me,10 To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, ♦ and to guide my feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1.68-79

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

¶ for the day and its tasks¶ for the world and its needs ¶ for the Church and her life

Jesus, you are the light of the world:May your light open my eyes to see those in need.Jesus, you are the light of the world:

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May the words of my life demonstrate your love,Jesus, you are the light of the world:May your kingdom enlighten my decisions,Jesus, you are the light of the world,Hear the prayer of my heart.

Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O God, the author of peace And lover of concord, To know you is eternal life, To serve you is perfect freedom. Defend me, your servant From all assaults of my enemies; That I, surely trusting in your defence, May not fear the power of any adversaries; Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

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The Lord bless me, and preserve me from all evil, and keep me in eternal life. Amen.

I will bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Celtic Morning PrayerThursday: Community

PreparationBlessed be the Lord God of heaven and earth, for he has visited and redeemed his people. He has raised up a mighty salvation for me in Christ my Lord.Silence is kept.

The Father is with me.The Creator is with me.Jesus is with me.The Saviour is with me.The Spirit is with me.The Strengthener is with me.God is with me.

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Amen.

A Song of God’s Help

Happy are the people who trust in you.

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing;  ♦ For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.2    The sparrow has found her a house;   And the swallow a next where she may lay her young; ♦ By the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,

My King and my God.3    Happy are the people who dwell in your house!, ♦ They will always be praising you.  4    Happy are the people whose strength is in you! ♦

Whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way.5    Those who go through the desolate valley

Will find it a place of springs;  ♦ For the early rains have covered it with pools of water.6    They will climb from height to height,  ♦ And the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion, 7    Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; ♦ Hearken, O God of Jacob8    Behold our defender, O God; ♦

And look upon the face of your anointed9    For one day in your courts

Is better than a thousand in my own room;  ♦ And to stand at the threshold of the house of my God.

Than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.10    For the Lord God is both sun and shield; ♦

He will give grace and glory;11    No good thing will the Lord withhold ♦

From those who walk with integrity.12    O Lord of hosts, ♦

Happy are they who put their trust in you!

Psalm 84

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Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. Happy are the people who trust in you.This opening prayer may be said

One thing I have asked of the Lord, This is what I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life To behold the beauty of the Lord And to seek Him in His temple

Silence is kept.

I seek the Lord my God. With all my heart. Lord, have mercy. With all my soul. Lord, have mercy. With all my mind. Lord, have mercy. With all my strength. Christ, have mercy. To whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life, And I have believed and have come to know That You are the Holy One of God.

The Word of God

ReadingLord God, it takes humility to acknowledge that our ways are not Your ways. It takes wisdom to discern that Your word often comes to us through the mouths of those we would least expect. Surround us with Your subtle and hidden prophets, and give us opportunities to entertain angels as we offer hospitality to the broken, to the immigrants, to the prisoners.

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Common Prayer for Ordinary Radicals

Scripture

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

Canticle

Everlasting Peace That he may teach us his ways Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; That he may teach us his ways And that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth instruction And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations And shall arbitrate for many peoples; They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, And their spears into pruning-hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. That he may teach us his ways Meditation

For whoever believes in the power of the blood of Jesus, nothing is impossible! The Lord shall surely perfect that thing, that thing which concerns me. To whoever believes in the power of the blood of the Crucified Lamb, nothing shall be called impossible! Blessed be the Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world.

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Do you truly believe nothing is impossible? Gospel

CanticleThe Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah) is normally said You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.1 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, ♦ who has come to his people and set them free.2 He has raised up for me a mighty Saviour, ♦ born of the house of his servant David.3 Through his holy prophets God promised of old ♦ to save me from my enemies, from the hands of all that hate me,4 To show mercy to my ancestors, ♦ and to remember his holy covenant.5 This was the oath God swore to the Patriarch Abraham: ♦ to set me free from the hands of my enemies,6 Free to worship him without fear, ♦ holy and righteous in his sight all the days of my life.7 And I, as His child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, ♦ for I will go before the Lord to prepare his way,8 To give his people knowledge of salvation ♦ by the forgiveness of all their sins.9 In the tender compassion of our God ♦ the dawn from on high shall break upon me,10 To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, ♦ and to guide my feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1.68-79

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered¶ for the day and its tasks¶ for the world and its needs ¶ for the Church and her life

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Silence may be kept.

That the church may show its unity in Christ That all churches may work together for the benefit of all peoples, The all movements towards unity may prosper, That divisions and conflicts may cease, That the world may find a lasting peace, That none may hunger or thirst, Lord in your mercy Hear my prayer Amen.The Collect

O God, the author of peace And lover of concord, To know you is eternal life, To serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your servants From all assaults of our enemies; That we, surely trusting in your defence, May not fear the power of any adversaries; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Conclusion

Almighty God, give me wisdom to perceive you, Intelligence to understand you, Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Vision to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, A life to proclaim you; Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Lord, be with me to guide me, Within me to strengthen me, Without me to protect me, Above me to raise me, Beneath me to uphold me Before me to guard me Ever about me This day and evermore. In the name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit Amen Let me bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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Iona Mission Morning PrayerThursday: Diversity and Inclusive Community

Preparation I gather my community around me The God of many names Those who have gone before me Those around me in the place where I live. Those who are with me in the place where I work. I am surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Their love enfolds me with light and fragrance. I am a living stone is the building of the holy city of God.The Cost of Community

How good and pleasant it is, When God’s people live together in unity! Community asks of me; Vulnerability The laying down of prayer Trust Commitment to others Accountability Faithfulness Giving and receiving of forgiveness Openness Acceptance of diversity Kindness Risking of ourselves Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. How good and pleasant it is, When God’s people live together in unity! Confession O God, I am many times afraid of my calling to community. I would prefer to travel without responsibility. I would rather not risk being hurt.

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I find it more comfortable to have structures of power. I sometimes choose to stay with my guilt And separate myself from my community. Forgive me, O God, and help me to remember that I am your body.Silence is kept.

I am always the broken body but the word to me Is that in Jesus Christ I am made whole And enough to do the task. The Word of God

Reading

Life is simple. We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is shining through it all the time. This is not just a fable or a nice story. It is true. If we abandon ourselves to God and forget ourselves, we see it sometimes, and we see it maybe frequently. God shows Himself everywhere, in everything - in people and in things and in nature and in events. it becomes very obvious that God is everywhere and in everything and we cannot be without Him. It's impossible. The only thing is that we don't see it.

Thomas Merton

Scripture

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven.

