Killiskey

The Church of Ireland’s mental health promotion project, MindMattersCOI,
is seeking people to take part in its survey to support the development of
a Church of Ireland Mental Health Promotion Strategy. The survey will
take about 15 minutes to complete and is completely confidential and
anonymous. It explores understanding and awareness of mental health
and mental health problems among people of the Church of Ireland. The
project team is also looking for participants to join its focus groups.
The survey, and full information on the MindMattersCOI project, is
available on the website: https://mindmatters.ireland.anglican.org

The recent situation in the Holy Land has put huge pressure on hospitals,
including Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza city which is run by our partners in the
Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Dublin & Glendalough has previously
supported Al Ahli Hospital by raising funds to refurbish its on–call facilities
for staff and for solar panels. Now it is asking for donations to the hospital
over the next three weeks. While Anglicans represent only a tiny minority
of the population of Gaza, Al Ahli Hospital serves all people of Gaza city
without discrimination on religious, gender, social or political grounds.
the newly installed Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Revd
Hosam Naoum, appealed for support for the hospital. He said: “The
Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is continuing its Christian mission of
bringing healing to the wounded, relief to those who have lost their homes
and livelihoods and comfort to those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Al
Ahli Hospital in Gaza has been on the frontlines of these relief efforts,
becoming a beacon of hope to those trying to remain alive under such dire
circumstances.” Archbishop Naoum said the hospital is in desperate need
of funds for fuel for its generators and to purchase emergency medicine
and supplies.
Dublin and Glendalough Council for Mission is coordinating the fundraising
drive for Al Ahli Hospital from May 24 to June 11. During that time
donations can be made securely by card via the Chris

Part-time position working 19 ½ hours per week
Would you like to be part of a team and work part- time in the Ashford
Heritage Centre? This is a wonderful opportunity to work in your local
community in an interesting and exciting environment where many events
and occasion are featured throughout the year.
This offers a great opportunity to get back into the work place, to avail of
free training, or indeed to get out of the house and engage with people.
The only requirement: you must be in receipt of Social Welfare payment
for 12 months and be over 21 years of age.
If you think this might be for you contact Martina on mrobinson@wtcdl.ie
and I will respond to any questions you have. This is a Community
Employment initiative, connecting you and your local community through
employment.

The fourth Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland review has just been
published in the journal ‘Irish Birds’; 63% of regularly occurring Irish bird
species are now threatened, with 54 species on the ‘Red List’ (high
conservation concern) and 79 on the ‘Amber List’ (medium concern).
Farmland and upland birds (especially waders) are most affected. Once
common species are disappearing from large swathes of the country. An
inspiring book, ‘Curlew Moon’ by Mary Colwell, chronicles the sad decline of
this iconic species, whose distinctive call is beloved by so many. Birds such
as Snipe and Lapwing, also with evocative breeding sounds, Meadow Pipit,
with its captivating parachute breeding displays, or Skylark singing from on
high are suffering devastating declines. Efforts are now underway to try
and prevent some species from becoming extinct in Ireland. Meanwhile, it
is important that wild areas are retained; every boggy field margin is
needed. On a more positive note, 78 species on the ‘Green List’ are doing
better, some even increasing in numbers. Large flocks of the charismatic
Goldfinch at feeders, mewing Buzzards soaring overhead, recent colonisers
such as Little Egret and Great Spotted Woodpecker all add to biodiversity.

Ashford Charity Shop is now back in action. Old stock has been removed
and new goods are on display. Sales have been good since re-opening. It
has received word of a successful application for a Community Award Grant
amounting to €500. Well done to all volunteers!

One day I’ll hear
The laugh of children
In a world where war has been banned
One day I’ll see
Men of all colours
Sharing words of love and devotion
Stand up and feel
The Holy Spirit
Find the power of your faith
Open your heart
To those who need you
In the name of love and devotion
Yes, I believe
I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love
I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth
I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love
I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth
Yes, I believe
I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love
I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth
I believe

Topic: Evening Prayer 2 June

Time: Jun 2, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82846264166

Meeting ID: 828 4626 4166

The Service leaflet is available here:  Evening Prayer Wednesday 2 June 2021

and below here:

Wednesday 2 June 2021: Evening Prayer

 

SERVICE OF LIGHT

Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world;

the light no darkness can overcome;

Stay with us now, for it is evening,

and the day is almost over.

Let your light scatter the darkness,

and shine within your people here.

 

EVENING HYMN

Joyous light of heav’nly glory, loving glow of God’s own face,

You who sing creation’s story, shine on ev’ry land and race.

Now as evening falls around us, we shall raise our songs to you,

God of daybreak, God of shadows, come and light our hearts anew.

