Morning Prayer
Wednesday after First Sunday of Lent
Lent / Week 1 of Lent
O Lord, open our lips:
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Glory be 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.
Amen.
Psalmody
Antiphon:
O God, you are my God;
eagerly I seek you.
Psalm 63.1
Opening
Psalm 63
1. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,*
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
2. For your loving-kindness is better than life itself;*
my lips shall give you praise.
3. For you have been my helper,*
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
4. My soul clings to you;*
your right hand holds me fast.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
or a suitable hymn
Psalm 136
1. Give thanks to the Lord who is good, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever.
2. Give thanks to the God of gods, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever.
3. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
4. who only does great wonders, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
5. who by divine wisdom made the heavens, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
6. who spread out the earth upon the waters, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
7. who created great lights, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
8. the sun to rule the day, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
9. the moon and the stars to govern the night, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
10. who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
11. and brought out Israel from among them, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
12. with a mighty hand and a stretched-out arm, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
13. who divided the Red Sea in two, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
14. and made Israel to pass through the midst of it, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
15. but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
16. who led this people through the wilderness, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
17. who struck down great kings, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
18. and slew mighty kings, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
19. Sihon, king of the Amorites, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
20. and Og, the king of Bashan, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
21. and gave away their lands for an inheritance, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
22. an inheritance for Israel God’s servant, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
23. who remembered us in our low estate, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever.
24. and delivered us from our enemies, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever;
25. who gives food to all creatures, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever.
26. Give thanks to the God of heaven, *
for the mercy of God endures for ever.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Conclusion
Isaiah 43. 15-21
1. ‘I am the Lord, your Holy One,*
the Creator of Israel, whom I have chosen.’
2. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea,*
a path in the mighty waters,
3. ‘Remember not the former things,*
nor consider the things of old.
4. ‘Behold, I make all things new;*
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
5. I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,*
to give drink to my chosen people,
6. ‘The people whom I formed for myself,*
that they might declare my praise.’
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Antiphon: O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you.
Reading(s)
Genesis 37.25-36
Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’ And his brothers agreed. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes. He returned to his brothers, and said, ‘The boy is gone; and I, where can I turn?’ Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. They had the long robe with sleeves taken to their father, and they said, ‘This we have found; see now whether it is your son’s robe or not.’ He recognized it, and said, ‘It is my son’s robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.’ Then Jacob tore his garments, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son for many days. All his sons and all his daughters sought to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and said, ‘No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.’ Thus his father bewailed him. Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.
1 Corinthians 2.1-13
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.
Silence
Response (Psalm 6.4)
Turn, O Lord, and deliver me.
Turn, O Lord, and deliver me.
Save me for your mercy’s sake.
And deliver me.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Turn, O Lord, and deliver me.
Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)
Song of Zechariah Antiphon: You will guide us with your counsel, O God: * and, after, receive us with glory. We shall not live by bread alone, * but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
1 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, *
who has come to his people and set them free.
2 The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour,*
born of the house of his servant David.
3 Through the holy prophets, God promised of old*
to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us,
4 to show mercy to our forebears, *
and to remember his holy covenant.
5 This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:*
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
6 free to worship him without fear,*
holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.
7 And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,*
for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way,
8 to give his people knowledge of salvation*
by the forgiveness of their sins.
9 In the tender compassion of our God*
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
10 to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,*
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
(may be said by all)
Song of Zechariah Antiphon: You will guide us with your counsel, O God: * and, after, receive us with glory. We shall not live by bread alone, * but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
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
Almighty God,
whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet did not sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit,
that, as you know our weakness,
so we may know your power to save;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
Amen
God most holy, we give you thanks for bringing us out of the shadow of night into the light of morning; and we ask you for the joy of spending this day in your service, so that when evening comes, we may once more give you thanks, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen
Let us bless the Lord:
Thanks be to God!
The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil;
and bring us to life eternal.
Amen.
Evening Prayer
Wednesday after First Sunday of Lent
Lent / Week 1 of Lent
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: Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
Psalm 25.3
Opening (from Psalm 25)
1. You are the God of my salvation;*
in you have I trusted all the day long.
2. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love,*
for they are from everlasting.
3. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions;*
remember me according to your love.
4. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,*
for my hope has been in you.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
or a suitable Hymn
Psalm 137
1. By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, *
when we remembered you, O Zion.
2. As for our harps, we hung them up *
on the trees in the midst of that land.
3. For those who led us away captive asked us for a
song, and our oppressors called for mirth: *
”Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”
4. How shall we sing the Lord’s song *
upon an alien soil?
5. If I forget you, O Jerusalem, *
let my strong hand forget its skill.
6. Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, *
if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.
7. Remember the day of Jerusalem, O Lord, against the
people of Edom, *
who said, ”Down with it! Down with it! Even to the
ground!”
8. O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, *
happy the one who pays you back for what you have
done to us!
9. Happy shall be the one who takes your little ones, *
and dashes them against the rock!
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Psalm 138
1. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *
before the gods I will sing your praise.
2. I will bow down toward 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.
3. When I called, you answered me; *
you increased my strength within me.
4. All the rulers of the earth will praise you, O Lord, *
when they have heard the words of your mouth.
5. They will sing of the ways of the Lord, *
that great is the glory of the Lord.
6. Though you are high, you care for the lowly; *
you perceive the haughty from afar.
7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *
you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my
enemies; your mighty hand shall save me.
8. O Lord, you will make good your purpose for me; *
your love endures for ever; do not abandon the
works of your hands.
Conclusion
Matthew 5
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit,*
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are those who mourn,*
for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek,*
for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,*
for they shall be satisfied.
5. Blessed are the merciful,*
for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart,*
for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers,*
for they shall be called the children of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,*
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Antiphon: Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
Reading(s)
Mark 1.29-45
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Silence
Response Psalm 86.15
You, Lord, are gracious and full of compassion.
You, Lord, are gracious and full of compassion.
Slow to anger, full of kindness and truth.
Full of compassion.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
You, Lord, are gracious and full of compassion.
Song of Mary (Magnificat)
Song of Mary Antiphon: We shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Matthew 4.4
1 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,*
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
2 who 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 God has mercy on those who fear him,*
from generation to generation.
5 The Lord has shown strength with his arm*
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
6 casting down the mighty from their thrones*
and lifting up the lowly.
7 God has filled the hungry with good things*
and sent the rich away empty.
8 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,*
to remember the promise of mercy,
9 the promise made to our forebears,*
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
(may be said by all)
Song of Mary Antiphon: We shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Matthew 4.4
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
Almighty God,
whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet did not sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit,
that, as you know our weakness,
so we may know your power to save;
through the same 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.
Night Prayer
Wednesday after First Sunday of Lent
Lent / Week 1 of Lent
The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
Amen.
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.
Psalmody
Opening This or another suitable opening hymn may be sung.
"Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death."
Antiphon: Make haste, O Lord, to deliver me,* for you are my tower of strength.
Psalm: Psalm 31.1-5
1. In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame;*
deliver me in your righteousness.
2. Incline your ear to me;*
make haste to deliver me.
3. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold;*
for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.
4. Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me,*
for you are my tower of strength.
5. Into your hands I commend my spirit,*
for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Psalm: Psalm 130
1. Out of the depths have I called you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice;*
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2. If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss,*
O Lord, who could stand?
3. For there is forgiveness with you;*
therefore you shall be feared.
4. I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him;*
in his word is my hope.
5. My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning,*
more than watchmen for the morning.
6. O Israel, wait for the Lord,*
for with the Lord there is mercy;
7. With him there is plenteous redemption,*
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Antiphon: Make haste, O Lord, to deliver me,
for you are my tower of strength.
Reading(s)
Ephesians 4.26
Do not let anger lead you into sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Thanks be to God.
Silence
Response Psalm 31.5
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
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.
Song of Simeon
Antiphon:
Preserve us, O Lord,* while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we 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.
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.
or
Glory be 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.
Antiphon: Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Prayers
Collect
Almighty God, whose most dear Son lay at this hour in the sepulchre in obedience to your will; may we by your grace be so buried with him that with him we may rise to life everlasting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Conclusion
The Lord be with you;
and also with you.
Let us bless the Lord;
Thanks be to God.
May the almighty and merciful God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.
Amen.
or
May we be hidden under the shadow of God’s wings, this night and for ever.
Amen.