Philippians 3: 17 – 20

Meditation

One of the questions in the Ignation Spiritual Exercises asks"What would I say to someone else in circumstances like my own? What counsel would I give them?It is very easy for us to be hard on another person, even judgmental in our reactions, but make allowances when we are the offender. David is very

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cross with the man Nathan tells him about, and only then can Nathan turn round and say: The man is you!We should not think too highly of ourselves - we're only as high as we are at our lowest moment, except perhaps by the grace of God which lifts us from the miry clay. Some people have the opposite problem and can be far more generous and forgiving toward other people, but will never have a good thought or word for themselves. Let the love of God be reflected in your love for yourself and others. With God in the equation our potential for good is limitless.

How do I think too highly of myself? How am I too hard on myself?How will I let the love of God be reflected in my love to myself and others?

Gospel Canticle

The Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah) is normally said You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.1 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, ♦ who has come to his people and set them free.2 He has raised up for me a mighty Saviour, ♦ born of the house of his servant David.3 Through his holy prophets God promised of old ♦ to save me from my enemies, from the hands of all that hate me,4 To show mercy to my ancestors, ♦ and to remember his holy covenant.5 This was the oath God swore to the Patriarch Abraham: ♦ to set me free from the hands of my enemies,6 Free to worship him without fear, ♦ holy and righteous in his sight all the days of my life.

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7 And I, as His child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, ♦ for I will go before the Lord to prepare his way,8 To give his people knowledge of salvation ♦ by the forgiveness of all their sins.9 In the tender compassion of our God ♦ the dawn from on high shall break upon me,10 To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, ♦ and to guide my feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1.68-79

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.

Affirmation of faith

I am a royal child of God One who will join the whole communion of saints Honoured of God Respected by Christ And befriended by the Holy Spirit. We are the people whose tears fall For the suffering of the world. I truly care About the world in which I live, Even as I feel my lack of power, And I need for wisdom. I am the people of hope and faith I will celebrate the moments of new life. I will work and play. I will give thanks For the gifts along the way. Amen.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

O God, you created all people in your image.I thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world.Enrich my life by ever-widening circles of friendship,And show me your presence in those who differ most from me,Until my knowledge of your love is made perfect in my love for all your children;

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Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Universal prayer celebrating diversity

To the creator of humanity, the sculptor of beauty, and the artist of diversity, your people are before you.When you reached down from the heavens to mold us from the earth, you created within us a uniqueness and beauty that knows no bounds.When you knelt down to breath life into our lungs, you passed on your love for us that we might share it with others.With hate too great a burden to bear, let us learn to embrace each other with love, welcome the stranger with benevolent kindness, and turn an enemy into a friend. As the creator and artist of diversity, let us not shun your ways. Instead, let me reach out to those who are different than me, demonstrating the love you have instilled in your people.For indeed we are all your people; black, brown and white; Jew, Muslim and Christina; Conservative, Liberal, Labour or Independent; Gay, Straight and Transgender.And with so many others, may I never forget that I carry your breath within my lungs. I am one of your people; your beautiful, conflicted, wonderful, broken and diverse people.Only you can make us one, only you can take this large diverse world and bend the arc of the moral universe to justice.Therefore, I submit myself to your will. I fall down at your feet asking forgiveness from out intolerance and hate. Today, may I celebrate the diversity you created in order to practice the love you have shown me.In your sacred, beautiful and diverse name, I prayAmen Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O God, the author of peace And lover of concord, To know you is eternal life, To serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your servants From all assaults of our enemies; That we, surely trusting in your defence, May not fear the power of any adversaries; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

Go in peace. I go to be part of one people. I go as part of the loved community of God. And may God be at my beginning, Christ be in my center, And the Spirit be there in my ending Amen.

A Fragrant Offering Morning PrayerThursday: Led to a pleasant land

Preparation In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit I rest within the unity Of the Three in One, Blessed Trinity.

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God in my waking Bless the day that lies ahead. God in my walking Bless the streets through which I tread. God in my meetings Bless all those to whom I am led. God in my speaking Bless the words that will be said. God in my resting Bless the time I lie in bed. Be thou my vision, Lord This and every day, The center of my life And the focus of my thoughts. Be thou my wisdom, Lord This and every day, The author of my words And the impulse of my hearts.

Canticle

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing, He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul, He guides me along the right paths For his name’s sake. Even though I walk Through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, They comfort me. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing, He makes me lie down in green pastures. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.Silence is kept.

For Truth that speaks to hearts Lord, show me your mercy For grace beyond imagining Lord, show me your mercy For forgiveness from my sin Lord, show me your mercy

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Confession

God of mercy, In you alone is the forgiveness That I long for In you alone is the peace That calms my soul, Forgive the incompleteness of my faith And the imperfection in my life. God of mercy Bless these hearts anew, That I might reveal The breadth of your grace And the glory of your love, Through the service of these lives. If I, in humility, will confess my sins In the quietness of my hearts or in the company of the faithful God’s love and mercy bring forgivenessSilence is kept.

I am always the broken body but the word to me Is that in Jesus Christ I am made whole And enough to do the task. The Word of God

Reading

The question, often put in the crucial form, “Did Jesus Christ intend to form a Church?” is well worth asking. Indeed, it is of great and pressing importance to those who now have the spiritual reconstruction of society at heart. It means in practice: can people best be saved, regenerated, one to one, by their direct responses to the action of the Spirit; or, is the life of the Spirit best found and actualised through submission to tradition and contacts with people – that is, in a group of Church? And if in a group or Church, what should the character of this society be?

Evelyn Underhill

Scripture

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And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?....Go our and stand on the mountain….for the Lord is about to pass by.”Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart…..but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah hear it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

1 Kings 19: 9-13

Meditation

Having set out on the path of goodness, we should not become discouraged or look back at all. Lot’s wife looked back, with disastrous consequences. So the Lord said, “Anyone who looks back over his shoulder is not fit for duty in the Kingdom.” Do not feel regret, hankering for the world that is hurrying away recklessly. Do not be turned away from virtue, or shy in speaking of it. It is there within us all the time, not far away, and easily embraced if only we are willing.”What is it that I regret? How can I remove this regret and pursue virtue?