 

In the stars that grace the darkness, in the blazing sun of dawn,

In the light of peace and wisdom, we can hear your quiet song.

Love that fills the night with wonder, love that warms the weary soul,

Love that bursts all chains asunder, set us free and make us whole.

 

You who made the heaven’s splendor, ev’ry dancing star of night,

Make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light.

Mighty God of all creation, gentle Christ who lights our way,

Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless day.

Marty Haugen (b. 1950)

 

EVENING THANKSGIVING

May God be with you all,

and also with you.

Let us sing our thanks to God;

it is right to give God thanks and praise.

 

Blessed are you, Creator of the universe,

from old you have led your people by night and day.

May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright,

for your Word and your presence are the light of our pathways,

and you are the light and life of all creation. Amen.

 

THE WORD OF GOD

Psalm 140

Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

O God, I call to you, come to me now; O hear my voice when I cry to you.

Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

Keep watch within me God, deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright.

Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

All praise to the God of all – Creator of life; all praise be to Christ and the Spirit of love.

Let my prayer rise up like incense before, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

May our prayers come before you, O God, as incense,

and may your presence surround and fill us,

so that in union with all creation, we might sing your praise and your love in our lives:

Amen

 

Psalm 20

May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble, ♦︎

the name of the God of Jacob defend you;

Send you help from his sanctuary ♦︎

   and strengthen you out of Zion;

Remember all your offerings ♦︎

and accept your burnt sacrifice;

Grant you your heart’s desire ♦︎

   and fulfil all your mind.

May we rejoice in your salvation

and triumph in the name of our God; ♦︎

may the Lord perform all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord will save his anointed; ♦︎

   he will answer him from his holy heaven,

with the mighty strength of his right hand.

Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, ♦︎

but we will call only on the name of the Lord our God.

They are brought down and fallen, ♦︎

   but we are risen and stand upright.

O Lord, save the king ♦︎

and answer us when we call upon 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.

 

Mark 4: 21-25

He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’

 

ADDRESS

 

Silence for Meditation

 

The Light shines in the darkness

and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

 

 

 

 

THE ANNUNCIATION

Luke 1: 26-28, 30-32, 38

An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, “Rejoice, O highly favored, for God is with you. You shall bear a child and his name shall be Jesus, the Chosen One of God Most High.” And Mary said, “I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will.”

 

THE MAGNIFICAT

My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you.

You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.

Great and mighty are you, O Holy One, strong is your kindness evermore.

How you favour the weak and lowly one, humbling the proud of heart.

 

You have cast the mighty down from their thrones, and uplifted the humble of heart.

You have filled the hungry with wondrous things, and left the wealthy no part.

Great and mighty are you, O Faithful One, strong is your justice strong your love.

As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, kindness forevermore.

 

My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you.

You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.

Marty Haugen (b. 1950)

 

LITANY AND PRAYERS

In peace, in peace, we pray to you:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For peace and salvation, we pray to you:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For peace between nations, for peace between peoples:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For us who are gathered to worship and praise you:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all of your servants who live out your gospel:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all those who govern, that justice might guide them:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all those who labor in service to others:

God of mercy, hold us in love

Grant weather that nourishes all of creation:

God of mercy, hold us in love

Keep watch on your loved ones and keep us from danger:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all the beloved who rest in your mercy:

God of mercy, hold us in love

Help us, comfort us, all of our days.

Keep us, hold us, gracious God.

 

Great and merciful God,

source and ground of all goodness and life,

give to your people the peace that passes all understanding,

and the will to live your gospel of mercy and justice,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

OPEN PRAYER

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

God, remember us in your love, and teach to pray:

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.

Save us from the time of trial,

and deliver us from evil.

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen

 

FINAL BLESSING

Let us bless our God:

Praise and thanks to you.

 

May God, Creator bless and keep us,

may Christ be ever light for our lives,

may the spirit of love be our guide and path,

for all of our days.

Amen

 

A Pentecost Vigil which will be posted on the Parish YouTube Channel at 7pm this evening. The service was recorded in Nun’s Cross church and includes hymns, readings and prayers related to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

 

Please see the service details here and below : Pentecost Vigil 22 May 2021

 

 

Killiskey Parish

 

Pentecost Liturgy

 

Saturday 22^nd May 2021 via YouTube

The Service of Light

 

GREETING

Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

 

The Easter Candle and other Church Candles are lit

 

A SONG OF THE LIGHT sung by Robin Heather                                  

1    Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2    Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest.
The lights of evening round us shine:
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.

3    Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue.
Son of our God, giver of life, alone:
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.

 

The Vigil

 

INTRODUCTION

Our English word Pentecost comes from the Greek Pentekoste meaning the fiftieth of fifty days of celebration. It has its roots in the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which was completed on the fiftieth day after Passover. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower his people to perform the mission which the risen Christ has entrusted to it and he inaugurates the Christian Church.

