The simple forms of morning and evening prayer given here are designed to encourage attentive prayer, either by groups or by individuals. The words are few, and are meant to be repeated slowly, quietly and reflectively, so that they may become part of us and may give voice to our own prayer.
Our prayer becomes the prayer of Christ's people: Christ's people's prayer becomes our prayer. Ample opportunity should be taken for silence. Silence allows Christ's words to touch and to mingle with the thoughts of our hearts.
It has always been the Christian custom to pray with Christ at the beginning and at the end of each day:
- The morning is the time of his resurrection: as the new light breaks we pray to be made new in him.
- The evening is the time of his descent from the cross: as the sun sets we pray to find our final rest in him.
Even if we are insulated from the natural rhythm of dawn and dusk, as many these days are by patterns of work and family life, let our prayer fit the hymn - 'With thee began, with thee shall end the day' - as a sign that we seek to place all that we are, all that we say, and all that we do within the unending praise of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Authorised for experimental use under Canon XX11.4 on behalf of the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
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