Gospel Canticle

The Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah) is normally said You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.1 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, ♦ who has come to his people and set them free.2 He has raised up for me a mighty Saviour, ♦ born of the house of his servant David.3 Through his holy prophets God promised of old ♦ to save me from my enemies, from the hands of all that hate me,4 To show mercy to my ancestors, ♦ and to remember his holy covenant.5 This was the oath God swore to the Patriarch Abraham: ♦ to set me free from the hands of my enemies,

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6 Free to worship him without fear, ♦ holy and righteous in his sight all the days of my life.7 And I, as His child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, ♦ for I will go before the Lord to prepare his way,8 To give his people knowledge of salvation ♦ by the forgiveness of all their sins.9 In the tender compassion of our God ♦ the dawn from on high shall break upon me,10 To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, ♦ and to guide my feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1.68-79

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You promised, O God, to save me from my enemies, From the hands of all that hate me.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered¶ for the day and its tasks¶ for the world and its needs ¶ for the Church and her life

Silence may be kept.

In my journeying with you Be my guide, O Lord, I pray, Open my eyes To the unexpected, To the gentle whisper That follows earthquake and fire. In my journeying with you Open my eyes To the destination, And the greener pasture That you have prepared for me. In my journeying with you, Be my guide, O Lord, I pray. Amen. The Collect

O God, the author of peace

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And lover of concord, To know you is eternal life, To serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your servants From all assaults of our enemies; That we, surely trusting in your defence, May not fear the power of any adversaries; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

God who loves me Blessed be your name God who calls me Blessed be your name God who leaves me Blessed be your name God who sends me Blessed be your name Now may the God who leads us From darkness to light Illuminate our footsteps, Lengthen our stride And strengthen our resolve, That we might walk the path Prepared for us. And faithfully serve our Lord and King Amen.

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ThursdayMidday Prayer

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“Jesus said, I am the gate for the sheep. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”

Common Worship Midday PrayerThursday

Preparation

O God, make speed to save me. O Lord, make haste to help me. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; Let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path. Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a Way, as gives me breath: Such a Truth, as ends all strife: And such a Life, as killeth death. Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such as Light, as shows a Feast: Such a Feast, as mends in length: Such a Strength, as makes his guest. Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a Joy, as none can move: Such a Love, as none can part: Such a Heart, as joys in Love.

George Herbert

The Word of God

Psalmody

105 Your word is a lantern to my feet  ♦and a light upon my path.

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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.

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Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; and as it was in the beginning is now shall be for ever. Amen. Scripture ReadingIn the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord's Support you ear, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!

1 Corinthians 11:17-22

Meditation

Remove from me the way of lying. Lying is not always even deliberate untruth. It may be to not report accurately, but act as if we were certain of the facts. It may be that to choose the way of truth is to be careful never to exaggerate, to be known as a person of our word.People should be able to say, "They said so, so it must be the case." Being right is beside the point.As Hugh Redwood has said, "Don't bend the truth when you hammer it home!" The last verse of this section of the Psalm is powerful: "I will run the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart.If my heart is enlarged I'll not have time to hold back, nor will I carry things that hamper my progress.Do you love Christ,King Jesus, is He yours?Then love God more and burn with love.Hold fast the light He gives, live thou for Him,Believer, hold Him high..... Where in my interactions with others or to myself am I lying?How can I run the way of Gods commandments and hold fast to his life with my words?

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Prayers

Intercessions are offered for:¶ Local government, community leaders¶ All who provide local services¶ Those who work with young and elderly people¶ Schools, colleges and universities¶ Emergency and rescue organisations

You Lord are in the worldYour presence fills itYour presence is LoveYou Lord are in this placeYour presence fills itYour presence is LoveYou Lord are in my lifeYour presence fills itYour presence is LoveYou Lord are in my heartYour presence fills itYour presence is Love

Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive you. Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Eyes to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, And a life to proclaim you, Through the power of the Spirit Of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benedict of Nursia

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done;

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on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

May God kindle in us the fire of love. Amen

Celtic Midday PrayerThursday: Community

Preparation You, O Lord, are with me and I am called by your name, Leave me not, O Lord my God.Silence is kept.

Glory be to you, O God. Glory be to you. Glory be to you, O Father. Glory be to you. Glory be to you, O Son. Glory be to you. Glory be to you, O Spirit. Glory be to you.

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Glory be to you, O God. Glory be to you.

The Word of God

Psalmody

Your faithful servants bless you.1    I will exalt you, O God my King,  ♦

And bless your name for ever and ever.2    Every day will I bless you  ♦

and praise your name for ever and ever.3    Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;  ♦

There is no end to his greatness.4    One generation shall praise your works to another  ♦

and shall declare your power,5    I will ponder the glorious splendour of your majesty  ♦

And all your marvellous works.6    They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts,  ♦

And I will tell of your greatness.7    They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness  ♦

They shall sing of your rigtheous deeds.8    The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,  ♦

Slow to anger and of great kindness.9    The Lord is loving to everyone,  ♦

And his compassion is over all his works.

Psalm 145 Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. Your faithful servants bless you. Scripture Reading

"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

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" A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:33-35

Meditation

It’s easy to be critical of what’s going on around you, at work, home, church, community or society in general, and to grumble about the shortfalls to anyone who’ll listen. It’s a much harder, but more impressive think to be a person of blessing and to be an agent of transformation marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.Am I being critical or grumbling?Why do I feel I need to do that?How can I be a person of blessing?

Canticle

You gave your people food of angelsAnd without their toil you supplied them from heavenWith bread ready to eat,Lord, give me this bread.Providing every pleasureAnd suited to every tasteLord, give me this bread.For your sustenance manifested your sweetnessTowards your children;Lord, give me this bread.And the bread, ministering to the desire of the one who took it,Was changed to suit everyone’s liking.Lord, give me this bread.

Prayers

That the barriers that divide us may be broken down, Lord, have mercy That we may live in unity, peace and concord, Lord, have mercy That we may come to mutual understanding and care, Lord, have mercy Upon all who suffer from dissensions and quarrels,

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Christ, have mercy Upon all who are torn apart by war and by violence, Christ, have mercy Upon all who are divide in their loyalty and love, Christ, have mercy That all who work for unity may be blessed, Lord, have mercy That all who heal divisions may have hope, Lord, have mercy That all who lead nations may seek peace, Lord, have mercy

Intercessions are offered for:¶ Local government, community leaders¶ All who provide local services¶ Those who work with young and elderly people¶ Schools, colleges and universities¶ Emergency and rescue organisations

Silence may be kept.

God be in my head, and in my understanding.God be in my eyes, and is my looking,God be in my mouth, and in my speaking,God be in my heart, and in my thinking,God be at my end, and at my departing.

