Morning Prayer for Beginners Christians begin to make serious progress in the life of prayer by committing themselves to regular times of prayer. Jewish tradition observed fixed hours of prayer (Daniel 6:10, Acts 10:3, 9, 30). This tradition was adopted by the early church. Monks developed the Christian tradition by establishing hours of prayer at nine different times during the day. The Book of Common Prayer reduced the monastic hours of prayer to two: Morning and Evening Prayer, in order to put them within reach of every Christian. We are beneficiaries of a rich heritage. Before beginning Morning Prayer turn to the lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer. It can be found in the front of the Prayer book on page ‘x’. There are lessons and psalms for each day of the year. The pages in the lectionary are divided into Morning and Evening Prayer. Let us look at the lessons for the Wednesday after Sexagesima Sunday. The Sunday headings are in ALL CAPS. Look down for the day of the week then look across the row for the readings for the day: Psalm, First Lesson [Old Testament] and Second Lesson [New Testament] Now would be a good time to mark the following sections of your prayer book and Bible: Psalm : 7 ~ usually said from “The Psalter” in the Prayer Book First Lesson: Gen 9:8-17 Second Lesson: Mark 8:27-9:1 Sometimes, a lesson in the lectionary indicates a chapter and 1 verse. When this appears, the lesson begins at this verse and continues to the end of the chapter. Occasionally one of the lessons is from the Apocrypha. For example the reading for Quinquagesima Sunday is from the Book of Wisdom. Lessons from the Apocrypha are noted in italics. While not part of the canon for Holy Scripture, Christians have traditionally read the Apocrypha for wisdom and instruction. Preparation is important. When saying Morning Prayer in a group or with another person it is customary to read the Psalm “responsively”, the leader reading the odd verses those in attendance responding with the even. The psalm may also be said in unison. A decision should be made as to who will read the first and second lesson. When praying the Daily Morning Office alone, we take the responsibility to read each part for ourselves. We are now ready to begin …

Opening Sentences The Opening Sentences are intended to quiet ones heart as we commence our morning worship of God Almighty. Read one or more that you believe to be appropriate.

Seasonal Sentences These sentences are used instead of the previous “Opening Sentences.” They reflect the themes associated with the liturgical seasons and holidays that occur throughout the year.

Invitation to Confession This is only said by the Priest. Go on to the next page.

Confession In a group, the leader invites others to confession. A General Confession: It is helpful to examine ones conscience and mention any special matters that need God’s forgiveness and healing. The Declaration of Absolution is ONLY said by a Priest. If no priest is present, continue with the Lord’s Prayer. If you are alone, say all the Versicles, one right after another. They continue on the next page. A note: Confession is an optional part of Morning Prayer. If wish to omit it move from the Opening Sentences directly to the Versicles …

Finish the Versicles … More optional seasonal embellishments based on church calendar Say the Venite, if in a group say it in unison. This is portions of Psalms 95 & 96 At the end say the Gloria Patri as stated in the Rubric instructions … Following the Venite is the Psalm appointed for the day, in our example, Psalm 7, followed up with the Gloria Patri.

This is The Gloria Patri

Then the First Lesson is read as appointed in the lectionary In a group the reader introduces the lesson by saying: “Here beginneth such a Chapter (of Verse of such a Chapter) of such a Book. In our example you would say: “Here beginneth the 8th verse of the 9th chapter of the Book of Genesis” After the Lesson “Here endeth the First Lesson.”

A hymn may be sung here Here you have a choice to make. You may say: The Te Deum Or The Benedictus Or The Benedicite I like the Benedictus as it has a rhythm to it. The Te Deum is nice on special days and the Benedicite is a beautiful song that reminds us that God is God of everything. It is traditionally said during Easter Week. Make your choice and include the Gloria Patri at the end. [note the Gloria Patri is not said after the Te Deum because it already confirms the Trinity.]

The rest of the Benedicite.

Go on to the next part

Then the Second Lesson is read as appointed in the lectionary In a group, an introduction is given by the reader by saying “Here beginneth the 27th verse of the 8th chapter of the Gospel of St. Mark” and again … After the lesson “Here endeth the Second Lesson.” Now, another choice, you may say The Benedictus (a passage from Luke) Or The Jubilate Deo (Psalm 100) Include the Gloria Patri at the end of both.

Now say The Apostles’ Creed

You also have the option of saying The Nicene Creed. Customarily the Apostles’ Creed is said at Morning Prayer and the Nicene Creed during Holy Communion.

The rest of The Nicene Creed

Omit this if alone If you omitted the Confession earlier say the Lord’s Prayer now. If alone, say these, one right after another. Otherwise the leader reads Minister And others Answer

Here say the Collect for the Sunday that just passed. In our example it the Collect for Sexagesima found on page 120.

These are referred to as “The Two Fixed Collects”. They are said at all times. NOTE: You may officially end here by going on to page 20 and say “”The Grace”

Two Fixed C

ollects

You may continue on with your personal prayers and intercessions using the remaining prayers - continue by beginning with the “Prayer for the President and those in Civil Authority.” Then go on to the following pages...

A different prayer for the President

It is always nice to remember our clergy … The Prayer for All Conditions of Men (Mankind) This is a good prayer, it covers a lot of issues and situations … you may add your personal intercessions here In a group the leader would pause long enough to let others state the names of those on their heart. The General Thanksgiving … Always good to thank God – prayer is more than asking for things! Another opportunity to add your personal prayers as the leader should pause long enough to let others offer their thanks.

The leader has the option to invite others to say the General Thanksgiving together. Usually when the AMEN is in italics the prayer is said by the leader and the others join in – at the Amen. When the AMEN is in the same type as the prayer the prayer and AMEN is said in unison by all.

Optional prayer which signals to all the close of Morning Prayer. The Grace … Always said at the end of Morning Prayer and is accompanied by the sign of the cross by all present.