As we await the coming of the Holy Spirit, let us hear of how God plans to send his Spirit and how the Spirit works in the life of the believer; and let us pray that through this Pentecost celebration God may empower us by the Spirit to follow in Christ’s way and proclaim him to the world.

 

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray:

Father in heaven,

for fifty days we have celebrated the risen and ascended Lord

and listened as he taught us along the way.

Now your people gather in prayer,

open to receive the Spirit.

May he come to rest in our hearts

and disperse the divisions of word and tongue.

With one voice and one song

may we praise your name in joy and thanksgiving.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hymn: CH296 “Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire” sung by Robin Heather

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire

and lighten with celestial fire;

thou the anointing Spirit art,

who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart.

 

Thy blessèd unction from above

is comfort, life, and fire of love;

enable with perpetual light

the dullness of our blinded sight.

 

Anoint and cheer our soilèd face

with the abundance of thy grace:

keep far our foes, give peace at home;

where thou art guide no ill can come.

 

Teach us to know the Father, Son,

and thee, of both, to be but One;

that through the ages all along

this may be our endless song:

 

Praise to thine eternal merit,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

John Cosin (1594-1672)

based on Veni, creator Spiritus

attrib.

The First Reading read by Tony Dunne

The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11: 1-9

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.’ And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.’ The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, ‘Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.’ So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hymn: CH294 “Come down, O Love divine” sung by Scott Golden

Come down, O Love divine,

seek thou this soul of mine,

and visit it with thine own ardour glowing;

O Comforter, draw near,

within my heart appear,

and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.

 

O let it freely burn,

till earthly passions turn

to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;

and let thy glorious light

shine ever on my sight,

and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

 

Let holy charity

mine outward vesture be,

and lowliness become mine inner clothing:

true lowliness of heart,

which takes the humbler part,

and o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

 

And so the yearning strong,

with which the soul will long,

shall far outpass the power of human telling;

for none can guess its grace,

till we become the place

wherein the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.

Bianco da Siena (d. 1434)

1. Richard F Littledale (1833-90)

based on John 14: 16, 26

 

The Second Reading read by Jane Hammond

The Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37: 1-14

The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all round them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, ‘Mortal, can these bones live?’ I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.’ I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

Then he said to me, ‘Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.” Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.

 

 

The Psalm sung by Robin Heather

Psalm 104: 1-4, 24-30

1     Praise the Lord, O my soul : O Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious; thou art clothed with majesty and honour.

2     Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with a garment : and spreadest out the heavens like a curtain.

3     Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters : and maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the wind.

4     He maketh his angels spirits : and his ministers a flaming fire.

24   O Lord, how manifold are thy works : in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.

25   So is the great and wide sea also : wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

26   There go the ships, and there is that leviathan : whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein.

27   These wait all upon thee : that thou mayest give them meat in due season.

28   When thou givest it them they gather it : and when thou openest thy hand they are filled with good.

29   When thou hidest thy face they are troubled : when thou takest away their breath they die, and are turned again to their dust.

30   When thou lettest thy breath go forth they shall be made : and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

 

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

The Third Reading read by Michael Norman

God’s Spirit Poured Out

Joel 2: 28-32

Then afterwards I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your old men shall dream dreams,

and your young men shall see visions.

Even on the male and female slaves,

in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

 

I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.

 

Hymn: CH293 “Breathe on me, Breath of God” sung by Patricia Butler

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love what thou dost love,

and do what you wouldst do.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

until my heart is pure,

until with thee I will one will

to do and to endure.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

till I am wholly thine;

until this earthly part of me

glows with thy fire divine.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

so shall I never die,

but live with thee the perfect life

of thine eternity.

Edwin Hatch (1835-89)

based on Job 33: 4

The Fourth Reading read by Hannah O’Connor

Life in the Spirit

Romans 8: 22-27

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Hymn: CH639 “O thou who camest from above” sung by Scott Golden

O thou who camest from above

the pure celestial fire to impart,

kindle a flame of sacred love

on the mean altar of my heart.

 

There let it for thy glory burn

with inextinguishable blaze,

and trembling to its source return

in humble prayer and fervent praise.

 

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire

to work, and speak, and think for thee;

still let me guard the holy fire,

and still stir up thy gift in me.

 

Still let me prove thy perfect will,

my acts of faith and love repeat;

till death thy endless mercies seal,

and make the sacrifice complete.

Charles Wesley (1707-88)

 

Gospel Acclamation

The Sending of the Holy Spirit

Alleluia. Alleluia

Come, Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of the faithful

and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Alleluia. Alleluia.