The Collect

O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive you. Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Eyes to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, And a life to proclaim you, Through the power of the Spirit Of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benedict of Nursia

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The Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

The Lord enrich me with your grace, and further me with his heavenly blessing; The Lord defend me in adversity, and keep me from all evil; The Lord receive my prayers, and graciously absolve me from my offences. In the name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit Amen

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Taize Midday PrayerThursday

Preparation In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Amen Thanks be to you, God awesomely distant Thanks for the searing of shooting stars. The colours of the planets in the night sky The space and power beyond our perceiving Which sparkles the sky of our lives with your caring. Thanks be to you, God uncomfortably close Giving life to dead dry things The dance of pure stillness, The beat of our hearts, Is your doing. Thanks be to you, God known in a body Who blessed as he lived Who raised up our life To be gathered as one, reaching out for the kingdom. Amen.Silence is kept.

Your faithful servants bless you.1    I will exalt you, O God my King,  ♦

And bless your name for ever and ever.2    Every day will I bless you  ♦

and praise your name for ever and ever.3    Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;  ♦

There is no end to his greatness.4    One generation shall praise your works to another  ♦

and shall declare your power,5    I will ponder the glorious splendour of your majesty  ♦

And all your marvellous works.6    They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts,  ♦

And I will tell of your greatness.

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7    They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness  ♦They shall sing of your rigtheous deeds.

8    The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,  ♦Slow to anger and of great kindness.

9    The Lord is loving to everyone,  ♦And his compassion is over all his works.

Psalm 145 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. Your faithful servants bless you.

The Word of God

Psalmody

Taste and see that the Lord is good. They are happy who seek refuge in God.

1    I will bless the Lord at all times,  ♦God’s praise always on my lips;

2    In the Lord my soul shall make its boast;  ♦The humble shall hear and be glad.

3    Glorify the Lord with me.  ♦Together let us praise God’s name.

4    I sought the Lord and was heard,  ♦From all my terrors set free.

5    Look towards God and be radiant;  ♦Let your faces not be abashed.

6    When the poor cry out the Lord hears them  ♦And rescues them from all their distress.

Psalm 50

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; and as it was in the beginning is now shall be for ever. Amen.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

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They are happy who seek refuge in God. Scripture

ReadingsDear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

3 John 5-8

Meditation

While we avoid facing up to our personal "monsters" they actually have more power to intimidate us. That is why giving them a name is important - it begins to define them, to make them a known quantity.Fears need naming, and so do temptations; and lies brought into that light lose their power to destroy. Do I have personal monsters I have not acknowledged? How can I name them today?

Prayers

For all those who faithfully announce your Word,Lord I prayEnable me to recognise your presence in my neighbours; make me attentive to the poor and the unfortunate.Lord, I pray for those who suffer in their workplace and for those who are without work, that their dignity may be respected.For prisoners and those forgotten by society, keep me in solidarity with their suffering, O Source of comfort,Lord I pray.For abandoned children, that they may find peace with those who welcome them, Lord, I pray.For scholars and researchers, that their work may benefit all humanity, Lord, I pray.For those who have responsibilities in public life, that they may act with integrity and for the good of all.Lord, I pray.Amen.

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Intercessions are offered for:¶ Local government, community leaders¶ All who provide local services¶ Those who work with young and elderly people¶ Schools, colleges and universities¶ Emergency and rescue organisations

Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive you. Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Eyes to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, And a life to proclaim you, Through the power of the Spirit Of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benedict of NursiaThe Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Conclusion

God of all the living, enable me to surrender myself to you in silence and in love. Surrendering myself to you does not come easily to my human condition. But you intervene in the deepest recess of my being and your will for me is the radiance of a hope. Bless me, Christ Jesus; you always come to me wherever I may be. Amen.

A Fragrant Offering: Midday PrayerThursday

Preparation I step into the unity Of Father, Son And Holy Spirit, Glorious TrinitySilence is kept. To the One here with me. I lift my heart in praise. To the One whose love is all-embracing I lift my heart in praise. To the One whose grace is so amazing I lift my heart in praise. To the One who guides my daily traveling I lift my heart in praise.

The Word of God

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Psalmody

As you read and listen, use the pauses ♦ to let the words speak to your hearts)

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.1    Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,  ♦

Your justice like the great deep.2    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.  ♦

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!3    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 

They feast on the abundance of your house.  ♦ You give them drink from your river of delights.4    For with you is the fountain of life;  ♦

In your light we see light, Psalm

36:5-9 Glory to the Father, And to the Son, And to the Holy Spirit, Three in One. Amen Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

Scripture Reading

Then Jesus told them to make all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basket-full of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Mark 6:39-44

Meditation

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And (God) is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself give everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.How do you seek God?Are you aware of His presence near to you?What do you need to reach out to God for?

Canticle

God who brings me from desolate place And into his presence.Accept the gratitude of my heart.God who lifts me from despairing placesAnd grants to me releaseAccept the gratitude of my heart.God who leads me to sacred places Where we can rest in peace.Accept the gratitude of my heart.

Prayers

For all who have been led into exileLord, have mercyFor all who have been led into slaveryLord, have mercyFor all how have been led into povertyLord, have mercyFor all who have been led into conflictLord, have mercyFor all who have been prevented from being The people they were created to be.Lord, have mercy

Intercessions are offered for:¶ Local government, community leaders¶ All who provide local services¶ Those who work with young and elderly people¶ Schools, colleges and universities¶ Emergency and rescue organisations

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Silence may be kept.

Generous God,In our world some hunger for food,And other for meaning;We thank you for this place and time,Where we are being fed – Sharing food for the journey,Finding companions on the Way.Amen.The Collect

O gracious and holy Father, Give us wisdom to perceive you. Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Eyes to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, And a life to proclaim you, Through the power of the Spirit Of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benedict of Nursia

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

You have fed me with your word, Embraced me with your love And brought me safely

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To the mid point of the day. For the opportunities That the rest of the day will bring, Walk closely with me, I pray. May your gentle whisper Be the word I follow Your hand be the hand I hold And your footsteps be the marks In which I place my feet. In the name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit Amen

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ThursdayEvening Prayer

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his

Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Lectio Divina47

Lectio Divina is a dynamic way of reading the Scripture that has been around since AD 300. It follows a four step approach: Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation. Lectio Divina invites you to savour and mull over God’s words quietly, slowly and intently. It gives you the space to respond to what you feel God is saying and helps you build a vital bridge between your encounters with God and everyday life with its joys, pains and challenges.Using a Lectionary passage for the day, or the passage for your daily Bible Study:

Reading:Reading the Scripture passage humbly and prayerfully is the foundation for everything else that follows and cannot be rushed. Begin with the following prayer or similar:“Father, thank you for the gift of Your Word. Lead me into your truth through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen”Read the passage slowly and carefully. Have a notebook and pencil ready. Note any words or phrases that stand out to you. Write down any questions that occur to you. Read the passage several times and read it aloud. Give yourself time to understand and appreciate what is being said. If you are using a study guide or commentary, read the notes at this point and reflect on the ways they are similar or different from your first thoughts.

