Evening Prayer: Wednesday 20 August 2025
This is the new revised order for Daily Prayer authorised for experimental use. You can find the 2006 Revised version here.
Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Teacher of the Faith, 1153
Week C
O God make speed to save us;
O Lord make haste to help us.
Glory to God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
PSALMODY
Antiphon: Search me out, O God, and know my heart;* try me and know my restless thoughts.
(Psalm 139.23)
Opening (from Psalm 139)
and are acquainted with all my ways.
2. Indeed there is not a word on my lips,*
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
3. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will cover me,*
and the light around me turn to night’.
4. Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day;*
darkness and light to you are both alike.
Glory ...
or a suitable Hymn
129. Your decrees are wonderful; *
therefore I obey them with all my heart.
130. When your word goes forth it gives light; *
it gives understanding to the simple.
131. I open my mouth and pant; *
I long for your commandments.
132. Turn to me in mercy, *
as you always do to those who love your name.
133. Steady my footsteps in your word; *
let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134. Rescue me from those who oppress me, *
and I will keep your commandments.
135. Let your countenance shine upon your servant *
and teach me your statutes.
136. My eyes shed streams of tears, *
because people do not keep your law.
Sadhe
137. You are righteous, O Lord, *
and upright are your judgements.
138. You have issued your decrees *
with justice and in perfect faithfulness.
139. My indignation has consumed me, *
because my enemies forget your words.
140. Your word has been tested to the uttermost, *
and your servant holds it dear.
141. I am small and of little account, *
yet I do not forget your commandments.
142. Your justice is an everlasting justice *
and your law is the truth.
143. Trouble and distress have come upon me, *
yet your commandments are my delight.
144. The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting; *
grant me understanding, that I may live.
Qoph
145. I call with my whole heart; *
answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.
146. I call to you; oh, that you would save me! *
I will keep your decrees.
147. Early in the morning I cry out to you, *
for in your word is my trust.
148. My eyes are open in the night watches, *
that I may meditate upon your promise.
149. Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your loving-kindness; *
according to your judgements, give me life.
150. They draw near who in malice persecute me; *
they are very far from your law.
151. You, O Lord, are near at hand, *
and all your commandments are true.
152. Long have I known from your decrees *
that you have established them for ever.
Glory …
Conclusion
A song of Pilgrimage
1. While I was still young, before I began my travels,*
I sought for wisdom openly in my prayers.
2. I asked for wisdom outside the temple sanctuary,*
and I will seek until the end.
3. Wisdom has been the delight of my heart,*
from first blossom to early fruit.
4. I have kept firmly to the true path;*
I have followed in wisdom’s steps since my youth.
5. I bowed my ear a little and received;*
I found wisdom and was well instructed.
6. Glory to the One who gives me wisdom!*
I will live according to God’s way.
7. From the beginning I gained understanding from the Lord;*
therefore I will never be deserted.
8. Because I longed to find wisdom with all my heart,*
I have gained a good possession.
9. As my reward the Lord has given me a tongue*
with which I shall sing God’s praises.
Glory …
Antiphon: Search me out, O God, and know my heart;* try me and know my restless thoughts.
READING(S)
Luke 20.41-21.4
Silence
Response Sirach 51.26
Buy wisdom without money, take wisdom’s yoke upon you.
Buy wisdom without money, take wisdom’s yoke upon you.
Let your souls receive instruction.
Take wisdom’s yoke upon you.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Buy wisdom without money, take wisdom’s yoke upon you.
SONG OF MARY
Song of Mary Antiphon: Give peace in our time, O Lord: * for you alone protect us.
1 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,*my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
2 for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant;*
from this day all generations will call me blessed.
3 The Almighty has done great things for me*
and holy is his name.
4 He has mercy on those who fear him*
in every generation.
5 He has shown the strength of his arm;*
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
6 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones*
and has lifted up the lowly.
7 He has filled the hungry with good things,*
and the rich he has sent away empty.
8 He has come to the help of his servant Israel,*
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
9 the promise he made to our forebears,*
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father... (may be said by all)
Song of Mary Antiphon: Give peace in our time, O Lord: * for you alone protect us.
PRAYERS
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Collect of the Day
O God, you make known your almighty power
in your merciful compassion:
increase your mercy towards us;
that we, being eager for your promises,
may inherit the treasures of heaven;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
Amen
Lord God almighty, come and dispel the darkness from our hearts, that in the radiance of your brightness we may know you, the only unfading light, glorious in all eternity.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord:
Thanks be to God!
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing:
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