 

The Fifth Reading read by Revd Ken Rue

Rivers of Living Water

John 7: 37-39

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,  and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit,  because Jesus was not yet glorified.

 

 

 

 

PRAYERS

We remember in prayer the church, the world and those in need:

 

Come, Holy Spirit, bestowed on the church at Pentecost.

Inspire your church today to be prophetic,

to witness to the gospel,

and to serve the world.

Give it new visions and power to achieve them.

That the world may believe.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, to all the nations of the world.

Bring your peace to our conflicts.

Inspire leaders and people to find peace

and let justice take its place in all human affairs.

That all God’s children may live.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, bring healing to those in need,

comfort to those who grieve

and courage to those without hope.

That all may be renewed.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Come Holy Spirit, and at the last bring us

With all who have loved the Lord Jesus in life and are now at rest

To the fulfilment of the kingdom.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Heavenly Father,

with alleluias in our hearts and on our lips,

we commend to your care all for whom we pray,

trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

COLLECT

Almighty God,

who on the day of Pentecost

sent your Holy Spirit to the apostles

with the wind from heaven and in tongues  of flame,

filling them with joy and boldness  to preach the gospel:

By the power of the same Spirit

strengthen us to witness to your truth

and to draw everyone to the fire of your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hymn: CH634“Love divine, all love excelling” sung by Patricia Butler

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heaven, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown;

Jesu, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art,

visit us with thy salvation;

enter every trembling heart.

 

 

Come, almighty to deliver,

let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never,

never more thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

 

Finish, then thy new creation;

pure and spotless let us be.

let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee;

changed from glory into glory,

till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love and praise.

Charles Wesley (1707-88)

based on Malachi 3: 1-2;

2 Corinthians 3: 18; 5: 17

 

PEACE

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.

If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 22

 

 

BLESSING

The Spirit of truth lead you into all truth,

give you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

and to proclaim the words and works of God:

and the blessing of God Almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

 

DISMISSAL

Filled with the Spirit’s power

Go in the light and peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Evening Prayer
Time: May 19, 2021 07:30 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81573435386

Meeting ID: 815 7343 5386
Passcode: 987466

The service leaflet is available here: WEDNESDAY 19 MAY. EVENING PRAYER

or below here:

 

Wednesday 19 May

Night Prayer

 Approach

The angels of God guard us through the night,

and quieten the powers of darkness.

The Spirit of God be our guide
to lead us to peace and to glory.

 

It is but lost labour that we haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of anxiety. For those beloved of God are given gifts even while they sleep.

 

Silence

 

Our help is in the name of the eternal God

who is making the heavens and the earth.

 

Dear God, thank you for all that is good, for our creation and for our humanity, for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth,
for the gifts of life and of one another, for your love which is unbounded and eternal. O thou, most holy and beloved, my Companion, my Guide upon the way, My bright evening star. We repent the wrongs we have done:

 

Silence

 

We have wounded your love.

O God, heal us.

We stumble in the darkness.
Light of the world transfigure us.

We forget that we are your home.
Spirit of God, dwell in us.

 

Eternal Spirit, living God, in whom we live and move and have our being, all that we are, have been, and shall be is known to you, to the very secret of our hearts and all that rises to trouble us. Living flame burn into us, cleansing wind, blow through us, fountain of water, well up within us, that we may love and praise in deed and in truth.

 

 

Invocation

Eternal Spirit, flow through our being and open our lips,

that our mouths may proclaim your praise.

Let us worship the God of love.

Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Psalm 16

O God, I give you thanks for the wisdom of your counsel, even at night you have instructed my heart.

I have set your face always before me, you are at my right hand and I shall not fall.

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices, my flesh also shall rest secure.

For you will not give me over to the power of death, nor let your faithful one see the Pit.

In your presence is the fullness of joy, and from your right hand flow delights for evermore.

 

Reading

John 16:16-24

‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.’ Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean by saying to us, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”; and “Because I am going to the Father”?’ They said, ‘What does he mean by this “a little while”? We do not know what he is talking about.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, ‘Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”? Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

 

Address

 

Into your hands, O God, I commend my spirit,

for you have redeemed me, O God of truth and love.

Keep me, O God, as the apple of an eye;
hide me under the shadow of your wings.
Preserve us, O God, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in your peace.

 

Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

 

Prayer response

I will lie down in peace and take my rest,
for it is in God alone that I dwell unafraid.
Let us bless the Earth-maker, the Pain-bearer, the Life-giver,
let us praise and exalt God above all for ever.
May God’s name be praised beyond the furthest star,
glorified and exalted above all for ever.

 

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 dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen.

 

O God, strengthen your servants with your heavenly grace, that we may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until we come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.