Meditation:Meditation deepens our appreciation of the passage and helps us to explore its riches. Approach Scripture in faith expecting God to speak to you. He may reveal something of himself to you. He might highlight an attitude or behaviour of yours that needs to change. He might show you a promise to encourage and strengthen you.Some options for meditation would be: Use your imagination. Picture the passage, put yourself into the scene and

become part of the story. See things through the eyes of the other characters, watch to their reactions, imagine how they feel. Keep coming back to Jesus – get to know him, his words, his actions – everything about him.

Ask questions. Use your own questions or “What did this passage mean at the time?”, What could it mean now?”; How does it apply to me? How do I feel about it? Why did Jesus do what he did? Allow time to be quiet, to listen and hear his answer.

Let he Word be a mirror for you. As we read the Bible it shows us more of what the Christian life looks like and where ours needs to change. We see how God’s Word applies to our daily life, as an individual, and as part of our community and society. We will find promises and encouragement, challenges and demands. If we are willing God will nurture and free us to be more fully human and fully alive.

Prayer:Prayer opens up a conversation between God and us. Through prayer we make our response to the light God’s Word has shed on how we are living our lives. Now we can bring what is happening in our own life and in our community before God. We speak and listen, listen and reflect – it is a conversation with God.

Contemplation:Contemplation gives us the opportunity for an intimate time of communion with God. Be still before God using the Breathing Prayer to move into Abiding in the Vine, and

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invite God in. Few words, if any, are necessary here. Enjoy time in His presence. Just be with him and let him love you. Let him refresh your soul.

Common Worship Evening PrayerThursday

Preparation

O God, make speed to save me. O Lord, make haste to help me.A Song of God’s Chosen One

1    There shall come forth a shoot from the stock of Jesse, ♦And a branch shall grow out of his roots.

2    And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,  ♦The spirit of wisdom and understanding

3    The spirit of counsel and might, ♦The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

4    He shall not judge by what his eyes see,  ♦Or decide by what his ears hear,

5    But with righteousness he shall judge the poor,  ♦And decide with equity for the meek of the earth.

6    The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, ♦And the leopard shall lie down with the kid.

7    The calf, the lion and the fatling together,  ♦With a little child to lead them.

8    They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,  ♦ for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11: 1,2, 3b-4a, 6,9

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.This opening prayer may be said

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful, I will pray with one heart and mind.Silence is kept.

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As my evening prayer rises before you, O God, so may your mercy come down upon me To cleanse my heart and set me free to sing your praise now and for ever. Amen.

The Word of God

Reading

While we are individually called to follow Jesus, our discipleship is not an individual affair. Jesus called disciples into community where we serve one another, encourage each other and become accountable to our brothers and sisters in Christ. In solidarity, this community is called not to face inward, but outward. it exists to serve the world. It is there as an agent of transformation, a signpost to the coming kingdom of God.

Charles Ringma

Scripture

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbour as yourself." If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are if conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galations 5:13-18

Canticle

Great and Wonderful

All nations shall come and worship you, O Christ, And share in the feast of your kingdom.1    Great and wonderful are your deeds,  ♦

Lord God the Almighty.2    Just and true are your ways,  ♦

O ruler of the nations.50

3    Who shall not revere and praise your name, O Lord?  ♦For you alone are holy.

4    All nations shall come and worship in your presence ♦For your just dealings have been revealed.  

Romans 4: 24,25; 5:1-5, 8, 9,11

To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb Be blessing and honour and glory and might, For ever and ever. Amen. All nations shall come and worship you, O Christ, And share in the feast of your kingdom. Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be wit you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned. Glory to the Father and to the Son And to the Holy Spirit.

from Isaiah 43

Gospel Canticle

The Magnificat (The Song of Mary) is normally said

You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.1    My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;  ♦ he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.2    From this day all generations will call me blessed;  ♦ the Almighty has done great things for me

and holy is his name.3    He has mercy on those who fear him,  ♦ from generation to generation.4    He has shown strength with his arm  ♦ and has scattered the proud in their conceit,5    Casting down the mighty from their thrones  ♦ and lifting up the lowly.6    He has filled the hungry with good things  ♦ and sent the rich away empty.7    He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,  ♦

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to remember his promise of mercy,8    The promise made to our ancestors,  ♦ to Abraham and his children for ever.

Luke 1.46-55

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered¶ for peace¶ for individuals and their needs

Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O God, The source of all good desires, All right judgements, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace Which the world cannot give; That our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, And that, freed from the fear of our enemies, We may pass our time in rest and quietness; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

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And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

The grace of my Lord Jesus Christ, And the love of God, And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, Be with me evermore. Amen. Let me bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Celtic Evening PrayerThursday: Community

Preparation Blessed are you, Creator of all things, The heavens adore you. Let the whole earth worship you. Let all peoples proclaim you. Let all nations obey you. Let me serve you in love and in peace.Silence is kept.

Come, Lord, and rule. Come into my heart and fill it with love Come, Lord, and rule. Come into my mind and fill it with peace. Come, Lord, and rule. Come into my life and fill it with light Come, Lord, and rule. Come into my day and fill it with glory.

Canticle

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Great is the glory of the Lord. I will give thanks to you, O Lord with my whole heart Before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down towards your holy temple and praise your name, Because of your love and faithfulness For you have glorified your name And your word above all things. When I called, you answered me; You increased my strength within me. All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord. When they have heard the words of your mouth. They will sing of the ways of the Lord, That great is the glory of the Lord. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; You stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; Your right hand shall save me The Lord will make good his purpose for me; O Lord, your love endures for ever; Do not abandon the work of your hands.

Great is the glory of the Lord. The Word of God

Reading

Some people seem especially to be "the stranger" because they are very different from the people I am comfortable with. We all tend to surround ourselves with people who agree with us on the vital issues, people who look like us, smell like us, have similar backgrounds, and hold similar convictions.Thus we form a social sphere of people who are like us and do not feel like actual strangers. The problem with this manner of forming relationships is that we may exclude those who are not like us. We don't exclude them intentionally, but because our worlds tend to be small and homogenous...When we create life surrounded by people just like ourselves, it is a very narrow life. It comes with a guarantee: We will not be challenged by such as life.

Daniel Homan and Lonni Collins Pratt

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Scripture

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable seed through the living and enduring word of God. For…"All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever."

1 Peter 1:22-25 Let us love one another Beloved, let us love one another, Because love is from God; Let us love one another. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. Let us love one another. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him Let us love one another. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us And sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Let us love one another. Beloved, since God loved us so much, We also ought to love one another. Let us love one another. No one has ever seen God; Is we love one another God lives in us, And is love is perfected in us Let us love one another.

Silence may be kept. Gospel Canticle

The Magnificat (The Song of Mary) is normally said

You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.1    My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;  ♦ he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.2    From this day all generations will call me blessed;  ♦

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the Almighty has done great things for meand holy is his name.

3    He has mercy on those who fear him,  ♦ from generation to generation.4    He has shown strength with his arm  ♦ and has scattered the proud in their conceit,5    Casting down the mighty from their thrones  ♦ and lifting up the lowly.6    He has filled the hungry with good things  ♦ and sent the rich away empty.7    He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,  ♦ to remember his promise of mercy,8    The promise made to our ancestors,  ♦ to Abraham and his children for ever.

Luke 1.46-55 Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered For the whole church that it may be one, Hear me, good Lord. For all who work for peace, unity and concord, Hear me, good Lord. For the work of the United Nations and peace-keeping forces. Hear me, good Lord. For those who maintain the law and administer justice, Hear me, good Lord. For all who influence our future, Hear me, good Lord. For all in government and positions of authority Hear me, good Lord.Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O God, The source of all good desires, All right judgements, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace Which the world cannot give;

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That our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, And that, freed from the fear of our enemies, We may pass our time in rest and quietness; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. Lord, have mercy upon me Christ, have mercy upon me Lord, have mercy upon meThe Lord’s Prayer is said Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

O Lord, support me all the day long of this troublous life, until the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and my work is done. Then Lord, in your mercy, grant me safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you, one God for ever. Amen. God the Father, who created me, God the Son, who redeemed me, God the Spirit, who sanctifies me, Bless and keep me now and evermore. Let me bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Lindisfarne Evening PrayerThursday

Preparation

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Spirit of the Risen Christ, as lamps light up the evening Shine into my heart and kindle in me the first of your love. The light of Christ has come into the world Amen I give you thanks that you led my forebears in the Faith through a cloud by day and a fire by night; I give you thanks, kindly Light, that the torch of faith was brought to this land, and that you ever lead your people on. Light up my dark heart by the light of your Christ, may his Word illumine my way, for you pour forth loving kindness upon your whole creation, Father, Son and radiant Spirit.Silence is kept.

May the Light of lights come to my dark heart; May the Spirit’s wisdom come to me from my Saviour. May the peace of the Spirit be mine this night, The peace of the Son be mine this night, The peace of the Father be mine this night, The peace of all peace by mine this night, Each morning and evening of my life. Amen

The Word of God

ReadingWhen we look around us at the amazing diversity of people transformed, in a myriad of different ways, by a relationship with Jesus Christ, we cannot help but realise that God is bigger than we think she is.

Scripture

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the

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testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

Hebrews 10:19-35

Silence may be kept. Lord, You are my island, in your bosom I rest. You are the calm of the sea, in that peace I stay. You are the deep waves of the shining ocean, With their eternal sound I sing. You are the song of the birds, in that tune is my joy. You are the smooth white sand of the shore, In your is no gloom You are the breaking of the waves on the rock, Your praise is echoed in the swell. You are the Lord of my life; in you I dwell Gospel CanticleThe Magnificat (The Song of Mary) is normally said

You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.1    My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;  ♦ he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.2    From this day all generations will call me blessed;  ♦ the Almighty has done great things for me

and holy is his name.3    He has mercy on those who fear him,  ♦ from generation to generation.4    He has shown strength with his arm  ♦ and has scattered the proud in their conceit,

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5    Casting down the mighty from their thrones  ♦ and lifting up the lowly.6    He has filled the hungry with good things  ♦ and sent the rich away empty.7    He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,  ♦ to remember his promise of mercy,8    The promise made to our ancestors,  ♦ to Abraham and his children for ever.

Luke 1.46-55 Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.

Prayers

I give you thanks that you are always present, in all things, each day and each night. I give you thanks for your gifts of creation, life and friendship. I give you thanks for the blessings of this day, and name them before you now.Intercessions are offered Into your hands, O Lord, I place my family, my neighbours, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and all whom I have met today; enfold them in your will. Into your hands, O Lord, I place all who are victims of prejudice, oppression or neglect, the unwanted, the frail; May everyone be cherished from conception to the grave. Into your hands, O Lord, I place all who are restless, sick, or prey to the powers of evil. Watch over them and watch over me this night. Into your hands, O Lord, I place these members of my Church family and local community, and others on my heart.Silence may be kept.

The Collect

O God, The source of all good desires,

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All right judgements, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace Which the world cannot give; That our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, And that, freed from the fear of our enemies, We may pass our time in rest and quietness; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Conclusion The grace of my Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with me Amen. Let me bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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A Fragrant Offering Evening PrayerThursday

Preparation A pilgrimage is a journey Whose destination is ultimately the same As that from which I set out. Through it, I am asking you God To show me my life, My home, my place In a new light.Silence is kept.

God said: “Leave your country, your family and your relatives and go to the land

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that I will show you.” Gospel Canticle

The Magnificat (The Song of Mary) is normally said

You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.1    My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;  ♦ he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.2    From this day all generations will call me blessed;  ♦ the Almighty has done great things for me

and holy is his name.3    He has mercy on those who fear him,  ♦ from generation to generation.4    He has shown strength with his arm  ♦ and has scattered the proud in their conceit,5    Casting down the mighty from their thrones  ♦ and lifting up the lowly.6    He has filled the hungry with good things  ♦ and sent the rich away empty.7    He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,  ♦ to remember his promise of mercy,8    The promise made to our ancestors,  ♦ to Abraham and his children for ever.

Luke 1.46-55 Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory You have filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty.

The Word of God

Lectio

Read twice, slowly and attentively, listening for that “gentle whisper” that is God’s word or phrase for today, using this or an alternative reading.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, their faces are never covered

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with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him, he saved him out of all his troubles…

Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Meditatio

Which word or phrase spoke to me from the reading? Meditate on that word of phrase for 2-3 mins

As Mary “pondered in her heart” what she heard and saw of Jesus, so we repeat these words silently and let them sink into our hearts, interact with our day, our thoughts and concerns ….God’s word becomes our word for today.

Oratio

As we turn to prayer, so God invites us to respond to the word or phrase that has spoken to us, In the quietness or aloud we bring to Him, those words, images or people that God has placed on our hearts, and how we might put those words into action.

Contemplatio

Spend a minute or two in silence, enjoying the experience of God’s presence and love embracing us. PrayersThe Collect

O God, The source of all good desires, All right judgements, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace Which the world cannot give; That our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, And that, freed from the fear of our enemies, We may pass our time in rest and quietness; Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

Journeying with you, Creator God, Is to journey in your world Full of marvels and such beauty To glimpse eternity in sky and sea, To feel the earth and rock beneath my feet.

Journeying with you, brother Jesus, Is to journey with my friend To meet and travel a while together Then part at the crossroads Knowing you are with me always.

Journeying with you, Holy Spirit Is to journey with the wind To move to your wild music Then try to sing your song So others may hear Glory to the Father, And to the Son, And to the Holy Spirit, Three in One, Amen.

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ThursdayNight Prayer

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

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Evening ContemplationOptional introduction to 10 - 20 minute contemplation. This “Examen” or “examination of consciousness” can be thought of as rummaging through a day’s experiences, looking for God. It is a way of signing off on your day in a fuller awareness of God having been with you in it.

PrayHoly Spirit, I seek to make myself completely available to you – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I want this time to be governed completely by what You want for me. Give me the Light I need to see, and in seeing, to understand.

o Step One: Rest - Start with the Breathing Prayer (if you need reminding, see Morning Contemplation)

o Step Two: Replay - Replay the day in your mind. Notice where God has been active and take a few minutes to practice active remembering of the last 24 hours. Ask God for clarity and understanding.

o Step Three: Rejoice – Walking through my day in the presence of God and noting its joys and delights. Focusing on the day’s gifts. Look at the work I did, the people I interacted with. What did I receive from these people? What did I give them? Where did I feel grace today? Where was God particularly present? Where do I find positive patterns in my life? Give thanks for the blessings of the day. Pay attention to the small things, God is in the detail.

o Step Four: Reflect – Pay attention to your emotions, we detect the presence of the Spirit of God in the movements of our emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. What is God saying through these feelings?

o Step Five: Repent – Where did I feel emotional pain today? Where did I sin? Where was I at fault? Look more deeply for other implications - where do I see any negative patterns in my life? Repent if you need to.

o Step Six: Resolve – Look forward to tomorrow. Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what’s coming up. Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope. Commit to live differently tomorrow, if need be.

End the Examen with a conversation with Jesus and end with the Lord’s Prayer.

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Common Worship Night PrayerThursday

Preparation

The Lord Almighty grant me a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

My help is in the name of the Lord Amen.

Silence is kept.

Most merciful God, I confess to you, Before the whole company of heaven and one another, That I have sinned in thought, word and deed And in what I have failed to do. Forgive me our sins, Heal me by your Spirit And raise me to new life in Christ. Amen

O God, make speed to save me. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; and as it was in the beginning is now shall be for ever. Amen. Alleluia

Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, I pray That you, with steadfast love, would keep Your watch around me while I sleep. From evil dreams defend my sight, From fears and terrors of the night; Tread underfoot my deadly foe That I no sinful thought may know.

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O Father, that I ask be done Through Jesus Christ, your only Son; And Holy Spirit, by whose breath My soul is raised to life from death.

The Word of God

Psalmody

The appointed psalmody is said.1    O Lord, rebuke me not in your wrath;  ♦

neither chasten me in your fierce anger.2    Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak;  ♦

Lord, heal me, for my bones are racked.3    My soul also shakes with terror;  ♦

how long, O Lord, how long?4    Turn again, O Lord, and deliver my soul;  ♦

save me for your loving mercy’s sake.5    For in death no one remembers you;  ♦

and who can give you thanks in the grave?6    I am weary with my groaning;  ♦

every night I drench my pillowand flood my bed with my tears.

7    My eyes are wasted with grief  ♦and worn away because of all my enemies.

8    Depart from me, all you that do evil,  ♦for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.

9    The Lord has heard my supplication;  ♦the Lord will receive my prayer.

10  All my enemies shall be put to shame and confusion; ♦They shall suddenly turn back in their shame.

Psalm 6 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. Scripture ReadingJust as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as

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to form one body - whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14

The following responsory may be said

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. For you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. I commend my spirit. Glory to the Father and to the Son And to the Holy Spirit Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimitis is said Save me, O Lord, while waking, And guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ And asleep may rest in peace.1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦ your word has been fulfilled.2 My own eyes have seen the salvation, ♦ which you have prepared in the sight of every people;3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦ and the glory of your people Israel,

Luke 2: 29-32

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Save me, O Lord, while waking, And guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ And asleep may rest in peace.

Prayers

Intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered here.

Silence may be kept.

The Collect

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Visit this place, O Lord, I pray. And drive far from it the snares of the enemy; May your holy angels dwell with me and guard me in peace, And may your blessing be always upon me; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

In peace I lie down and sleep; for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety

Abide with me, Lord Jesus For the night is at hand and the day is now past

As the night watch looks for the morning, so do I look for you, O Christ.

The Lord bless me and watch over me; The Lord make his face shine upon me and be gracious to me;

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The Lord look kindly on me and give me peace Amen

Celtic ComplineThursday: Community

Preparation

Lord let your love fill my heart and mind, that I may love the world with the great love that you have for the world; that I may love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength, and my neighbour as myself.

Amen.Silence is kept.

O Lord, open my eyes to behold your presence O Lord, open my ears to hear your voice O Lord, open our hearts to receive your love. O Lord, open our lips, and our mouths shall proclaim your praise Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit As is was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever Amen.

The Word of God

Psalmody

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.1    Alleluia! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart  ♦

In the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.2    Great are the deeds of the Lord!  ♦

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They are studied by all who delight in them.3    His work is full of majesty and splendour;  ♦

And his righteousness endures for ever.4    He makes his marvellous works to be remembered;  ♦

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.5    He gives food to those who fear him:  ♦

He is ever mindful of his covenant.6    He has shown his people the power of his works;  ♦

In giving them the lands of the nations.7    The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice ♦

All his commandments are sure.8 They stand fast for ever and ever ♦

Because they are done in truth and equity.9    He sent redemption to his people; 

He commended his covenant for ever; ♦ Holy and awesome is his name.10    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

Those who act accordingly have a good understanding; ♦ His praise endures for ever.

Psalm 111

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. Scripture Reading

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22

Canticle

Arise, shine; for my light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon me. For darkness shall cover the earth, And thick darkness the peoples; But the Lord will arise upon me, And his glory will appear over me.

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Nations shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your dawn. The Lord has risen upon me.

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimitis is said

Save me, O Lord, while waking, And guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ And asleep may rest in peace.1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦ your word has been fulfilled.2 My own eyes have seen the salvation, ♦ which you have prepared in the sight of every people;3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦ and the glory of your people Israel,

Luke 2: 29-32

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. Save me, O Lord, while waking, And guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ And asleep may rest in peace.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered Upon the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church, Come, Spirit of God Upon your faithful people in their witness Come, Spirit of God Upon all who proclaim the gospel, Come, Spirit of God Upon all who declare your presence and love, Come, Spirit of God Upon all who administer the sacraments Come, Spirit of God Upon those who are new in the faith, Come, Spirit of God Upon all who are in doubt or despair Come, Spirit of GodSilence may be kept.

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The Collect Visit this place, O Lord, I pray. And drive far from it the snares of the enemy; May your holy angels dwell with me and guard me in peace, And may your blessing be always upon me; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, have mercy upon me Christ, have mercy upon me Lord, have mercy upon meThe Lord’s Prayer is said

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The

Conclusion Gracious Father, I humbly beseech you for your holy church Fill it with all truth, And all truth with all peace, Where it is corrupt, purge it; Where it is in error, direct it; Where it is superstitious, rectify it; Where anything is amiss, reform it; Where it is right, strengthen and confirm it; Where it is in want, furnish it; Where it is divided and rent asunder, Make up the breaches of it, O Holy One of Israel; For the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen.

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Preserve me, O Lord, waking, and guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ, And asleep I may rest in peace. In the name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit Amen Let me bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Northumbria ComplineThursday - Ebba

Preparation Find rest, O my soul, in God alone: My hope comes from Him. Come I thin night to the Father, Come I this night to the Son, Come I to the Holy Spirit powerful; Come I this night to God, Come I with the Spirit of kindness. Come I to Thee, Jesus. Jesus, shelter me. I will lie down and sleep.

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I wake again, Because the Lord sustains me. By day the Lord directs His love; At night His song is with me – A prayer to the God of my life. Be strong and take heart, All you who hope in the Lord. This dwelling, O God, by Thee be blest; And each one who here this night does rest. May God be in my sleep; May Christ be in my dreams, May the Spirit be in my repose, In my thoughts, in my heart, In my soul always May the Sacred Three dwell. The Word of GodThe appointed psalmody is said.1    O Lord, rebuke me not in your wrath;  ♦

neither chasten me in your fierce anger.2    Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak;  ♦

Lord, heal me, for my bones are racked.3    My soul also shakes with terror;  ♦

how long, O Lord, how long?4    Turn again, O Lord, and deliver my soul;  ♦

save me for your loving mercy’s sake.5    For in death no one remembers you;  ♦

and who can give you thanks in the grave?6    I am weary with my groaning;  ♦

every night I drench my pillowand flood my bed with my tears.

7    My eyes are wasted with grief  ♦and worn away because of all my enemies.

8    Depart from me, all you that do evil,  ♦for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.

9    The Lord has heard my supplication;  ♦the Lord will receive my prayer.

10  All my enemies shall be put to shame and confusion; ♦They shall suddenly turn back in their shame.

Psalm 6 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen.

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Scripture ReadingTherefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, cloth yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3: 12-17

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimitis is said

Save me, O Lord, while waking, And guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ And asleep may rest in peace.1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦ your word has been fulfilled.2 My own eyes have seen the salvation, ♦ which you have prepared in the sight of every people;3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦ and the glory of your people Israel,

Luke 2: 29-32

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. May the Father of heaven Have care of my soul, His loving arm about my body,

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Through each slumber And sleep of my life.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

The Son of God be shielding me from harm, The Son of God be shielding me from ill, The Son of God be shielding me with power. The Son of God be shielding me this night. Silence may be kept.The Collect Visit this place, O Lord, I pray. And drive far from it the snares of the enemy; May your holy angels dwell with me and guard me in peace, And may your blessing be always upon me; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer is said Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

Sleep, O sleep in the calm of each calm, Sleep, O sleep in the guidance of all guidance. Sleep, O sleep in the love of all loves

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Sleep, O beloved, in the Lord of life. Sleep, O beloved, in the God of life. The peace of all peace Be mine this night In the name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Maine Eventide ComplineThursday

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Preparation Every day I see or hear Something that more or less kills me with delight, That leaves me like a needle in a haystack of light. It is what I was born for To look, to listen To lose myself Inside this soft world To instruct myself over and over in joy And acclamation. Nor am I talking about the exceptional The fearful, the dreadful The very extravagant – but of the ordinary, The common, the very drab, The daily presentations. Oh, good scholar, I say to myself How can you help but grow wise With such teachings as these The untrimmable light of the world, The ocean’s shine, The prayers that are made out of grass? Silence may be kept.

Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; What has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world And of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us All who are dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night And a perfect end. Amen. My help is in the Name of the Lord The maker of heaven and earth Help me to confess my sins to You.

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Confession Almighty God, my heavenly Father; I have sinned against you, Through my own fault In thought, word and deed, And in what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, And grant that I may serve you In newness of life, To the glory of your Name. Amen. O God, make speed to save me O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. The Word of GodThe appointed psalmody is said.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,  ♦

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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.

Psalm 6 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen. Scripture Reading

Come to me, all how labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11: 28-30

Gospel Canticle

The Nunc Dimitis is said

Save me, O Lord, while waking, And guard me while sleeping, That awake I may watch with Christ And asleep may rest in peace.1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: ♦ your word has been fulfilled.2 My own eyes have seen the salvation, ♦ which you have prepared in the sight of every people;3 A light to reveal you to the nations ♦ and the glory of your people Israel,

Luke 2: 29-32

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

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as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Prayers

Intercessions are offered

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings. Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy Be present, O merciful God, and protect me through the hours Of this night, so that I who am wearied by the changes and Chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. Gracious God, you have called me to serve you. Grant that I may walk in your presence: Your love in my heart, your truth in my mind, Your strength in my will, until, at the end of my journey, I know the joy of my homecoming and your Peace. Amen.Silence may be kept.

The Collect

Visit this place, O Lord, I pray. And drive far from it the snares of the enemy; May your holy angels dwell with me and guard me in peace, And may your blessing be always upon me; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The Lord’s Prayer is said Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,

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as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Conclusion

Lord, you now have set your servant free To go in peace as you have promised. For these eyes of mine have seen the Saviour, Whom you have prepared for all the world to see. A Light to enlighten the nations, And the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake We may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit Bless us and keep us Amen.

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